This weekend sees us take on Sheffield United, a game we must win before a gruelling schedule that will see us take on the likes of Celtic, Chelsea and Everton. These are not easy fixtures, with the results of these games defining the rest of the season. They say that the premiership is won and lost on a few games. With the premiership more competitive than it has ever been, that statement rings more true now than ever before.
Alex Ferguson faces a dilemma. With a key game on Tuesday against Celtic and a seemingly easier game against Sheffield United on Saturday, does Ferguson rest his key players in an attempt to keep them fresh for the champion’s league clash? Although in theory this seems like a good plan, it is one that has not paid off in recent encounters. Take the clash with Copenhagen and Southend as examples, we fielded under strength teams and never looked convincing. The result… 1-0 defeats.
So maybe we should play a full strength team against Sheffield? This could prove to be a risky strategy as well. Giggs, Neville and Scholes are all the wrong side of 30, the simple fact of the matter is they can no longer charge up and down the football field three time per week. Granted they are still extremely fit players, but are much more prone to injury, Gary Neville a case in hand! All it would take is for Giggs to do his hamstring and Scholes to have a recurrence of his eye problem and we would face the prospect of playing a number of games with a similar side that lost to Copenhagen a few weeks ago.
I am not saying let’s wrap our ageing stars in cotton wool, more we should use them sparingly and not push them to the extremes. The games against Chelsea and Celtic will be tough physical encounters and will really take it out of the players and the game against Sheffield should be an opportunity for the squad players to make their mark.
The fact that many fans do not have confidence in the squad players reiterates the problem that Ferguson has. We lack a depth in quality that means a few injuries could ruin our championship campaign. We need to strengthen in January, starting with a midfielder and striker at the very least. Until then we need to prey that our key players stay fit and healthy.
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6 comments:
ManUtd Agent, I enjoy your blog thoroughly and check it pretty much every morning, keep up the good work.
I'm coming to Manchester next week for the United Chelsea match and was wondering if you could recommend any pubs or local hangouts. I'm coming from America so I'm not familiar with the city at all but would like to get some suggestions. Thanks.
Hi Colter. Wow that will be an expensive game coming all the way from America.
For a truely authentic experience I would reccommend the Trafford pub. If you are stood facing the megastore, turn left and walk up sir matt busby way and it's on your left hand side on the corner. It getes extremely busy and roudy but it's always a great experience.
Thanks for your comments on the blog and hope you have a great day next week!
Well we do when it comes to goalkeepers. ;)
We need to play our best team at the beginning of every match, play hard to go a couple of goals up and rest people if and only if this happens. Too often we have started with a weakened team only to bring on people late to chase the game and it usually does not work
TKK very good. Perhaps we should start a goalkeeping academy!
Rent a keeper
The Glazers are probably working on it as we speak. No refunds if relegated!
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