Need of the hour at Manchester United: Change of Attitude
In this time of crisis, everything seems to be going wrong at the biggest club in the world. Player-manager rifts, lack of important signings, defensive style of play, underperforming players and what not. Most fans want the manager out, while some want Mr. Woodward sacked, while others want underperforming players like Pogba and Sanchez gone. One thing that is common among all is that – We need a change. A change of attitude.
Lack of Passion
When the players put on the famous red shirt, they are expected to play with passion and give their hundred percent for the club. Such passion was clearly evident in the glory days with Sir Alex Ferguson. Every player gave it their all on the field and success followed. Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic. You name any of them, they played their hearts out.
The current group of players clearly lack that passion and determination. Tons of fans have voiced their opinions about the lack of passion and heart. Not giving your best, just because you have had a fall out with the manager is simply not justified.
Former United skipper Roy Keane too has raised his disappointment with the players.
"I don’t care what fallout you’ve had with your manager, I don’t care if you’ve been at each other’s throats, because that is part of the industry, people do fall out.It happens in other industries, but unfortunately when you’re Man United – one of the biggest clubs in the world – things will get exaggerated. ‘But if you’re a footballer for Manchester United and you put that jersey on and you walk out and you don’t give 100 per cent because you might be upset with somebody, then, no, good luck to Mourinho.’ -Roy Keane [Independent]"
But it should be understood that passion alone would not be copious. Passion without skill is ineffective.
Players like Romelu Lukaku and Phil Jones have got bags of love for the club and determination to battle it out on the field but unfortunately Lukaku, I believe, dearths the skills required to be a world class striker and so does the English centre-half. Their proneness to errors has perturbed quite a few supporters in the past. Undoubtedly the Big Belgian has got tons of goals at a young age but he just doesn’t seem to fit into United’s style.
Thus, a combination of zeal and prowess is something that every last player of the club needs right now. Ander Herrera, in his breakthrough 2016-17 season displayed some passionate and world-class performances which lead him to win the Sir Matt Busby Player of the year award in the season. Eleven such Herreras, and we would be a far better side!
Luke Shaw has been one of our few bright spots in this dark phase with performances filled with grit and expertise on the left flank. He has been a stalwart of what has been a poor defense this season and players such as Shaw are what the club needs in this time of crisis.
Players who do not want to be at the club need to leave. Playing for Manchester United is not a piece of cake. Wearing the famous red shirt should be an incredibly proud moment and an opportunity which thousands yearn for. Whilst these players are privileged to play for this club, they need to give their everything, even a hint of complacency would disrespect the badge, booting them firmly through the exit door.