By Sean Harper
Pogba or Fellaini?
Since the departure of the all-knowing, footballing deity that is Alex Ferguson from Manchester United, the club have been in turmoil.
The first person to attempt to do the impossible and fill Ferguson’s shoes was David Moyes but due to a lack of money and belief, his tenure was short lived.
Next up was Louis van Gaal, fresh from taking the Netherlands to a World Cup semi-final and boasting a huge amount of experience at several major European super clubs, including Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
However his success in Europe and his ‘philosophy’ have not really worked in the Premier League so far, which is surprising considering the amount of money he’s been given to spend.
The main criticism from the fans of Manchester United this year is that the football has been ‘boring’, ‘lateral’ and just not the ‘Manchester United Way’.
It’s clear that the supporters want excitement, flair and a more attacking brand of football, but with the current crop of players it doesn’t seem like they’re capable of getting that any time soon.
But it could have been so different.
The club have a let a lot of young, talented footballers leave and you would have to wonder if many United fans are dreaming about having them right now.
Here’s a half-dozen stars who could walk on to today’s team… Had they not been allowed leave.
1. Gerard Pique
https://twitter.com/Nikomarvel/status/607666912374476800
La Masia graduate Pique was allowed return to Barcelona when he was 21, sold for a staggeringly low €4million.
In his time at Old Trafford, he was in and out of the first team and only made 12 appearances due to the fact that United probably had the best centre back partnership in the world at that time in Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
Since joining Barcelona in 2008, he’s won 21 trophies with the club, as well as the World Cup and European Championships with Spain. He’s regarded currently as one of the world’s best defenders. United surely wouldn’t mind him at the heart of their defence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzDxpH2nIhk
2. Patrice Evra
The left back spent eight years at United when at his prime and among the best players in the world. In 2014, he joined Juventus for just €1.5m. He joined only two months into a new contract.
There have been reports it was because of the arrival of Luke Shaw and supposedly Van Gaal was not a fan of Evra and attempted to force him out of the club. However since joining The Old Lady for a bargain price he’s had one of his best ever seasons, helping Juventus reach the Champions League final and win the double in Italy.
Turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5F1P1p2Hlv8
3. Paul Pogba
When talented teenager Paul Pogba was denied consistent first team football by Ferguson, he took the decision to agree terms with Juventus.
He left United as a free agent and the rest is history.
The rest is Yaya Toure being left on his arse.
Pep Guardiola à City –> Yaya Touré s'en va (il ne peut pas le voir, Eto'o l'a dit à beIN) —> tapis sur Paul Pogba pic.twitter.com/vhmDQ4WW2U
— MESSI DIEU VIVANT (@randyassala) February 1, 2016
4. Javier Hernandez
Chicarito joined Manchester United and he flourished under Ferguson, scoring 30 goals in less than three seasons.
But under Moyes, his goal rate began to falter and he lost his place in the starting line-up. When it was clear he was not regaining his form he was loaned out to Real Madrid, where he was inconsistent.
Finally, he was sold to Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen for €7.3m. Since joining the club, he has scored 19 goals and has been the Bundesliga player of the month in November, in December, and in January.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTX8sXpfp1M&feature=iv&src_vid=XGleq4Q8TDo&annotation_id=annotation_61156045
5. Angel Di Maria
At Real Madrid, Di Maria was a superstar.
But when Gareth Bale arrived he was forced out of the team. When Manchester United came calling, he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. There was certainly pressure on Di Maria to perform, especially with a €60m price tag, but he could never really get going with United and always appeared unhappy at the club.
He started well but suffered an injury before he could build up steam. When he returned, Van Gaal used him as a forward and his form took another dip because he was being played out of position.
Since joining PSG he has been exceptional, even allowing for the standard in Ligue 1. He has been like Di Maria again. He has scored eight goals in 16 games and has been crucial in PSG’s superb recent form.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SuMuD1NsrU
6. Robbie Brady
Robbie Brady started his Manchester United career with the under-16s after being signed from St. Kevin’s Boys in Dublin.
He swiftly moved up the ranks but struggled as a teenager to break into the first team. He was loaned out to Hull City and made a serious impression there as a versatile defender and midfielder who could deliver excellent crosses and set-pieces.
This earned him a permanent move to newly promoted Norwich City for £7m. He’s been one of Norwich’s standout players this year and has been key in the Republic Of Ireland’s qualification for Euro 2016 in France.
United certainly need a player like him, considering they are now deploying Ashley Young in their back four.
He could do it with his eyes closed…
