PHILOSOPHY

THE NEW ERA TRANSITION

Koranteng Daniel | @kwamezamani on twitter | May 25, 2015

PHILOSOPHY: S1 E38

#TheEnd
Philosophy has been an absolute hit of a drama series, in its first season for fans and
rivals alike. Sad it ends today. Episode 38.
Time to take a break from the Premier League, 2 months of no stress or heart attack
moments. If Louis Van Gaal's philosophy is a course of study in the University, it's
obvious it could take 5 years to be a graduate, + 1year internship. I won't mind studying
it, though. No matter how much you hate the philosophy, which we don't really know, it
seems intriguing, really.
Philosophy preaches patience. This shows us why patience is indeed a virtue only a few
can pride around with. We are on our way building a team. Just like Sir Alex Ferguson
did.
VDS
Brown, Rio, Vidic, Evra,
Carrick
Scholes, Hargreaves,
Rooney, Tevez, CR7
4-1-2-3[4-3-3]... They were blistering!
Most balanced team SAF ever created. It was an honour and privilege to have witnessed
the construction from foundation.
We started from the bottom, now we here. I still remember that LVG was called the preseason one by fans of a club with a serial winner as a coach. They also said Pires over
Giggs. Manchester United was called the next Liverpool.
LVG's philosophy was laughed at and mocked...
Now, philosophy is swimming. Philosophy gradually paying off, dividend lately.
I did say mid-table Manchester United will be feared again, because even while we
remain a team in progress, we are beginning to be difficult to beat. Thank God LVG has
shown he can indeed work with mid-table players, as well as he is a panic-buying guru.

PAGE 1

SEASON REVIEW
LVG signed Daley Blind, Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera, Angel Di Maria, Marcos Rojo, and
Radamel Falcao in one transfer window. To be honest, our transfers are in good, if not
better, hands. Even those he signed for the Youth Education, he has a thing for them.
It was shocking to them that given how Manchester United needed an overhaul than
Chelsea FC, Arsenal FC, Liverpool FC, Manchester City FC, etc., we had signed just
Shaw & Ander after the World Cup. People even said only Exeter or so had signed fewer
players than #mufc. #Amnesia
When the same overhaul they all agreed #mufc needed, more than certain clubs, was
completed, 'panic buying' became a choice phrase.
'#Mufc needs 5 to 6 world class talents to compete again', they all opined. #mufc signed
only two, they all started saying, 'panic buying'.
If they all said #mufc needed 5 to 6 world class talents to compete, well, Ed Woodward
signed only two. So, we need 4 more.
LVG shipped out 17 players including red boy Danny Welbeck on deadline day and
signed 6. 5 as if the 6 players combined could play 10 positions. Well, only Luke Shaw
plays just one position though.
Obviously, Blind and Rojo aren't world class, but very talented players who can still
become world class like Vidic and Evra.
The season started with experiments and risk taking. Wayne Rooney was named captain
and losing 4-0 to MK Dons in the Capital One cup which became a topic for weeks. The
change from a back-3 system (3-4-1-2) which was a nightmare even though we won with
that on an away fixture at Emirate, to a back 4 (4-4-2 diamond) at some point until LVG
later settled with his usual 4-3-3 system.
Injuries became no news to us as fans because I cant remember a name in our team that
did not suffer an injury. The least one will stay off the pitch due to an injury was a week
and with LVG, you will need match rhythm to be in his team when you recover from an
injury.
At a point when we had one defeat in 19games, of which we had 4 draws, which was a
very positive feature to have in our rebuilding process, I still felt performances haven't
been what we expected, because to me, I'd love to see players played in their natural
positions. I felt performances wont be great at mufc until we have a stable system, and a
stable starting lineup.
I still had faith in the gaffer because I felt gradually he is beginning to know those who
can actually help his tactics positively, especially the subs.

