They say you should never go back, but what if the crushing realisation that you’ve made a mistake hits you at the most opportune moment?
Manchester United’s sedated defence were once again picked apart last night and despite overhauling a two-goal deficit to emerge victorious, there is a growing consensus that Sir Alex Ferguson will seek to bolster his backline in January.
Vice-chairman Ed Woodward recently declared that the club ‘will continue to buy established stars’, but few could be surprised if they turned to the familiar face of Ryan Shawcross as they seek to reclaim their Premier League crown. The rumour mill sparked into life when Ferguson revealed his regret at allowing Shawcross to depart Old Trafford back in 2008.
“I was delighted to see him called up for the England squad because he is a quality player I have wished – particularly of late – was still at Old Trafford.” (Guardian)
The Red Devils have been worryingly reliant on Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans this season as their current injury crisis continues to hamper team selection. Even midfielder Michael Carrick has been shuffled back to deputise in the absence of others, which has presented visiting teams with the belief and confidence to lay siege upon a weakened defence.
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To put United’s defensive woes in perspective, Braga’s opening goal last night means they have now conceded the first goal in eight of their 12 competitive games this season. The championed starlets of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are still yet to return to first-team action but both have been unconvincing in the heart of United’s defence and their versatility may see them destined for other roles in the side.
Ryan Shawcross fits snugly into the mould of fan favourite Nemanja Vidic, as a tough tackling, no nonsense centre-back that dominates every aerial battle. The Premier League has recently witnessed an influx of ‘defensive enforcers’, especially at Liverpool where Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger have been hailed as the best pairing in the division. Ferguson may see Shawcross as the perfect partner for his Serbian barricade or perhaps even as his successor, if reports of a move away possess any accuracy.
The Stoke City captain is more likely to be viewed as a replacement for the rapidly declining Rio Ferdinand, who saw his former team-mate effectively take his spot for the recent World Cup qualifiers. Whereas Rio can no longer go toe-to-toe with strikers, Shawcross boasts more speed than people give him credit for, which comes in handy when your defensive partner is nicknamed ‘The Berlin Wall’.
Arsenal fans will point to the tragic incident with Aaron Ramsey back in 2010 as evidence that Shawcross is merely the stereotypical battering ram that defines Stoke City. However, scratch beneath the surface and you are presented with a shy and endearing family man, who Gary Neville recently highlighted as a good role model for the younger generation.
Ferguson identifies his swarm of defensive options at the time for allowing Stoke to pick up Shawcross for a cut-price fee. Credit must go to Tony Pulis for enabling his prized asset to fulfil his potential, especially as fellow United graduates Paul McShane and Craig Cathcart have drifted into obscurity. Shawcross embodies the grit and steely determination of Terry Butcher, which is somewhat of a forgotten entity in modern football.
Popular culture dictates that the best centre-backs are the ones who can play with the ball at their feet, which perhaps highlights why Barcelona would rather convert a central-midfielder than go out and purchase an accomplished defender. Chelsea defender David Luiz certainly boasts formidable dribbling skills but he constantly looks clumsy and a little reckless during his defensive duties. I would much rather my centre-back was the king of the 5-yard, not the 50-yard pass.
Pulis moved quickly to quash any speculation of a move away from the Britannia Stadium while claiming: “We won’t see the best of him for another two or three years.” However, at just 25 years of age with a mere 18 months left to run on his contract, Shawcross would be a fool not to entertain the prospect of a move onwards and upwards.
His realtively-muted reputation in English football means few teams are likely to pay the inflated fee attached to every home-grown player in this country, meaning it may be case of now or never for Shawcross.
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