The Delhi University Teachers’ Welfare Fund was set up by the teachers themselves to help the fellow teachers in urgent financial needs untimely death and medical reimbursements. Although certain revelations have come up recently, stating that the Welfare Fund has been non-operational and unaccounted for the last four years. To make the process properly administered, it is done via the institutions from where a certain amount of money is deducted from the salaries of the teachers. The fund is administered by a collective group of people who are collectively decided.
Earlier, in the competition of the committee called the Teachers’ Welfare Fund Committee, there would be some teacher representative from the DUTA, the elected teacher representative of the executive council, some members from the academic council, some professors and some non-teaching S.O. staff. But speculations state that the governing body is keeping everything secret about the ongoing matter of questioning of the funds.
Expressing deep concern over the matter, Delhi University Teachers’ Association’s president Nandita Narain says, “Everything about Delhi University has changed in the past four years. All representatives are being handpicked.” “The matter came into light when certain teachers who were in some financial distress applied for the funds. First they were told that there is one S.O. in the School of Open Learning to whom they need to submit their application to. DUTA was not made aware in any meeting about the existing place. We are trying to find out what’s going. There was no dialog between the Vice Chancellor, the administration and the DUTA.” She said. “What we heard from a certain teacher was that the fund was not being managed properly, so the S.O. has thrown up his hands because of the big mess. So we asked him to directly approach the VC to account him for the funds and where the money was going.”
DUTA’s white-paper is a document on the large scale mis-governance, financial scams and violation of the rule of law for which the association has documentary evidence. In this case, it consists of 450 pages of the lies which they got to know about this scam. She said that DUTA is currently looking into the matter, “We have put it in out white-paper which is one of the documents regarding the financial scams of this university and we have demanded that the body should have new staff quickly. We have visited honorable presidents Pratibha Patil and Pranab Mukherjee and nothing has been done to restore the peace in this matter. We will fight against this large scale victimization of teachers in this university.”
It is that time of the year where we, the citizens of Delhi University, choose our leaders – The DUSU elections. The process for these elections, which will reach its climax on 12th of September 2014 with the elections, has already begun with the contesting parties declaring their manifesto and list of candidates.
One of these parties is All India Students’ Association popularly known as AISA. AISA declared its manifesto for the DUSU elections 2014 on 4th of September 2014. Here is a list of the major points that AISA brings out in its manifesto and hopes to achieve if elected.
Manifesto Highlights
Hostel Accommodation
Hostel accommodation is an important point being raised by all parties this year. A desire to have hostels in all colleges so that students are provided proper accommodation along with a proper rent regulation act is one of the major points that AISA wishes to take up.
Anti sexual harassment and discrimination cells
After various cases of sexual harassment and rape in Delhi there have been repeated efforts to ensure safety for women. One of those measures on college level by AISA would be the establishment of cells for the same in every college where girls can step up and raise their voice along with anti-discrimination cells to prevent the kind of discrimination happening with North- East and other students.
AISA has always been an advocate of women safety. After the gang-rape incident on 16th of December 2012 the led a movement called ‘Freedom without Fear’ demanding the Vishaka guidelines to be applied in all colleges.
Metro and bus passes for students
In an effort to better the transportation service for students, AISA demands concessional passes for students in Metro and recognition of student bus passes in all buses along with more connectivity by DTC buses and more DTC bus pass counters where none exist.
For this, AISA initiated a campaign interacting with 20,000 students on transportation and gathering their opinions and then mobilized students to Delhi Secretariat to demand proper and affordable transport facilities after which U-Special buses for girls in evening colleges were provided.
Many individual units of AISA keep holding protests for this cause.
Provisions for visually handicapped in libraries
AISA aims at making Braille books available in all Delhi University libraries for the aid of visually handicapped students.
Infrastructure development
Another major point in AISA’s manifesto is the development of all-round college infrastructures from water facilities to clean washrooms and classrooms and labs along with proper facilities and infrastructure for the physically handicapped students like ramps, sound indicators and other safety measures.
Merit cum means scholarship
Merit cum means scholarship is specifically for the economically weaker section of students and AISA aims at properly and strictly providing this scholarship to that section to ensure equal education to all.
Annual GBM for DUSU
Annual GBM’s will be conducted where DUSU will provide a proper annual report to maintain transparency and keep everyone informed of all decisions.