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If truth must be told, in a 3-5-2, there's no place for someone like Luke Shaw and that
gave me the courage that LVG would change his system in the course of time. I believed,
he will find the result for these experiments he's been performing to carry out his plans.
Like Jesus Christ will say, "Verily Verily"! - A man, LVG, who's perhaps beginning to
understand the strengths of some of his players which will foster better usage. A man,
flexible enough to do things even if it means/meant going against some of his beliefs, just
to get something positive out of a game.
This is because I don't think it was a coincidence that LVG was making just one
substitution, a game, and it was making a positive impact as against when 2 or more
substitutions from him, we saw mufc capitulate.
Irrespective of how much was spent last summer, at times this season, it wasnt lost on
me that he met a team at its lowest ebb in 3 decades. Physically, mentally, socially,
positionally, etc. Not just the team was at its lowest ebb, but its fans, too.
Talking about last summer's expenses. I think a little tweaking of our transfer policy (ies)
affected the final amount spent. While Shaw remains a typical mufc business, Di Maria
epitomizes the little tweak and I have a feeling he might not be the last marquee signing.
We signed two players last summer via their BOCs - Their clubs said they weren't for
sale, we had to use 'force'. Given chances and time, both will justify their fees.
At a point, Rooney was our third choice CDM, but lest I forget, our game vs PNE was the
first in months we saw #mufc play with DiMa7 behind Rooney and I must say they struck
an 'understanding'.
December brought about rumours of LVG going for his darling boy Kevin Strootman
from Rome and a center back, specifically Mats Hummels. Darling Fletcher left to West
Bromwich Albion on a permanent deal and we signed Victor Valdez who has returned
from a long term injury and has been training with the squad for weeks, on a free deal.
The second half of the season saw us improving. LVG stayed at his usual 4-3-3, David
De Gea continued with his world class saves and sweeping, Young good form kept
struggling DiMa7 sidelined, Fellaini bossing the midfield game after game and Mata and
Herrera was just a fun to watch.
Finally, the season ended with the Manchester United Player of the Year Awards night
which LVG stole the show with a rib cracking speech. At least, we didnt win anything
but we had something to laugh about.
Now, it job done for United. Nothing more, nothing less. Nothing to get excited about,
but plenty of positives moving forward. Our season ended with Valencia crossing to
ghosts, Di Maria getting injured again and a boring 0-0 in our final game at Hull but we
finished 4th in the Premier League for the 2014/15 season. It would have been better if
we won our last game but Liverpool losing 6-1 to Stoke made my day.

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We have finished the season in 4th place, winning 20 games, drawing 10 losing 8 with 70
points, thus, 17points behind winners Chelsea. I dont think it a long way to go to close
that gap.
The minimum aim was getting back into the top 4 and that's done. Next season we have
to push for the title which I really can't wait. I think LVG has got us heading the right
way with a few more signings we are close to challenging for the title. I have faith in
LVG & the lads.

NEGATIVES
1.
Unstable team due to frequent injuries I reckon that Ashley Young played in
seven different positions during the season... CB (getting to the end vs WBA), LB, LWB,
RWB, CM, LW, RW
2.
Bad away form which I think if we had a better away record we would have taken
the title race to the last day but that's our fault need to improve next season.
3.
Too predictive in our play - possessing without the creativity to penetrate. We
topped the table for most possession, most passing, but sadly were way adrift when it
came to shots on target. Not even in the top 5. Scoring 62 league goals this season and
conceding 37, lowest since 2004-05 when we scored only 58 goals in the league and
finished third.

