A Striking Dilemma

After seasons when it seemed that United were a little short of out and out strikers, the Reds now have an embarrassment of riches. With Rooney, Berbatov, Tevez, Ronaldo, Danny Welbeck, Fraizer Campbell and of course Kiko Macheda on the books, who will Fergie have in mind, when he thinks inside the box next season?

 

Wayne Rooney Appearances 229, Goals 95

 

With 17 goals this season, Rooney has once again brought a decent haul of goals. Yet to judge Rooney by goals is to use the wrong metric. You cannot measure his work rate, his vision and his link up play by goals.

 

Despite criticism of his temper, the flipside is an enthusiasm for playing - and playing for United, given his willingness to play out his career here. Any starting eleven would be weaker without its number 10.

 

Cristiano Ronaldo Apps 285, Goals  133

 

Is he a winger? Is he a striker? When, once again, Ronaldo is United’s top scorer any consideration of strikers would be sorely lacking without him.

 

Though his attitude this season has been criticised, and at times his form less scintillating than the vintage 07-08 display, his crucial goals in the Villa and Porto games suggest even £75m may be a bargain for the Bernabeu.

Carlos Tevez Apps 92, Goals 32

Another forward who may be leaving OT behind if the papers are to believed. Carlos’ first team frustrations are easy to understand, the contribution his goals, work-rate and near telepathic link with Rooney played last season.  Despite lack of opportunities he has still turned in the goals, both crucial and spectacular this term.

 

As the chants of “Fergie sign him up” testify, many a Red would hate to see him go.

 

Dimitar Berbatov, Appearances: 36 Goals 13

 

After the drama of his eventual signing, and the record fee that was paid, Berbatov’s first few months were relatively quiet. But just as the scepticism was building, Dimi produced that moment of magic against West Ham, placating most of the cynics.

 

Though his control and passing have given United an extra dimension, there is still a feeling that he is yet to establish himself as one of United’s big game performers. But there’s always next season.

 

Manucho Apps 1 Goals 0 (Hull Apps 14, Goals 2)

 

Having scored arguably the goal of the African Nations cup last year, there is palpable intrigue at just what Manucho could do . Despite an impressive goals to games ratio for Panathanaikos last season, he has only netted twice during his loan spell at Hull, so whether he is ready for the life in the Premier League fast lane remains open to question..

 

Danny Welbeck Apps 12, Goals 3

 

The screamer against Stoke may have announced his arrival in the Premier League, but Danny Welbeck’s appearance have been restricted largely to the  league cup. 

 

After a reasonable performance out wide at Wembley, he might find more joy on the wing if he is stay at United, given the names ahead of him in the queue.

 

Fraizer Campbell Apps 4, Goals 0 (Spurs: Apps 14, Goals 3)

 

Denied opening his United account on the first day of the season by Shay Given’s head, Campbell has been unable to follow up promising spells at Royal Antwerp and Hull with regular Premier League football. Shipped out to Spurs as part of the Berbatov bargain, Frazer has seen his chances at White Hart Lane limited by Spurs policy of buying back their old strikers. Still to prove himself at the top level.

Kiko Macheda Apps 3, Goals 2

 

The least experienced of United’s forward line arguably needs the least introduction after the six crucial points his two United goals have already earned.  Having turned in impressive performances Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reserve team, if Macheda continues to show such promise, we would be mad to le him go just yet.

 

Patrick