Okay so it wasn’t one of the worst performances that Manchester United have given this season. For the first 15 minutes against Chelsea they looked dominant. Indeed they controlled large portions of possession during the 90 minutes.
But the difference was clearly in the finishing. Chelsea looked scrappy for much of the game but they were clinical in front of goal. In fact Chelsea did what Manchester United have done for years – they won without playing particularly well.
And the possession that Manchester United had isn’t really a good gauge of the game. Chelsea allowed Manchester United possession because they were so comfortable. The Blues didn’t need to go after United after a first half in which they scored two goals without reply – they simply needed to shut up shop.
Manchester United lacked teeth in the final third and that is obviously down to their injury list. Any team missing RvP and Rooney will struggle. But Manchester United also looked poor in the wider areas on Sunday. Ashley Young was typically ineffective (how much longer will United fans have to suffer this guy). Meanwhile Antonio Valencia threatened at times but, again, his final ball was really poor.
Manchester United are renowned for having great wide players but, at this point in time, they don’t have any. Adnan is a great player in the making but he’s not a natural winger and he played in the hole yesterday. So it’s obvious that as well as buying midfield players United also need wide men.
How about Hatem Ben Arfa for a start? He’s not getting a game at Newcastle but that’s not for a lack of skill. He simply doesn’t fit into Alan Pardew’s system right now. But we think he would be a brilliant player Manchester United. He’s quick, loves trick and knows where the goal is. His final ball is usually good and he’s someone who loves to take the game to the opposition. He’s the sort of exciting player that could provide the fans with a welcome shot of adrenalin in the arm.
Our ideal choices for wide additions would be Lucas Moura and Andros Townsend. But with both probably unavailable right now Manchester United need a short term boost. The 26 year old Ben Arfa has played 67 times for The Toon, scoring 13 goals. He’s represented France on 13 occasions with 2 goals.
David Moyes is desperate for some more quality in the side and we think that The Frenchman would provide a great solution for Manchester United for the second half of the season – the added bonus is that the player isn’t cup-tied for the only major competition that United are still in – The Champions League.
The rumour mills are sure to give this concept some column inches in the next ten days – meanwhile let’s see the guy in action CLICK FOR BEN ARFA
Follow us on Twitter @soccersweep10
