Premier League champions Manchester United are a club in transition after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement and David Moyes’ appointment as his successor in 2013.
The Old Trafford club end the year in sixth place, with the next 12 months seemingly set to define the new manager’s early tenure at the club.
With 2014 upon us, here are three New Years Resolutions for United.
Regain confidence and respect in the transfer market
Moyes suffered a debilitating first transfer window as United boss, with plenty of players turning down the Old Trafford club in a publicised fashion.
With the January window set to open and next summer another step in the rebuilding process, it is important that United conduct their business in a more discreet and successful fashion.
The Scot has admitted that he wants new players in his squad; it is just a matter of identifying and signing them now.
Solve the lack of creativity in midfield
The club’s over-reliance on Wayne Rooney to be their creative spark has been apparent this season, and this is down to the lack of an energetic and able playmaker in the centre of the park.
There have been plenty of candidates mentioned as transfer targets in the press, while Nick Powell continues to impress while away on loan.
One way or the other, United need a top-drawer central midfield schemer to make them a more dangerous attacking side and ensure the dependence on Rooney dissipates.
Replace the old guard
A number of experienced players are the cornerstone of the United squad, but they typify a golden generation now passed.
As such, long-term replacements for a number of ageing players need to be sourced and entrusted to lead the club forward.
The search for a new left-back is set to continue in January, with another move for Leighton Baines likely to end Patrice Evra’s role as number one in the position.
Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic’s contracts expire in the summer also, and Moyes must make a decision on whether or not the duo will be at the club next season.
The Serb still has the ability to play at the top level but his contract needs to be sorted out, while the veteran Englishman’s time at the club may well be about to end.
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