POLL: Are Manchester United Ready For The New Season?
Despite losing the title on goal difference, the lack of a points gap between us and Man City will have hidden some of the problems in this Man United team.
Of course Sir Alex has attempted to strengthen the United side and the signings of Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell have undoubtedly improved us. Kagawa has shown his class already with his sharp movement, passing and thinking in the final third, refreshing considering at times last season play in that area was somewhat stale. Powell is one for the future and whilst he will play a role this season, the real benefit of his signing will be seen in the coming years.
Also we have to look at the fact we will have Paul Scholes for the whole season this time around, compared to the half he played last term. His impact was clear for all to see from January onwards as United really moved into another gear with him in the side, his return will also pay dividends in Europe with his composure on the ball as well as ball retention skills.
Another major factor is the return of Nemanja Vidic. Any team would have felt the absence of a player of his stature so to have him back will be monumental. He put in a solid 60 minutes against Valerenga and against Barcelona tonight we will get to see how he fares against top level opposition.
Now the other side of the coin.
We are still yet to sign a much coveted central midfielder, Nick Powell can play the position but to ask it of him so soon is unrealistic, he will need to be bedded in. Also the left back position is one that seems to worry a lot of fans, some feel Evra has allowed his standards to slip especially with the lack of competition. Fabio has gone out on loan, Zeki Fryers has left and whilst we saw 18 year old Tyler Blackett given a run out during pre season it is unlikely he will be pushing Evra for his starting spot just yet.
Sir Alex has stated that he is looking to bring new faces in and whilst we have seen Lucas Moura slip away from us with PSG now looking like his likely destination, a move for Robin Van Persie is still on the cards. Other names like Moussa Dembele and Leighton Baines have been linked with moves to Old Trafford but so far only the signings of Kagawa and Powell have materialised. So whilst a number of potential transfers are touted we can only work with the team we have.
With that in mind are Manchester United ready for the new season? Will signing Kagawa and Powell, having Scholes for the whole season and having Vidic back be enough?
[poll id=”41″]