POSITIVES
Rival fans and even some of our fans be like... How can United fans be happy about
4th? #mufc fans are celebrating 4th.
From 7th to 4th is worth celebrating. But to stay in 4th for years and keep celebrating is
sick. 7th last year, new manager, new 'philosophy', hampered with injuries and still need
players. It's not like #mufc have finished 4th for the past 10 yrs... Its a rebuilding
process, this summer should be the final piece to the puzzle. 7th to 4th is progress... What
is 4th to 4th in 4 seasons, at least? If you just close your eyes and listen you can almost
hear the Champions League anthem already playing at Old Trafford.
Apart from qualifying for the UCL, those few games where #mufc beat Spurs, had a
double on Liverpool which was a perfect revenge for last season and beating City this
season was just awesome and our home record being good. LVG has turned OT back to
a fortress but need to improve on our away form next season though.

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Again, just this alone, is a Progress.

GOALS FROM MIDFIELDERS (Last
Season, 2013-2014)
Mata
- 6 goals
Carrick
- 1 goal
Cleverley
- 1 goal

TOTAL

= 8 goals

GOALS FROM MIDFIELDERS (This

Season, 2014-2015)
Mata
- 10 goals
Carrick
- 1 goal
Di Maria
- 4 goals
Blind
- 2 goals
Herrera
- 7 goals
Fellaini
- 7 goals
TOTAL
= 32 goals

Smalling having good games match after match and I started believing Anderson might
still play a role at Manchester United, because I could never recall Smalling having 3
lovely games, consecutively, since he joined from Fulham. After the City game which
LVG tagged him as stupid for a red card, there was a revival for Chris. I thought he
must have spent some time in the tribune after his madness vs Manchester City.
We had an injury debacle at Manchester United but players were improving without us
realizing it. Arsene Wenger wants smalling? Lol... It'd be more difficult now, sir. You
can't get Smalling, not when he's looking like the new Luka Modric.
I imagined Anderson finding his fitness, plays the next 3games and 'has been brilliant' is
found in articles about him. When you saw Young, Valencia, Smalling and Fellaini then,
you'd oblige me this chance to think like that. Anderson was after all a very talented
player, one who has got eyes for a forward pass. Sadly, he decided KFC won't allow him
stay fit!
Since he was training at Man United, I never ruled it out, until Anderson was finally
gone. What if LVG had a special regimen 4 him? A certain Anderson started some
games under Moyes, and some of you will agree he was better than Cleverley, even with
his lack of fitness!
For Fellaini, Bravo to LVG for doing a good job on him, especially his elbows. Fellaini's
leg commits its first foul of the season against Hull City, our last game and it was a RED
card.
Fellaini, the 27m tree... The Afroman, Some of you called him. Suddenly, the tree was
balling. We were all happy he was looking like an untouchable tree. But he still owes us a
5m performance vs Everton. Fellaini had some good games last season though. Against
Bayern, Sociedad, WestHam and few others, I think.
Bastian Schweinsteiger was turned to a wonderful central midfielder, from a winger.
Now, Young tells us he enjoyed playing at LB. ASHLEY YOUNG, I know, as long as he

