2013 Premier League Champions, But where now for Manchester United?

As Robin Van Persie strode away to the corner flag having slotted a gorgeous volley past a helpless Brad Guzan, all Manchester united fans and players alike will have been basking in the glory of another dominant season in the premier league. However, Sir Alex Ferguson has proved over 26 years that his mind works in unique ways and he will have no doubt already have turned his attentions to the defence of his premier league crown. And despite winning the title in emphatic fashion, there are still obvious problems which need to be resolved if united are to retain their title and compete seriously on the European stage.

The main flaw in United’s team, as it has been for the past few years now, is in the middle of the park. Ferguson seems almost reluctant to address the issues posed in central midfield. For me, there are only a handful of players who can resolve these issues, and the most impressive seems to be Ilkay Gundogan. Placed next to the ever consistent Michael Carrick in a two -man deep midfield, the creative spark provided by the young German would give United that cutting edge which the currently lack, and which currently sets them apart from the likes of Manchester city and Chelsea in the BPL title race. In my opinion, Gundogan would be the ideal player to be drafted into United’s below par midfield.

Wide players have always been integral to Ferguson’s united, from Beckham to Ronaldo there has always been an abundance of attacking quality on the flanks. Sadly this season, the inconsistency of Nani, the predictability of Antonio Valencia and the overall quality of Ashley Young has proved a problem for united in key games. As wide men go, Gareth Bale stands head and shoulders above the other available options when you consider his diversity and of course his age. However, having had previous issues with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy it is unlikely that any sort of deal could be struck. James Rodriguez has played out of his skin this season for FC Porto, and would warrant a move to any of the so-called European superpowers, and appears to be the most viable option with Porto becoming more and more the Arsenal of Portuguese football, selling their best players for huge profits.

As far as reinforcements go, you wouldn’t imagine that Manchester united would need anyone else to join their striking ranks. However, with speculation ongoing about the futures of Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez, perhaps an extra striker wouldn’t be the worst buy in the world. Personally, i would be devastated should either Rooney or Chicharito exit the club, and I can’t see there being any other option if a new striker is to be brought in. Hernandez in particular would suffer from the addition of a Lewandowski or a Falcao, his role already identified as super sub. Rooney’s versatility means he could always move to a deeper midfield role to accommodate a new striker, although should he be the player to be sacrificed, only the purchase of Radamel Falcao would suffice in this fan’s eyes. Falcao has a superb eye for goal, and the thought of RVP and Falcao upfront is positively mouthwatering. A strike force of this quality and relative youth would surely challenge even the greatest European forces for years to come.

It’s unclear which players Ferguson is intending to bring in for Manchester United, and unclear which players will be shown the exit door, but what is certain is that change is needed and eagerly anticipated by the United faithful.