Champions League: What Went Wrong With Manchester United?

Millions of Manchester United fans are recovering from the emotional damage caused by the Champions League exit and a defeat to Chelsea. The Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool supporters pick on us, and as we all think of how terrible the last week was, I can't help but ask what went wrong, and what can be done about it.

THE BAYERN GAME —OLD TRAFFORD

I was so sure that Bayern were going to get a beating at Old Trafford and it seemed like it until the 40th minute. United were up three to nil.

What went wrong?

United did not take control . We are so used to watching United just take control of the game (with the exception of the Champions League final last year). I mean, we have won the last three Premier League titles and reached the Champions League final two years in a row, we are just so used to winning. It hurt me seeing Bayern having so much control of the ball!

Rafael, Rafael, Rafael. You played some amazing football in that game, but why did you have to be so immature? We get that you're young and hot blooded, but that red card changed the tide of the game. But never mind, you are an amazing player nonetheless and I am sure that you are going to be our Sergio Ramos/Maicon. Scratch that, you will be Rafael Da Silva.

Well even after Rafael was sent off, United could still have maintained the 3-1 lead, but something just didn't seem right. Rooney wasn't on the pitch and Nani didn't get enough of the ball. We were constantly trying to block Bayern and made only two chances in the second half.

Two reasons for our exit: 1. Rafael and 2. no real attacking/dominating play. United are feared across the globe for their attacking play, but still we were on the back foot. 3-0 is a good lead, and a team like Manchester United should be able to maintain it.

Answer to our problems: new signings.

FORWARDS/STRIKERS

United have confirmed that they will be signing Javier Hernandez this summer. Hernandez is an exciting young striker—look him up on Google or YouTube.

But is it enough?

Not by a long shot.

We need to sign established strikers. And by that I mean players like David Villa (even though he is overpriced for his age) or Sergio Aguero. And yes, Berbatov needs to go. Personally, I really like him because he is very skillful, but he is equally ineffective. You can't turn to him to change a game.

We need a stronger and more physically present striker, someone like Fernando Torres. I mean, Berbatov is superior to Torres when it comes to skill and technicality, but he's not nearly as effective as Torres.

Personal note: We are too dependent on Rooney upfront.

Another interesting signing would be Karim Benzema. United always wanted him, but just got outbid by Madrid. Now that he spends most of the time on the bench, he wouldn't mind joining United. He is a strong, effective striker. Maybe get him on loan and see how it works out? I'm sure Madrid wouldn't have a problem with that because they don't use him anyway.

Personal Note: Klaas Jan Huntelaar? AC Milan would be looking to offload him. United have shown serious interest in him in the past .

MIDFIELD

That was the department which lacked the most in the clashes against Bayern and Chelsea. We need someone to play the role of Frank Lampard or Steven Gerrard. I see a very good signing in the form of James Milner.

He would be the right man for United's midfield—strong, not afraid to shoot, good attacking, creative, and the best part, he's only 24.

Another fantastic signing would be Jack Rodwell. He's young and promising and nowadays a regular for Everton.

Personal Note: Why isn't Hargreaves back yet? He's a Beast.

On the wing, except for Valencia, Nani, and Park, we need another strong winger. And I see another great signing, from the same club as Milner, Ashley Young.

He is so good! He is the heartbeat of Aston Villa. His hobbies: running, world class crossing, shooting, and troubling defenders. He excites me. If United acquire him, they don't have to worry about the Wings for a long time.

I prefer Ashley Young over Joe Cole. Not that Joe Cole is not good, but it's just that Ashley Young is consistent.

Personal Note: Joe Cole is rumored to join United this summer. He would be a great addition too.

DEFENSE

We're fine. Unless Vidic leaves. I really hope he doesn't. United has given him so much. I don't think a lot people knew him when he first came to United. I could barely pronounce his name when I first saw that Vidic and Evra were signed.

Personal note: United have confirmed that they will sign Chris Smalling.

GOALKEEPER

Our Dutch professional, Edwin, is getting old. He is unlikely to make season long appearances next year.

We need a good, strong goalkeeper.

Ben Foster failed to impress and I really don't know if Tomasz Kuszcak is capable of wearing the No. 1 jersey for United. But we need a big name or an extremely talented keeper.

Personal Note: LLoris (French No. 1) could be of United's interest. Maybe Shay Given?

It's time we got our "Fantastic Four Part II." Formerly, Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez, and Berba made up the Fantastic Four, but after Ronaldo and Tevez left, and Berba became increasingly ineffective, we all just got over-dependent on Rooney.

Well, let me know what YOU think about this article and United's summer plans.

Til next time.