Sir Alex Ferguson will use the next two transfer windows to rebuild Manchester United, in part with the departure of established talents, in part in the transfer market. The real question is whether the Scot can mould a new, potentially great, United side in the youthful model that the 69-year-old has come to forcibly advocate this season.
Moreover, does United posses the right tools to refresh the squad without a period of – euphemistic – transition? After all, Arsenal has been in ‘transition’ for five trophyless years; Manchester City 34 years, and Newcastle more like 50.
But in placing faith in youth, Ferguson must also discard much of the older generation, which the Scot has recently admitted he is reluctant to do. However, it is unlikely Edwin van der Sar, Gary Neville, Michael Owen and Owen Hargreaves will be offered, or take up, new deals at the club come the summer.
Meanwhile, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs will earn new 12 month deals but the pair are increasing peripheral to United’s plans. Wes Brown – who fell out with Ferguson during the summer – and Tomasz Kuszczak will also find pastures new.
“When [players] grow old, their performance level drops, but we have to maintain a level of success at the top end of the game, at all the time,” said Ferguson.
“We can’t afford bad years or breaking-in years. We have had periods like that, but we don’t want it and we need to be successful all the time.
“Sometimes, when a player grows old, you have to recognise it and they have to move on.”
Indeed, in the past Ferguson has ruthlessly jettisoned players he no longer felt necessary to the club; often those who had reached their peak – David Beckham, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt come to mind.
More often than not, the Scot already possessed a plan for United’s future. Beckham was effectively upgraded for Cristiano Ronaldo; van Nistelrooy gave way to a dynamic front three of Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez.
But the key positions in United’s squad may not necessarily be filled smoothly in the coming six months, although Ferguson has identified Anderson to replace Paul Scholes and Rafael da Silva to take over from Neville. The latter having already done so to great effect this season.
“Long term, I hope [Anderson] can prove to be Paul’s successor,” Ferguson added.
“It’s a big ask to reach that level and the challenge will test his confidence, but someone will have to step up to the plate one day.
“Injury opens doors and the succession of setbacks suffered by Gary Neville has provided Rafael with more opportunities than he perhaps expected at this stage of his career.”
Yet, there is still a question mark over Anderson’s suitability to replace Scholes, with no replacements for Giggs, van der Sar, nor Hargreaves secured either.
In particular while Anderson’s form has improved neither his average passing statistics (in the mid 70 per cent range) nor goals (just two in 113 appearances for United) come anywhere close to Scholes’ long-term brilliance.
In truth Anderson cannot directly replace Scholes, just as Michael Carrick was no like-for-like successor to Roy Keane, nor Ronaldo for Beckham, or Tevez for van Nistelrooy.
In truth Ferguson’s success or failure with United’s midfield transformation will live or die with whom he surrounds the Brazilian. It’s a big decision, with United’s midfield is of the lowest quality since the mid 1990s.
Ferguson’s faith in Tom Cleverley and the possible acquisition of Sunderland’s hugely talented Jordan Henderson may well be a central part of the Scot’s youthful revolution.
Elsewhere Ferguson still requires a left-sided forward, whatever Nani’s continued progression. After all, Nani’s run of form has coincided with a permanent switch to the right. Antonio Valenica and Cleverley will provide an outstanding range of options on United’s right next season, with the Wigan Athletic loanee also comfortable inside.
Investment in a combative midfielder to complement Darren Fletcher and Carrick is also a vital component of a balanced squad.
In goal United has watched a range of options from Hugo Lloris, to Igor Akinfeev but the smart money says a bid for Manuel Neuer or David de Gea is likely come the summer. The club has already secured Anders Lindegaard, the Danish international stopper, on a four-year £4 million deal.
These decisions – based in part on the budget actually given to Ferguson – will direct United’s success or failure over the next three to five years. The alternative is a further regression of an already average United side, no matter what the league table currently says.
Hate to be pedantic…. but when was Carrick EVER considered a “combative midfielder”?
I know Mark Ogden ran with this today but what are these suggested exits based on? An educated guess or a source?
Not that I disagree with the exits – Wes Brown aside.
Triggs – all speculated – although even you’re a follower of RI they’ve been saying for months that Brown’s off, possibly abroad. Again speculation on their part.
