WARNING – anyone who thinks that Manchester United is a spent force because the Premier League was not retained this year had better think again. They will come back better, hungrier and more determined than ever. And who says so? Captain Marvel – Bryan Robson himself. The former England captain and United legend has no doubt that the narrow failure to win a history making fourth successive title will only spur them to reclaim a trophy that they regard as belonging at Old Trafford.
It’s a warning Robson sends to all the other clubs, including newly crowned champions Chelsea, who may think that United is on a downward spiral due to the heavy debts loaded on it by the Glazer family. In an exclusive interview published by the Daily Mirror, United’s former skipper said “I’m sure United will come back stronger next season and will be thinking only of winning the title again”
“You need a little fortune to win trophies and that’s what United had in the previous three years with not too many injuries, so the gaffer was able to play his strongest team” he explained “but their luck ran out last season with a succession of injuries, especially in defence”
“Sir Alex didn’t have the options and that cost him” he continued “at the same time it gave opportunities to younger players and they will be better for the experience. I think you’ll see the benefit of that next season. Jonny Evans has been terrific, he looks as if he’s going to be a top centre half.”
Robson has little doubt that Ferguson has a stable of young players at his disposal who have the ambition to restore Manchester United to its customary position at the top of the table saying that “Ferguson is patient because of their age and the knowledge that they need time. You have to say Rafael Da Silva’s rash moment and sending off against Bayern Munich cost United in the Champions League but he’ll learn from that.”
Despite netting 18 more goals than the team did the previous season in the title race, United fans are not convinced that departed attacking players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez have been adequately replaced with Wayne Rooney the only striker who can be relied upon to get goals in the big games.
Club CEO David Gill insists that the club has made £95million available for whatever signings are required but Ferguson maintains that he already has enough young talent to mount a serious challenge for honours. Robson agrees saying that “The gaffer will give front players like Federico Macheda and Danny Welbeck the chance to prove themselves”
“The player I really think will come through is Gabriel Obertan. He’s been used mainly wide but I think his best position might be through the middle” Robson also makes the point that “All of these young players are on a learning curve and the next season or two will be very important. They will determine whether or not they are genuine Manchester United players”
Robson has enough experience as both player and manager to take notice of what he has to say. After all he spent enough years working with Ferguson at Old Trafford to understand how his former mentor operates and what needs to be done for the Premier League title to be reclaimed.
Can United ever win anything with kids?
