Manchester United - 06/07 Season Review - again
It’s been a long season (and a long season review), and we’ve got plenty to cheer about.
For starters, Manchester United are league champions, and to cap it off we’ve concluded the majority of our transfer business before 31st May.
This means that on 2nd July when the squad reassembles for pre-season we will have all our players ready. Not only that, we would also have hopefully conducted our selling business (or at least I hope we sell a couple of players in order to make space for the loanees coming back). A repeat of last season’s pre-season (where we got good match practice and everyone came back fit) will do our title defense chances a whole lot of good.
Manchester United’s squad is also better equipped to tackle Europe (Hargreaves, Anderson), has more options on the bench (Nani, Anderson, Rossi) and has the depth to successfully challenge for the Premiership and the domestic cups while resting the big players (Pique, Evans, Rossi, Eagles, Fletcher, Park, Foster).
The future looks very good for this squad, but I think it’s foolish to jump to conclusions and predict title wins. All I’ll say is that like last season, United have progressed this season and all signs indicate that we’re going to do the same over the summer.
If Ferguson can pull off another successful season (top 2, CL quarters / semis, domestic cup semis / win is the minimum for me, as it was this season), I’d be happy.
If Manchester United win the Prem or the Champions League, I’ll go nuts.
Thank you guys for bearing with me through this delayed season review, and I hope to see you around here on SL and on our manchester united blog, RR.
This article is Part 7 of our 7-part Manchester United 2006/2007 season review coverage at Soccerlens.
Well written Ahmed, it’s a shame that some of the pundits/know-alls/camp followers that inhabit the professional game failed to put any of these points but seemed to argue from their gut reactions. The issue of Liverpool allowing Fulham to play against a reserve side in the penultimate game could be construed as “not acting in the best interests” etc. Similarly, Ben Foster/Scott Carson and any other loanee simply pushed professional football’s credibility to the limit. I believe that loans should be allowed only between clubs in different divisions - although that still causes an external influence. What’s the answer? Maybe lower division clubs should be tied to a Premier League club. At least that would permit development thru’ the home ranks.
Once again great article, very balanced and certainly not to be found in any of the daily rags. Now, what price a quality daily sporting newspaper?
All the best
Barry H
I’m not sure what will happen this coming season, but we can’t possibly be any worse than we were this season, eh? I mean, league champions, semi-finalists in the UEFA Champions League, and beaten finalists in the FA Cup…I can see why everyone’s moaning all the time about the state of the team.
The fact is, we’re so far ahead of the rest, tactically, thanks to Sir Alex, that we often take things for granted, and it’s ridiculous if you ask me….
It’s time we gave the entire outfit a break and let them have a break….knowhatImean?
If Cech, Terry, Lampard, Drogba, Joe Cole, Essien are fit for most of the season, expect a tough challenge from Chelsea
A Man - Chelsea already gave Man Utd a hard time during the 06/07 season, injured players and all. I’m sure the squad will be braced for an even tougher challenge next season. No Man Utd player will be foolish enough to write off any club. Winning isn’t a right just because they’re Man Utd, it has to be earned and the players know that.
Re: rest of the article
Agree with Ahmed that the new buys add depth, nothing more. Nothing’s a given, despite the attacking prowess Nani and Anderson will provide should they work out. They’ll take time to gel but their presence will give the oldies a rest so they can be better prepared for the big games.
The Artful Lounger - No excuses for any injuries, Manutd also have major injuries which cause an impact in certain matches. However Manutd dealed it with confidence and fought it through. It’s up in the mind ! =D
This article is correct is in most respects correct… however, what I am confused about is everyone’s comments suggesting that Nani and Anderson shall be performing bit-part roles this season.
I’m of the opinion that SAF will bring them into the fray as much as possible - after all, they are considered to be the next world superstars.
I think it’ll be in SAF’s best interests to play Nani as the first-choice left winger next season, with Giggs playing as the squad player. As a result, Man Utd would be able to sell Ji-Sung Park (cos he’s rubbish, to be honest).. and Giggs could take his valuable, versatile place on the bench.
On the topic of Anderson, I don’t know where he’ll fit in the team, especially as we already have Rooney. I also am curious regarding the status of strikers at the club.. is Smith staying? (hopefully) Is Saha staying? (hope not)
Hope this starts a discussion of sorts.. ha.
If arsenal keep henry and liverpool get the team we deserve expect a tough time for both chelsea and man utd if henry leaves arsenal goodbye arsenal see you later but when the spanish transfer window offically opens and we start to splash out then think of it this way:::::: champions league final twice in three years with crap forwards::::::::: i wonder wat we cud do with world class forwards