On Monday it’s unlikely they’ll be smiling

On Monday it’s unlikely they’ll be smiling

On Monday it’s unlikely they’ll be smiling

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By Dominic Vieira

The Premier League has started magnificently, but Manchester United’s campaign only ignites tomorrow when they take on Everton. It’s a thrilling time to be a ‘Red Devil’ as there is immense excitement to watch Robin Van Persie in action, their super summer signing, who has probably joined Alex Ferguson’s greatest striking force of all time. He now posseses an envious supply of goal scoring quality, but is also confronted by the dilemma of choice.

Although it remains a mystery, it’s expected that last season’s leading scorer will be the principal option to play alongside the irreplaceable Wayne Rooney, creating a lethal partnership. It already appears that the pair are bonding well following Thursday’s training photos and Ferguson has hinted that they’re his leading men, he can’t his delight:

“They are two fantastic players and it will be great to have both of them.”

This could be the perfect striking partnership the league has ever seen, a combination of experience, sophisticated skill and a high abundance of goals. But what does this mean for Danny Wellbeck and Chicharito, who both have the capacity to play for the team on a weekly basis? And what about Dimitar Berbatov who still wears the number 9?

Each option can be analysed individually. Firstly, it seems to indicate that academy product Danny Wellbeck will be Ferguson’s third choice. Following his fruitful loan spell at Sunderland, he returned to United as a stronger, polished player and last season he created a functioning understanding with Wayne Rooney, at both club and country level. Plus, he’s on the verge of signing a new 5 year contract quoted at £75,000 a week, signifying that he’s a long term feature and will continue to develop to attain his potential.

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Unfortunately, this could become another frustrating year for Chicharito, who performed outstandingly in his debut season, playing an important role in United’s victory of their record 19th title. However, it was a struggle to emulate that form last year which is probably why he spent more time than expected on the bench. Interestingly though, he’ll be starting his first season at the club without having had any international tournaments to attend. In other words, he will be fresh and must bounce back, but it won’t be easy.

Lastly, Dimitar Berbatov’s days are numbered, it’s been a summer surrounded by speculation and his appearances gradually became rarer and time restricted, thus leaving a talented artist incredibly unhappy. It’s a surprise to still see him there. But he’s yet to be sold and if Van Persie was awarded his number 9 shirt number, then it would be clear that he was no longer part of the squad. His future remains unresolved and could continue this path until the window closes. He’s a lost man.

The competition to start up front is clearly sky high and the versatile attacking Shinji Kagawa needs to be playing also. United defender Rio Ferdinand views this dilemma of choice from a different, positive perspective, believing that Van Persie’s arrival will only increase a player’s work rate and performance, which also applies to him. He said:

“There are players who play in his position, who are now going to be thinking I need to up my game now to make sure I’m in the Manager’s thoughts and get in the team…we need to challenge people”.

Although competition for a starting place can be benefitial, it may also evoke the opposite as it’s likely to lower a player’s confidence which is an essential mental strength for them. No footballer enjoys sitting on the bench, simply ask Fernando. But Ferguson has chosen this situation, one which some will disagree with, highlighting that a full-back or central midfielder should be Manchester United’s priority.

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Moving forwards, Alex Ferguson now has a monstrous striking force at his disposal, arguably his most fierce and talented. Whether they’re greater than the 1999 or 2008 attacking members is a question which can only be answered with time. Thus, only by outperforming their achievements, which includes the Champions League, conquered by Solksjaer, Cole, Yorke and Sheringham, and Ronaldo, Tevez, Rooney and Saha.

It’s a monumental challenge which is attainable for Manchester United’s powerful frontline. Firstly, staying fit is crucial, which has historically been problematic for Van Persie. Secondly, rotate the strikers in order to maintain their sharpness and form, this must be a headache as there are 4 strong options. But the most important is to emulate and surpass the records set by their predecessors. A high abundance of goals will be demanded, but so are the titles.

Game on boys!

This piece was written by Dominic Vieira, writing from London. You can follow Dominic on Twitter at @dominicvieira. Comments below please.