Manchester United View

Radamel Falcao’s time at Manchester United was not a happy one. He managed just 4 goals in a disappointing season at Old Trafford, and left in unspectacular fashion after failing to find the net for several months. But now he’s joined Chelsea, should we be worried that he’ll find his form for them? I’m not so sure. Although it’s 100% certain that he’ll score in every game he plays against United, I’m just not certain that he’s got what it takes to be a top striker in the Premier League. He didn’t look quick or strong enough at United, with his long term knee injury perhaps being the reason for that. Don’t get me wrong, I think he’s a great player, and once Mourinho gets some time with him, I’m sure he’ll be successful at Chelsea. But I, as well as every other United fan, will be sorely hoping that he doesn’t show his world class ability at Stamford Bridge. I hold nothing against him for going to Chelsea, I just hope he doesn’t make us look ...

All signs point towards our Spanish hero David De Gea leaving United to go back to Madrid in the coming weeks. It seems to be a matter of when, not if he leaves. So, what should United try to get in return for Big Dave? First of all, I think we could end up being VERY disappointed with the amount of money Real will offer for him. With just one year remaining on his contract, his value is much lower than what his quality deserves. So a transfer fee may not be the way to go. If possible, I’d like to see United using De Gea as some form of bargaining tool for one of their players. For example Karim Benzema. If we could swap De Gea and maybe a bit of cash along with that for the French forward, I’d feel a slight twinge of comfort from what would be a desperately sad departure. The same goes for someone like Raphael Varane, although I feel this one is much less likely to happen. The best possible outcome of De Gea leaving is if we could somehow get Gareth Bale in return. Bu...

There’s been a lot of chatter over the last few weeks about United making a move for Tottenham’s Harry Kane. These rumours have been waved away by the majority of United fans, but a few see it differently.  The thing the majority of fans point to is the price that’s being touted. £40 million or even more is what the ‘papers seem to be suggesting will be required to take Kane to Old Trafford, and this for a 21-year-old who’s only shown his quality for one season in the Premier League. But, could he actually be a good signing?  There’s no doubting his quality in front of goal. 32 goals in all competitions last season is the sort of goal tally that only top players can achieve. The difference between this statistic proving Kane’s high quality, and suggesting his world-class quality -  is that to be considered world-class, this sort of statistic has to be achieved every year.  Kane hasn’t had the chance to prove that he can do this year in year out yet. ...

The midfield has needed work at United for years. We’ve never really replaced the likes of Scholes or Keane, and soon we’re going to need to prepare for life without Michael Carrick. Herrera looks to be a definite starter next season; he’s combatant, technical and very clever. But, especially when Carrick has been out of the side, we’ve struggled to find a partner for him in the centre of the park. Van Gaal looks to be aiming to employ a 4-3-3 system next season; with a deep-lying playmaker, à la Carrick, behind two more energetic midfielders. My pick of or current players would be Carrick as the base, with Herrera and Di María alongside him. Di María has played this role before in Madrid and could find a run of form if he’s played there next season.  But who else could we sign to play in the midfield? There are a few options here. Gundögan and Schneiderlin are two that we’ve been heavily linked with recently, and I think either of them would be top signings fo...

Robin van Persie had a marvellous first season at the club. His 35 goals fired us to the 20th League Title, and bagged him the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award. But now, three seasons into his United career, his future in Manchester looks uncertain.  His performances over the last two seasons simply haven't lived up to the heights he reached in his first year. Many fans have suggested that his legs have gone, and that there’s no chance of him getting to the world class level we’ve seen him play at in the past.  So, what could United do with him? Some are proposing that he should be sold, others are saying that, if he’s willing, we should keep him as backup. But I’m not sure he would be happy with that at all. He seems the sort of player who loves to be the centre of attention in the team, and needs the side to be set out to play to his strengths or else he just won’t perform. I’m not sure that he can play well if the team isn’t set up specifically for him. ...

United are reportedly looking for a new striker to compete with Wayne Rooney next year, and with Falcao already gone and van Persie looking unlikely to stay, who should United go for? Here is a list of six options United may think about… 6.) Gonzalo Higuain The Napoli forward grabbed 27 goals last season, and could potentially be the 20 goal-a-season striker van Gaal wants at United. He has a £71.3 million buyout clause in his contract, but there would surely be room for negotiation there if he wanted to leave. He’s apparently after a move and could go for around £37 million, if the ‘papers are to be believed. I don’t think this one will happen, but the 27-year-old definitely has quality. Potential fee = £37 million Likelihood = 5/10 5.) Harry Kane Last season’s wonder-kid scored 21 goals in the Premier League last season, a remarkable amount for a 21-year-old. United have been linked with him, and I can see why -   he’s young, he’s got potential an...