PAGE 5

is still referred to as 'A Manchester United player', he'll be happy as a backup to David
De Gea.
At that point, when LVG moved to his usual 4-3-3. A midfield 3 of Fellaini, Carrick and
Herrera. A midfield doesnt get any more balanced than that. A controller, a Box2Box
and a playmaker. The truth is, in the English Premier League, you'll need a physical and
aerial presence always or you'll be bullied. In the UCL, well, not so much.
Fellaini's physical and aerial presence remain a needed tool in that midfield! We must be
happy he's balling. When you take out Fellaini, who's thankfully playing well, our
midfield becomes thin, needing steel and aerial presence. Fellaini had been skillful,
brilliant passer and adds guile.
But should we get a Strootman/Morgan (CDM & box2box), then, you'll be talking about
a dynamic Fellaini. For now, Fellaini will continue to start.
It was absolutely superb how fluid some of United's attacks have become. Herrera, Blind,
Fellaini and Young all playing so intelligently.
It was great to see how good De Gea actually was at sweeper keeping. I think working
with Franks Hoek has taught him a lot this past months.
Daley Blind also becoming a signing I couldnt see mufc regretting any time soon and
perhaps we should thank Gary Neville for that. One may ask how Gary is involved.
When he said he can't pass forward (takes easy options)... Since then, Blind started
proving why he won Eredivise player of the year.
Herrera being on the bench for weeks until one day he earned this starting berth. Since
then, he become undroppable. His passing, timely tackles, interceptions, runs and
partnership with fellow Spaniard Juan was just a dream to watch.
Mufc attacked fluidly and with confidence. It took some time, but Van Gaal's ideas was
finally taking effect. When United attack down the flanks, it's not just the wingers on
their own, but team-play with Blind, Young, Valencia and Mata all combining
It was difficult to believe in a 'balance of power', that football changes so quickly, even
one year can make a world of difference.
We are rebuilding... Finally, we've seen a quicker transition from defensive to offensive
phase, which aids the attack.
We are rebuilding... These are positive signs, though attack(ing) wise but most of the
architects are now knowing each others strengths and weaknesses.
At the moment, the team isnt built to contain, which was the case last season. Last
season, we were shaped to contain. We are being shaped to take risks, massive risks, but
the misfortune is, the defense lacks the needed quality to help this move.

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The biggest issue now is the lack of quality & leadership needed to undertake such a
risky play and a stable center pair. Having a different CB partnership week in week out,
that doesn't help defensive stability.
What does it mean? You won't see LVG park the bus against any team, despite having a
shite defense that keeps changing every week. In perspective, Chelsea has had CahillTerry since the league started this season, like much of last season.
Last season, we hardly had a stable defense, too. If you ask most goalkeepers, they'll tell
you how imperative having a stable back 4 is.
Of the 150m or so spent by Manchester United last summer, at least 100m was spent
on 3players who have helped improve us offensively. The 3players are Blind, Di Maria
and Herrera. The improvement on our offensive play is as a result of their quality.
Physically, those 3 will have to do better but they are also new which means that they
will need time to do that, especially Daley Blind.

PAGE 7

EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS SUMMER AHEAD OF NEXT SEASON

PHILOSOPHY S1: Restore confidence and establish possession style.

