Consistent United Look To Kick On

By Mark Heys & Dave Woods
March 30 2006

Walking Down The Manny Road crossed into rival territory earlier on this week when United Online editor Dave Woods agreed to answer some questions for us ahead of this weekend's big derby game.

Mark: United started the year off a bit indifferently by recording a number of draws but the last few months have seen the Reds hit top form with just two defeats in all competitions. Did the Manchester derby defeat against City help to spur the team back into their best form?

Dave: The derby was a disappointment but I think our inconsistent form in the early part of the season was more down to injuries and not having a settled side, particularly in centre midfield which we've tried numerous options and then suffered more injuries so it's only recently that we've started to play a regular pairing in the middle. Even though this is Giggs and O'Shea who don't natually play there it just shows how a consistent selection can have such a positive effect and was why we were so successful over the years with the Keane and Scholes partnership.

Mark: What are your thoughts on the Ruud Van Nistelrooy situation, should he be recalled to the side given his impeccable scoring record for United or is Sir Alex Ferguson right in his decision to pick the two form strikers Louis Saha and Wayne Rooney?

Dave: Well it looks like he'll be leaving this summer and it won't be down to footballing reasons as I suspect will be the reports coming out of Old Trafford. We're in big debt thanks to the Glazer's and Fergie will need to sell in order to buy this summer so unfortunately it looks like Ruud will be the man to make way as the only other real saleable "assets" are Rio and Rooney.

Mark: The Reds are usually one of the stronger teams in the Champions League year on year so what do you feel went wrong during this season's campaign?

Dave: Mainly due to selling the likes of Beckham, P.Neville, Butt, Kleberson, Djemba Djemba and Veron who can all play in central midfield and then not bringing anyone else in to cover.

As soon as Keane and Scholes were injured the likes of Smith was never going to be converted into a midfielder overnight to fill in. We didn't play well enough and deserved to get knocked out so there can't be any complaints about not having that little bit of luck. We weren't good enough but hopefully a few summer signings will see us mount a better challenge next season.

Mark: Bolton are United's next away game this coming weekend. What type of game are you expecting against the Trotters?

Dave: I think it will be a tight game and although much has been made of Bolton's long ball tactics I think they deserve credit for where they are in the table. Kevin Nolan is looking the business at the moment and Giannakopoulos has been on fire for most of the season (probably looking to impress Benitez) so if I think we can keep those two quiet we shouldn't have too many problems.

I think Bolton are a decent striker away from really pushing on that extra step towards the last champions league spot but it will be a difficult game for us especially at the Reebok Stadium.

Mark: Finally there has been a lot of talk all season as to who Roy Keane's replacement may be, who would you like to see join the club in the summer to fill the "Keane" role?

Dave: Personally I think someone like Michael Carrick or Kevin Nolan would be ideal as they've already got experience in the premiership so would be much less of a risk trying to buy a cheaper player from somewhere like France and this has already proved to be a risk with Djemba Djemba.

Ballack would have be ideal but obviously Chelsea have jumped in and he looks likely to be at Stamford Bridge next season. There's also a young lads called David Jones who has been out on loan this season and has looked impressive. He spent the first half in the championship and moved to the Dutch Premierleague in January and has done fantastic for both sides who both wanted to keep him so he may feature next season.

Thanks to Dave and all those at United Online for giving Walking Down The Manny Road the chance to conduct this interview. Any Reds supporters can check out their site at www.unitedonline.co.uk and when there you will be greeted with news, opinions, reports and other stuff about the men from Old Trafford.