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Where do Manchester United need to strengthen this summer?

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It was a horrific day for any United fan. The title was within touching distance on 90 minutes – but it was snatched away from them in the space of 5 minutes by the grit and determination of their noisy neighbours. City’s late show against QPR was probably the start of a new era in English football. Their multi-billionaire owners will continue to pump money into their already strong side and you cannot see a way for any of the Premier League’s elite to compete with them at the top. Despite that, Manchester United have the “Fergie” factor and are probably the only side that have the necessary experience and know-how to stick with City. There is no doubt that they need strengthening, but what needs improving?

The biggest problem for the Reds this season has been their defence. The lack of stability at the back has seen Everton score four and City score six at Old Trafford. Sir Alex had has to cope with injuries and suspensions and this has caused lots of chopping and changing in the defence. There have been at least 7 or 8 different players who have played across the back and this certainly doesn’t help the consistency of the side. In the past, United have relied on a solid centre back pairing as the catalyst for many title successes. Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand have certainly been the ultimate defensive force in the Premier League for the past 4/5 seasons but with Vidic’s long term injury and Ferdinand’s inability to play 2 games in quick succession, this glue and stability has been broken. Furthermore, the replacements that have stepped in haven’t covered themselves in tonnes of glory either. I wouldn’t be surprised if Sir Alex Ferguson looked to bolster this position over the summer.

I’m still not convinced by Phil Jones. To be honest, I don’t think anyone knows where his main position is. The versatile youngster has shown small glimpses of real attacking prowess this season but we are yet to see an outstanding defensive display from him. Chris Smalling is another young player who still needs to mature at the top level. Saying that, he has shown a lot of quality this season when filling in for Ferdinand and has only missed out on the Euro’s due to injury. The main plus for the season in terms of the defence, however, has been the form of Jonny Evans. I was amongst lots of critics for a man who struggled against Manchester City’s pace and creativity in the 6-1 drubbing at Old Trafford earlier on the season. Since then, he has come on leaps and bounds and was an integral part of United’s quest for the title.

Despite his progress, I don’t think he’s ready for a regular role in the centre of United’s midfield – another area that needs strengthening. Whilst Michael Carrick has been great in terms of ball retention this season, it’s time to stop relying on Paul Scholes for creative flair. United have been linked to Dortmund playmaker Shinji Kagawa and you can’t help but feel that he could deliver a shot of inspiration to what’s otherwise been a pretty stale midfield. Yes, the usual candidates Wesley Sneijder and Luka Modric will likely find themselves linked to Manchester United but I don’t feel that Sir Alex should splash the cash. Both players have had average seasons whilst Kagawa has been an absolute revelation in Germany.

Upfront Manchester United are fine. Get rid of Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov, promote Will Keane and potentially bring in one more striker if an opportunity arises. With these moves finalised, United may well have a squad that can compete with City next season. All Sir Alex needs to worry about now is yet another Man City spending spree.

What’s your take? Where do United need to strengthen?

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