Is Stiliyan Petrov the Right DMF for Manchester United?

(Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Manchester United look like a pretty complete squad at the moment.

They've got Van der Sar in between the sticks for at least another season. His performances speak for themselves.

They've got arguably the best CB defence-pairing in the Premier League (and perhaps all of Europe) and one of the best LB's around.

Even with the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo and Tevez, United have still got two forwards that can give any defence a severe headache in Berbatov and Rooney. Not to mention Michael Owen who, in my humble opinion, is a better striker than Tevez.

All that leaves is the midfield. And that's where some questions need to be answered.

It would appear as though the 4-4-2 will be the formation of choice for Sir Alex Ferguson in the '09-'10 season.

In that case, the starting back four and the forward two shouldn't be in any doubt, but how will the midfield look?

Most fans would say that the midfield should consist of (starting from LM):

Nani------Anderson------Carrick------Valencia

But if that were the case, then the midfield would be bereft of a player capable of disrupting the opposition's play, much like Roy Keane used to.

Nani, Anderson, and Valencia are all attack-minded players and not exactly known for their defending. Carrick, although a great passer of the ball, is not truly capable of breaking down play as is necessary either.

Of course, United has Darren Fletcher who is more adept at doing so, but where would he fit in? Who do you take out to put him in, Anderson or Carrick?

And then there is Owen Hargreaves but he isn't expected back until September/October and who knows if he'll be the same.

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