PHILOSOPHY S2: Buy Vaseline for easy penetration.
Time to get players who can help lock up and man the back door and allow the creative
ones freedom to penetrate teams from front and back.
Last summer, we improved our offensive talents and we are seeing positive signs. Next
up? Improving the defensive talents!
Love the fact that Van Gaal has already decided what players he wants to sign and who
he wants to leave. LVG moving straight off on holidays, says all decisions have been
made about players, in and out. We are looking forward to a brutal window as he
confirms it will be a "heavy" summer for #mufc.
"I go on holiday but I have contact every day with Woodward. He's doing the
negotiations. It is waiting for clubs to agree or not. It is hard work, but more for CEO
than me. I go on holiday but I will always be in contact."
"We have to decide who stays, who goes and who comes in. That is why I'm the
manager. You have to decide which players are to go and which have to come. That is a
process. "It is not so easy."
"I shall give everything in me to build a new champions team. I've talked with every
player. I know which players have to go and have to come. Now is not the right time to
say." said LVG.
You get the feeling United are going to get all their business done in the first month of
this summer if possible. Swift movement.
And letting Falcao go back to Monaco is the perfect way to start that. Right decision.
Hope he'll thrive elsewhere (but not in the PL...)
That's 250,000 a week off the wage bill. Add that on top of Adidas money + countless
other sponsorship deals...quids (and players) in. I don't expect us to announce any other
signings or agreements until June, except the deal is threatened depayically.
Honestly, I can't remember being more excited about a signing than that of Falcao in the
last window. It never sulked, tried always but it was just not happening. He was like a
dream signing. Shame it didn't work out. I'm genuinely gutted it never worked out. In my
opinion he is still world class. Best of luck to him at his next club.
Moreover, I share some of u, your sentiments, that some players in the youth team should
be given a chance. Yeah! They should see more games next season but we must have the
right quality around them.
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I think our U21 will need the sort of quality that surrounded Sebastian Rode
(Schweisteiger, Javi, Alonso etc.) at Bayern. I'd prefer seeing Godin/Hummels - McNair
partnership to Smalling - McNair... Or Godin/Hummels Thorpe partnership to Smalling
- Thorpe.
Getting in quality players would help bring out the talent of the youngsters. U can't afford
to play many at a time. Our identity has always been finding the Rooneys, the David De
Geas, the CR7s, promoting youngsters, and allowing them learn from quality
experience!
Januzaj can finally see pressure taken off him while he shares a training ground with Di
Maria, whom he can learn a lot of things from. Gladly, in LVG, we have a man with a
proven track record of doing that. Promoting Blackett, Reece, Lingard, Wilson etc. and
signing Di Maria, Marcos Rojo, Ander Herrera, Luke Shaw & Daley Blind shows that
LVG understands #Mufc's identity 100%.
In my opinion, I would want us to sign two CBs. Evans must go and we can't rely on
Jones (by heart injuries). But I don't see #MUFC signing two central defenders. 2
defenders, CB & RB? Yes, but not two CBs because of Smalling, Jones (best young CB
in Europe), McNair, Fosu Mensah & Thorpe.
As long as they will stay away from injuries, I don't think McNair, Thorpe and FosuMensah are far away. Smalling is looking good at 25. Smalling and Jones need to stay
away from the physio-room to also ensure we don't sign a 2nd CB. Their development
could help those 3 lads.
For Ofosu-Mensah, the least said about him, the better. A CB who plays DM like thats
his original position. Coming from Ajax, you cannot rule out his versatility. But since
joining us, he's been balling at CB.
One may argue that if Ofosu-Mensah and Thorpe weren't "far away", LVG would have
played them by now. It's like saying Pereira isn't ready just because they've been fewer
games to feature him. McNair came from nowhere. There have not been far away, in
perspective, LVG debuted Xavi at 18, Kroos, at 18, Valdes at 18 & McNair at 19. So, it
could happen any time, especially when we have more games next season than we did
this season.

SIGNING A CB & RB
Defensively?
LVG has got to do something about #mufc's defensive shape and also prioritize signing a
quality CB this summer looking at some goals we conceded and the level of football we
going to play next season. Credit to him for being able to fix the defensive shape and
ensure we stay within touching distance of a UCL spot during the season. Now we are

PAGE 9

there, time to add a quality, experienced CB to aid us maximize the attacking strength
confidently.
The defense need an injection of such quality, the RB and central defense. Gladly, in
Shaw, we do have a specialist LB already signed.
With the imminent departure of Rafael, there is the need to provide Valencia competition
at RB. We need to ensure he fights for a place. Rumours says we are close to sealing a
deal for Saints Nathaniel Clyne which will be a perfect replacement for Rafael. At the
moment, I see Clyne to United as very likely. Luke Shaw has been in contact with his as
well. Clyne is eager for the move. 20m would be a bargain.
Dani Alves as a free agent, the one I have been watching this season, I would welcome at
#Mufc, not to replace Rafael but to bring in his experience which we will need going
forward in competitions.
Like LVG's brilliance failed to make our transitions quicker until he injected DM7 and
Herrera, so will the defense need such an injection. The improvement seen, offensively,
is as a result of the quality injected. Obviously, we surely were never going to fix all in
one transfer window.
We have always needed at least two windows to fix the team. LVG has done brilliantly
well to get those to fix us offensively in a window. Next job for him [LvG]? The next
window, get those to fix Manchester United defensively even though Carricks
replacement is needed badly.
LVG's philosophy is massively different from Moyes, but nevertheless depends on talents
to be great. Defensively, mufc lacks those talents. Jones, Evans, Smalling, Rafael etc. all
were always injured last season (2013-14). We hardly had a stable back 4. This season,
they've also continued.
With the sudden U-turn made by #mufc priority centre back target, Mats Hummels to
stay at #BVB as confirmed by Michael Zorc (#BVB Director), #mufc have moved to the
second target on their scale of preference, Nicolas Otamendi according to reports.
Ole, an Argentine newspaper who are usually quite reliable reported on May 20th that
#mufc and Otamendi have agreed a contract and he is likely to move to the English club
after Copa America.
The long and short of it - Otamendi's agent has confirmed he's pushing to leave this
summer and Marca has also confirmed the fact that his agent is fighting to reduce the
50m clause for the player. The difficult is for Manchester United and Valencia to agree
a contract. Otamendi's buyout clause stands at 50m.
Any move for the Argentinian centre back, who has had a ridiculously good season, is
likely to happen AFTER Copa Amrica, according to Ol.

