At the start of the season, many United fans were concerned over our lack of firing power in the squad. Both Rossi and Alan Smith had been sold on and we’d still yet to buy a replacement for the goal machine, Ruud van Nistelrooy. We’d all seen enough of Dong to realize he wasn’t going to be setting the World alight and questioned Ferguson’s decision not to sign a proper striker.
Carlos Tevez finally joined, after a long and boring transfer saga, and whilst finishing West Ham’s highest scorer, he certainly wasn’t an out an out striker. We were looking for a player like Ruud, like Saha (without the sick note) who could latch on to the end of crosses and put the ball in the back of the net.
The signing of Manucho in January has given us some hope, particularly considering his form in the African Cup of Nations, but United fans would be forgiven for wanting more strength in depth than this. It’s one thing doing the business in Angola, the ACoN and Greece, and another being successful in the Premiership.
Following our history of integrating our youth policy with our first team, Frazier Campbell, currently on loan at Hull City, is looking to be the missing piece of the puzzle for United. In the pre-season, Eric Harrison tipped him as a star for the future, likening him to former United legend Mark Hughes.
He has been instrumental in Hull’s campaign for promotion to the Premiership, scoring 8 goals in his past 14 games for the club, showing he’s certainly not shy in front of goal.
Today he has stated his desire to come back to United and make a go of it with the first team. “I am contracted to Manchester United for another two years and I can’t say for sure what is going to happen there,” he said. “But I’ve come out on loan this season and done quite well for myself and the team. I wanted to get some first-team experience and go back to United a better player. Hopefully, with the experience I’ve gained, I will be able to go and compete for a place in the first team at Manchester United.”
Campbell recognises that it will not be easy gaining a first team place in a team that boasts the talents of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, but believes he owes it to himself to give it a go. “I know that it will be difficult because of the likes of Rooney and Ronaldo,” Campbell added. “But I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if I didn’t go back and give it a try.”
Aged just 20 years old, Campbell is certainly heading in the right direction for Sir Alex Ferguson to give him some time at the club. In the past month he was called up to the England Under-21 squad to play against Poland and is scoring for fun in the Championship.
Do you think Campbell has what it takes to break in to our first team?
Man Utd News 24/7
i think we should give him a shot. we let ebanks-blake go a bit early too in my opinion. another former red youth doing well since he was sold on. he had a good partnership with rossi in the reserves but neither seemed to have gotten the chance to step up. from what i seen of campbell he looks like he needs to muscle up for the prem league but seems to be promising.
Blake definately went too early and the alleged buy-back clause in the contract made when we sold Rossi doesn’t seem to be any use. Rossi has been a top quality striker in Spain and although people will argue it’s easier over there I still believe he would make it here now he’s had the experience.
Frazier Campbell better get a chance next season or I’d be a disappointed man.
I cant say that i’ve followed his progress a hell of a lot, but, he has the right sort of attitude. For that, i think he should at least get given his opportunity, given he’s good for it that is.
we still have a carling cup to win next season. why not give campbell,welbeck,macheda,eagles, foster,pique a chance,coz 4 the first time i thinh our youth team can match le arse’s youth side.
Comment by CHRISPUS on April 15, 2008 13:25
we still have a carling cup to win next season. why not give campbell,welbeck,macheda,eagles, foster,pique a chance,coz 4 the first time i thinh our youth team can match le arse’s youth side.
I would have presumed that this season and coventry of all teams put us to the sword!!!
Rooney and Tevez. And joining us next season (hopefully) Manucho. He’ll have to fight for his place on the front lines, but the way his attitude is, I wont be surprised if he finds his way in.
I hope we get him to shine! Go on lad! Show us what you got!
The big thing with youngsters being given a chance in the frst team is, we only ever see them in reserves or chmapionship matches. Fergie watches them in training playing against/with Premiership class players, and maybe they just don’t mkae the grade there.Might be total bollocks but just a thought.
Also, I think Manucho and Wellbeck will both be given chnces ahead of Campbell, which is unfortuate for him.