Too Big For His Boots

       In what has been a tumultuous week for all involved with Manchester United, fans have been left to contemplate what the future holds. In Wayne Rooney's eyes the future is definitely not bright. Sir Alex Ferguson publicly disagreed last night and seemed somewhat perplexed by the suggestion that the club had a lack of ambition. Frequent followers of both the Reserves and the Academy will testify that the current crop coming through the ranks is the best for some time with numerous youth internationals regularly playing to a high standard in the style expected of any Manchester United side. Yet Rooney's main bone of contention seemed to be the quality of the current first team squad, particularly recent additions. Although he is a fine player, Rooney is neither manager, chief executive or even captain (club or on-field, or vice, or...well you get the picture) and so for him to have the cheek to make demands as to future acquisitions is utterly ridiculous. What exactly did he expect David Gill to say to him? Does he want a list of targets and to be kept in the know regarding progress? I'm quite certain Gill would have stated that we are always tracking players and it was up to the manager when to make the move, after all last time I checked Fergie was the one in control of the team. The current situation reminds me of a less-explosive event during one of the club's most successful periods ever.
       When Roy Keane famously criticised the desire of the squad (no not the MUTV one) after being knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich in 2001, many observers agreed that it was time for change. Despite three titles in a row, the side seemed to be stagnating with many players around their peak ages but not much youth to support them - and their hunger being openly questioned. Yet back then the squad was practically the same one which had won the Treble. Some new youngsters had been more involved, the likes of Jonathan Greening (an unused sub in Barcelona), Ronnie Wallwork and Luke Chadwick, but none of them were considered as highly as the youth in the current squad. Fergie knew that changes were necessary so he did the obvious thing and spent big. Ruud van Nistelrooy and Juan Seba Veron were brought in for a combined sum close to fifty million pounds. In spite of the transfer outlay the 2001/2002 season was a difficult one, with United finishing outside the top two for the first time in eleven years and being eliminated from both domestic cup competitions in the early stages. The strength of that side came in Europe where the side successfully negotiated the lengthy double group stage format before a convincing defeat of Deportivo in the quarters set up a semi-final with the surprise of the season Bayer Leverkusen who had already defeated Liverpool in the previous round in a thrilling tie, that after topping a group containing Deportivo, Arsenal and Juventus. It would be wrong to call United's performances complacent but sloppy play lead to Leverkusen netting two crucial goals at Old Trafford which helped them go through on the away goals rule. Looking back Leverkusen had many quality players, Hans Jorg-Butt, Lucio, Ze Roberto, Michael Ballack, Bernd Schneider, Oliver Neuville and of course Dimitar Berbatov.
      So what does that season prove? Well the new signings both impressed, obviously van Nistelrooy was the more spectacular with his incredible goalscoring but Veron's performances in Europe are often overlooked, his ability to dictate games was his main attribute but this didn't come out often enough in the rough and tumble of the league. A player who would fit perfectly into modern day Arsenal only seemed to disrupt the famous midfield four of Beckham, Scholes, Keane and Giggs which had been so dominant for so long.
       So spending big doesn't always work either, the key is to have a long term plan. Bringing players through the youth team, whether they be foreign imports or local lads is built into the fabric of Manchester United, as is the oft-used 'nobody is bigger than the club'- not Sir Matt, not Sir Alex and certainly not Wayne Rooney. Comparing Rooney's outburst to Keane's is good for an analogy but the fact is Keane stayed and although he eventually left in a cloud of acrimony, he is, and forever will be, a Manchester United legend. He put aside his misgivings for the good of the club and because he had faith in the manager. He criticised the team for living on past successes but he didn't criticise their ability. He never disrespected the fans or the manager and after all he was the captain and thus was entitled to be a little more outspoken than the rest. So without mentioning cows or fields, summing up the situation can be done without metaphors but with a simple phrase, 'You can't buy success.' Manchester City became the richest club in the world in August 2008. In the two seasons since they have a total of 0 trophies, they are on to their second manager and have failed to qualify for the Champions League. In that same period, their unambitious, pennyless neighbours have won one league title, two League Cups, been to a Champions League final and missed out on a record fourth title in a row by just one point. So Wayne, the grass isn't always greener.

