Manchester United has always been a team that thrives on their wealth of attacking options. Strikers especially have been an obsession of Sir Alex Ferguson's for the best part of a quarter of a century. Many world-class strikers have come and gone during this period; Andy Cole, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and of course 'King' Eric Cantona have all made a name for themselves at Old Trafford for their antics in front of goal.
Things are no different nowadays, of course. United's options up front are as good, if not better, than any other club's in world football. There are obviously the two shining stars; Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie. They both scored a combined total of seventy-one goals last season, both enjoying their most successful campaign in front of goal of their careers.
So naturally, they are the first two names on the teamsheet, week in, week out. Already the pair seem to be forging a deadly partnership. Rooney assisted both van Persie goals in the 2-1 win over FC Cluj earlier this month, for instance. This is of course all well and good, but what about our other strikers?
Danny Welbeck and Chicharito are both fantastic players in their own right. Welbeck, gifted with tremendous ball control and technique, became a regular last season, keeping Chicharito out of the side on many occasions. While his natural goalscoring ability is often questioned, there is no doubt amongst fans that he is going to be a hit at Old Trafford, sooner rather than later. Chicharito, on the other hand, is on the other end of the spectrum.
Following his unbelievable opening season at United, Hernandez has become the forgotten man in many respects. Seen as one of the best young strikers in the world two years ago, Hernandez is now thought to be nearing the exit door at Old Trafford. United's interest in the likes of Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski has been well documented, and a lot of the time it has been mentioned that their potential arrival will be at Chicharito's expense.
Our current striking foursome has often been likened to the foursome of 1999. Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Teddy Sheringham made up the best front line in Europe. They were considered four of the best forwards on the planet at that time, and Sir Alex has expressed his hopes of similar recognition for Rooney, v.Persie, Welbeck and Hernandez. There is no doubt that they have the talent to follow in those famous footsteps, but it is up to Ferguson to get the best out of them, by giving them all their fair share of minutes on the pitch.
He will obviously have his favourite pairing, much like he did in '99 with Cole and Yorke. Rooney and van Persie will be the 'go to' partnership, with Welbeck getting a game here and there to begin with. Chicharito will likely take up the 'super sub' role, being used sparingly, mostly when we need a goal or two. One thing is for sure; if this season's foursome can be half as successful as Yorke, Cole, Sheringham and Solskjaer were in the
late 90s, we're in for a fantastic season!
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