Manchester United are currently playing with real authority. They stand top of the Barclays Premier League table after winning all of their first five league matches and they are scoring goals for fun. While most pundits and analysts are predicting a clear two horse race with the two Manchester clubs, and rightly so, the prospect of the elite UEFA Champions League is yet another matter. Clinical finishing, breakneck pace and flying wingers may all be trademarks of United sides of great, but there is still a key element missing from this very young Manchester United side - the defensive midfielder.
Think back to 2007. Manchester United had started the season fantastically and were flying in the league. They had found a new hero in the shape of their number 7 (that Ronaldo fella) after the departure of one of the great United goal scorers in Ruud van Nistelrooy and were scoring from all parts of the pitch. That season was particularly peculiar in Premier League history as United became the first (and only) team to win the league without a defensive midfielder.
This new Man Utd side have a very similar feel. Magnificent pace, two great wide players, as were Ronaldo and Giggs, and most importantly, a fluid front four. However, the real drawbacks of the 2007 team were displayed in the Champions League match against a great AC Milan side. After the fantastic 3-2 win at Old Trafford, United headed to Milan to defend their lead. Milan, and Kaka, had other ideas. In a hugely one sided game, Milan tore United to shreds, highlighted by the 3-0 scoreline. It was as disappointing as it was humiliating for Sir Alex Ferguson's side and Milan went on to win the Champions League.
The key element in that game was Milan's number 8, Gennaro Gattuso. While not particularly pretty or skilled on the ball, Gattuso defines the midfield destroyer all great Champions League teams have. His energy, drive and typical tough tackling are what unsettled United and Kaka let his magic dictate the rest.
Fast forward one year and Manchester United, apart from the signings of the young pair of Nani and Anderson, made one very crucial signing - Owen Hargreaves. Granted Hargreaves truly only played in that one season for United before having his tragedy of a career peter away, however, Hargreaves was the catalyst behind much of United's success. Quick, powerful, versatile and a fearsome tackler, Hargreaves was exactly what United needed to compete against Europe's elite. Special note must be taken for the games against Barcelona and Roma when Hargreaves played both at right back and in midfield to help United push for the final at Rome.
The present United team have a very similar feel to them. They love to play on the break, are lightening quick in midfield with Anderson, Cleverley, Nani and Young, and keep pushing for goals. The urge to go and score more must countered with the pragmatic approach to defend - just ask Arsenal!
This United side are fantastic and will surely score many goals this season and for seasons to come. They may very well win the league as well this year, but for the Champions League trophy, there is still one final piece of the jigsaw missing.
No comments:
Post a Comment