Manchester United v West Brom Preview

       Predicting a team after an international break in the past was generally quite tough but nowadays there are a number of players who aren't involved with their countries and therefore can be expected to play a part tomorrow. The likes of Giggs, Scholes and Berbatov have retired whilst youngsters like Rafael, Obertan and Bebe aren't regulars at international level. United fans had been looking forward to seeing Owen Hargreaves make his first Old Trafford appearance since the goalless draw with Villarreal in September 2008, but Fergie dashed those hopes this morning by confirming that Hargreaves is currently out with a minor calf injury. That means that the main piece of intrigue on the teamsheet could be the selection of Bebe as a substitute, giving him the opportunity to make his home debut.
       West Brom have made a great start to the season with their shock victory at the Emirates causing a huge stir. Yet they may well be without star man and September Player of the Month Peter Odemwingie who has been struggling with a knee problem. That would leave the striking burden with Marc-Antoine Fortune who has yet to settle after returning to The Hawthorns from north of the border.

THE SQUAD

1.Van Der Sar 29.Kuszczak 40.Amos

2.Neville 3.Evra 5.Ferdinand 6.Brown 12.Smalling 15.Vidic 20.Fabio 21.Rafael 22.O'Shea 23.Evans

8.Anderson 11.Giggs 16.Carrick 17.Nani 18.Scholes 24.Fletcher 26.Obertan 28.Gibson 33.Bebe

7.Owen 9.Berbatov 10.Rooney 14.Chicharito 27.Macheda

LIKELY LINE UP

SUBS

29.KUSZCZAK

21.RAFAEL

23.EVANS

8.ANDERSON

33.BEBE

7.OWEN

14.CHICHARITO



Sunderland v Manchester United Preview

      The Stadium of Light is a traditionally tricky place to visit, yet United have a great record there having won the last four meetings. With Sunderland shorn of one of their most impressive performers in on-loan winger Danny Welbeck, United have a great chance to get a first away win in the league. Not that the Reds don't have their own injury problems. Giggs and Scholes are definite absentees whilst Fergie is playing his usual mind games with regards to the availability of Wayne Rooney. Although given his lack of form, perhaps this time it would be best to leave him out, especially given the recent performances of Chicharito, Macheda and Owen. The lack of options on the left wing mean that Park will probably start again, despite admitting this week that he has been poor this season.

THE SQUAD

1.Van Der Sar 29.Kuszczak 40.Amos

2.Neville 3.Evra 5.Ferdinand 6.Brown 12.Smalling 15.Vidic 21.Rafael 22.O'Shea 23.Evans

8.Anderson 13.Park 16.Carrick 17.Nani 24.Fletcher 26.Obertan 28.Gibson 33.Bebe

7.Owen 9.Berbatov 10.Rooney 14.Chicharito 27.Macheda

LIKELY LINE UP

SUBS

29.Kuszczak

21.Rafael

23.Evans

8.Anderson

28.Gibson

14.Chicharito

27.Macheda



Valencia v Manchester United Preview

       United head to the Mestalla on the back of another disappointing away draw at Bolton. Coupled with the scoreless first group game against Rangers, a win would be a great boost. Yet given the quality of the opposition and United's poor record in Spain (1 win in 18) a draw might not be such a bad result. Valencia currently sit top of the group aswell as being top domestically. They seem to be coping well with the loss of the two David's, Villa and Silva. The arrival of former Getafe hitman Roberto Soldado and Mallorca targetman Aritz Aduriz mean that the flow of goals hasn't halted. The service for the two new strikers is provided by young Spaniards in the form of Pablo Hernandez and Juan Mata, who has taken over as Valencia's most prodigious talent.
       In terms of the United lineup it appears that Fergie will revert to the tried and trusted 4-5-1/4-3-3 formation. This will leave the in-form Michael Owen having to settle for a place on the bench once more with Michael Carrick likely to make his first start since the Community Shield victory over Chelsea.

