Bring Becks back to number 10

As supporters seek to re-group and rally around the team, Stretford-End.com takes an admittedly knee jerk look at the immediate aftermath of Wayne Rooney’s inevitable (even though at this stage, still potential) departure from Manchester United.

How do we replace him? Well, maybe he doesn’t need replacing at all. We do need some goodwill restoring to the club after a player who said he wanted to finish his career at the club has basically signalled his intention to leave for more money. It might not be the most popular choice, and it might not be the player we sold to Real Madrid that people immediately want to see return to Old Trafford, but I believe the solution – short term, at least – is to bring back David Beckham.

Now hear me out before you jump to the comments and tell me I’m crazy, he’s past it, Fergie will never go back. What do we need another midfielder for?

First and foremost, I believe he still has something to contribute. I wouldn’t even suggest this if I didn’t think it was good on a number of levels, though, because simply being good enough to play for United at the moment wouldn’t be a valid reason to bring him back. Does he add something that no other player we have in the squad does? Yes, he does, a consistent set piece threat. Could he fit into our system? Yes, with Rafael’s energy, he could play a fairly stagnant right side or part of a midfield three. Playing alongside Fletcher, the two could alternate the right hand side, with Beckham able to conserve his energy.

Is he better than what he have? Michael Carrick is in a crisis of confidence while Darron Gibson looks like he won’t have a long term future at the club. Neither have the confidence to impose themselves on a game, Beckham does, and he won’t shirk his responsibility the way that Carrick and Gibson have done at times this season. So, those are the reasons I believe he would be a worthwhile signing on the pitch.

Off the pitch, we’re in need of some much needed goodwill around the club. I don’t believe we’re a sinking ship, but we’ve got the aura of one, whether it’s accurate or a media portrayal. Among more cynical fans, that won’t go away as long as the Glazers are in charge. It wouldn’t go away if we did sign Beckham, but among the masses, it would generate excitement, and would appeal to the money men – low loan fee, huge merchandise boom.

This is taking into account the possibility of Rooney leaving in January; it would free up the number 10 shirt, which was of course worn with distinction in the 1996/7 season by Becks. It would be a replacement of mercy, rescuing the famous shirt from a mercenary and returning it to someone who would sweat blood for the cause, returning some faith into the love of the club. We as supporters of a club that a player wants to leave should not wait around wanting him to change his mind. Get him out, get him out January and replace him with someone who would jump at the chance to return and give us a huge helping hand in the short term.

A huge step backwards to take a bigger step forwards?

The drawbacks of course being that Sir Alex Ferguson paid essentially no attention to him whatsoever on his return with Milan in March, and that he took a green and gold scarf after that game may not exactly curry favour with the owners. However, given that the Glazers are not exactly concerned about popularity, they may see the dollars flashing and give it a green light. Sir Alex’s own stand may soften if Beckham’s camp make the right noise, too, thinking of being able to rely on players to give their all to the cause. With Beckham knowing it’s a short term thing, Ferguson would be able to guarantee 100% dedication without the circus that surrounded the midfielder in his last 3 years at the club. Maybe, too, Carrick and Gibson may learn a thing or two.

A Facebook group has already been set up which I implore you to join, like or support.

Tweet “ #bringBecksbacktonumber10 ‘ to show your support to bring back a legend and rescue an iconic shirt in our clubs history that has been entrusted to a selfish, money grabbing turncoat who did one of the lowest things a man could do, waited for the fans to show their uneasy support for him, then turned his back on them.

A Stretford-End.com opinion piece is to follow this week about the Rooney saga, and the way forward for the club. Be sure to catch it.

2 Trackbacks & Pingbacks

  1. Tweets that mention Bring Becks back to number 10 | Manchester United Blog | The Stretty Rant -- Topsy.com
  2. Harry wants Rooney? Give us Bale and you’re on | Manchester United Blog | The Stretty Rant

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*