Other than these major points AISA also brings out other issues like:
Presidential debate before all DUSU elections
Stalling of unreasonable fee hikes
Reinstating the reevaluation process
Handling the FYUP B.Tech issue with a proper vision
More student participation in decision making process
Remedial classes for students
Hostel for PH students
Active grievance committees in colleges
Regulation of canteen rates
On 25th of July 2014 with 250 people and on 22nd of August 2014 with 1000 people AISA led protest marches bringing together all their major points like accommodation problems, ragging issue, women safety among others.
AISA’s list of candidates for DUSU elections 2014 are –
Madhurima Kundu, B.A Economics 3rd year, Hindu College – President
Aman Nawaz, M.A English, Dayal Singh College – Vice-President
Aman Gautam, B.A PROG 1st year, Sri Venkateswara college – Secretary
Vikramaditya, M.A Buddhist studies – Joint Secretary
Delhi University Students’ Union, or DUSU, has never been the garden variety of students’ unions in the country. It has been the breeding ground for renowned national political leaders. The likes of Arun Jaitley, Ajay Maken and Vijay Goel have all hatched out of DUSU. It is also a great indicator of the national mood, as was evident in 2013 when ABVP nearly swept DUSU elections eight months before BJP swept the Lok Sabha elections.
Arun Jaitley, current Indian Finance & Defence Minister, formerly DUSU President (1974)
Ajay Maken, current General Secretary of Congress, former DUSU President (1985)
The ways through which the various student bodies prepare for DUSU elections are as intriguing as the Union itself. Guidelines of the Lyngdoh Committee are going to feature heavily in this article, therefore, for the uninitiated: Lyngdoh Committee, headed by J.M.Lyngdoh, was set up by the Ministry of HRD to draw guidelines for elections of Students’ Unions across the country. Its report was submitted in 2006 and the guidelines were notified to all universities.
The recommendations of Lyngdoh Committee regarding the DUSU elections.
Top political parties begin hunting for possible candidates right after admissions cease. First years are the most preferred choice, which is so because Lyngdoh Committee’s guidelines require 2nd and 3rd year students to have a minimum of 75% attendance in the previous year. The rule, however, is not applicable to first years. How much of an impact a first year would have in the capacity of a DUSU member is worth giving thought to.
After zeroing in on candidates comes the phase of campaigning. Not known to many is the guideline that limits the expenditure of a candidate on their campaign to Rs.5000. This rule is generally flouted by everyone. Most candidates believe the limit to be impractical considering the size of the University. On the other hand, rampant bribes in the form of movie tickets and food vouchers are an undeniable reality.
The electoral campaigns in the University of Delhi during DUSU elections.
Lastly, candidates file their nominations for various posts. It is a regular practice for a political party to initially nominate multiple candidates for a single post. Additional candidatures are later withdrawn when the party is sure of its decisions and the eligibility of their primary candidates. This is the answer if you’ve ever wondered why parties declare candidates much later after the last date of nomination.
St. Stephens College is not only hyped for its top cut-offs but also boasts of a long list of world renowned alumni who have indeed made the college proud and worthy of its fame. Here are ten of the former Stephanians-
1. Shashi Tharoor
Probably the most charismatic politician alive, Mr.Tharoor, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. Stephens (1972-75) joined Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in 1976 where he went on to become the youngest PhD holder at the age of 22 in 1978. Tharoor’s career graph is certainly one to be envied. Starting as a staff member of UN High Commission for Refugees(UNHCR) in 1978 and later becoming the head of its office in Singapore, Mr. Tharoor served at various posts in the United Nations till he resigned as the Under Secretary-General in 2007.
On 28 May 2009, he was sworn in as the Minister of State for External Affairs for Africa, Latin America and the Gulf, after which he was re-inducted into the cabinet in 2012 as the Human Resource Development Minister. Even during BJP’s historic win in the 2014 general elections, Tharoor won the Lok Sabha seat from Kerala to become MP yet again.
Shashi Tharoor was as active during his Stephen’s years as he is in his career. He founded the Quiz Club in the college and revived the Wodehouse Society. He was also the Secretary of History Society and editor of campus humor magazine ‘Kooler talk’ till he relinquished the posts to become the President of the Students Union.
Apart from all of the educational qualifications, Shashi Tharoor is also known for his slapstick comments and intelligently opinionated tweets about day to day happenings.
Why hasn’t @narendramodi & @PMOIndia congratulated @MirzaSania on her extraordinary achievement? Hope he too hasn’t left it to her in-laws?