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My personal opinion; I have not seen a better defender in 2014/2015 than Otamendi. He
has been in top form. Dominates every aspect of the game.
Perhaps not the "ball playing centre back" many wants, but he's certainly not unknown to
carrying the ball out of the defence. Very Confident, good on the attack too which is a
bonus. Otamendi would be an incredible signing. He is by far the best CB in La Liga this
season.
Super Deporte, Valencia based paper, claims that Otamendi will stay at the club next
season, refusing approaches from Manchester United but I trust Marca and Ole's reports
that Otamendi has agreed on a move. His buy-Out-clause will decide. Otamendi has his
mates Rojo & Di Maria at mufc and he'll finally get his move to a big club. I have a
feeling this could be finalised after the Copa America. Fingers crossed!

ON CHICHARITO (The Recall of the prodigal son)

That funny moment when some #mufc fans think Harry Kane must prove himself one
more season before we make a move for him when the Kane to #mufc rumour cropped up
some days back. Same people want Lacazette.
We all want a tried and tested striker but in my opinion we have one in Javier Hernandez
Chicharito. Marca reporting that, Javier Hernandez will not be bought by Real Madrid
and that he will return to #mufc is a good news IMO!
I remain resolute in my belief that if given games, he will be happy and score goals. At
times, its not about 20 goals a season. RVP once score 40 (trophyless) goals for Arsenal
in a season. Chelseas top scorer in the PL is at 20 goals. Manchester City has someone
on 25. CR7 scored 50+ goals. Robben is on 17goals if Im not missing my stats.
There is this trust in Chichas ability to score goals if given games. Yes! Not a great
footballer. Vidic wasnt. Chicharito is a lovely finisher just as Vidic was a great defender.
Chicharito is an asset worth giving games to be honest.
He might not be a great footballer, may never see himself as a starter at any big club
because of that, but his ability to score, and is something Id always appreciate him for.
It's also something Id gladly have on #MUFC's bench next season!
Watching him harass Atletico's back line some weeks back, I told myself, that was a
typical Chicharito night. He does his best to keep CBs busy! He is a pure fox in the box.
On a very good day, he could have had more than the goal he scored on that night.
Always found his way behind the CBs.
I dont know about anybody else, but for me, if LVG can find a way to keep him as
happy as SAF did despite the fact he was mostly a sub, I'd be glad. As long as Chicharito