THE SQUAD

1.Van Der Sar 29.Kuszczak 40.Amos

3.Evra 5.Ferdinand 6.Brown 12.Smalling 15.Vidic 21.Rafael 22.O'Shea 23.Evans

8.Anderson 13.Park 16.Carrick 17.Nani 24.Fletcher 28.Gibson 33.Bebe

7.Owen 9.Berbatov 14.Chicharito 27.Macheda

LIKELY LINE UP

SUBS

29.Kuszczak

12.Smalling

21.Rafael

28.Gibson

33.Bebe

14.Chicharito

7.Owen



Right Back Where We Started

       Despite the fact that the season is still in its embryonic state, the United eleven is pretty much set in stone. The front two of Wayne Rooney and the in-form Dimitar Berbatov seems unlikely to be broken apart although Michael Owen gave Fergie a nudge with his two goals at Glanford Park last night. In central midfield Darren Fletcher's energetic running has complimented the majestic passing of Paul Scholes. The wingers were set to be Nani and Antonio Valencia for the foreseeable future but the latter's run in the side was curtailed by his freak injury against Rangers. This has enabled Nani to transfer to his preferred right wing berth with Ryan Giggs bringing his guile and experience to the left side. The defence is slightly more unsettled but three positions in the back five are still nailed down with Edwin Van Der Sar, Patrice Evra and newly appointed captain Nemanja Vidic all certain starters. Vidic's partner at the heart of the defence has been Jonny Evans although it appears likely that Rio Ferdinand will return once he gets back to full match fitness. Chris Smalling's impressive outings against Rangers and Scunthorpe will undoubtedly put pressure on those ahead of him in the pecking order but he will probably have to settle for appearances in the cup competitions for now. Now we come to the one position which has caused the most debate already this campaign with various fans championing each of the four candidates for the right-back slot.
       So far John O'Shea has started four of the five league games, with club captain Gary Neville replacing him after the international break for the trip to Goodison. For the two cup games Wes Brown has slotted in nicely with typically robust performances. That leaves one contender with zero starts in his favoured position this season, and that person is the candidate most popular amongst the fans, Rafael da Silva. Whilst twin brother Fabio had already played two matches at left back this season, last night was Rafael's first start since the 3-1 win over Tottenham at the back end of last season and only his second since his ill-fated outing against Bayern. Even last night, with the majority of first teamers given the night off, Rafael still wasn't at right back, having to fill in at left back for his injured brother Fabio. It begs the question whether a fit Fabio would have once again left Rafael sitting on the bench and what the future holds for the precocious Brazilian. It seems that his nightmare at the hands of Franck Ribery is still fresh in the mind of Fergie and his coaching staff, the naivety shown that night stunting his progress. Yet fans around the world still clamour for him to play, feeling that his vast talents far outweigh his occasional immaturity.
       The solidity of O'Shea and Brown doesn't excite the fans. Both are given a slightly rough ride by some fans who seem to forget past successes. After all Brown was first choice right back during the 07/08 campaign, making 52 appearances, more than any other player. He was also preferred to Glen Johnson by Fabio Capello at the beginning of his tenure as England manager before his injury curse struck again. As for O'Shea he has long been derided by fans who don't see the benefits of his jack of all trades nature. Yet he too played right-back on the road to a Champions League final and was one of the standout performers, taming Thierry Henry for large portions of the games, on that miserable night in Rome.
       Gary Neville is probably the second most selected option when favourite 11's are published. Until March of 2007, a United side without Neville at full-back seemed unthinkable, but one Gary Speed tackle put his career in to a downward spiral. The injury seemed to cause multiple niggles to a player who had been so consistent for so long in terms of fitness, the 2002 metatrsal injury aside. He came back strongly enough in the second half of last season to earn himself a new contract though. He started six consecutive games between March and April before he was left out in favour of Rafael for the second leg against Bayern. A decision which seemed correct in the first half (needless swipe at Van Bommel aside) as he helped Antonio Valencia to tear apart Holger Badstuber as United blitzed the Germans. Yet he let himself down with an impulsive foul on Ribery to earn himself a second yellow card and tip the balance of the tie in Bayern's favour. Many fans (my uncle included) still state that that night demonstrates that he's not ready for the big time.
       His foul on Craig Bellamy in the Carling Cup semi at Eastlands is another example of his immaturity, of the fact that he can't control himself when a winger beats him. Whilst the other three would get themselves back into position and trust in their fellow defenders, Rafael still sees it as a personal battle. He plays the game like a winger in a positive manner but he has the mentality of a winger too. When a wideman attempts to beat his fullback and loses out, all too often they retaliate with a wild tackle and earn themselves a yellow card. Rafael is the same but in his position he can't afford such recklessness. But fans still love him. They still long to see his mazy runs down the wing and still react to his flying tackles in the same way as they do a Scholes special, with a laugh and a joke and an audible murmur. It is his youthful exuberance which the majority love but which also fuels the fires of his detractors. One thing is certain and that is he needs to learn. And to learn, he needs games. Yet he is left out because he needs to learn. In effect it is a vicious circle which can only be broken with a run in the side. For a player who has been in both Brazil squads since the World Cup to be constantly out of the squad is beggars belief. For Rafael to become our Dani Alves he needs to play week in week out. Otherwise we'll have Neville on the right with a bit of Brown and a bit of O'Shea. And then we'll be stuck. Because we'll be right back where we started. 

