Last Man Standing...
Not only has Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson been slapped with a 5-match touchline ban after his comments about officials in the Premier League, but the club enters its stretch run of the season (still alive and fighting in three competitions) without their most experienced defenders.
A major defensive crisis has hit the club and I’m starting to wonder if I should suit up myself in my old Manchester United Replica Jersey to ease their defensive worries:
- Look for Chris Smalling to continue his run in the starting lineup indefinitely. A cheap fantasy purchase, he is fit and young, and showing good form.
- Nemanja Vidic is injured but should be fit in a few weeks.
- Rafael is out and so is John O’Shea – both injured for a few weeks. Jonny Evans is the closest to a return.
- Rio Ferdinand could miss the rest of the season. Bad news for United fans but great news for Chris Smalling’s fantasy owners.
- The versatile Wes Brown – one of the best defenders in the league 2-3 years ago for United, should slot in nicely at either RB or CB for the stretch run. He should pick up some games and the veteran’s contribution will be needed.
So there you have it. A massive defensive injury crisis. If you are investing in United for the stretch run – look up top with Rooney and Nani as your main threats for offensive firepower, and if you must invest at the back you should be able to count on the fit Evra and Smalling (or even the cheap-ish Brown) as potential regulars over the next month or two.
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