Man Utd Transfers: Why Marquee Signings Are David Moyes’ Secondary Issue
Gerardo Martino poured scorn on such a transfer during his first press conference as Barcelonas new manager. Its looking likely that up to a maximum of three players will be supplemented to the current squad and no more, unless there are some players shoved towards the exit door before September 2nd. Other than Mr Angry and Confused, it seems unlikely that anyone will be leaving at this stage but many of the clubs supporters are living in fear more for who is coming in rather than who is packing their bags. A higher priority should be how the post Ferguson era begins on the pitch. Im aware that whoever gets signed directly affects the happenings on the pitch but those signings may not be fully fit or acclimatised for the opening forays of the season. Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City feature among the first five fixtures while the opener, away to Swansea should not be underestimated either. Crystal Palace will probably succumb in between but it looks a tough run of fixtures to begin with indeed. Should last seasons champions get away slowly then the inevitable questions will asked by fans, pundits and media alike. Already in this social media infused universe there have been utterings of discontent amongst a minor section of the support. This is after just four touring friendly games. What will the backlash be like by the end of August, or September if United are slowly away from the blocks? Undoubtedly a stuttering start will have a detrimental effect on the squads morale. While most in the squad will have been subjected to some sort of negative press before, none will have been on the receiving end of such ire and on such a large scale. The knives will be out and the agenda will be set. This seasons league title wont be won in these first few vital weeks but it could be lost over this period. Such a statement might sound ridiculous but long gone are the days of the accepted slow start. No longer is this league a two-horse race: the Russian and Arab petroleum industry has changed the face of English football for the foreseeable future and playing catch up from August onwards would not be ideal, even with Sir Alex in charge never mind his successor. Im not sure if 10 points from the opening five games would be deemed a good start most fans will want 15 points and it seems some will want far less to justify their less than positive opinions so its not a stretch to say that a strong start is imperative if David Moyes is to deliver league title number twenty-one in 2014. Do you agree that Moyes' impact on the pitch at the start of the season is more important than making marquee signings? Sound off in the comments below.