The man behind implementation of Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) in India, Kapil Sibal holds degrees of LLB and MA History from Stephen’s. Former lawyer and now politician, Mr. Sibal has served in various ministries under the Congress led UPA Government, namely, Ministry of Science & Technology, Ministry of HRD, Ministry of Communication & IT, and Ministry of Law and Justice. He has also served as the Additional Solicitor General of India(1989-1990) and President of the Supreme Court Association thrice(1995-96, 1997-98, 2001-02).
3. Ajaypal Singh Banga
Current president of MasterCard and former chief operation officer in the company, he attained the post of Chief Executive Officer in July 2010.
4. Kabir Bedi
This alumnus of St. Stephen’s is one of the few Indian actors to have made a mark internationally with specialization in three mediums – film, television and theatre. He is also a contributor to media publications like the Times of India and Tehelka on political/ social issues.
5. Konkana Sen Sharma
Halfway down our list we have a pioneer of woman talent in Bollywood, parallel cinema actress Konkana Sen Sharma, best known for her roles in movies like Page 3, Omkara, Life in a Metro, etc. This critically acclaimed actress has starred in Bengali films as well. However, the lesser known fact about her is that, she too, is a former student of English from Stephen’s.
6. George Abraham
This visually impaired cricket patron graduated from St. Stephen’s in 1979 with an Honours degree in Mathematics. He later founded the World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) and Association for Cricket for the Blind in India(ACBI) in order to fulfill his dream of building a non-stereotypical, positive and active image of the blind. He also founded the SCORE Foundation in New Delhi.
7. Khushwant Singh
Late Khushwant Singh, novelist, lawyer, politician and journalist was best known for his trenchant views on secularism and his humor which he incorporated perfectly in his literary work. Singh was bestowed with Padma Bhushan in 1974 and Padma Vibhushan in 2007 for his selfless service to the country.
8. Amitav Ghosh
The Bengali author and former Stephenian is well known for his works – The Shadow Lines(1988), The Calcutta Chromosome(1995), The Glass Palace(2000), The Hungry Tide(2004), Sea of Poppies(2008) and the Ibis Trilogy.
9. Montek Singh Ahluwalia
Mr. Ahluwalia, graduate from St. Stephen’s with a BA Honours degree, is an economist and civil servant with the achievement of being the first Director of the Independent Evaluation Office at the International Monetary Fund and also the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission until his resignation in May 2014.
10. Barkha Dutt
Indian television journalist and columnist with an English literature degree from Stephen’s is a group editor with NDTV. She gained prominence for her alleged over-the-top reporting of the Kargil War. Although controversies revolve around her reporting of the 2002 Gujarat riots, 2008 Mumbai attacks and the Radia Tapes Controversy in 2010, she has managed to gain substantial acclaim as a journalist and the title of ‘TV Personality of the Year’ in 2012 by the Association of International Broadcasting.
Bonus
11. Dinesh Singh
Not to forget the famous Delhi University Vice Chancellor from 2010, Dinesh Singh is also an alumni of St. Stephen’s College. He completed his B.A. (Honors- Maths) in 1975 and M.A. Maths in 1977 from St. Stephen’s followed by M.Phil (Maths) from DU in 1978. Singh started his career as Lecturer at St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi in 1981. He has been the face behind numerous academic reforms in the University of Delhi, be it the initiatives like Antardhwani and Gyanodaya Express or the famous for all the wrong reasons, FYUP.
A journey of any outstation student at Delhi University is quite similar to the metamorphosis of a butterfly from a caterpillar, developing wings and getting all set to fly high in this big and often bad world. My journey into this ‘Walled City’ began two years ago with a dream to study in the most prestigious university of the country and thus I set on the trajectory to climb the walls of my ambitions by getting admission here. My initial days in Delhi taught me how to fly and explore the multitude opportunities that were yet to unfold upon me and here I am now, a proud and seasoned butterfly studying at Delhi University!
Living away from family, fending for daily provisions and adapting into a totally new atmosphere ,entwined with several hitches, encountered time to time at your college, PG or a hostel makes life of an outstation student here a one-of-a kind story to narrate. Whether it’s an awful meal that you have to force down your throat or a terrible remembrance of mom when you’re sick, life offers a new lesson at every stage when you’re living away from home.
The welcoming conduct of many Delhiites often takes you by surprise while you still go back to memories of school and home but by the time we understand that to live away from home is one sacrifice that we have to endure for a better future, we inculcate the signature ‘Delhiwalla’ traits in our souls. After all, being in DU, studying with people from different background and cultures is an experience in itself.
