The 'New' Paul Scholes Doesn't Exist... 11/08/2011
 ... Manchester United just need to find the right player to take his place in midfield ! Report By: Justin Allen & Frank Onyebu, 1:05am Let's face it - for the last couple of weeks - we've all woken up in the morning hoping for the newspapers' headlines screaming that Manchester United have agreed to sign Wesley Sneijder from Internazionale. The supposed transfer saga was always inevitable after the just-as-inevitable retirement of Paul Scholes, but is it really as justified as so many people think, and can a player as truly as truly talented like Scholes really be replaced ?... Every successful football team needs a heartbeat, and every great football team needs a midfield maestro. Zinedine Zidane's recent statement that Paul Scholes was the most gifted player of his generation is testament to the fact that Scholes made the some of the best teams in United's history tick - the treble winning team of 1999, the Champions League winners of 2008. Out of the famous 'Class Of 1992' which included the likes of David Beckham, the Neville brothers, Nicky Butt and Ryan Giggs, Scholes has arguably been the most influential in making Manchester United the most successful club in the history of the English league and making United the dominant force since the Premier League began, winning more Premier League titles than all it's rivals collectively. The point is that Scholes, the player and the icon, cannot be replaced. Sir Alex recently referred to him as a 'once in a generation' player. The manager, as he is inclined to do, has got it right. The primary objective for Sir Alex and his staff is not to find the next Paul Scholes, but to find a player that can replace Scholes in United's midfield most effectively. A player that can do what Scholes did - though it is of course unfair to expect this player to do it to the same standard as Scholes. A player who can dictate a game, determine the flow and rhythm of the game from midfield, distribute the ball with effortless accuracy and return a healthy 10 goals a season contribution. Scholes had the gift to do this in his prime, as Zidane said, better than anyone in the last 10 years. The player that can do these things to the highest standard that United can expect to tempt to Old Trafford is indeed Wesley Sneijder. Surplus to requirements at Real Madrid, he joined Inter and was the main reason, along with Jose Mourinho, for Inter Milan's treble triumph in 2010. The Dutchman is a world class superstar who would fit the bill at a club like United. However, Sir Alex has poured cold water on all the speculation but surely it is too early to write off the possibility of Sneijder moving to United just yet. One thing is for certain: If United don't land him this summer, they won't land him next summer either - not for £35 Million anyway. Even if the move were to materialise, it would be a risk - parting with £35 Million and more than £200,000 a week for a 27-year-old who was beset with injuries last season and does not have his prime years ahead of him would certain be a risk, albeit a calculated one, from the manager who has seen all there is to see at the highest level of football. Sir Alex has to make a decision. He can spend big money to bring in a replacement, such as Sneijder, Samir Nasri, even Paulo Henrique Ganso from Santos, or he can wait. Perhaps the most sensible option is the latter. Remember that last season, Scholes played a peripheral role. He was probably United's best player in the first half of the season but think of how sparingly Sir Alex used him in the second half of the season. Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Ryan Giggs were the main contenders for the two births in the centre of midfield.  Rafael Van Der Vaart has said Wesley Sneijder is perfectly suited to The Reds' and Premier League footie The manager has gradually eased Scholes out of the equation, for a couple of years now, for this very period of time. The fact of the matter is this, as much as it pains me to say - United's first choice XI will be the same irrespective of whether Scholes is there or not. It is the same team, besides of course the absence of Edwin Van Der Sar, but David De Gea has come in as a direct replacement, and certainly hopes at Old Trafford are high for a young goalkeeper who has immense potential and has already produced simply world-class displays in his short time in La Liga. It will be the same team that proved to be the best in England and one of the top two teams in Europe alongside the Spanish superpower that is FC Barcelona. As previously mentioned, Sir Alex gradually eased Scholes out of the spotlight at United, which proposes the question, why didn't Sir Alex buy a natural successor for Scholes when he no longer became an automatic choice in United's midfield ?... Well, maybe he did. On 30 May 2007, United confirmed the signing of Oliveira Anderson from FC Porto. Immediately, people started talking - this was Scholes's long term successor. This may seem a bit ambitious at this moment in time, but the young Brazilian deserves his chance to show that he can claim Scholes's place in midfield for the long term. Injuries have disrupted his development as a footballer but even so, his progress in the last couple of years has been notable. He has improved in some of his displays this last season, especially goal scoring displays against Blackpool and FC Schalke 04 in a Champions League Semi-Final. Sir Alex should