The signings of Nani and Anderson have caught the eye and imagination of most Manchester United fans. I have already read numerous posts on how Anderson will fit in to the new system, how he is the new Ronaldinho and how Nani is Ronaldo mark two. Firstly, let me say this. I hope all of that is true. Secondly, let me say this. The most important signing United have made this summer is Owen Hargreaves.
Owen Hargreaves has been a top player for over 6 years for one of Europe’s biggest teams. And now is he is a Manchester United player. Yes, his transfer saga was protracted. Yes, he doesn’t capture the imagination of a flair player but in my view he is a tremendous signing.
We have needed to add some more quality to our central midfield for a few seasons now. Paul Scholes remains the heartbeat of our side and our most talented and important midfielder on our books. Michael Carrick has progressed as expected and his range of passing and ability to retain possession played a big part in our success last season. Without wishing to criticise Darren Fletcher, whose spells in the centre of midfield were at times impressive last season, Owen Hargreaves is the missing piece to the midfield. For me, Paul Scholes is the master and Michael Carrick is his apprentice. Equally, Owen Hargreaves will be first choice and Darren Fletcher his understudy. These options now give us the blend of qualities needed to take on the demands of defending our Premiership Title and have a real go at the CL and FA Cup, without worrying so much about injuries, tiredness or suspensions.
Over the years we have been blessed with quality players in central midfield. The greatness of Bobby Charlton is still the benchmark for many fans, others point to the passing of Ray Wilkins, the engine of Bryan Robson and more recently, the grit and termination of Paul Ince and Roy Keane.
Like any partnership, I believe a midfield duo needs understanding and different styles that complement each other. And I believe the partnership of Carrick and Hargreaves can be a key part of the future for United over the next 4-5 years. I liken them to the partnership of Cambiasso and Riquelme of Argentina without fear of being too bold. Of course, other players will emerge (Darron Gibson is apparently one to keep an eye on) and others will be bought and sold. But right now we have two players on our books that will be the fulcrum of the side. From this important platform we will be able to spring the attacking exploits of Rooney, Ronaldo, Anderson, Nani, Park and (I hope) Rossi and Saha. I am not overlooking the contribution Paul Scholes has on this side. Genius should never be ignored. But the satisfaction I now have is this: when Scholes makes the mistake of tripping up Totti in the future to get himself sent off, all our hopes of controlling the midfield are not ruined by gamesmanship or poor tackling.
And sitting behind this complementary shield of vision (Carrick) and vehemence (Hargreaves) will be Vidic and Ferdinand. Impressive isn’t it? This formidable four will also allow our fullbacks to attack with real purpose. So when the attacking play begins to excite you once again next season, spare a thought for those that allow it to happen. Don’t get me wrong, I am more than happy for the talk to be about Nani, Anderson and who we should sign as another striker but I feel it important to point it out now, that the reason we chased Hargreaves for so long will soon become very obvious to 76,000 excited fans…
Owen Hargreaves has been a top player for over 6 years for one of Europe’s biggest teams. And now is he is a Manchester United player. Yes, his transfer saga was protracted. Yes, he doesn’t capture the imagination of a flair player but in my view he is a tremendous signing.
We have needed to add some more quality to our central midfield for a few seasons now. Paul Scholes remains the heartbeat of our side and our most talented and important midfielder on our books. Michael Carrick has progressed as expected and his range of passing and ability to retain possession played a big part in our success last season. Without wishing to criticise Darren Fletcher, whose spells in the centre of midfield were at times impressive last season, Owen Hargreaves is the missing piece to the midfield. For me, Paul Scholes is the master and Michael Carrick is his apprentice. Equally, Owen Hargreaves will be first choice and Darren Fletcher his understudy. These options now give us the blend of qualities needed to take on the demands of defending our Premiership Title and have a real go at the CL and FA Cup, without worrying so much about injuries, tiredness or suspensions.
Over the years we have been blessed with quality players in central midfield. The greatness of Bobby Charlton is still the benchmark for many fans, others point to the passing of Ray Wilkins, the engine of Bryan Robson and more recently, the grit and termination of Paul Ince and Roy Keane.
Like any partnership, I believe a midfield duo needs understanding and different styles that complement each other. And I believe the partnership of Carrick and Hargreaves can be a key part of the future for United over the next 4-5 years. I liken them to the partnership of Cambiasso and Riquelme of Argentina without fear of being too bold. Of course, other players will emerge (Darron Gibson is apparently one to keep an eye on) and others will be bought and sold. But right now we have two players on our books that will be the fulcrum of the side. From this important platform we will be able to spring the attacking exploits of Rooney, Ronaldo, Anderson, Nani, Park and (I hope) Rossi and Saha. I am not overlooking the contribution Paul Scholes has on this side. Genius should never be ignored. But the satisfaction I now have is this: when Scholes makes the mistake of tripping up Totti in the future to get himself sent off, all our hopes of controlling the midfield are not ruined by gamesmanship or poor tackling.
And sitting behind this complementary shield of vision (Carrick) and vehemence (Hargreaves) will be Vidic and Ferdinand. Impressive isn’t it? This formidable four will also allow our fullbacks to attack with real purpose. So when the attacking play begins to excite you once again next season, spare a thought for those that allow it to happen. Don’t get me wrong, I am more than happy for the talk to be about Nani, Anderson and who we should sign as another striker but I feel it important to point it out now, that the reason we chased Hargreaves for so long will soon become very obvious to 76,000 excited fans…
2 comments:
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no. 9
FACT
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