After a few torrid weeks for Manchester United, it would appear they are back to winning ways for the Old Trafford side after an impressive 2-0 victory over Swansea on the weekend. The result was a welcome one; after a recent poor run of form that included a loss to Sunderland and a shocking third round exit to Swansea.
The first half was quiet but the Red Devils sprung to life in the second half through a goal by right winger Antonio Valencia. Shortly after, red hot striker Danny Welbeck scored his 8th league goal of the season, having only scored 1 in the entirety of last season. His recent run of form couldn’t have come at a better time for the Red Devils, with star strikers Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney out injured. The result was doubly important for them after losing to the same opponents in the FA Cup on the previous weekend.
It wasn’t the first time this season that the champions showed their need for at least one central midfield player as they were kept out of large chunks of the game by Swansea’s midfielders. Although Swansea are a side known for keeping lots of possession; you do have to wonder how United would do against a side like Arsenal who would be clinical with their finishes to complement a similar amount of control in the centre of the park.
The rumours, as always, are circulating when it comes to the transfer market. Manager David Moyes is rumoured to have been seen at PSG games watching central midfielder Blaise Matuidi. He was also spotted in Turin watching Juventus stars Paul Pogba, Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal. Other rumoured targets include Southampton’s Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana, Borrusia Dortmund’s Ilkay Gundogan and Marco Reus as well as Real Madrid left back Fabio Coentreao. With all these potential (if highly unlikely) incoming stars, there are many players rumoured to be on their ways out of Old Trafford. Anderson is meant to be in advanced negotiations with Fiorentina, Nani is edging nearer to a return to former side Sporting Lisbon having failed to fill Ronaldo’s boots, whilst Fabio is rumoured to be off on loan to Cardiff to play under Utd legend Ole Gunnar Solksjaer.
A few decent players coming in, coupled with a return of key men Rooney, van Persie and Jones could see Manchester United fly back up the table and return to their old unstoppable ways. Manager David Moyes clearly has a massive financial backing; although it remains unclear whether he will spend it this winter or wait until next summer and see World Cup performances.
The likes of Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal watch out: the red half of Manchester is coming to get you.
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