It will be interesting to see whether Ferguson really does spend big this summer. I’m desperate for him to rejuvenate this side but I’d be willing to bet that the reality will be somewhat disappointing – a new goalie to replace EVS and maybe a couple of kids with potential (let’s face it, what have either Henderson or Rodwell actually done in the game yet? not to say they won’t make it eventually) but all the talk of world-class players when Rooney re-signed will be forgotten.
In some respects it may not be a bad thing if there is no massive spending in the summer – as fantastic as he has been for the club during his tenure, Fergie cannot go on forever and it may be that the Glazers will need to give his successor quite a decent war-chest to ensure we remain competitive against financial cheats like Citeh, Real etc.
One post-script – back when Rooney re-signed, I don’t recall Fergie ever confirming that Rooney was given assurances by him or Gill that there would be big signings in the summer. Also don’t recall him ever confirming it since. If my recollection is incorrect, can someone please point that out to me?
Just curious because I can see a scenario this August 31 when some journo asks Fergie why there were no big name arrivals, and him replying that he never said there would be….
Geno – you’re right, its all speculation right now. Although all the noises point to some spending. Cash in the bank, mystery source of new funds to pay off PIKs (99.999999% sure its a US-based refinance) … Glazer allow Fergie to spend a bit in the summer, then take a large dividend the year after under the banner of ‘Ferguson spending + strong financial performance’
Added to that, these changes will make substantial savings for the club in terms of wages. Hargo, GNev, VDS, even Brown are earning a lot of money compared to young wippersnappers full of potential.
It’s possible that the Glazers may also look at the dwindling ticket sales and think some x factor and excitement may be required to attract people back and stomach the price rises.
If Hargo retires before his contract is up in the summer, will United receive a compensation payment?
You read the article so you don,t have to question me on where I got my information from because the person who wrote this artile is getting the same information as I was saying earlier. The link I have gives out just a bit more details, but the information is coming from SAF. He is clearing out 6 players and Giggs and Scholes will be offered 1 year extended contracts. Out this summer will be Van de Sar, Kusczczak, Neville, Brown, Owen Hardgreaves and Michael Owen. SAF says he is working on bringing in Jack Rodwell and Jordon Henderson. There are talks going on with the agent of Alexis Sanchez. He goes on to say Cleverley, Pogba, Morrison and Wellbeck will feature in the premier team. SAF claims he has found the correct playing position for BEBE. His role now will be striker and he will be the replacement for either Rooney or Berbatov when they are rested or injured. The problem with Wellbeck is that he is happy at Sunderland and Bruce wants to buy him. Has made a name for himself there. I can send you the link if you wish.
Herbie – I think the trouble you’re running into here is stating paper speculation as fact – all the stories come from the same Ferguson quotes. This article is my take, the Telegraph and Sport.co.uk had their own – speculated – angles on the same quotes. Ferguson very specifically did NOT say anything about Rodwell or Henderson, nor did he mention any players who might be leaving by name. Nor did he mention Pogba, Morrison or Wellbeck, although each is rated highly at Old Trafford according to people I’ve spoken to.
And on Bebe – not that I want to take credit – but I’ve been saying since I first saw him play for Portugal Under-21s that he’s no winger 😉
post the link please
How can Fergie think a chubby funster like Ando can be a long term replacement for the most gifted playmaker of his generation? Ando can do a job – shuffling box to box and getting in people’s faces – but he’s hardly likely to score bags of goals from midfield or play pinpoint Hollywood passes to our forwards.
Saying that, there aren’t many of Scholes’ ilk about – certainly not in the Premier League (Fabregas and Modric aside).
Rodwell & and who where are the rest of the midfield going to play? Carrick ando obertan tom fletch valencia gibson
I don’t know but I will not be surprised if Obertan and Gibson are sent out on loan. I see today, Amos has gone on loan to Oldham. And now Mourinho has lowered the selling price for Lassana Diarra to 14 million and reports say SAF may be interested in the player. But I still feel that with all these reports, SAF will go for quality youngsters that have already proven themselves like when he picked up Smalling. Depending on how much money he has available to spend. I’m sure he would like to get Gareth Bale and Ashley Young but the price tags are extremely high. We will have to wait and see how all this pans out. As for Liverpool, I’m sure Roy Hodgson is having many restless nights. If he does not get a positive result, he will be heading for the exit door. I hope United put Liverpool away early. A 3-0 result would be just about right.
