The general consensus on Manchester United is they treat the Premier league somewhat like a marathon, perennial slow starters, who gain pace around Christmas time. Neutrals and United fans alike would agree the club has been fairly lucky in racking up 12 points thus far. Performances have not aspired to levels that a club like Manchester United are capable of reaching; the need for improvement is certainly there.
The weakest area of the pitch is, and has been for a number of years is the central area of the pitch, especially midfield. Consistent injuries and illnesses have not helped, but an over reliance on an ageing Paul Scholes, and a lack of consistency from some players has contributed to Manchester United being overrun and outmuscled in midfield in number of matches, not least this season. Tottenham Hotspur exploited a lack of strength, speed and any form of cohesion against a midfield consisting of Scholes, Carrick, and Giggs; a midfield in truth was always going to be easily got at; with Carrick especially being a player whose laid back approach has attracted a number of plaudits as well as critics.
For players like Carrick, Giggs or Scholes to be effective, they must be paired with energetic, high tempo team-mates, who can do the leg work and keep opposition players busy, so that the aforementioned ‘distributors’, can set the tempo and pass as they please.
Are there solutions? Yes, let us not forget how un-characteristically well United started the season previous. Tom Cleverley and Anderson carried their pre-season form into the first few games, discarding Tottenham, Arsenal and Bolton in style, with a new style of high tempo, energetic short passing game which worked a treat. So the solutions are there, but whether Sir Alex continues to play it safe with Carrick and Scholes is another matter.
There are arguably players to be found in the youth academy too, who feel they deserve a chance of their own. Take young Ryan Tunnicliffe, a midfielder earmarked by many as the ‘next Roy Keane’. Such comparisons tend to be lazy and without merit, but not this one. The young central midfielder can tackle, read the game well and an eye for a pass. Tunnicliffe has shown on the club’s pre-season tour he is one who loves to press the opponents, not giving them a moments rest, and could effortlessly be paired with Carrick, Anderson or Cleverly to make up a new look Manchester United midfield. Squad rotation is imperative for a big club like Manchester United, so as to be to challenge on all fronts. One thing is certain however, starting Giggs, Carrick and Scholes together is a recipe for disaster, and can see the club lose out on a second Premiership title two years running.
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Giggs, Carrick and Scholes must first retire before stubborn Fergie is willing to revamp the midfield.