MancRedFan
Player Valuation: £50k
I've been around for a few new teams and transition periods, and this one has been amongst the better ones because we have actually been successful. That said, I just get the feeling that somewhere along this road, we have lost our plan and are now just hoping certain random things stick. The midfield hopes were pinned on Cleverley and Anderson, while we lost Pogba and Morrison. The wingers have stagnated/regressed, Young has proven to be a pointless signing. Then somewhere along the way, we flirted with the idea of changing our style, and bought Kagawa - who in reality also looks a bit of a pointless purchase too at present (talented as he may be). Welbeck at 23, doesn't really look like he will be a major first XI contributor, and I now think we have also further complicated/confused things by blowing a load on Fellaini.
We have added De Gea, Smalling and Jones who look to have been great investments, but generally, I think the squad development over the last 3 or 4 seasons have lacked structure and frankly been a bit of a mess that in all honesty, probably needs to be re-started to an extent, firstly with a clear idea of formation and style that we plan to use, and then players of the right calibre/potential and more importantly - style, to make it work.
I know we don't have the money of Chelsea, but I think that I have seen their transitions of late and it at least all makes sense. They were known as a defensive, physical and perhaps route one team with Drogba and co. Roman clearly wanted a brand of attacking football, and in came Mata, Hazard and Oscar. They have added Luiz and Bertrand is coming through as a potential Cole replacement. They are still short a few players I think, but the vision has at least taken clear shape. Similar can be said of Rodgers at Liverpool. In fact, I'd say his transformation may be complete by the summer window.
We just look like we are trying a bit of everything at the moment, and that has shown in the quality of our football. We have done well to still win things, but I can't really see the journey yet. A lot of what we have added to the squad via purchase or promotion haven't added really, and it's all a bit random and hit and hope.
I reckon a fair degree of ruthlessness will be needed to correct our slight detour and get us back on the right path. That said, such ruthlessness may be inhibited by a combination of a lack of funds, and the 'United way', which means we will firstly be especially reluctant to move on an academy graduate, and also, a club that gives second, third and fourth chances to players.
We have added De Gea, Smalling and Jones who look to have been great investments, but generally, I think the squad development over the last 3 or 4 seasons have lacked structure and frankly been a bit of a mess that in all honesty, probably needs to be re-started to an extent, firstly with a clear idea of formation and style that we plan to use, and then players of the right calibre/potential and more importantly - style, to make it work.
I know we don't have the money of Chelsea, but I think that I have seen their transitions of late and it at least all makes sense. They were known as a defensive, physical and perhaps route one team with Drogba and co. Roman clearly wanted a brand of attacking football, and in came Mata, Hazard and Oscar. They have added Luiz and Bertrand is coming through as a potential Cole replacement. They are still short a few players I think, but the vision has at least taken clear shape. Similar can be said of Rodgers at Liverpool. In fact, I'd say his transformation may be complete by the summer window.
We just look like we are trying a bit of everything at the moment, and that has shown in the quality of our football. We have done well to still win things, but I can't really see the journey yet. A lot of what we have added to the squad via purchase or promotion haven't added really, and it's all a bit random and hit and hope.
I reckon a fair degree of ruthlessness will be needed to correct our slight detour and get us back on the right path. That said, such ruthlessness may be inhibited by a combination of a lack of funds, and the 'United way', which means we will firstly be especially reluctant to move on an academy graduate, and also, a club that gives second, third and fourth chances to players.