Though there is no substitute for the place where your roots are which you proudly call ‘home’, living away from parents is a chance to choose your own family, the ones you hope will keep you company on a sick day or a home sick night. To be an outstation student at Delhi University might make you jealous of Delhiites comfortably living with parents and family at first, but you never know how they might be missing the independence and the multitude learnings that you derive by living away from home.
So my message for all outstation students who are embarking on a journey at DU this year-It’s time to break the cocoon, flutter your wings and fly away towards your dreams like a butterfly!
the Yagyashala where the Principal, Dr.V.K Kawatra, teachers and many students gathered and prayed for everyone’s happiness and prosperity. This was followed by a cleanliness drive organized by NSS Hansraj and a speech by Mr.Poonam Suri, Chairman of the DAV College Managing Committee.
Lady Shri Ram College for Women also organized an hour-long program which started with an instrumental performance by the music societies of the College. There was also a collaborative performance by the Indian Music Society and the Western Music Society which impersonated the teachers and students respectively, voicing their emotions through well-chosen and witty songs. This performance was followed by an act performed by the Dramatics Society of the College with the Dance Society performing in between. The movie presented by Projekt, Film and Photography Society of the College, received a standing ovation by the Vice Principal.
Cultural events were hosted at Jesus and Mary College. Students from the Commerce department at JMC gave dance performances which surely brought smiles to the faces of their teachers. Thus, the day which also marks the birth of Dr.Radhakrishnan was celebrated with great enthusiasm in colleges across North as well as South Campus.
Shaurya Sahai[email protected]Image Credits: Mugdha[email protected]]]>
On 3rd September, Hindu College hosted a Book Launch session for Vigilante Publications. The event was mainly about releasing their new publication ‘DU Love’. DU Love is an anthology of twenty-four short stories written by the alumni and current students of Delhi University.
Vigilante Publications came up with this competition at the beginning of this year, asking for entries form DU students. DU Love is a collection of love stories fused with other genres written by DU students and set in DU. Among the various entries sent, 24 of them got chosen to be published in this book. The book consists of everything from pining lovers, zombies and ghosts to jealous lovers, robots and aliens.
The event at Hindu saw a vast audience which included the authors, along with the panelists responsible for picking out entries and choosing the best three winners of DU Love cash prizes. The event also saw a discussion on Creative Writing, encouraging the audience to read, write and pen more such stories and creative pieces. While it was clearly mentioned that romance as a genre is over-exhausted, yet it is a vibrant topic nonetheless. Thus, making this idea of fusion of romance with other genres and making a cross-genre story novel was an interesting challenge.
The panelists included the judges and the editor, who lauded the efforts of the writers. A few writers even got the chance to read out special sections and extracts from their stories and gave insights into the motivation and inspiration behind their works. Mr. Shoven Chaudhary, one of the panelists, said “I request the audience to please read these stories and support these budding writers.” Sami Ahmad Khan, the editor, shared his experience and how much he enjoyed reading each story and editing it. Dr. Nambiar said, “I have not been able to put the book down. It was quite a roller coaster. There was one thing in common though, love articulated for DU and spaces for love that nobody knew existed in DU.” The event ended with the Prize Distribution Ceremony.
The 24 writers are:
Lakshmi Menon , Jayati Das, Aimen Khan, Rosheena Zehra, Adishi Gupta, Anisha Sen, Ayushi Sharma, Abiral Kumar, Somrita Ganguly, Nishtha, Riya Raj, Mohd. Salman, Supriya Chatterjee, Suryanshu Guha, Ariba Usman, Suchi Mahato, Swara Shukla, Shruti Kirti, Joyee Das, Arghya Sengupta, Rishabh Bhardwaj, Parul Dutta, Brahmjeet Singh and Ayesha Sareen.
With the craze around the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and its South Asian adaption, the Rice Bucket Challenge, my fellow netizens including me got mired into a rather brain-challenging challenge- the ‘ #BookBucketChallenge ’ where one is required to list ten books that have had an influence in their life or remained close to one’s heart.
Suddenly, all those of us who were environmentally conscious enough to not dump water over our heads, and not as fascinated by the Rice Bucket Challenge (in our defence, this was not even trending in Delhi or on social media), had a new cause to live for on Facebook. We bravely accepted the challenge and nominated others to do the same.