Scunthorpe v Manchester United Preview

       Predicting a Carling Cup line-up is always a difficult one given the lack of a press conference and the generally mixed nature of the squads. In the last two seasons Fergie has gone with a blend of youth (Da Silvas,Macheda,Welbeck) and experience (Neville,Brown,Kuszczak) and the strategy has worked well with United having won the competition in the past two seasons. This match has potential to be tricky in the tight surroundings of Glanford Park but United's class should overpower the Scunthorpe side. It appears that none of the starting 11 from Sunday's 3-2 win over Liverpool will be involved but experience will be provided by Park, Gary Neville and potentially the returning Rio Ferdinand if he has recovered from illness.

THE SQUAD

1.Van Der Sar 29.Kuszczak

2.Neville 5.Ferdinand 6.Brown 12.Smalling 20.Fabio 21.Rafael 30.De Laet

8.Anderson 13.Park 26.Obertan 28.Gibson 31.C.Evans 33.Bebe 42.Eikrem

7.Owen 14.Chicharito 27.Macheda 38.Ajose

LIKELY LINE UP

SUBS

1.Van Der Sar

2.Neville

30.De Laet

31.C.Evans

33.Bebe

38.Ajose

14.Chicharito



Manchester United v Liverpool Preview

       Two disappointing results in a row means there is added pressure on United to get a result over arch-rivals Liverpool. Although only Darren Fletcher started both matches, the disappointment will have been felt throughout the squad. On the other hand Liverpool head down the East Lancs Road in a much more positive state of mind. Since their humbling at the hands of Manchester City, they have won three and drawn one. Admittedly two of those were in the Europa League but they have a chance to build momentum with a positive outcome on Sunday.
       United still go in to the game as favourites and the squad is strong again, with Antonio Valencia the only new absentee after his shocking midweek injury. Rafael returns from suspension whilst Vidic, Nani, Scholes and Evra will be back after a night off on Tuesday.

