Manchester United Offseason Moves - a Fan's Take

Posted Sunday, July 08, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

A few months into the summer and Manchester United seems to be laying low, at least the clubs lofty standards, in the transfer market. So far the key acquisition for Sir Alex Ferguson has been Shinji Kagawa, who will help add an element of excitement to midfield. Of course, that really depends on his adjustment to English football, but the signs seem mostly positive. I like many Manchester United fans are eagerly waiting to see what the new asset is capable of.

According to ESPN, Kagawa will likely find success with United, because the squad features such a potent attack. Adding Kagawa to a lineup that already features Wayne Rooney, Antonio Valencia, and company could produce some interesting dividends. Kagawa seems to excel in open end to end play, which means United will be looking to push quickly upfield when he is in the lineup.

Aside from that purchase, the Red Devils have been laying quietly, perhaps lurking around for another mammoth signing or perhaps not. The club did not really need a major overhaul; after all it took the entire season for Manchester City to settle out the championship. Still, ManUtd.com is reporting in the rumor mill that Ji-Sung Park could move to QPR to join up with Fabio, but that is all rumor and speculation. Ji-Sung Park almost always gets the nod from Sir Alex in tough matchups, and it would be sad to see him go.

Perhaps even brighter news for United comes from the return of Nemanja Vidic. According to the Daily Mail, Vidic is training with the team for the first time since last December when he injured his knee. Vidic's return will help stabilize the defense. Manchester United showed some vulnerability last season with occasional breakdowns in defending. I have to be hopeful that once Vidic is again paired with Ferdinand will prevent many of those breakdowns, and knowing how well some of the younger players performed last season, I am confident United will present a better defense.

All things considered, United is doing what it needs to do and addressing the needs it had. Could Sir Alex do a bit more? Absolutely, but he is showing at least some confidence in the current batch of United players. The squad came really close last year, but in the end the two defeats to City were the difference maker. I think the team learned from those mistakes and has made the appropriate moves, at least so far, to be a better club.

Jason Gallagher is a long-time Manchester United fan, following the performances of the Red Devils since the days of Eric Cantona and David Beckham.