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is playing, even if as a sub, and scoring, he'd be happy. That was SAF's trick, I guess. He
will get you goals!
The way we play at the moment, we might need a fox in the box who has proven himself
to always come off the bench, and perhaps start CUP games, too.
Chicharito is like some of us prefer Otamendi to Hummels. Hummels is gracious with the
ball on his foot, Otamendi isnt but then, Vidic was not gracious in possession like
Hummels but he was monstrous. Otamendi isn't gracious but monstrous, like Vidic.
I am of the opinion also that, however, if Chicharito, must be sold, then, we shouldn't lose
Angelo. That's his replacement, but I pray we keep him. SAF understood, Chicha
wouldn't be 1st choice at a club like MUFC, but he also understood that if he's happy,
he'd be of immense benefit.
Angelo seems to stay far away from injuries while Wilson fights injuries. Angelo seems
to be netting goals anyhow while Wilson nurses injuries. However, both are talented
scorers. We keep looking for a South American talent, yet, we tend to forget where
Angelo comes from. Seems we are waiting for Juventus to show us how to give chances
to someone like him,
We need Chicharito. Well, I do accept that many wont forgive him for those things he
said. Thats why I call him #TheProdigalSon. With DiMa7 expected to hit form soon,
Mata playing well now, as always and Herrera in a spiritual form, please,
#BRINGBACKOURCHICHARITO!

ON YOUNG AND SHAW ABSENCE FROM INTERNATIONAL DUTIES

I am really happy the FA understood the concerns of #mufc medical team on the players
unavailability. Manchester United is very important and I prefer they have a deserved
rest.

ON THE NEW PSV BOY

I think the arrival of Depay spell DOOM for Nani rather than Januzaj. I feel that soon,
these youngsters could take over MUFC. Nani's ability to shoot from outside the box is
something Depay seems better gifted at. So, perhaps a direct replacement for Nani, he is.
PSV apparently want Januzaj on loan which would be a perfect deal, I think.
If that happens, please #KeepMyNani at least for a season.

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SIGNING OF STRIKER
With Falcaos exit and rumours circulating concerning RVPs future at #mufc, I think we
will need that out-and-out striker in the shape of Wayne in his youth. I think this is where
the move for Harry Kane comes in.

SIGNING OF A GK
With speculations making waves that De Gea could move to Madrid since he has decided
not to sign a new contract, IMO, Valdez should be given the no.1 position.
Many may argue that we should go in for a new GK and that Valdes is rusty to be our
no.1. You all should give Valdes a break. He needs to understand how the league is and
then, readjust his system to suit it. David De Gea went through it! How some of you
expect someone like Valdes, out for a long time from top level football, to just start
BOSSING is quite incredible!
He's been out of the game for so long. Of course, he'd be rusty. All he needs is time, and
he did show he STILL has very sharp REFLEXES. We should only go for another
goalkeeper if Lindergaard wants out.

SIGNING OF A CDM (Carricks replacement)

