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There is something very wrong at Manchester United

How long can the despair continue?

There is something very wrong at Manchester United.

Following Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United was always going to be difficult. Whoever took over, under whatever circumstances would never be able to measure up to his 25 years of success. 

We all knew that but what we didn't know was the level of incompetence Sir Alex was managing to paper over. His ability to coax the title back from City now looks nothing short of a miracle. It's only when Sir Alex surprised everyone and decided to leave that this incompetence has been laid bare for everyone to see. 

It could even be argued that some of the blame must lie with Sir Alex but we can't really be sure.
For some time, this blog has bemoaned Ferguson's lack of quality signings towards the end of his tenure. This was particularly evident in Midfield.

A midfield that has looked lightweight and lacking quality for more than 5 years. Ferguson was never able to adequately replace Scholes or Keane and United have suffered ever since they left.

So after half a decade of mismanaging team requirements Ferguson handed over to Moyes. In hindsight, this looks like a huge mistake. The board seemed to allow Ferguson to appoint his successor without Due Diligence or regard for other more qualified candidates that would have been available. 

If Van Gaal is the man to see United forward now, why was he not approached 2 years ago? Why was Mourinho not sought when he was available and why were many other far more qualified candidates not looked at?


Is it possible that Ferguson's mismanagement has ruined the club he did so much to build?

I believe some of the blame must rest with Sir Alex. Anyone who pays a fortune for Zaha and sees Jones and Smalling as heirs to Vidic and Ferdinand must have lost the plot.

However, the blame doesn't stop there. Overseeing all this are the Glazers. Forget the debt and forget their nationality. They just don't seem to be making very good "Football" decisions. Since they arrived, United's commercial earnings and ventures have sky rocketed but on the pitch matters have deteriorated. 

Strangely, the problem hasn't been a lack of money. Oh no, take a look at this list of superstars to understand that its where its been spent that's the problem.

  • Bebe
  • Lindegaard
  • Jones
  • Smalling
  • Young
  • Powell
  • Buttner
  • Zaha
  • Varela - Who? look it up!
  • Fellaini
And Juan Mata for a record £37 million. Jury still out?

This is over a period when United chased and lost Fabregas, Thiago, Schneider, Lewandowski, Sweinsteiger, Kroos, Reus and Gareth Bale. Since Ronaldo left, United have not been able to attract any player of quality.

United's rivals on the other hand managed to attract the following: Fabregas, Suarez, Sturridge, Costa, Luis, Willian, Zouma, Oscar, Hazard, Aguero and Courtois.

At best United have hoped that signings with potential will come good. At worst they have been guilty of woeful neglect.

Ask yourselves which current United player would get a game every week at City or Chelsea or even Liverpool?

That's the crux of the matter. United as a squad and as a first team are not good enough. Their position in the league last year was about right for the squad. Fergie knew it, did nothing then left. Moyes knew it but couldn't attract quality and Van Gaal knows it but is 2 years behind everyone else and can't offer European Football.

Who's to blame is not really the point though. The issue is can it be rectified?

Not with United's current ownership and directors. A root and branch change is required like at Liverpool and Van Gaal is heading for a rocky ride. His attention to detail will help but the clubs incompetence with soon drive him mad.

Sparks will fly.











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