consider giving Anderson a consistent place in midfield to continue his development and win over the fans that remain unconvinced, and give Anderson the confidence that could see his emerge as United's diamond in disguise. Tom Cleverley has been touted as a long term replacement for Scholes, and as much as he has shown remarkable ability and potential both at club level with Wigan Athletic and junior international duty, surely it is too early to expect him to feature consistently for United. In a few years time, or even next season, we can expect some of the potential unleashed, but for now, let him continue his development as a squad player. It hardly needs to be said, but Sir Alex knows the situation better than any of us. If Sneijder were added to the United ranks, the team would only get stronger and we would be as delighted as anyone else. But the sensible option for the manager may be to keep the chequebook in his pocket and see if he already has United's next talisman in the squad already. But despite conflicting reports and teammates saying this and that, we will just have to wait and see... CommentsI must say that this is the most sensible article written during this crazy on-going saga. Any true red devil will admit that this is the truth. In the end Fergie Definitely has planed something as you have said. I can assure you one thing though, MUFC will be on the top of English and hopefully European football next season. Alfredo 10/08/2011 1:58am
Nice article 10/08/2011 3:26am
Thanks for putting words to everything I've been feeling about this whole transfersaga @BackOthOnionBag 10/08/2011 3:54am
Teammates rave about Tom Cleverley's performance in the Community Shield. That group hug, after he combined for Nani's 2nd goal, was genuine. His quiet personality comparable to Scholes although he celebrates with more exuberance after goals. Teammates acknowledge his potential & ability. So does Sir Alex. They've all said so culminating at the Community Shield after stellar performance in USA. Will Cleverley play 70 minutes a game...NO. But look for him to play in nearly all Premiership, FA Cup & Championship games in Sir Alex's rotation system. With talent which exists at Manchester United is there need for Wesley Sneijder? No. His age does not assure best-bang-for-the-buck $$$. Would Sneijder be a luxury? Sure, we all spoil ourselves with luxury items now and then. GeorgeJ 10/08/2011 8:10am
Really great article.Sneijder-great player,has proven himself in the champions league,and he is quite a combative midfielder...in summary,he would be a great buy.If Ferguson decides to buy him fine;if he doesn't,i think MUFC have enough in their artillery to cope. 10/08/2011 8:32am
great article i think that we don't need to spend big to get a replacement we have a players in the reserves and youth team Ben 10/08/2011 8:51am
Great And very well balanced article on the pro's and cons of Sneijder joining United. Robert 10/08/2011 10:11am
Thanx for being different from everyone and seeing the truth. Ando and cleverley need their chance first, other than buying someone who will end up like Berba. Tom 10/08/2011 10:45am
I've been saying this all summer. Anderson is getting better all the time, he's finally started to score a few, a has a great eye for a great pass (although not at the same level as Grand Master Scholes), and he's not afraid to get stuck in. And, although he doesn't like to, he can quite easily skip past at least a couple of defenders, something that Scholes couldn't do. Derek 10/08/2011 2:20pm
Yes a very even handed article, despite the mania of the close season I myself always trusted SAF knew what he was doing. Easy to say now but those of you who slate Carrick should remember SAF bought him and plays him and that alone tells me he is a great player- last year he improved greatly when Valencia returned to the team , wish he scored more but feel he is given unfair criticism , he has been in team long enough to be given much more respect , check out his honours Robert-ug: Fagie is not any other manager who just rushes in kids as u p'le said he sh'd let the kids achance NO. Sir Alex needs anew strong,skilled/expirianced Midy-MAN to handle next season, i mean Fagie has viewd the coming season how its gona be he c 10/08/2011 2:41pm
aonoymous 10/08/2011 4:10pm
@Sean 123 Mufc,what are your sources saying today regarding sneijder,is it true he is due in manchester tomorrow. True Red 10/08/2011 4:17pm
De Gea Marc 10/08/2011 6:14pm
Of course having a Big signing excites all fans..but 35m plus 210k per week is really alot of Money. I'm for Sneijder if he accepts the max wages(lower than Rooney), else...No as it will sink the ship. Hamburgerop 10/08/2011 7:43pm
Kagawa from Dortmund is a great young AM! Arfaan11 10/08/2011 10:24pm
Lets bring in sneijder,not only will he bring sheer class n creativity 2 our team, th likes of cleverly n anderson will learn a lot 4rm him aswel Jay 10/08/2011 11:31pm
Obviously the man is a genius Scholes can never b replaced gog 11/08/2011 8:09am
can anyone tell me how much money does rooney get? redrus 11/08/2011 9:28am
@gog..... 220k per week I believe. Brummie red 11/08/2011 10:32am
£250,000 a week I think!!! Too much for any footballer in my opinion !!!!! 1kopite 11/08/2011 1:36pm
Keep on dreaming about Sneijder. HAHA! Ranks 12/08/2011 7:26pm
Keep on dreaming about winning the Premiership ya scouse tosser, HAHAHA :D Comments are closed. |  
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