Manchester United’s victory over Arsenal yesterday was not only three points in the bag for David Moyes, but it was also a message to the Premier League that the Old Trafford club are still firmly in the hunt for the title. They now sit five points behind the Gunners with only 11 games played, and the former Everton boss is said to be hungry for the top spot, but does he have the squad to win the title?
Flicking through the squad, I’d have to say yes, even if only because of the wealth of talent they hold up front. Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie have already scored 12 league goals between them, while Danny Welbeck has grabbed two and Javier Hernandez has scored once. Between those four they should have enough to fire United to the title.
However, it’s all well and good scoring goals, but you need to keep them out at the back. Nemanja Vidic reminded us all what he’s capable of by stifling Olivier Giroud yesterday, and although he is unlikely to play every game Moyes has Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling who can all play at centre-half, and for me that’s more than enough.
The midfield area is the ‘problem’ area for United, but I think they have the bodies to sustain a challenge, although signing a top class box-to-box midfielder in the ilk of Yaya Toure wouldn’t hurt.
Michael Carrick does a great job sitting in the hole, while Fellaini is slowly finding his feet. Tom Cleverley is improving all the time and Shinji Kagawa is seemingly coming back into the fold. United also have Anderson, and although he isn’t the most popular man in Manchester, I think he can still do a job when called upon.
Between the sticks you’ll be pushed to find many better than David De Gea in the English topflight, although a stronger number 2 may be in order.
Do United have the squad to steal top spot from Arsenal? In my opinion, yes.
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