So with the new boss introduced and the squad about to jet off across the Atlantic for the tour of the United States excitement for the new era couldn’t be higher. However, the new boss dropped his first bit of bad news in that midfield veteran Michael Carrick has suffered a ankle injury in training which initial reports suggest could keep him out of action for between 10 – 12 weeks.
With the midfield being an issue last season it will be interesting to see how the new boss lines up in the first pre-season friendly next week versus LA Galaxy. Hopefully new boy Ander Herrera will get his first run out in a United shirt but it will be interesting to see who partners him in that midfield two. Van Gaal stated in his press conference that he wanted “time to assess the current players” before adding to his squad so will the likes of Tom Cleverley, Nick Powell, Anderson, Darren Fletcher and Marouane Fellaini be given a run out (the latter possibly not after his exerts in Brazil this summer)? Cleverley for one has a lot to prove but Sir Alex and David Moyes both saw something in him and gave him plenty of minutes so maybe Van Gaal will do the same. There are strong rumours that Anderson’s ship has already sailed and without a squad number he will probably be searching for a new club whilst the tour is Stateside. Powell had a great season with Wigan last term and it will be great to see him getting a run out in the first XI but a more experienced head must surely be a priority. Fletch has the experience but sadly just doesn’t look the same since he came back which is a real shame as he was really pushing on in that central role.
Rumours have been rife over the last week in particular about a certain Chilean midfielder being “on the verge of joining” and that would be a superb signing but things seemed to have quietened down with the sudden resignation of Conte and hiring of Allegri. With central midfielders flying off the shelves all across Europe though I for one am still rather nervous about the state of affairs behind our attacking quartet of RVP, Rooney, Mata and Adnan. There are still plenty of options available and the predictable linking of Dutch players to United is still continuing across the media but many of us will sleep a lot better once another CM has been signed sealed and delivered.
But enough with the midfield moans for now, I trust Van Gaal and he will bring in players once he see’s how thin our options are and after seeing how well the likes of Chelsea have strengthened. For now lets sit back and enjoy the beginning of Van Gaal’s reign at the “number 1 team in England” as it could be worse. Remember this time last year….?
9 replies on “Midfield woes already started for Manchester United”
It may be that the injury to Carrick is a blessing in disguise. Like many of my colleagues I believe he has been past his best for some time. His play has been negative, he rarely scores goals and I wouldn’t class him as a top defensive mid. Our recent troubles in that department have been well documented and this injury may force the investment into a genuine top class defensive mid that we have desperately needed for some time.
Feel sympathy for Carrick for getting a serious ankle injury but he’s no great loss to United.
Powell and lingard in here no problem
10 player that v.gaal want to clear out? Normally united have two team A and b. That mean the team b will be over and same team which v.gaal will line up they have to played all matches,competition etc.. They will not be tired? Sometime in a week we have to played two match
AM i the only One who is concerned about our defence? Three ordinary defencemen are gone…
Schweinstiger,Vidal,clasie, and Herrera our midfield would be as good as any. Carrick Fletcher Anderson Fellini and cleverly are no longer or some never have been good enough.
All the great United teams of the past have had a box to box central midfielder who can defend, dictate play, drive forward and score goals and had the ability to change the course of a game in an instant. Players such as Whiteside, Robson, Ince, Keane and Scholes but unfortunately, in recent seasons we have tried to achieve success with midfield mediocrity.
However, the answer to this problem is already at Old Trafford and could be the greatest of them all in midfield as long he accepts this himself and commits to it.
Its time to step forward Wayne Rooney.
United should have persued harder for Toni Kroos. We should join the chase for Khadira. Anderson should stay.
Player that should a.young,cleversly,anderson,bebe! Nani should be given a chance becoz its not his fault! Moyes should be blame for not playing him regular