“They need a midfielder, not another international class striker.” That was the refrain that dogged the first couple months of Robin van Persie’s time at Old Trafford as game after game went by in which Manchester United struggled to control proceedings.
Then, as the goals started flooding in at the wrong end, “and a defender” was added to the complaint.
Now though, United sit seven points clear at the top of the English Premier League standings and there is no question who has been the catalyst – van Persie.
The Dutchman is the top scorer in the English top flight with 16 goals and only team-mate Wayne Rooney and Chelsea’s Juan Mata have created more assists.
After another stellar performance in a 4-0 win over Wigan, Sir Alex Ferguson called van Persie, “the completely rounded footballer” in his explanation of why his focus in the summer transfer window was on snaring the Dutchman.
“We knew we were getting a top player who would make a difference to the team. That is why we went for him.
“Robin is a completely rounded footballer. He has great international experience, he’s played for Arsenal for seven years and he came to us at the very peak of his career.
“His ability to make and take goals is fantastic.”
Now Fergie’s focus can turn to finding the creative solution he needs in midfield and a defender who can stand alongside the increasingly frail Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.
Whether these players will be found internally or externally is a whole other issue.
Chris Smalling, Johnny Evans and Phil Johns have had as many good moments as bad ones, but have yet to show they can dominate their area at the highest level.
In midfield all hope currently rests on 23-year-old Tom Cleverley and Red Devils fans must look across to Turin with frustration, where United youth product Paul Pogba has set Serie A alight.
In the meantime the stats say it, the performances say it and the results say it. Robin van Persie has been a sensational signing who may have even covered up United’s flaws better than addressing them would have.
j binnie
Guest
Davidde - Indirectly this article has highlighted a managerial task that in recent weeks has featured in many posts to these columns. I refer of course to "recruitment" or perhaps I should say "lack of recruitment" in a playing squad from year to year.Van Persie became available,a world class striker, what to do for Fergie?,sign him of course.This has to be an ongoing part of a manager's day to day tasks & you can bet your bottom dollar that there is a veritable army of scouts scouring the world's top teams for a new Scholes, Giggs,& Ferdinand, who are all in the twilight of their careers at the top level. That simple description (the top level) presents the range of Fergie's activities,for what does he use as the standard that he is trying to achieve,is it to be the best team in England,in Europe,or the World, three different levels but all important to the well being of the organisation,club,team,& fans.With this in mind Fergie cannot rest on his laurels just because United are well clear in the EPL,he has next week,next month, & next year to consider & that is a task that can never ever be ignored, the work needed to improve a team from year to year, no matter how they are performing.There are always opposition in the sidelines waiting for him to slacken off in his efforts & they will pounce. So the search will go on. jb
Steve
Guest
RvP has been great no question about it. And I'm sure he will terrify Real Madrid. And United bought a very talented midfielder in Kagawa. However, seemingly like all of the top teams, aside from Juventus, defence is the weakest part. Will United's attack be enough to overcome Real, who are one of those clubs along with Barca where the defence is also the weak point of the side?
Swampy
Guest
Are there actual quotes around that claim Van Persie was not a good buy Davidde? I'm a citeh supporter and I was devastated RVP went to the now noisier neighbours. Sure United still need a CB and midfielder (although Kagawa is damn good) but that would be making them near unbeatable. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.