Two
weeks ago, Sir Alex Ferguson stated that Manchester United exit from
the Champion League football is unthinkable. But no one ever made it
clear that it is in fact possible with such an immature side. Benfica
let down the Red devils yesterday night and effectively proved that
stopping the Red devils could be rather easy and is definitely not
unthinkable nor impossible.
As
a big fan of Manchester United, I feel deeply sorry to see that my team
being kicked out of the top European league. But I am also truly
thankful for the exit as I see no point whatsoever for the team to get
into the next round. The team sucks both offensively and
defensively. Let's wish the costly exit would make it obvious
to the Glazer family that restructuring of the football club is
inevitable.
Ferguson's
tactics, strategies and match planning are stubborn, ineffective and
insufficient. Leaving the talented Ronaldo but playing the unqualified
Fletcher for most of the season, Ferguson's
judgment cannot be justified. Those who have watched more than half of
Manchester United's game this season would surely recognize that
players in fact did not know how they were suppose to play in a match. Ferguson's
insufficient match planning and guidance simply waste players' talents.
The Red devils need an energetic and decisive coach to replace the old
fashion Ferguson.
As
for players, I have nothing to comment on because with Van
Nistelrooy, Rooney and Ferdinand, there is no point making any more big
signing except an experienced midfield to replace Roy Keane. Ballack
from Germany is outstanding but I doubt if he fits Manchester United.
Last
but not least is the appointment of team captain. Naming Neville as the
new skipper is rather shortsighted. Although Rio Ferdinand did not play
well so far this season, he has shown the best potential among all
existing players in leading the team and in particular its young
players. Switching the captain armband from one player to another is
not a solution at all.
Going out of Europe
is a major setback, not just for the players, but for the fans and the
whole club. But it's time to look forward and the Red devils must go on
proving. The club and its manager have been talking about rebuilding,
rebuilding and rebuilding for ages but results have been rather
disappointing. If United keep relying on Ferguson as coach and
Alan Smith as the temporary midfield or throwing the captain
armband everywhere, fans of Manchester United had better start praying
for Angels' coming to save the falling Devils.
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