Amidst all the issues this week one thing that I have been constantly told is that this should not mask our problems on field especially in the midfield.
Rooney had insinuated that a lack of investment in new players was partly behind his decision not to sign a new deal at Old Trafford and there is a element of truth. We have spent money but not on the big names that people would have expected. Now the situation has been resolved it appears that there may be some of these signings made but one name I saw us linked with interested me particularly.
With Sir Alex’s penchant for youth and the home grown quota in play, Sunderland’s Jordan Henderson has been a name linked with us. the midfielder has risen to prominence at the Stadium of Light under Steve Bruce. Converted into a midfielder by Roy Keane, Henderson’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Since breaking into Sunderland’s first team his performances saw him promoted from England’s u19 squad to the u21s where his goal helped them qualify for next summer’s European championship.
Steve Bruce complained that Henderson was not getting the recognition he deserved in the press but that doesn’t mean he isn’t being recognised by others as both Chelsea and Man City are also said to be interested in him. Whilst he has been shining in the middle of the park it is widely thought that he is much better out wide. His ability to play both roles has seen his game become much more rounded as he has shoot from distance, create chances, tackle and take set piece all to a very decent standard.
It is being said that Henderson will be a replacement for Carrick and potential Owen Hargreaves if he doesn’t manage to come back from his injury and with Sir Alex’s track record with nurturing young talent he doesn’t seem that bad an option. January will be testing times for Bruce if reports are to be believed as he may have to fight to keep the young star in the north east.
