Will United get their swagger back?
A GROUP of men sporting baggy jeans, knitted jumpers and white trainers drew major attention as they pranced down the street, heading for their annual Christmas party in 2005.
The Backstreet Boys and Westlife made the look popular back then but, like many things in life, so much has changed since the mid-2000s.
The wannabe boy band I am referring to was a bunch of Manchester United players. Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand and John O’Shea failed to flatter with their dubious fashion sense.
Wazza, Manchester United’s all-time leading goal scorer, uploaded a picture of the scene as a throwback on Twitter last week. It drew a range of responses, mainly ridicule, as users mocked their attire, “When’s the album out” and “I hope you all wear better jeans these days”, users quipped.
Merciless, but true, with those outfits, the guys didn’t stand a chance.
Of course, they didn’t, they were not fashionistas nor were they socialites. They were good old footballers. I cannot say the same for the current lot at Old Trafford. Under Jose Mourinho, United have endured their worst ever start to a Premier League campaign.
After seven games, all United have to show for their endeavour is 10 points. Back in the 2002/2003 season they were a point better off and went on to be crowned champions.
I can’t see that happening with this vintage of United players, come the end of the season in May. Not with the current energy and aura around the club.
Sure, Mourinho must shoulder a lot of the responsibility for his side’s current state.
A poor attitude and the downright refusal to admit that he sometimes gets things wrong has halted the progress of a man who has won the league in England, Portugal, Spain and Italy – as well as two Champions League titles.
Then there is the club’s executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, who will not give in to Mou’s demands to bring in seasoned players. It is no secret that Mou prefers to work with older pros.
“I have had to adapt to a new world and what young players are like now,” Mourinho said last year.
“I had to understand the difference between working with a boy like Frank Lampard who, at the age of 23, was already a man – who thought football, work, professionalism – the new boys today, at the age of 23 are kids,” he said.
What does that say about some of the club’s most prized young assets – Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial?
Mou has failed to live up to expectations, but to place all the blame on him would be foolish. What about the players that he has trusted, who so often over the last three years have looked below average and disinterested, yet continue to pocket a packet in wages?
His defensive approach does not suit the club either, but I believe the likes of Rooney and company would have adapted and challenged for honours at the very least. In a time where managers come and go, that is what football is about, transforming and acclimatising. It is about fighting for the badge on your chest and the millions of fans who bleed Manchester United.
My point is that United’s problems are diverse and cannot be fixed overnight.
Those who know me well, know that I have no allegiance to United nor their great rivals Liverpool. I prefer sexy football, even if it means going 14 years without winning the English Premier League.
With that said, a strong Manchester United is good for the game.
Wearing the United jersey is an honour and if the lads, who don the kit these days, show some grit and dig themselves out of this dark hole, they could eventually walk the streets with pride and swagger, like their predecessors did.
Naicker is an e.tv journalist and ECR sports presenter