United, a season of 'what could have been'

Heartbreak: Aguero fires city to Premier
League glory.

It was only a matter of weeks ago that Manchester City snatched the title in dramatic fashion with an injury time double salvo from Dzeko and Aguero. Ironically their victory left a bitter taste in my mouth, even though during my entire life I have seen United do the seemingly impossible on more than a number of occasions.

Almost immediately after the game I logged on to one of the many United fan forums to discover a wave of discontent, excuses and general unhappiness. This was to be expected of course, considering the manner in which we surrendered the title to our bitter rivals. After digesting much of the opinions written, the general consensus seemed to be that our midfield lacked bite, drive and most importantly the fear it instilled in opponents in years gone by. Many fans put forward suggestions how we can remedy this problem in the coming season; switch formation, buy two centre midfielders, Eden Hazard is the key and so on.

Every point made came with an argument as to why it was the only way to challenge City and Chelsea in the coming season, but personally I didn't fully agree with any of the arguments presented. I don't think we need a major overhaul in any area. In fact with signing of Kagawa a formality, it's possible the majority of our business may be completed. It looks increasingly likely that United will also sign young Nick Powell for a reported fee of £6 million, to continue a policy of buying young players with high potential, and developing that talent into something special.

Fans are crying out for a midfield general to usher in a new era of dominance. Names mentioned are Kevin Strootman, Yann M'Vila, Marouane Fellaini, and even Moussa Dembele. Personally if we were to buy a midfielder there is only one that I would want at United, and that man is Luka Modric. Although the players mentioned above are all good footballers, I just don't think they are of the required standard to play and succeed at United. Modric, I believe has the potential to become a United legend. This is all hypothetical of course, Modric has started excellently for Croatia in the Euros, and is still under contract at Spurs, with Daniel Levy proving in the past that he will only sell his star players for a high premium.

Make or break: Ando needs to prove his worth.

I'll admit I would like to see Sir Alex address the issue our midfield presented at times during the season but I can't help but think if our treatment room had not been so busy it might have been a different story. Anderson actually looked like he was going to realise his potential until his season was (once again) disrupted by injury. Personally i feel that Anderson has to step up this season, stay injury free and of course perform on a consistent basis.

Tom Cleverly was a breath of fresh air, his movement and energy helped dominate the midfield and he was driving force behind United's free flowing, clinical attacking play in the opening games of the season. Again, after a late tackle from Kevin Davies he missed a number of months due to injury and never looked fully fit when he returned.

Carrick seemed to rediscover his form and personally I feel he was our most consistent performer during the season. At times his passing was something to behold, and alongside Scholes he found a stability that helped him flourish in the second half of the season.

Fletcher obviously was a massive loss in November. Many have argued that his style of play is exactly what United missed in closing stages of the season. The 4-4 draw against Everton is when I believe United lost the title. After going 4-2 up you would expect the game to be finished, but without a combative midfield in the shape of Fletcher, United allowed Everton space that ultimately saw them surrender 2 points.

Absent: Fletch has been badly missed throughout the season.

Hopefully after a summer of rest for some of the injured players, a few select purchases, and most of all some luck, United will reclaim the crown next season.