Manchester United’s Lack of Firepower Costs Them

By Brian Lofrumento | 17th August 2008

Manchester United's Lack of Firepower Costs Them | read this item

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Before the match United fans were presented with the disappointing news that Carlos Tevez was back home in Argentina because of family problems. The bright side, though, was that Wayne Rooney was healthy enough to start. In addition, young Frazier Campbell would get a chance to show how he became Hull’s leading scorer last season. Before kickoff, it still looked as if United should have enough firepower to grab the three points.

Sure enough, United threatened throughout the first half hour of the match. Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes were pulling all of the strings in midfield and their passing ability showed. Wayne Rooney was lively as always and presented Campbell with a golden opportunity to score. Shay Given, on the other hand, had other thoughts. The Newcastle goalie made save after save (including a fantastic save off his head) and thwarted United’s many attempts. With the core trio of Scholes, Carrick, and Rooney, United looked as if they weren’t missing a beat. Once Carrick went out injured, everything changed, and United’s lack of strength up front began to show.

Without an attacking minded player in sight on the bench, Sir Alex Ferguson opted for John O’Shea to slot into central midfield. O’Shea’s introduction disrupted the flow of United’s attack and it was clear that it would take something special to put space between them and Newcastle.

That “something special” is exactly what is missing at United early on this season. Rooney isn’t an out and out striker, meaning that he drops back to get the ball himself a lot. That leaves Frazier Campbell all alone up top – a young player who is tiny compared to the likes of Fabricio Coloccini. This is recipe for disaster. Okay, well, maybe a recipe for a draw.

What United need – and this is no secret – is that player that gives them the added element up top. All of the pieces are available in defense and the midfield (especially considering Ferguson could have put Possebon in instead of O’Shea in the first half). The only thing that is needed is a mobile target man who has the ability to capitalize on the one chance that comes his way. Dimitar Berbatov could be that man for United and I expect him to be at Old Trafford by Tuesday.

Until Berbatov or another out and out striker comes to United, there is no telling how they will fair this season. Discuss this matter and much more at the Premiership Talk Forum.