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The news regarding the signing of two quality players in 24 hours did come as a surprise for many joyful Manchester United fans, especially after enduring a torrid season which saw them finish 7th. Both Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw were long being chased by the Old Trafford based club and the reaction was quite forseeable. Herrera, the 24-year-old Spanish amigo, can operate in a variety of positions in the heart of the park while Luke Shaw, the teenage sensation, is a next gen player and an explosive left back. These two marquee signings ensure the fact that Manchester United can still attract top drawer talents from around the world and there surely are more to follow.
But amidst this spending spree, most of the Old Trafford faithful tend to forget about the blooming starlets they already have and are rising through the ranks. Buying marquee players would jeopardize the positions of those players and can eventually create a ‘Fedrico Macheda’ like situation. And among these young emerging talents are Nick Powell and Wilfried Zaha.
Nick Powell
20-year-old Nick Powell, has never failed to leave a long lasting impression in the memories of the fans despite his tender age – be it at Crewe Alexandra or at Manchester United. The wonder kid has showcased qualities of becoming the next Paul Scholes and scored a picture perfect long range drive during his United debut against Wigan, the club he was loaned out to last season.
Former United boss David Moyes was quite inclined to loaning out young starlets because after all, the loan system has often been a win-win situation for the Reds. Rightly so, after featuring 32 times for the Latics, Powell scored 7 times, which includes a late overhead volley against Bolton. He’s got goals, assists , passes and decent composure to rip open opposition defences but what sets him apart is his piledriver of a right foot. But the news regarding Herrera’s big money catch, whilst obviously good news for Manchester United, does throw doubt over the short-term and potentially long-term development of highly-rated England under-21 .
An indifferent second half of the season at the DW Stadium has virtually played down his chances of becoming a first team regular, apart from Herrera’s signing. Playing an unenviable role of a benchwarmer won’t be favorable for an emerging star like him(for anybody actually). He needs to develop and connsistently develop at a pace corresponding to how other midfielders at United develop. And that won’t be easy. And considering the demands of the United fans and the stature of the club, one just can’t afford to gamble and gamble with a career of a next gen hotshot. With Leicester City and Swansea on the prowl, loaning Nick Powell to a Premier League club looks like a decent option.
Wilfried Zaha
Moving on to Wilfried Zaha – the man who hates to be ignored by the gaffer. The dynamic winger’s eye catching performances at Crystal Palace took him to the Theatre of Dreams, a dream location for any youngster. Attractive showings during the pre-season tour were glimpses of what he could do to opposition defences but the Zaha effect was hardly seen during the League games. He hardly featured under the then manager David Moyes and asked for a loan out.
His demands were accepted and the 21-year-old sealed a loan move to Cardiff City. His days in Wales were almost up to scratch. The biggest problem was that he shone in one game and disappeared in the next 3. But in that one game in which he shone, Zaha was used to showing off his beast skill and extra ordinary burst of speed and thus creating goals for his team. Disappointing performances over shadowed that odd good performance and Cardiff supporters supposedly wanted him out.
Manchester United have a plethora of wingers in their team and fighting for a place is not as easy as one may think. The likes of Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young, Adnan Januzaj, Nani, Juan Mata and Shinji Kagawa are in contention for taking up those spots and to add one more contestant, you have Wilfried Zaha. Although, there is no evident shortage of talent, there is a constantly persisting lack of commitment and intent there, especially when Valencia, Young or Nani are chosen.
And more so, there is a frantic need for an established winger to aid the mentioned problem of sluggishness. Maybe, the Fergie factor was critical to these winger performing very well during Sir Alex’s reign but age is also taking a toll on them. And fresh approach is duly needed. United cannot rely on Wilfy as of now, taking into account his inconsistency. New additions are required and those new additions are sure to threaten Zaha’s spot in the first team.
Moreover, the 21-year-old is growing increasingly frustrated with limited match time and reportedly asked for a move out, but that request was declined straightaway. If he can somehow get rid of inconsistency, he can be a strong contender for a first team spot. If not, spending a season more on loan to a club like Everton or Newcastle may improve the situation.