Good article.
Anderson may not be a direct replacement for Scholes nor is he as gifted as Scholes is but I still have faith in him and his abilities and I am certain that he will fulfil his true potential and dreams in the Manchester United shirt.
Regarding the issue of wingers,it will be interesting to watch whether Nani is still able to replicate the form he has shown this season on the left wing once Valencia comes back.If he does,then excellent….we may not have the urgency to buy a left footed player.And I’m certain he will continue his good form even after Valencia comes back.
Don’t underestimate how much SAF loves Park. Tony V may find himself on the bench like the tailend of last season.
I don’t think players like Paul Scholes really exist anymore. I would say Ozil comes the closest, and for whatever reason, Fergie passed.
Tom Cleverley is our central midfield goalscorer. And I have no qualms with it.
Hey Ed, did you hear Fergie talking on radio station Key 103?
I would be happier with Rodwell than Henderson. He can play a variety of positions and is more dominant physically. Can’t see Fergie buying both.
The keeper situation will probably be Neuer or De Gea, probably the German having more experience and mental toughness you’d expect from a German footballer.
Rodwell’s only started 3 PL matches for Everton so far. May as well let him stay there another season. Henderson is ready to roll now, based on his regular appearances with Sunderland, who are also playing better than Everton. Not that I’m convinced either player is what we want either way.
Doing the sums, there should be decent money to spend in the summer even if the Glazers do hoard most of the cash pile for themselves. There must still be at least a respectable chunk of change left over from that, £20-30M. Then we’ll probably drum up another £10M or so by selling Brown, Diouf, Scrabble and possibly a couple of the younger lads like Gibson and Obertan. Then there’s also a decent possibility of us getting good money for someone like Welbeck or Carrick if Fergie decides they are no longer part of his vision (Sunderland keeping Welbeck and us getting Henderson seems like a distinct possibility).
But I don’t even think the headline transfer fee is all that important to the club’s bookkeepers, after all if you get a player young enough that turns out to be pretty cheap spread out over the years, and the resale value is higher. A bigger indication of new signings for me is getting all those established members of our squad off the payroll. Even highly-rated younger players would start off being paid a good bit less than I’m sure the likes of Hargreaves is on.
ffs we should be looking to get some cash for anderson, you don’t see liverpool or arsenal ‘building the team’ around denilson and lucas, ffs brazilians midfielders in the prem are benders
build the team round wayne surely
SOMETHING WE SHOULDVE DONE SIX FUCKING YEARS AGO
Lkhfaffingffsonelovefergieoutpinchbeckcunts
http://www.footballtransfertavern.com/2011/01/premiership/united-strike-summer-deal-for-e10m-international?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TransferTavern+%28The+Transfer+Tavern+Home+Page%29
Probably just more rubbish, but it says there we have just agreed a deal for Sotiros Ninis or whatever his name is, the Greek lad. Probably rubbish, but false rumours don’t usually go as far as saying that a price has been agreed, like it does here. He’s supposed to be an attacking midfielder so far as i know.
I’d take Neuer, Rodwell and Ninis in the summer – cost 50 mill.
Money in from TK, WB, DG – 10-15 mill.
Diouf sold too so closer to 20 mill. 30 mill net spend definitely a possibility.
aside- I LOVE this site!
well said
LOLOL He’s the biggest shit house ever
James Ducker in The Times has supported Ed’s story today.
Says that United are set to open contract talks with several players in the next few weeks (Evra, O’Shea, Berbatov, Park, Fletcher, Carrick, Gibson, Brown, De Laet and Kuszczak all have contracts due to expire in June 2012 – as well as Giggs and Scholes this summer)
VDS, GNev, Hargreaves, Owen, Brown and Kuszczak to leave in the summer. Uncertainty over Evra and couple of others – Scholes to make a decision in the summer.
Likely to be 4 to 6 new arrivals depending on new contracts and sales.
It all seems a lot of coming and going, but it seems logical that those six will leave.
not convinced this rooney thing won’t come up again
he must be on youtube – the most innovative scouting tool available to united ever