It was yet again another dull display, lacking everything that has defined Manchester United sides of yesteryears under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson. Swansea City had never won at Old Trafford ahead of last night’s FA Cup clash. However, it appears that many teams are now keen on setting the record straight whenever they have a trip to Old Trafford on the horizon.
The likes of Tottenham, West Brom and Newcastle United finally ended their disappointing trips at the Theatre of Dreams and it was definitely not out of Swansea’s sights to do the same. The place that was once a fortress, has now been assailed and each and every single deficiency David Moyes’ side possesses, is being thoroughly exploited.
This however, cannot last long if the reigning English champions are to attain a top four finish by the end of the campaign, let alone defend their title. The Red Devils’ manager has been powerless to solve many issues at the club that are becoming evident with each passing day.
After being inactive at best during last year’s summer transfer window, Moyes needs to grab hold of some quality players if he is to get his team out of a very tricky situation. From the left-back situation to the winger issue to the long-standing quality midfielder dilemma, there are a lot of positions that need to be looked at and it’s about time that the United scouts get to work and bring in players who can help the club secure a top four place which despite the current position of the league table, is not out of the question.
With Nemanja Vidic no more in a physically optimum position and Rio Ferdinand ageing, United are in dire need of securing the services of a top quality centre-back who can pair up with Johnny Evans. Though he has fared admirably, Chris Smalling is not the kind of player who will be able to get the better of the likes of Luis Suarez, Fernando Torres, Sergio Aguero et al.
The left-back situation is also not an inspiring one either with Patrice Evra no more the same player who once rivaled Ashley Cole as the best full back in the country. It is highly unlikely to see Leighton Baines or Luke Shaw leave their respective clubs but trying their luck on Fabio Coentrao might work as the Portugal international is out of favour at Real Madrid and will be eager to play at a club where he gets more playing time.
Absence of a top class midfielder has been a long standing issue and it is about time to resolve the matter. After failing to bring in the targets he had in his mind last summer, Moyes needs to bring in one quality midfielder who can effectively boss the park, something that has not been seen consistently this season.
Wingers have always been an integral part of a Man United set up and in the past the Red Devils have had a number of players who have made a difference from the flanks. Moyes has made use of the same philosophy with most of United’s play being dictated from the wings, unfortunately for the Scotsman Man United do not have in their ranks a world class winger who can produce consistent performances and the team has suffered as a result.
Times are hard for Moyes, injuries have not helped his case either. The team lies in an unaccustomed place in the league and it is important for the manager to make good use of the January transfer window or risk missing out on a top four place for the first time in the Barclays Premier League which will have a strong bearing over the club’s long-term future.
