Frustrating.

Frustrating, the perfect word to describe Manchester United’s recent performances. The 1-1 draw to Newcastle earlier this afternoon outlined several issues that need to be addressed if there is any chance that United can win the league. Four points behind ‘noisy neighbours’ turned serious title challengers Manchester City, United’s free flowing game has taken a battering ironically after the 6-1 drubbing to City.

Since then, United have reacted well, especially defensively.  Since that game in late October, United have conceded just three in seven games (and one of them was a penalty I won’t get into.) This has mainly been down to the return of Nemanja Vidic who has certainly solidified the back four. A problem being is who will be the main centre back partnership? Having statistically the best goalkeeper in the league in David de Gea, the constant switch in the partnership in front of him is a leading factor into some shaky defensive performances. Saying that, when Vidic plays, United look at ease.

A major pitfall (according to many fans I hear the brunt of in the twitter world) is the lack of midfield authority. It isn’t like United don’t have creativity, only this afternoon United had 29! efforts on goal. I personally think we don’t need a Modric style player (even though I’d happily take Gotze) I think United need a midfield enforcer, someone who can break the play up with a bit of bite in midfield. This would free up the likes of Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick who can disperse the ball out wide into Nani and Young who overall this season have looked threatening.

Many names have been chucked around but for me it would have to be Cheick Tiote from Newcastle. Even though small in frame, his tenacious style has certainly caught the eye. A possible problem is Tiote’s inability to stay out of the referee’s notebook. Collecting 14 yellow cards last season, Tiote is someone who doesn’t fuck about when it comes to challenges. Another problem will be Tiote probably won’t sign in January with the African Cup of Nations starting on the 21^st of January. Some positives? Tiote has openly admitted that he wants Champions League football and his price tag/wage demands wouldn’t be Sneijder esque.

As well as a new midfielder, a tinker into the back four is needed. Referring back to this afternoon, Gabriel Obertan gave Patrice Evra a run-around. Describing Evra as a “liability” earlier today, I certainly stand by that. Patrice on form can be the best left-back in the world but the thirty year old Frenchman hasn’t had the best of seasons. The modern day winger seems to be much more direct than in recent years, something Patrice can struggle with. Patrice’s pace is certainly a strength but recently he seems to have lost a yard (or maybe the wingers have just got equally as fast) meaning his positioning has to be spot on. Patrice is a typical modern full-back with arguably a more attacking emphasis to his play. Because of this, his positioning isn’t the greatest, normally leading to a winger launching themselves down the by-line, whipping in a half-decent cross which Vidic deals with. That doesn’t sound a massive travesty but he is the weak link in the current United side, not the central midfield.

Fabio can certainly fill the left-back role but isn’t that just like for like? I’d like to see a slightly more defensively minded full back. Someone who can still deal with a pacey winger but someone who can stay in position and not get caught ball watching. Left-back is a position that isn’t exactly filled with much talent but I’d like to see Fryers given a go. Fryers has impressed me in his few appearances and also, he can fill in at centre-back if called upon.

  

Sir Alex has already instigated that they’ll be no signings this January and I fully expect that to be the case. A positive to take out of the first few months of the season is that we are within touching distance with the strongest part of the season still to come. Also, City now have a tough few games what’ll be a massive test for the newcomers in terms of title ‘winners.’ We certainly have the squad to win the Premier League but we do need City to slip up, which will happen. They won’t go the season unbeaten (famous last words.) United certainly have the ability to retain the title but with this new lack of ruthlessness in front of goal and a knack of picking up injuries when things are going well, it’ll be slightly more difficult than what we all thought in mid September. If recent performances are to go by, United still can grind out results. Can City win when their backs are against the wall? We’ll find out by May.

Thanks for reading,

TFL.