The argument that Paul Scholes should depart from Old Trafford has gained more water as the Season 2001/02 came to an end. The lad went through a lean spell in which he was dropped due to poor form and experimentation, which upset his natural rhythm of play. For, once one of United’s most astute had a dreadful and below average season. Why is a question one may ask? The obvious answer is the purchase of Juan Sebastian Veron.
Veron full flow and at his best was bought to add that extra bit of creativity and flare that was lacking at the very heart of Man United’s midfield. In SAF’s eyes Veron on from is the first choice to partner his skipper Keane. This left him with the dilemma of whether to drop his Champion’s league top scorer for two successive season or find ways to accommodate him. SAF decided to accommodate him with pathetic results. Scholes rapidly lost form and looked lost behind the main striker. It resulted in him being dropped and his first altercation with the manager. An unheard of thing from a consummate professional known as level headed with a penchant for keeping a low profile. When he switched to the left in Giggs absence he looked comfortable for a bit but was not as effective as Giggs. When Scholes and Giggs switched roles, it left United without the same penetration they have with the Lord of the wing on the left.
On top of that it is not fair to have your best player of the previous season languishing on the bench when he is 27. An age at which he has clearly reached his peak, especially noting that a player of his experience, ability and repertoire is simply too good to leave on the bench. Yet clearly trying to accommodate him has left him lost or worse, the team losing one of it’s attacking dimensions.
One thing remains certain. SAF has to make a decision on the future of two players: Juan Veron and Paul Scholes. Though both have had stinkers for a season it is clear that both cannot be in the same team. One can simply not be cover for the other! Veron who was bought expensively, if sold would be the clearest of indications yet to Man United’s board that Sir Alex threw away a lot of money. It would make them reluctant to release similar funds in the future. Also, it would not be fair to sell a player without giving him another chance to fully prove himself. If sold however, this would provide the funds for adequate replacements. On the other hand, by selling Scholes, one prevents him from being a bench warmer when he is at his peak. England fans would firstly never forgive United for stalling the progress of currently their most creative force in central midfield. Also, a player of his quality would be better used at a club like Roma or Juventus where he would be guaranteed a first team place and be free to utilize his peak years to the fulfillment of his career. However in selling him, United would be losing a major source of goals and the type of commitment that is rarely found in players of his generation. Not to mention his vision and pace and defensive qualities. What a dilemma indeed!
In my opinion, Veron will not be sold. And benching Scholes if the real Veron showed up next season is a no-no. So selling him to Roma or Juve or any interested party for 30m quid in pounds is not bad business. Especially in a year when he and his United mates Butt and Beckham are expected to do well for their home land at the World Cup. Replacements too are rather cheap and probably more talented. Two come to mind. Cristiano Doni, the new Italian sensation. A two footed midfielder who can play anywhere along the midfield plus in the hole, has a record for scoring goals like Ballack and Scholes himself, is a better dribbler and most importantly is 28. At an age where who so ever gets him would get his peak years out of him. Also, he has indicated that he wouldn’t mind leaving the Serie A unlike most Italian stars. The World cup is simply expected to confirm his status as a new star.
The other talent is Joe Cole. Sir Alex has tracked him for years, narrowly missing out to West Ham because the lad wanted more first team experience before joining a big squad. Cole, similar to England great Gascoigne in skill, not in build would be an idle replacement. As cover for players like Veron and Keane it would be easy for him to develop in to a complete midfielder. And his price due to his age would be reasonable. I personally believe it might be him chosen if Sir Alex decides to sell Scholes what do you think?
Veron full flow and at his best was bought to add that extra bit of creativity and flare that was lacking at the very heart of Man United’s midfield. In SAF’s eyes Veron on from is the first choice to partner his skipper Keane. This left him with the dilemma of whether to drop his Champion’s league top scorer for two successive season or find ways to accommodate him. SAF decided to accommodate him with pathetic results. Scholes rapidly lost form and looked lost behind the main striker. It resulted in him being dropped and his first altercation with the manager. An unheard of thing from a consummate professional known as level headed with a penchant for keeping a low profile. When he switched to the left in Giggs absence he looked comfortable for a bit but was not as effective as Giggs. When Scholes and Giggs switched roles, it left United without the same penetration they have with the Lord of the wing on the left.
On top of that it is not fair to have your best player of the previous season languishing on the bench when he is 27. An age at which he has clearly reached his peak, especially noting that a player of his experience, ability and repertoire is simply too good to leave on the bench. Yet clearly trying to accommodate him has left him lost or worse, the team losing one of it’s attacking dimensions.
One thing remains certain. SAF has to make a decision on the future of two players: Juan Veron and Paul Scholes. Though both have had stinkers for a season it is clear that both cannot be in the same team. One can simply not be cover for the other! Veron who was bought expensively, if sold would be the clearest of indications yet to Man United’s board that Sir Alex threw away a lot of money. It would make them reluctant to release similar funds in the future. Also, it would not be fair to sell a player without giving him another chance to fully prove himself. If sold however, this would provide the funds for adequate replacements. On the other hand, by selling Scholes, one prevents him from being a bench warmer when he is at his peak. England fans would firstly never forgive United for stalling the progress of currently their most creative force in central midfield. Also, a player of his quality would be better used at a club like Roma or Juventus where he would be guaranteed a first team place and be free to utilize his peak years to the fulfillment of his career. However in selling him, United would be losing a major source of goals and the type of commitment that is rarely found in players of his generation. Not to mention his vision and pace and defensive qualities. What a dilemma indeed!
In my opinion, Veron will not be sold. And benching Scholes if the real Veron showed up next season is a no-no. So selling him to Roma or Juve or any interested party for 30m quid in pounds is not bad business. Especially in a year when he and his United mates Butt and Beckham are expected to do well for their home land at the World Cup. Replacements too are rather cheap and probably more talented. Two come to mind. Cristiano Doni, the new Italian sensation. A two footed midfielder who can play anywhere along the midfield plus in the hole, has a record for scoring goals like Ballack and Scholes himself, is a better dribbler and most importantly is 28. At an age where who so ever gets him would get his peak years out of him. Also, he has indicated that he wouldn’t mind leaving the Serie A unlike most Italian stars. The World cup is simply expected to confirm his status as a new star.
The other talent is Joe Cole. Sir Alex has tracked him for years, narrowly missing out to West Ham because the lad wanted more first team experience before joining a big squad. Cole, similar to England great Gascoigne in skill, not in build would be an idle replacement. As cover for players like Veron and Keane it would be easy for him to develop in to a complete midfielder. And his price due to his age would be reasonable. I personally believe it might be him chosen if Sir Alex decides to sell Scholes what do you think?