Bolton, Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle, Chelsea (Guess Who!) (Other Football Players)

Member Name: blackjane

Product:	Other Football Players
Date:	03/12/01 (69 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Was once a class player

Disadvantages: No longer good enough

Here's something interesting for you - take the first letter of each of the teams that have beaten Manchester United so far this season, and it spells out:

B-L-A-N-C

It may just be a spooky coincidence, but there can be little doubt that the relative demise of Manchester United this season has been as a direct result of United's defensive frailties more than any other factor.

The hasty departure of Jaap Stam, who now faces a lengthy ban at his new club after testing positive for the banned substance Nandrolone, and the introduction of his direct replacement, French central defender Laurent Blanc, have definitely upset the balance in the United side.

Sir Alex Ferguson has taken Manchester United to heights that their fans would never have imagined when he took over back in 1986. After a shaky first three or four years, United have gone from strength to strength under Ferguson's steady guidance and have totally dominated the English game during the last ten years. On the whole, Ferguson's recent signings have enabled him to strengthen the club. However, in his final season at the club some people, including the team's own supporters, are beginning to question his judgement.

There can be no doubt that Laurent Blanc was a class player. Having won World Cup and European Championship winners medals with France his credentials were difficult to doubt. However, at the age of 36, Blanc is clearly not able the cut the mustard at this level and has been unable to adapt to the pace of the Premiership. Although he was a free transfer for United, Laurent Blanc appears to be a liability and the longer he plays on for United the greater the damage that will be done. Ferguson has already conceded the championship, saying that six defeats out of the thirty-eight games would be too many (United have already lost five out of just fourteen.) If United are to improve they must address their defensive problems, beginning wit
h the replacement of Blanc. Only time will tell if Alex Ferguson realises his mistake in time, or if United continue to struggle on as they have been doing to date this season.

It is sad to see someone with a reputation like Blanc being cruelly exposed by the forward lines of opposing Premiership sides each week. However, reputations count for little when a player is reaching the end of their career. Perhaps he should make a switch to a level of football at which he is able to compete more effectively or retire gracefully before his reputation is sullied any further.

{Another original Dooyoo opinion
© Blackjane 2001}

[PS: Remember to rate this opinion with your head rather than your heart Man Utd fans!]

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