Never say never. 1999 taught us that the real Indominable Lions wear Red and carry pitchforks. Still, it's difficult to see Chelsea dropping 5 points at this point of the season and my hopes aren't exactly stratospheric as far as this weekend's manchester derby is concerned.
It has been a bad 4 games for us and 5 will be difficult to stomach - especially as it may involve my footing the bill for GB's dinner if the Gunners pip us to second place. All that said, I think our so-near-yet-so-far campaign highlights the need for genuine reinforcements for the team.
On the way out will probably be one Dimitar Berbatov, while the grey in the team the likes of Paul Scholes, Michael Owen and Gary Neville may opt for the long walk to the changing room of careers. Throw in the prospect of Owen Hargreaves potentially never playing for United and the picture will resemble a sparse, ageing garden.
So here's where the silver lining appears. It's time for the club to put their money where their mouth is. And I sincerely believe it will be done properly this time.
To start, Van Der Sar has but one season left in him. The 3 candidates most likely to replace the celebrated Dutchman are: Igor Akinfeev, Hugo Lloris or Manuel Neuer. Somehow, I think we will go French given the successes of players like Evra and King Eric himself.
It is however in the centre of the park where we have most concerns. Fletcher may embody the role once played by Roy Keane, but we lack the creative and technical flair that Paul Scholes used to display. The one-for-one replacement is very likely one David Silva and rumors are that we are going up against Real Madrid for his signature.
On both flanks, Valencia and Nani are slowly but surely showing progress. Word from the reserve team suggests that Gabriel Obertan may still have something to offer although I have serious reservations about the gangly winger. If Joe Cole becomes a free agent, I'd say what are we waiting for? Flair like that is hard to come by.
However, it is upfront where I am most concerned. Supposing Berbatov really goes, we are left with young Macheda and unproven Hernandez to partner Rooney. We could bite the bullet and throw in Diouf into the fray, but I suspect we will go for a big name striker. For whatever reason, Benzema looks unlikely to join us. Which leaves us looking for someone big, strong and sharp... enter Edin Dzeko. As much as David Villa and Sergei Aguero excite me, I cannot see us splashing for the 2 titanic players. Yet, the thought of Dzeko partnering Rooney sends tinges down my spine...
Anyway, we may still win the 4th in a trot which would be good for all the glory but may stiffle any major transfer talk in the process. See how la...
