Manchester United: Nick Powell's future is bright at Old Trafford
A graduate of Crewe Alexandra’s academy, Nick Powell was always destined for the Premier League. The 18-year-old has signed with Manchester United and for supporters of United this is great news. Sir Alex Ferguson has continued to build the club not only to win in the present, but also in the future.
Powell is a classy attacking midfielder with an eye for a pass and also spectacular goals. His goal against Cheltenham was stunning and is just a glimmer of his potential.
Technical excellence is stressed at the Crewe Academy with the goal of playing attractive, free-flowing football. Comfortable on the ball and unafraid to take on defenders, Powell has demonstrated these abilities at the Alexandra Stadium. Now, moving to Manchester United will challenge him to take his abilities to the next level. Crewe legend and director of football Dario Gradi believes Powell will be a success at the Premier League giants. Sir Alex undoubtedly agreed, quickly snapping up Powell before rivals City, Arsenal or Chelsea could. Training with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Nani will undoubtedly make him into a better player.
The midfield has been a source of frustration to United supporters over the past few years but the future already looks better. With the signing of Nick Powell and Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund it looks as if there will finally be an attacking presence in the midfield which has been sorely missed.
It adds another dimension to United who, for the past few seasons, haven’t had much return in the goals department from the midfield. Carrick is a smooth passer but, evident by 19 goals in almost 300 United appearances, he is not a goalscorer. Anderson has missed much of the season but has failed to live up to expectations and Tom Cleverley is trying to shake off being labeled injury prone. With Paul Scholes’ second retirement on the horizon, Sir Alex is wisely making his midfield younger and more creative.
Officially joining United on July 1, when the transfer window opens, clubs in the Championship are already trying to nab Powell on a season long loan deal. It’s unclear whether or not Sir Alex wants to keep him at United or let him get more game experience in the second tier of English football. Regardless, Powell will go on United’s pre-season tour and look to impress.
There have already been comparisons to ex-Red and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo. In an interview with MUTV, Dario Gradi revealed the challenge Sir Alex has given Powell:
“What Sir Alex has done is challenge the boy to do what Ronaldo did. Young players worry about their chances of playing when they go to United. But Sir Alex told Nick, 'If you do well enough, you'll get a chance. Ronaldo went on as sub (on his debut against Bolton) and was outstanding so I picked him'.”
It’s easy to get carried away thinking what might be but Nick Powell is certainly one to watch.
Article by Alexandra Richert
Calling all Manchester United fans: How excited are you about seeing Nick Powell at Old Trafford? Do you believe he has the skill to be a success at United? Whatever your views, we'd love to hear from you.
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