THE SQUAD

1.Van Der Sar 29.Kuszczak 40.Amos

2.Neville 3.Evra 5.Ferdinand 6.Brown 12.Smalling 15.Vidic 20.Fabio 21.Rafael 22.O'Shea 23.Evans

8.Anderson 11.Giggs 13.Park 17.Nani 18.Scholes 24.Fletcher 28.Gibson

7.Owen 9.Berbatov 10.Rooney 14.Chicharito 27.Macheda

LIKELY LINE UP

SUBS

29.Kuszczak

22.O'Shea

21.Rafael

13.Park

8.Anderson

7.Owen

14.Chicharito



Braga Set Sail On Maiden Voyage

          Braga begin their maiden Champions League campaign tonight with a tough trip to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal. Braga are in a rich vein of form continuing their impressive performances from last year. The victory over Celtic in the third qualifying round came as somewhat of a surprise amongst British viewers but it was Braga’s two wins over Sevilla which shocked the whole of Europe. Sevilla once again entered the competition as many people’s outsiders but they couldn’t cope with Braga’s intense counter-attacking style.

            Braga have been regulars in Europe with six consecutive appearance in the Uefa Cup but the 2009/10 season saw them finish in second place – their highest ever league position. They outshone two of Portugal’s traditional big three, FC Porto and Sporting Clube de Portugal. In fact they were holding off SL Benfica for long periods before their class and spending power finally paid off with about a third of the season still to go. It is their home record which kept them at the top of the league, with impressive victories over all of the top three, keeping clean sheets in all three games. They conceded just six goals in fifteen games at the Estadio AXA, their idyllic home ground which was specially constructed for the Euro 2004 tournament. The stadium has only two stands with one goalmouth being in the shadow of a sheer rock face, part of the Monte Castro quarry, and the other providing a great view of the city, making the ground one of the most iconic in Portugal and Europe.

            Os Arsenalistas (Braga’s nickname due to the fact that they copied Arsenal’s shirt design under the leadership of Josef Szabo) face Arsenal tonight with low expectations but Arsene Wenger will be keen for his side not to be complacent, as Braga showed at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán that they can go to a top side’s ground and win.

Young manager Domingos Paciencia has created a great team ethic amongst the squad since arriving last summer to replace the outgoing Jorge Jesus. The former Porto striker understands the extent of the test facing them this year but is relishing the opportunity to pit his wits against managers of Wenger’s class.

Braga don’t possess many household names but in Hugo Viana they have an experienced international who has the quality to unlock defences, although his positive showings have been few and far between at the highest level. He will most likely have to settle for a spot on the bench with Luis Aguiar pulling the strings in midfield after re-signing on loan from Dynamo Moscow, although the two could coexist in front of a defensive shield if Paciencia decides to be adventurous. New signing Lima made an instant impression against Sevilla as a sub in the second leg with a classy hat-trick to confirm their passage to the next round. The former Belenenses man will most likely play out wide against Arsenal with Matheus and Paulo Cesar completing the front three. Experienced forward Alan will be available from the bench to provide either late impetus or to hold on to the ball in the unlikely event that they are still in the game. Another player to luck out for from the bench is Hélder Barbosa. The tricky winger finally left Porto permanently this summer after loan spells at Académica, Trofense and Vitória Setúbal. Many thought he could have had a similar impact to Silvestre Varela but Os Dragões thought differently. He could test tired legs near the end of the game and his unpredictability might pose problems for the notoriously shaky Arsenal backline. Young full-back Sílvio is another to watch having just made his debut for the national side in the thrilling 4-4 tie with Cyprus.

            The 4-3 win over Sevilla was uncharacteristic for a side not renowned for scoring goals, particularly away from home. Last year they had a decent record but were tellingly beaten by both Porto and Benfica, whilst Celtic despatched them at Parkhead by two goals to one. So the Sevilla game was an exception and Braga will need another great showing to upset the Gunners on their home turf. An early goal conceded and they could collapse but if they can nick the opener then they are wily enough to hold on to the advantage. Braga enter the competition as something of a mystery and so tonight they are very much testing the water. If they are to progress to the second round it will be their home form which will be key but if they can gain some points on the road then they have a chance of upsetting both Arsenal and the Brazilian inspired Shakhtar Donetsk.

