The 19th Title in the Making?

A lot has been said about United’s activity (or lack thereof) in the transfer market this summer. Many “experts” have criticized Sir Alex for selling his best player & not being able to hold on to Tevez. While I would have liked Ronaldo & Tevez to remain red devils, I believe the gaffer knows what he is doing. Selling Ronaldo to Real was a good piece of business in these troubled times. It will give youngstars like Nani, Anderson & Macheda to come to the fore. We should remember the similar criticism that was dished out at Sir Alex when he failed to get Ronaldinho in 2003. Instead, he signed a young, inexperienced lad called Cristiano Ronaldo, and the rest – 3 BPL titles, 1 Champions League, 1 Club World Cup, 2 FA Cups – is history.

As for Tevez, he was overpriced for a player who would mainly come on as a substitute in major matches. Getting Owen for free is a great deal instead & I believe he will blossom once again. He has enough potential and now, with the United midfield, he will get more chances to prove himself than he got at Newcastle. Owen may have reached the stage in his career where he won't figure in every game - but he'll score a lot of goals for us. There seems to be a constant debate about the injuries he's picked up over the years but look at Paul Scholes. He's had two or three injuries and he's always come back - so we should not be worried too much. If players have the resolve to get back then they always will and there's no doubt Owen still loves the game and is hungry to play. A call from Fabio Capello for the World Cup will be an added incentive for him.

Another United player who has come under criticism is Dimitar Berbatov. He has been called “lethargic, disinterested and selfish”. I think this is wide off the mark. True, he took some time to settle down as an United player. But he has the talent & the vision to make it work. Under the guidance of Sir Alex, who has complete faith in him, he will be a force to reckon with this year

In sum, I certainly would have liked Ribery & Benzema to come to Old Trafford. But Rooney, Berbatov & co. can get the job done. In Rooney we have a player with a marvelous work ethic and an insatiable desire for victory. He, along with Ferdinand, Vidic Evra, Carrick & Berbatov, will form the heart of the team and can take United to the promised land.

Glory, glory Man United!!!