Do Manchester United lack leadership in midfield?
Manchester United certainly has some incredible talent in midfield, with the likes of Nani really standing out this season. In the recent seasons, however, they have had to rely largely on the experience of Paul Scholes to dictate play and create chances in central midfield.
The likes of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, who are regarded as United’s ‘old guard’ can give experience to a game, but are increasingly on the periphery of United’s first team. The responsibility now is placed on midfielders such as Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Anderson to pull the strings. But do United lack the classic ‘total midfielder’ such as Xavi, Frank Lampard or Andrea Pirlo, who can really hold a team together, tactically decide upon playing speed, level of attack and create those all important chances?
The central midfield role and the leadership that accompanies it are crucial to any team. Although United have top class midfield players, they do perhaps lack a Xavi figure who can be relied upon to pass accurately and retain the ball. We are seeing this season the particular importance of central midfielders to smaller clubs such as Blackpool. The role of Charlie Adam, who was looked at by United in January, has been central to their success this season. Adam is crucial in spraying accurate left-footed passes to the wings, a skill which would certainly benefit the likes of Nani. Without Adam, Blackpool have looked out of sorts and have not won a single game without the Scot.
Sir Alex has been searching for a midfield general since the departure of Keane in 2005. So far, he found such a role with the partnership of Fletcher and Scholes. Owen Hargreaves’ injuries have prevented him from becoming the lynchpin United have needed following his move Bayern Munich in 2007, meaning that Fletcher’s development has been a godsend. Yet, with Paul Scholes’ retirement on the horizon, Sir Alex may well be in search of a new partner for Fletcher.
United have been linked to several midfield players, not least to £10 million rated Charlie Adam who has, as previously mentioned, been so vital to Blackpool. But United may be looking to splash some serious cash and with that the arrival of a player who may help Wayne Rooney recover some form by giving the striker a great number of scoring opportunities.
The lack of any big money rumours as yet perhaps indicates that Sir Alex feels there is no need for such a role at United. Despite the blip in form against Liverpool, United’s style of play has placed them at the top of the Premier League.
Although the armband is passed around the defensive line, with the likes of Ferdinand, Vidic and Evra all seeing the captaincy this season, Sir Alex certainly looks towards the likes of Fletcher and Carrick to provide the holding role in midfield.
Fletcher is no stranger to leadership as he is currently the Scotland captain, and Sir Alex perhaps feels that the tireless work rate of Fletcher, Carrick and Scholes means that United can play without the traditional midfield ‘enforcer’ that has typified his teams down the years.