No Defoe? No Problem, Rafa's Here.

       The news of Jermain Defoe's long-term layoff brought scowls to the faces of many Spurs fans, not to mention Harry Redknapp. The striker had just bagged a hat-trick for England and looked on his way to top form. Having postponed his proposed groin operation it seemed that he was ready to push on and show off his talent on the European stage. However he is now sidelined for anything up to three months and Spurs will have to do without him. For a manager like Harry Redknapp who is so keen on the traditional 4-4-2 formation it will have come as a shock. In previous years when the only priority was the league, he might have preferred to keep two up top but with the arrival of Rafael van der Vaart, a new option has made itself almost unavoidable.
       The World Cup saw more teams than ever starting to play with a 4-2-3-1 formation, Holland being one of them. Although van der Vaart himself was kept on the bench after the return to fitness of Arjen Robben, he is now the perfect man to play behind the striker and pull the strings. With Luka Modric having picked up a knock at The Hawthorns and being a doubt for the Werder Bremen game, van der Vaart will get his chance. He had a decent debut on Saturday with some delightful through balls demonstrating his undoubted ability. Now is his time to show off why he should be first choice ahead of the Croatian duo of Modric and Kranjcar. In the past few years he has found it tough to establish himself at both domestic and international level. Wesley Sneijder has been in his way at both levels for differing lengths of time while his spell at Real Madrid was something of a failure. He was signed as an afterthought in the summer of 2008 after they failed to lure Cristiano Ronaldo to the Bernabeu. He settled in well though and played the majority of the fixtures although many of those were substitute appearances. His second and last season once again saw him with many obstacles to displace in order to win a starting place. The signings of both Ronaldo and Kaka left him with work to do. Then he had to contend with a resurgent Guti who was keen to impress in his last season at his boyhood club. Van der Vaart put these difficulties aside and forced his way into the picture whilst Kaka was out injured and Manuel Pellegrini began to rely on him to dictate games. In spite of another decent season, it became clear that he would be one of those heading for the exit as more new faces like Mesut Oezil and Angel Di Maria arrived. Now at White Hart Lane, the Dutchman has an opportunity to put himself up there as one of the foremost playmakers in the world game. If given freedom he will be able to cause problems for any side and will chip in with goals to boot, as shown by the 48 he got in three years at Hamburg.
       For these reasons I think the injury to Tottenham's leading marksman might be a blessing in disguise. It will give van der Vaart a bedding in period where he will be allowed the freedom to express himself. With the defensive shield of Tom Huddlestone and Wilson Palacios behind him, he can concentrate on what he does best, unlocking defences, starting at the Weserstadion tomorrow night and maybe for those many North London optimists out there, ending at Wembley.

Manchester United v Rangers Preview

       After the late horror show at Goodison Park on Saturday, it is crucial that United get back on track with a victory in the 'Battle of Britain' (hopefully the Rangers fans don't take the title too seriously this time). The squad is looking healthier than at any point this season with the return of Anderson and the recall of Wayne Rooney. Rio Ferdinand also makes his comeback after being left out of the 18 on Saturday. A squad of 23 outfield players trained today with Gabriel Obertan the only new absentee although Rafael will also be absent serving the one match ban accrued against Bayern last season.

THE SQUAD

1.Van Der Sar 29.Kuszczak 40.Amos

2.Neville 3.Evra 5.Ferdinand 6.Brown 12.Smalling 15.Vidic 20.Fabio 22.O'Shea 23.Evans

8.Anderson 11.Giggs 13.Park 17.Nani 18.Scholes 24.Fletcher 25.Valencia 28.Gibson 33.Bebe

7.Owen 9.Berbatov 10.Rooney 14.Chicharito 27.Macheda

LIKELY LINE UP

SUBS

29.Kuszczak

6.Brown

20.Fabio

11.Giggs

17.Nani

7.Owen

9.Berbatov

Everton v Manchester United Preview

  United go into the fixture with almost a clean bill of health. Michael Carrick has been sidelined with an achilles injury but his is the only new problem to occur. A familiar issue will arise this morning when Sir Alex has to check on the fitness of Antonio Valencia and new-boy Chicharito after long journeys from the Americas. The major boost is that Rio Ferdinand has been declared fit and ready after a series of impressive training performances. That leaves the squad thriving with the only other absentees likely to be the few who appeared for the reserves last night, namely Wes Brown, Ritchie De Laet and Anderson, who had to be replaced with a slight ankle niggle.

