Allen Hamilton
Despite uplifting wins over Arsenal and Marseille this week, there is an inescapable feeling that times are changing for Manchester United and that a new era is just around the corner.
With Gary Neville having already announced his retirement, Edwin van der Sar hanging up his gloves at the end of the season, and Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes choosing to make plans a year at a time, the signs are there. The curtain has not come down yet, but it is on its way – and Sir Alex Ferguson will be plotting the next step, just as he did when the likes of Eric Cantona, Ruud van Nistelrooy, David Beckham, Roy Keane and Cristiano Ronaldo left the club.
It has been well-documented that this could be a summer of upheaval at Old Trafford and it is no secret that United need an injection of new blood – starting with a creative midfield playmaker – to revive a squad that, despite topping the Premier League table, has been underwhelming for much of the campaign. Ferguson may also take the opportunity to bid farewell to fringe players, with Wes Brown and Gabriel Obertan two possible candidates to be ushered out of the exit door.
But amid the rumours of arrivals and departures, it is easy to lose track of the positive developments of the current crop, which has shown tremendous resiliency this season. United are set to undergo some major changes, however several younger players have staked their claim for a key role in the new era.
Over the past month, no United player has impressed more than defender Chris Smalling, who has deputised expertly for the injured Rio Ferdinand. Forming the type of partnership with Nemanja Vidic that Jonny Evans never has, Smalling has passed major tests against Chelsea, Arsenal and Marseille. He even emerged from the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield without serious criticism.
Comfortable on the ball, strong in the air and sharp in the tackle, the Londoner has been a bright spot in a month that Ferguson will be happy to see the back of. With Ferdinand’s injury woes becoming a frequent obstacle for United, Smalling’s fine form will have eased his manager’s defensive concerns. Still just 21, the former Fulham youngster has plenty of work ahead, but has the potential to emulate the all-time United greats. With Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra, who signed a new four-year deal last month, both only turning 30 this year, Ferguson’s back four needs little tweaking.
At the other end, the signing of Javier Hernandez continues to look an inspired piece of business, with the Mexican earning comparisons to United’s legendary poacher Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. With Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov showing flashes of brilliance but failing to score consistently, the youngster has enjoyed more first team minutes than he might have anticipated and his tally of 16 goals – including the decisive brace against Marseille – represents an impressive introduction to English football. Ferguson has three talented front men at his disposal and each offers a different dimension. With Rooney regaining form with every passing game, his partnership with Hernandez has huge potential.
And so, while Ferguson will be eager to strengthen numerous areas, it is the midfield above all else that is crying out for a facelift. While Darren Fletcher’s reputation remains intact, the decision to reward Michael Carrick’s disappointing form with a new contract is a head-scratching one, and the jury is still out on Anderson and, in particular, Darron Gibson.
With Smalling’s rise proving the club’s defensive strength and Hernandez’s clever runs and clinical finishing earning rave reviews, adding a classy midfield creator like Tottenham Hotspur’s Luka Modric or Inter Milan’s Wesley Sneijder should be the number one priority on United’s “to do” list this summer, along with a goalkeeper and perhaps another option out wide to complement the ever-improving Nani.
The squad’s current limitations have not hurt United too badly so far, however an away record of 20 points from a possible 45 speaks volumes. Forced into a grittier, more organised playing style, which pales in comparison to the days when Ronaldo terrorised defences, Ferguson’s men have overturned the odds to stay at the top of the table, though they are still lacking the extra two or three world-class talents required for a fair fight with Barcelona or Real Madrid on the continental stage.
United have some big decisions ahead this summer that will shape the club’s future and determine whether Ferguson achieves his goal of leaving the Old Trafford outfit in a position of strength when he eventually walks away from a trophy-laden managerial career. Without doubt, the cheque book will be opened, but the promising performances from Smalling and Hernandez have ensured that they will be key building blocks for the club’s eagerly-awaited new era.
