Man Utd to maintain consistency

Summer is halfway through and the speculation of pre-season has started fading as we are just 4 days away from the kick-off of Man Utd’s season, with the opening match being the community shield against Portsmouth at Wembley. Last season, Sir Alex Ferguson’s targets were all secured before this date. The 2008/09 preparation contrasts sharply with last season’s, but Ferguson’s comments eased the fans’ concern about the team not making a move for any target this summer. Berbatov was the reported number-one target for Fergie, with Man Utd reportedly making a bid.

However, Tottenham do not want to negotiate with the Red Devils, as the relationship between the duo crumbled after the transfer of Michael Carrick. The Spurs would be happy to let Dimitar go for a knock-down price to Barcelona or Milan, rather than sell him for a higher price to United. Plans to sign a right-back were also shelved, after targets Bosingwa and Dani Alves joined Chelsea and Barcelona respectively.

This summer’s preseason was truly, not just theoretically, a chance for the Man Utd youngsters to shine. Players who were on loan at lower-league clubs have now returned and could make their mark with their employers. Frazier Campbell is certainly that kind of player, with Ferguson assuring him that he has a place in the line-up as backup for Tevez and Rooney. Another potential player breaking into the first team is Darren Gibson who scored a great goal against Petersborough in a dad-vs-son friendly between the two Fergusons.

As the Premier League season approaches with an opening game against Newcastle promising to be tricky, Ferguson has injury worries to make things worse. Ronaldo, Rooney, Nani and Anderson are all unavailable for the season’s kick-off match, and the youngsters which will be utilised had better show that they are capable of living up to the high Premier League standard. We must wait and see. Last season, we started awfully, but recovered well and lifted the cup. How will the same team fare this year?