Manchester United’s disastrous transfer window has
dominated headlines for the last few weeks with many fearing that the huge
boots left by legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson and CEO David Gill will prove
impossible to fill by their successors.
Most held new CEO Ed Woodward’s inexperience as responsible for the
undignified transfer window that threatened to destroy one of the most
carefully crafted sports team brands on the globe. However, David Moyes the new
manager was at least partly culpable for the messy transfer of midfielder
Maroune Fellaini from Everton the club he previously managed. United's need for
Fellaini was so obvious, it was shocking that Moyes would watch as Fellaini’s
exit clause expired, costing the club £4 million extra as they scrambled to
complete what should have been a straight forward signing.
None the less, there is now a growing feeling that Moyes has
started to turn things around in a way that could endear him to the United
faithful.
United fans have viewed events at Old Trafford suspiciously
since the unpopular takeover of the club by the Glazer family, but Moyes will
have struck a chord with many by demonstrating great accountability. In his
first pre-match press conference since the infamous transfer window, Moyes took
the opportunity to explain why the signing of Fellaini was delayed and why he
had so far been unable to field some fan favorites (reference Shinji Kagawa).
Although Moyes has consistently expressed humility and honor
at the opportunity to succeed arguably the greatest manager in history, that he
is steadily proving to be his own man will earn him the respect he needs to
succeed in this huge institution. It was apparent that in making his dispute
with Wayne Rooney public during his final act, Ferguson was determined to kick
out another non-compliant star player. As shown in all the games in which he has
featured so far this season, keeping hold of a motivated Rooney is a much greater
coup than signing any of the marquee midfielders that Moyes had targeted. The
fans appreciate Rooney for his hard work and skill, and it is great credit to
Moyes United retained his services despite Chelsea’s aggressive
advances during the transfer window.
While van Persie was considered last season’s
statement signing, the rapturous reception Fellaini received from fans during
his debut shows that they recognize he is United’s much needed signing. United’s
midfield finally has a player with the courage, strength and size to stand up
to the likes of Yaya Toure who has bullied them in recent seasons. He may have cost
£4
million more than he should, but many in Old Trafford feel that he will make an
invaluable addition to the team both offensively and defensively. Early signs
are that he may also further drive the club’s record revenues with merchandising
sales.
Granted, as long as Tom Cleverly keeps making side way passes
and Anderson generously gifts possession to the opposition, United will
continue to be in desperate need for a player with energy and drive to link
attack with defense. However, if there is any positive to be taken from what
seemed to be an outlandish search for a world class creative midfielder, it is
that Moyes recognizes this as a major problem area that he will need to address
soon.
For a team that probably has the greatest heritage of star
wingers in history, United are now spoiled for choice as the young classy Zaha
was added to the likes of Nani, Young and Valencia. Fitting for the stadium’s
nick name “Theater of Dreams”, during the last league game against
Crystal Palace, a dream debut was handed to a very exciting young prospect on
the left wing. Akin to Christiano Ronaldo and Ryan Gigg’s debuts, the
unearthing of 18 year old Januzaj will have got the pulse of many historical
fans racing about the kind of future that awaits this gem.
Moyes has done well enough in the opening games of the
season bar the loss at Anfield, a ground where he was never able to win in
eleven years with his former club Everton. A defender by trade during his
playing days, it is probably of little surprise that attack is the one area of
the team that he would face the greatest challenge to spark the fluidity of
old. As evidenced during the Champions League game against Leverkusen, if Moyes
can tellingly find a way to create a balanced team that includes van Persie,
Rooney and Kagawa, there is no doubt that this squad will be well placed to
strongly challenge for honors domestically and in Europe. Once he brings home
the first piece of silverware, Moyes will have taken the first step that may
earn him years of loyal support from these fans that have enjoyed over two
decades of consistent success.