THE SQUAD

1.Van Der Sar 29.Kuszczak 40.Amos

2.Neville 3.Evra 5.Ferdinand 12.Smalling 15.Vidic 21.Rafael 22.O'Shea 23.Evans

11.Giggs 13.Park 17.Nani 18.Scholes 24.Fletcher 25.Valencia 28.Gibson

7.Owen 9.Berbatov 10.Rooney 14.Chicharito 27.Macheda

LIKELY LINE UP

SUBS

29.Kuszczak

22.O'Shea

5.Ferdinand

13.Park

25.Valencia

14.Chicharito

7.Owen

Anderson The Key

 Anderson will play his third reserve game of the season tonight as he continues his recovery from a long-term knee injury. Whilst the surroundings of Moss Lane aren't exactly where you'd expect to find a Brazilian international - this outing is crucial to the return to prominence of the player who, in 2008, was the winner of the Tuttosport Golden Boy award to crown the best player in the world under the age of 21. Following in the footsteps of Aguero, Fabregas, Messi and Rooney is no easy task and it seems to have been all downhill for the player since. Sporadic good performances such as at the Emirates in the second leg of the Champions League Semi-Final were overshadowed by many ineffectual outings in the Premier League. The low-point came in Rome in the biggest game of the season, the Champions League Final, when he was hauled off at half time after chasing shadows for fourty five minutes. While you can forgive any player for being outfoxed by Xavi and Andres Iniesta, the way in which Anderson's development has stifled shows that the misery of Rome wasn't just a one off.
  It seems easy to criticise a player who cost such a large transfer fee and who has had his run ins with the manager aswell as various reports of late night indiscretions but he does have one thing that works in his defence. Ever since he joined the club, fans have been scratching their heads trying to work out where his best position is. His debut came playing in the hole behind Carlos Tevez against Roy Keane's Sunderland but it was an inauspicious start as he was replaced at half-time. Since then he has mainly been utilised as a box-to-box midfielder, with his best spell coming alongside Owen Hargreaves with stellar performances against the likes of Steven Gerrard and Cesc Fabregas. He has occasionally looked lost stuck out on the left wing, particularly in the shock defeat at Burnley and at home to West Ham when he suffered his injury. In his absence, the 4-5-1/4-3-3 took shape but it became clear that there was one key component to the system missing, in its new 4-2-3-1 guise, a creative playmaker. Reports of a big money bid for Dutch star Wesley Sneijder never came to fruition in the summer and with the loaning out of young star Tom Cleverley, United have been left without any true playmaker to fill that position. Park and Fletcher can bring energy and determination to the position but they lack the true creativity, whilst Scholes and Carrick have the creativity but both prefer to sit much deeper. Other options like Giggs and Gibson have been tested but the former isn't at his best with his back to goal and the latter has a tendency to shoot every time he is within 30 yards of the goal. That leaves Anderson as the man for the job.As talented as the likes of Magnus Eikrem and Ravel Morrison are, Anderson will be hoping to be back playing alongside established stars like Paul Scholes before the month is out. If he can regain the form of his first season at Old Trafford, Anderson really could be the key to the success of Manchester United this season. Whilst 4-4-2 is the current formation with Dimitar Berbatov in fine form, when the season reaches crunch time- it is most probable that Fergie will revert to his tried and trusted big game strategy. When that time comes, Anderson will have his chance to show off his skills and prove that his 'New Ronaldinho' nickname wasn't just because of his Porto Alegre roots.