We really struggled without Carrick. He is our coach on the pitch. IMO, No6 is a very
key player. With Carrick fighting injuries weeks in, weeks out, considering his age, it will
be very reasonable to find a young player who can fit in his role. With this, i look forward
to LVG signing a CDM since #mufc cannot rely on Carrick solely.
I still believe Strootman/Schneiderlin is the real Carrick replacement. Michael Carrick is
not as creative as Herrera, but he's a more intelligent reader of the game, defensively.
Herrera wins more tackles per game than Carrick, but Carrick's reading of the game is an
excellent tool that can complement Herrera.
So, when you partner Carrick-Herrera, since Ander is more creative, he'll depend on
Carrick reading of the game, while Carrick depends on his creativity. So, Ander plays
like a box2box, but not as Intelligent as Carrick who is a more intelligent player
defensively.
Herrera is more aggressive, hence wins more tackles and commits more foul than
Carrick. Carrick is calm, depends on smart anticipation...
So, why does #mufc suffer when Carrick-Cleverley are paired in midfield? We suffer
whenever we pair Carrick-Cleverley because neither takes the creative burden off the
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shoulders of the other. Cleverley lacks the creativity, Carrick lacks the creativity.
Cleverley isnt as intelligent as Carrick so defense and attack suffer.
Herrera-Carrick is akin to Scholes-Carrick. You can finally see why we would always
suffer with a midfield 2 of Carrick-Cleverley!!
In signing Daley Blind, LVG has actually added a creative Michael Carrick!!! They are
similar, but Blind is creative and versatile!
If Kevin Strootman proves his fitness and LVG signs him or even Morgan, he would
have completed the 3 most imperative midfielders needed for LVG's 4-3-3 with a very
versatile set of players.
1. Strootman/Schneiderlin/Herrera, -box2box midfielder (midfield general).
2. Strootman/Schneiderlin/Daley Blind/Michael Carrick - CDM (controller(s))
3. Herrera/Mata/Rooney/DiMa7 - playmaker(s)
Of those midfielders, Sneiderlin/Strootman-Herrera are more aggressive, win more
tackles, but Blind-Carrick r better readers of the game. #Intelligence
Does it mean Strootman, Herrera, for example, are bad readers of the game? Trust me,
they aren't. Blind and Carrick are just better!
The only problem Fellaini has is that he lacks pace... He's another option, in midfield
offensively. Useful tool off the bench!
A midfield 3 of Strootman, Blind and Herrera will have; Physical presence, security and
creativity, 3 elements we've lacked for a while.
Madrid will parade Kroos, Modric and Isco...We'll lineup Strootman/Schneiderlin, Blind
and Herrera. Ed Woodward has plans, we watch the space. His plans are cloudy at the
moment, would be lucid by September.
We are just in progress at the moment. If LVG adds /Morgan/Stroot/ this summer, that's
him adding a CDM and a box2box midfielder... Player who plays 2 positions effectively.
Playing as a CDM will be replacing Carrick whilst the box2box role will be bonus.
As Id welcome free agent De Jong, too. I actually don't consider getting De Jong on a
free as a short term fix and it doesn't stop us from signing the long term DM. Bayern has
Thiago, Bastian, Javi, Rode(who's quite a talent) etc. in midfield. De Jong will adds depth
and will give us options without a drop in quality, whenever needed.
Rumours of Ilkay Gundogan moving to #mufc makes it even better. I'm patiently waiting
to see this no 6 LVG will sign... I know he loves thinkers in his midfield, so, Im waiting.
A midfield 3 of Strootman/Schneiderlin, Gundogan and Herrera in 2yrs time. By then,
Strootman would have been done with his injury and still 26. #Dreaming

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We are gradually building a midfield that can get the best out of Chicharito's criminal
runs!

WORKING ON BLIND AND DI MARIAS FITNESS AND CONFIDENCE:

For Blind & Di Maria, the most important thing is that they are very talented and
intelligent. That's the most important element. But to fully utilize their intelligence, like
DDG, they must add a bit of muscles. Remember when Rafael was easy meat? He then
added.
They don't need too much muscles, just to add a little to be stronger. You may argue that,
'but players like Silva, Navas and Mata play in the league now. The adaptation for them
starts with trying to come to terms with the physical nature of the league and the pace,
then gym things!
For their confidence, LVG is an experience Gaffer. If he was able to work on Fellaini's
confidence and elbows, why not them?

IN CONCLUSION
As a MANCHESTER UNITED fan, it's your duty to see the direction we are heading to,
a short term pain for a long term gain. Look at the direction.
And for rival fans, your duty is to enjoy the short term laughter for a long term hating
because you all will hate Manchester United again!
My happiness is that, there are signs we are slowly getting back that mojo for big
games, too. I have this feeling by the time LVG's done, you'll need to be really talented
and consistent to be on #MUFC's bench. Wonder what Philosophy has for us in its
Season 2.

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AKNOWLEDGEMENT
Elko Born Dutch football writer for the Blizzard, FourFourTwo, The Daily Telegraph,
Mirror Football, ESPN and more. (elkoborn.com, @Elko_B on twitter)
War Eagle Nigeria (Emergefocus.com)
Osei Akoto Kanu Head of Sports Department, OTEC FM 102.5 Kumasi, Ghana.
George Owusu Koranteng (A.I.G) Golden Bean Hotels
Eshun Richard (Cruyff) - KNUST

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