I have to say I’m a little surprised at Manchester United’s transfer policy this summer. Whilst United did suffer for a while out on the flanks last summer, that was mainly due to injuries and it was something that the return of Antonio Valenica seemed to put an end to. Whilst additions do need to be made to the Manchester United midfield I didn’t think the wings were a priority. Yet Manchester United’s most recent signing, Ashley Young is an out-and-out wingman. So what effect will his signing have upon the rest of the squad?
First thing to note: I’m not questioning Sir Alex’s transfer policy; he obviously has a plan for Ashley Young and a good player is always a good acquisition.
In particular, however, I question what role Nani will have to play next year? The Telegraph, The Guardian et al have suggested that a move to Italy may be on the cards, but I wouldn’t give those stories too much credence. Despite this, I can’t help but wonder what his take on the situation is. How will he feel now that Sir Alex Ferguson felt the need to go out and buy a new winger after he enjoyed his best season yet with the club?
Nani won Manchester United’s player-of-the-year award last season, chocked up nine League goals and grabbed 18 assists. Incredible statistics from a player who finally began to actualise his potential and is only likely to get better.
Ashley Young on the other hand grabbed seven goals and eleven assists. Whilst these don’t match up to Nani’s haul, he racked up the figures in a team that struggled at times last season. Now that he’s a Manchester United player, will he be expected to play as second-fiddle to Nani, as a squad player, or whisper it, is he expected to be granted a first team berth?
If he is granted a regular role in the first team will it be on the left-wing, where he so often plied his trade whilst at Aston Villa? That is to say, will Nani or Antonio Valencia be expected to make way for him?
The fact of the matter is, if you’re paying £16m for a player and dishing out exorbitant wages, it may be difficult to consider the man in question to be a ‘bench-warmer’. Young will have to adapt quick to life at Manchester United or he may well find his opportunities limited. It’s not like they are short of talent in that area. At the moment there appears to be a three-way dog-fight as to who earns the two starting positions out on the wings. It looks set to be a fascinating battle.
Who will hold down the positions next season is anybody’s guess. I can’t help but hope, however, that Nani doesn’t get the short straw thanks to Young’s arrival at Old Trafford.
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