It’s been an amazing tour and, in three weeks, LvG has restored the faith of the Manchester United fans, who can’t wait for the season to kick off. Fear has been replaced by excitement.
But what did we learn from the impressive Real Madrid game?
Young is staying – love him or hate him, he seems to be finding a place in Louis’s heart as a utility man who does what he’s told. His athleticism has done him no harm and he may start the season ahead of Luke Shaw at wing back, until the latter improves his fitness. Young can play either side, as a wing back, or up top. So he’s likely to get a stay of execution.
Welbeck, Rooney wasted out wide – Each has spent time out wide to accommodate less adaptable strikers at Manchester United. Welbeck looked keen on a move last season because of Moyes’s penchant for putting him out wide. But they are both centre forwards who need to play in the centre. Welbeck has really come on again over the last 6 months and will be a big player for Manchester United next season. Roo has been in fabulous form under the new man.
Fletcher an able anchor man – Fletcher proved it again against Real. He isn’t the most dynamic player in the world, but when he has mobile players around him he looks fantastic. He’s got a great touch and superb reading of the game.
Fergie left a great legacy – There was so much talk last season of Fergie having left a squad which was knackered. LvG has proven that idea to be a complete nonsense. Manchester United is still a squad of thoroughbreds who simply need strong direction. They didn’t get it last season.
Manchester United can win the league – Say it quietly but Manchester United are ready to prove the doubters wrong. The have the bit between their teeth and the squad to mount a compelling challenge for the title again. We think that the winners of the league next season will do so with a very high points tally. The other contenders all have European commitments which could give United the upper hand.
Manchester United fans: excited about the new season?