The return of Owen Hargreaves is imminent – just in time to build up enough games to stake a claim for a place at next years’ World Cup – his last, in Germany, being a huge success. There is, however, a more immediate target for Hargreaves – to break into the Manchester United first XI.
If you haven’t been convinced so far then the game against Chelsea should have been the final display needed to sway your mind that Darren Fletcher is now one of the top midfielders in the English Premier League. Without him, United have no cover of the back four; causing big games to slip away so easily – last season’s Champions League final a prime example.
This is Darren Fletcher’s eighth season for Manchester United. Initially deployed on the right hand side of midfield in his early Manchester United career, it’s taken a while to realise his truth worth to the team – he’s now even started to weigh in with goals; two against Manchester City and an unforgettable one a week ago against Everton.
For nearly two years now there has been a noticeable improvement to the Scotland captain’s game – offering bundles of energy in the centre midfield with an added bite. The improvement has been attributed this to his work in the gym, with the United staff claiming that he’s the only one, except Cristiano Ronaldo, who has managed to get their gym workouts perfectly integrated into their weekly routine and development as a football player.
Fletcher’s game though is a lot more than that. He possesses excellent positioning, awareness and determination. On the ball his control and passing skills have improved; enabling him, when he wins the ball back, to quickly set his team onto the offensive. All this is underlined by the fact that Darren Fletcher is Manchester United’s most consistent player.
The above could equally describe Owen Hargreaves. Hargreaves also offers a greater level of flexibility to a team still trying to find their feet in their new system. He can play at right back, like he has done for England. Right midfield like he did for Manchester United against Chelsea in the Champions League Final however there is no doubt that his best position is in front of the defence, closing off attacks and pressing games in the middle of the field.
Whilst there may be questions raised whether or not he can get back into the England team, his flexibility surely makes him a candidate for the 23-man squad.
At club level, Alex Ferguson has another one of those ‘hard’ decisions to make – what midfield pairing should he use? Fletcher has already proven this season that he can reach the levels Hargreaves once did and besides this question is presumptuous that Hargreaves will fully recover from his injury. To play them both may require removing a striker or an attacking element from the midfield. Partnering either one with Anderson or Scholes may be Ferguson’s preferred choice to balance the side.
Ferguson may not have to choose between them however. Playing them both could see his side set up similar to the formation the Brazilian national team adopts. Two central midfielders in front of the defence allows both the full backs to bomb forward. Evra has hit the ground running again this season for Manchester down the left flank linking up well with whoever has played in front of him. The right flank has lacked the same drive but with two anchoring midfielders it gives Ferguson the option to pick Rafael or Fabio in that position in a less risky strategy.
It also allows the third midfielder to have a license to concentrate on attack. Rooney has been, at times this season, isolated when playing up front alone. It could be said that bar Ryan Giggs, none of the midfielders have really made a good enough attacking impression this season. The 3rd pick in a three-man centre midfield for Manchester United however can neglect his defensive duties knowing he has the best two defensive centre midfielders in the country next to him.
Written by Steven Jones
