Robin Van United: The perfect way to describe the title win

Sir Alex Ferguson would have been livid at the way his team surrendered their title last season by dropping eight points in three games and the way Manchester City won on the day at the Etihad Stadium. Truth be told, however, United lost the title on goal difference and not dropping points outright. So, Ferguson knew that if he adjusted his squad right and hopde that Manchester City do not add more class to their ranks, he would have an edge over the noisy neighbours. The signings of Shinji Kagawa, Nick Powell and Alexander Buttner did that.

But that wouldn’t be enough. Now, Kagawa provided the creativity in midfield that was pretty much non-existent earlier. But where would you fit him? He is a creative midfielder who thrives best when not having a defensive job. So, obviously, the center of the park wouldn’t suit him. But the center-forward position wouldn’t fit him too because he is neither a physical threat nor a goal machine. So, he would have to play on the wings, where his class wouldn’t show. Therefore, he may not have the same impact on United as he did at Borrusia Dortmund. So, Ferguson looked to add a new threat, who would be a major force in front of goal, and get him the goals they would need. Who would fit the bill?

At the same time, a 29-year old striker by the name of Robin van Persie decided that enough was enough on his career at Arsenal, despite the fact that they had strengthened the squad with Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud. So, Juventus and Manchester City joined the race for him. Juventus were never in the game really, because their bids were too low and van Persie didn’t want to move to Italy. Manchester City were big favorites to edge over United. But, Ferguson stepped in and convinced Arsene Wenger to let him go and let him move to Man United. And that was pretty much what they needed.

Dimitar Berbatov was free to move to Fulham and the season has swung in Van Persie’s and United’s favor. He continued his streak of scoring goals, and at one stage, was carrying United towards the title single-handedly, just like the way he salvaged Arsenal’s Champions League hopes the previous season.

By the time his goals had dried up in the second half, similarly as previous season, both Arsenal of the previous season and this season’s Manchester United didn’t need his goals anymore; it was just his presence and the belief that they could achieve their aspirations that had replaced the need for goals from him. This is the hallmark of a world class player. It is just his presence that can lift the players and fans hopes, much like Lionel Messi for Barcelona when he arrived in the second half against PSG.

This, coupled by Manchester City’s poor performance in the transfer window and start of the season, was what extended the lead for the new champions. They should have completed the Van Persie transfer and added players like Alexis Sanchez, Gareth Bale and Arjen Robben to provide more width, and a good center-back and center-midfield such as Xabi Alonso and Bastian Schweinsteiger, although Nastasic has done a decent job at center-back.

Therefore, it shouldn’t be a surprise if Van Persie is awarded the PFA player of the year once again, although the Suarez bite on Ivanovic has handed that award on a platter to him. He has shaped the course of the season with his performances. He could have won the title with Arsenal and its midfield providing him goals. He could have extended Manchester City’s advantage over United in the title race. But instead, he chose to move to Manchester United and won the first of three trophies he has to win (the other being the Capital One Cup and the Champions League). For this, Sir Alex Ferguson deserves credit for the transfer of the season (Michu’s signing notwithstanding).

While the team is far from perfect, a good defensive midfielder, a new center-back, and a world class winger should do it for United. The dreams of a treble aka 1999 might not be a dream after all!