18 Yard Box has a look at the Red Devils in this version of our mid season review.
This boxing day, as we saw United cross their half-way mark to the Premier League completion. What would in earlier seasons be routing victories over visitors have transformed to mere about ‘comebacks’ for the 19 time Premier League winners, all thanks to their strike force for which United have spent over 40 million pounds this summer. Watching a United game is not short of entertainment but analysing them they still look weak at certain places. Let us have a look at their title chances and then determine the players that might do the Red Devils good in the long term.
Title Chances
With Sir Alex's men doing brilliant in attack, they lack conviction in defense. And if they do not sort out this problem soon then they might as well as lose the lead like they lost last year. Sir Alex wouldnt want a repeat telecast of last year's heartbreak and would want the title to come to the red side rather than the blue of Manchester.
7 points on top with 17 games still left, the title race is not truly over. But from here on, unitl something drastic happens, United will be the favourites to clinch a 20th title.
Tactical Overview
18YB suggests
This section is dedicated to our writer's suggestion. The names may or may not be linked with the players mentioned as these are pure suggestions.
Kanhaiya has a look at which players would give the League leaders a further boost in the title race.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Ever since the time the Reds have been drawn against the La Liga title holders in the Champions League Round of 16, there has been news that the former United darling is considering a move to his former club. SAF is reportedly willing to place a bid of 60 million pounds. The clause also includes a weekly salary of 300,000 pounds.
The agile craftsman does not need any introduction and would really solve United's wing problems. Moreover the combination of Ronaldo, Rooney and Van Persie linking seems too tempting.
Frank Lamapard
Chelsea ace Frankie has been considered as a potential United transfer to plug all their loopholes in the center of the field. Since there hasn’t been any contract extension for Lampard, the move might bolster United’s chances and seal them a cup or two.
Paul Schole's retirement at the end of the season may see a big gap appearing in the midfield. Sir Alex, known for using experienced players, might find an able replacement in Lampard. United might get Lampard for a cut price considering Chelsea are looking to get rid of the English midfielder by summer.
One of Manchester United's primary problems this season has been their defending and Mats Hummels might be the solution to the problems. The tall and talismanic German international has risen through the ranks of top German defenders and has been the rock at the back of Dortmund’s defence. The addition of Hummels to the side would mean stability at the back and with Rio ageing, United will be looking for fresh legs to compliment Evans.
Written By,
Kanhaiya Maheswary
Kanhaiya is a writer for 18 Yard Box.
This boxing day, as we saw United cross their half-way mark to the Premier League completion. What would in earlier seasons be routing victories over visitors have transformed to mere about ‘comebacks’ for the 19 time Premier League winners, all thanks to their strike force for which United have spent over 40 million pounds this summer. Watching a United game is not short of entertainment but analysing them they still look weak at certain places. Let us have a look at their title chances and then determine the players that might do the Red Devils good in the long term.
Title Chances
 |
| Will these scenes be witnessed this season? |
With Sir Alex's men doing brilliant in attack, they lack conviction in defense. And if they do not sort out this problem soon then they might as well as lose the lead like they lost last year. Sir Alex wouldnt want a repeat telecast of last year's heartbreak and would want the title to come to the red side rather than the blue of Manchester.
7 points on top with 17 games still left, the title race is not truly over. But from here on, unitl something drastic happens, United will be the favourites to clinch a 20th title.
Woes
 |
| The back four need to click and click fast |
United's woes come in their defence. Looking weak at the back, they have conceeded 28 goals this season and would be looking to block the inlet. Moreover the goalkeeping issue still conitnues to rumble on. United has had a history of fielding some of the world’s most famous goalkeepers in the form of Peter Schmeichel, Fabien Barthez and Edwin Van Der Sar. David De Geaon the other hand doesn’t even feature in all of United’s games. Generally known for several weaknesses, David De Gea has still a long way to go before he can put his name alongside the previous legends.What was previously terrible handling of the ball has now become a more balanced one, though a club like Manchester United needs something still better. The most significant weakness still persisting in De Gea is the lack of confidence, which shows on the pitch.
Rio Ferdinand, the center back, has been guilty of letting the attackers rip through the defense and get some goals home for their respective clubs. Jonny Evans has looked incredible but the returning Vidic looks a pale shadow of his former self. United needs to rectify this before its too late.
Tactical Overview
 |
| Sir Alex has used Rooney more centrally this year |
Sir Alex Ferguson, for
the past 25 seasons,has got his tactics spot-on and there is no questioning his
football-brain. Mid-way through the season, Sir Alex has changed his formations
in many matches trying to accommodate his new signings to the starting
eleven. Even though the 4-4-1-1 is the traditional Manchester United type of
formation (wing-approach, wing-backs coming forward to help the wingers and a good
combination play), we have got to see the 4-3-3 diamond formation for quite a
few Champions League matches.
4-4-1-1 has paid dividends,RvP playing up-front
with Kagawa/Rooney in the support-striker role. Carrick and Cleverley have really
set themselves at the heart of midfield with Carrick playing a more deeper than
Cleverley (A natural attacking minded midfielder) in the central midfield area. 4-3-3
diamond hasn’t been that much of an influence in the game-Centralised play with
solidity in the middle of the park with the United wing backs creating not much of an influence.
18YB suggests
This section is dedicated to our writer's suggestion. The names may or may not be linked with the players mentioned as these are pure suggestions.
Kanhaiya has a look at which players would give the League leaders a further boost in the title race.
Cristiano Ronaldo
 |
| How much would the United fans pay to see his dribbling skills back at OT? |
Ever since the time the Reds have been drawn against the La Liga title holders in the Champions League Round of 16, there has been news that the former United darling is considering a move to his former club. SAF is reportedly willing to place a bid of 60 million pounds. The clause also includes a weekly salary of 300,000 pounds.
The agile craftsman does not need any introduction and would really solve United's wing problems. Moreover the combination of Ronaldo, Rooney and Van Persie linking seems too tempting.
Frank Lamapard
 |
| Will he be wearing the Red of Manchester? |
Chelsea ace Frankie has been considered as a potential United transfer to plug all their loopholes in the center of the field. Since there hasn’t been any contract extension for Lampard, the move might bolster United’s chances and seal them a cup or two.
Paul Schole's retirement at the end of the season may see a big gap appearing in the midfield. Sir Alex, known for using experienced players, might find an able replacement in Lampard. United might get Lampard for a cut price considering Chelsea are looking to get rid of the English midfielder by summer.
Mats Hummels
 |
| He would be of great help |
One of Manchester United's primary problems this season has been their defending and Mats Hummels might be the solution to the problems. The tall and talismanic German international has risen through the ranks of top German defenders and has been the rock at the back of Dortmund’s defence. The addition of Hummels to the side would mean stability at the back and with Rio ageing, United will be looking for fresh legs to compliment Evans.
Written By,
Kanhaiya Maheswary
Kanhaiya is a writer for 18 Yard Box.
Any Suggestions? Write to us on 18yardbox06@gmail.com
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