Date: 1st September 2011 at 12:12am
Written by:
Anderson

Ando - if he keeps this up he may just become the player we hoped for

Finally and irrevocably Wesley Sneijder is not coming to Manchester United.

The most drawn out, tweeted, transfer drama in the history of the universe has drawn to a close and we can now focus our attention on the important business of who’s going to win the X factor.

Or even better than that we can turn to the players United have at our disposal and realise that not signing Senijder or re-signing Hargreaves isn’t the end of the world. It actually may come as something of a shock to many Reds but United’s current midfield may just be good enough without any additions.

The problem for many United fans is the perceived lack of a ‘world class’ midfielder, a Sneijder ot a Modric or even a Lassana Diarra. While any of those players would be a useful signing for practically any club in the world, the fact United haven’t bought them shouldn’t mean we cannot compete for all the top honours -including the Champions League.

Tom Cleverley has made a great start to the season, ditto Anderson, then there’s still Darren Fletcher to return from injury. Michael Carrick was many people’s unsung hero last season, while in case you haven’t noticed Wayne Rooney plays so deep at times he’s practically a midfielder- oh and did I mention a certain South Korean who happens to be one of the most underated players in world football? If only we also had an experienced man who could slot into the middle when called upon- a player who’d won a few trophies and been at the club for a while.

Phil Jones has settled into the United side like a scouser settles into prison and if he keeps it up, I’m confident there could be a place as a defensive midfielder in the side once Rio and Vidic return to the fray.

Then there’s also a certain young Frenchman who’s one of the most talked about youngsters in world football, a player so good, that despite being only 18 is already being touted as a potential first team player by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Part of the problem for many fans is the lack of a true ‘world class’ top tier, one in a million Roy Keane-esque midfield superstar, yet scratch beneath the surface and that assesment may not be wholly justified. United have in Rooney a player who can occupy practically the same position in a team that Sneijder does and does it just as well if not better.

Park is the sort of battler, with the ability and big game temperament that makes him essential for any top of the table or Champions League clash. Park may not have the vision of a Xavi or the skill of a Messi but he does have the tenacity of a Mascherano and the energy of an Iniesta, he also doesn’t go missing in the big games a criticism Fabregas has yet to truly dispel.

Yaya Toure’s been one of the top midfielders in world football for a few years now, and is revelling in the role afforded him at Eastlands, yet is it totally inconcievable that on his day Anderson can not be just as good if not better? Anderson hasn’t had a consistent run in the side, yet if he’s given one, I’m confident that he’d outshine any central midfielder in the Premier League.

Barcelona can rely on the likes of Xavi and Iniesta to pull the strings, while last season Ryan Giggs proved he’s still capable of orchestrating United’s play. I’m not for one minute claiming Giggs is the equal of his Catalan counterparts, I’m merely pointing out the fact that when he’s on song, just as the Barcelona dou can, Giggs can pull the strings, certainly against some of the so-called lesser teams.

Should Darren Fletcher ever regain the form he showed he’s capable of, then he’s just as able as Pepe is at stopping an attacking midfielder from dominating a game, while Michael Carrick’s supporters will claim his passing can be the equal of Xabi Alonso.

The point I’m gradually making in case I’ve not been obvious enough, is that United’s midfield IS world class. Cleverley Jones and Pogba may not have reached that level yet, but in 1995-96 I remember watcing a team of ‘kids’ grow in ability at such a rate that by the end of the season they’d helped deliver a double. Given time, there’s little doubt in my mind the aformentioned trio will reach the very pinnacle of football.

For this season, the youth, experience, talent and energy United have in the centre of the park makes me think that the percieved failure to sign a world class midfielder, may actually be a blessing in disguise.

Have I gone in off the deep end again or is there a small drop of sanity in my dribble? Feel free to comment, suggest and abuse below:

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61 responses to “Even WIthout Sneijder United’s Midfield Is Still World Class”

  1. karan says:

    well i for 1 am happy that this saga ended and im even more happier that we didnt cough up 35 mil for that 27 yr old……id rather take my chances with the likes of pogba, tunnicliffe, morrison, cleverly, brady, petrucci than sign sum guy after 3 yrs will become a bit part player in our team!!!!

  2. Kamal Muhammed says:

    Lord Have Marcy on these people, What made u think i’ll leave the club of my life?
    I’m A Manchester United Fan For Over fifteen years, I’ve shade tears, smile, laugh, dream for My great team, And
    The united fans i used to know never insult their fellow devilian for saying he what felt for himself about his team, they’ll encourage him and show him the true fergie way.
    But all this insults. Isn’t what we call united,,,,,, Is a thuggish act.
    Please fellas stop criticizing ur fellow Trafford Man.

    • Bob deacon says:

      If after 15 years you don’t know the ‘fergie way’ then you haven been paying much attention.. When you say something as ridiculous as your original post your asking for abuse. Especially when posting on a site for real supporters.. Sure it’s ok to say that you feel the united side would have been enhanced by sneijder, (not my opinion, I feel he would have restricted progression of our younger players) but the idea that not signing a player has made you loose love for the club just shows you for what you really are. An ass clown.. Sure one can be annoyed or disapointed with the team or a performance or most likely carrick, but never does the love for the team disappear.. So does us a favour will you? Do a bit of research into the history of the club.. The teams that have worn the jersey over the years and hopefully you will realise this.. The club has time and time again proven itself to be bigger than any player.. And sure it wouldnt be hard to be bigger than sneijder, sure he’s tiny..

  3. kevin says:

    lol like a scouser settles into a prison!

  4. lamar says:

    it all sounds and looks great… on paper. our midfield has a big whole and barcelona walked through it… TWICE.

  5. josemartins says:

    all those crying about misin out on sneijder n saying we need him to beat barca r not real man utd fans.to beat barca is a team effort n. not an individual job.for instance bayern Munich had bastian s. n van bommel who r both world class players but stil conceded 4 tyms.real Madrid hav ozil n Alonso both in the so called world class mould u say sneijder is in but wat do they do wen they face barca?they r totally outplayed.therefore to mention that without him we cnt beat barca is bullshit.real bayern even arsenal(read fabregas
    ) had tht xo called world class midfielder in their team bt still. couldnt beat barca.thus we jus hav 2 believe in sir Alex coz he’s been there seen it and done it.those saying cleverley Anderson n even pogba aren’t gud enough r not real fans.the evidence is the man shitty and arsenal games.stop moaning and just give the team your whole backing and be ready to celebrated more silverware at the end of the season. in conclusion those who have supported man utd long enough knw our creativity is mainly around the wings.long live ggmu

  6. Nader says:

    We don’t need sneider. What we need is a more enthusiastic and more self confident Carrick, a more consistent anderson, and a younger park for future. And a more experience cleverly. In short, our middfield is in good shape.

  7. umar says:

    clever can do d job if we want experience in midfield we can play him with giggs imnot sayin sneidjder wil not add any thing but we can have his quality by the conbination of giggsy Rooney, young, and fletcher

  8. Sevi says:

    I would rather have our exciting young players than a team full of mercenaries like city or chelsea any day.

    The future is red.