Sport

The season ahead: MM’s ticklist for United boss David Moyes and new Manchester City manager

By Oliver Rhodes

Manchester United and City remain the two biggest powers in English football, but they are not the complete package yet.

There are certain aspects to improve, which MM looks at below.

MANCHESTER UNITED: Buy a central midfielder to add much-needed steel to the skeleton

United fans have been screaming out for an influential commander in the centre of midfield for more than a couple of seasons.

Sir Alex Ferguson remained faithful with the engineers in possession, but United lack a fearsome presence that may be necessary to combat the strongest teams.

City boast Yaya Toure, Bayern Munich possess Javi Martinez and Barcelona are blessed with the excellent services of Sergio Busquets.

United require a player, who is capable of stamping their authority all over the pitch rather than a simple destroyer of opposition build-ups.

Marouane Fellaini appears as the obvious candidate to reinforce the United midfield after the physical Belgian played under Moyes at Everton.

Resolve the issue of Wayne Rooney quickly and effectively

Moyes is yet to field a starting XI for United, but there is intrigue to whether Rooney will be included in the very first.

The England international recently requested another transfer from United, but Moyes is apparently eager to maintain the services of the striker-cum-playmaker.

The 50-year-old Scottish manager should move swiftly to settle the future of Rooney, before United are embroiled in a tedious summer-long transfer saga.

Either stick or twist, but the new supremo will not want to be disrupted by speculation in his debut season.

Dismiss comparisons with Ferguson and establish own personality

Moyes is facing the biggest challenge in football after Ferguson successfully recycled success and achieved immortality following 27 years as United manager.

However, the former Everton boss should ignore the comparisons that will occur with every draw and defeat experienced.

It is important for Moyes to establish his own dynasty and not be bogged down with how Ferguson performed.

Encourage the younger players to pick the mantle of leadership

Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Rio Ferdinand are battle-hardened veterans, who have offered plenty of guidance, but they are entering their twilight years as footballers.

Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling are ready-made replacements, but the young defenders require a bigger voice on the pitch and in the dressing room.

Grasp the Champions League with both hands

Moyes has a great opportunity to impose himself on United by taking the Champions League by the scruff of its neck.

Ferguson took time to find the right formula in Europe and he may have also taken some group stages for granted, but Moyes is sure to be keen to succeed.

MANCHESTER CITY: Revitalise the playing squad through summer signings

Manchester City suffered stagnation this season after purchasing players, such as Scott Sinclair and Jack Rodwell, who were adding depth but little quality.

If the next City boss wants to wrestle the Premier League crown out of the hands of Manchester United, then he will need a finely-tuned band of futbolistas. 

Signing midfield maestro Isco and box-to-box lieutenant Fernandinho is likely to offer the Sky Blues flair and power in the midfield.

But Roberto Mancini’s successor requires a copycat playing style to truly combat United.

Sir Alex Ferguson pulled off a masterstroke by signing Robin van Persie and the Dutchman’s goals contributed to a final title for the grandmaster.

Sign a striker like hot-shot Edinson Cavani, who netted 29 goals for Napoli, and the Blue Moon may be rising to the top.

Progress into the knock-out stages of the Champions League

An obvious demand for the next boss, especially with owner Sheikh Mansour tipping bucket loads of money into the squad and club.

The standards bar may be fairly low after the two previous campaigns on the European landscape ended with early, lukewarm baths.

City are likely to be handed another challenging group, but the amount of star-studded talent is sufficient to beat any team.

If Pellegrini does sign as expected, he looks to possess the tactical nous to perform on the grandest stage after taking Malaga to the quarter-finals last year.

Tweak the playing philosophy to allow much more fluent football

City were regularly shut down by teams willing to adopt defensive tactics and Mancini’s insistence on playing 3-5-2 formation also hindered performance.

However, the former Barcelona boys Ferran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain look to be spreading their influence with caretaker boss Brian Kidd praising their football vision.

A more flowing, incisive game with the likes of pass-master David Silva and City are likely to deliver more success on the pitch.

Immediately respect the players and earn their respect

The next City boss requires a good relationship with the playing staff after Mancini attracted more media attention with verbal attacks rather than stunning victories.

Joe Hart, Samir Nasri, Mario Balotelli and Vincent Kompany faced a public dressing down from the Italian tactician, which failed to stir a positive response.

City are looking for a holistic approach after the sacking of Mancini. Rallying the team and satisfying the board of directors is an ideal formula for a manager, who wants to contribute towards the project.

Provide opportunities for the young talents of the City squad

City are investing in a modern football academy training complex, but the current youngsters deserve their chance before the future prospects arrive.

In particular, John Guidetti performed admirably while on-loan with Feyenoord, but the Swedish international remains in the City wilderness.

Of course, the confident striker faces immense competition with the likes of Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez but a domestic cup appearance is surely warranted.

City fans may prefer Guidetti playing regular football, but opportunity may knock elsewhere if the club appears disinterested in accommodating a player compared to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Picture courtesy of BBC Sport, via YouTube, with thanks.

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