Yes, I was excited, as were my book-loving friends. I finally had something to showcase other than the selfies that usually go wrong. But strangely, I felt like my list of books too had something ‘wrong’ associated with it. While most people around me certainly seemed to be ‘better-read’, I too had prepared my list after much caution but it was not at par with most of the lists on my newsfeed. Comparatively, others majorly had books that implied heavier reading with more or less standard Enid Blytons and Harry Potters dominating their lists.
At first, I began to question my taste and level of intellect, but later the decisions of those around me were put to thought. But I couldn’t find a conclusion for either. What I did find was a status update from a fellow confused person asking whether it was supposed to be ’10 books that made an impression on me’ or ’10 books that make an impression of me’. Therefore, I was not alone.
Book lovers and book clubs have thrived since forever; one does make strong bonds over the love for books, the bonds that last. Don’t misinterpret my words, but books do not always have to express one’s level of maturity and intellect. For those who find comfort in heavy tomes, it is your choice for the kind of reading. And for others who read not-so-heavy stuff, know this eventually, it is about the comfort found in the smell of the yellowed pages and least about these Facebook lists.
FB Folks are busy posting a pretentious list of 10 book titles, whereas the reality looks more like Goosebumps, Archies, Tinkle & Champak.
A week before the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections, the contesting parties are releasing their manifestos highlighting their key agendas.
Constitution Club of India, on September 4th, 2014 hosted National Students’ Union of India’s (NSUI) manifesto release campaign. NSUI is the student wing for Indian National Congress (INC) and their press campaign focused on displaying party’s plan of action out into picture.
This period, which majorly talks about promises being thrown by different parties will be followed by the election day i.e. Friday, September 12th, 2014 where the students will choose their leaders, the leaders who may or may not deliver. NSUI’s list of promises includes various such agendas that they wish to take up if given a chance to be in power.
“NSUI went to the grass-root level to understand plight of students. There were two such matters that our surveys highlighted which are now our highlight agendas for the upcoming year.”
-Amrish Pandey, Spokesperson, NSUI.
Section 33 of Delhi University Act makes it mandatory to provide accommodation to the students of the University where as only 9000 hostel seats are available for over 1.8 lakh students enrolled in DU.
NSUI wants the administration at the University to use 95 acre of barren land to build hostels, which would reduce the shelling out of money on private accommodations like paying guests and flats. Party’s manifesto also demands regulations in Delhi Rent Control Act.
Puneet Sharma, a day scholar from Hans Raj College says, “I am staying in a PG. Our college is having some 200 seats in the hostel for the students from different courses, reserved categories and year of study. In addition, the admission to hostel is given on the merit basis with proper reservations. This leaves little scope. This agenda by the party will really help the students.” Puneet who pays Rs. 15000/- per month for a paying guest could have managed in less than Rs. 50000/- for an annual hostel accommodation.
It is also drafted to fight the administration to take neighboring private structures on lease until the hostels are ready.
The incidents of eve teasing, harassment, ghettoisation, mocking dressing sense, eating habits, lifestyle, language of North Eastern students is an everyday occurrence even in the so called ‘secure’ environment of Delhi University.
Angellica Aribam, an alumnus of Sri Venkateshwara College and presently National Secretary, NSUI (Assam) says, “Discrimination has no limits, I experienced it back then and it still exists. NSUI demands Grievance Redressal Mechanism with legal assistance.”
NSUI demands central government to enact Anti-Racial discrimination Law and to give speedy justice for victims of racial crimes.
“We travel from North East India and travel to mainland Indian cities to hope for better education, job prospect and a better life. What we do not foresee then is that we may someday end up as victims of crime specifically perpetuated because of our facial features, ethnicity or lifestyle”, says Chandrika, a University student who hails from Assam.
NSUI demands the Central government and Delhi University to include North Eastern culture and history in the curricula. A North East Students’ Cell in DUSU has also been proposed which will work for the welfare of that student community.
To support this, Delhi University on 3rd September witnessed a human chain rooted by NSUI to fight racial discrimination.
Numerous north eastern students in protest against against racism and discrimination in Delhi University.
Onlookers witness the protest in interest of north east students.
Other Agendas
Revaluation and Re-assessment
Special Chance for Final Year students
Uniform Admission Rules
Campus Recruitment Centre
Disabled Student Friendly Campus
Attendance and Marks for Sports Students
Women Development Cell
Grievance Redressal Committees
We have everything on our side, says confident NSUI
“We are focusing on ‘less paper campaign’ this year. Our social media promotions have been looked at very wisely during these elections. And we think that NSUI will come to power.”
-Mohit Sharma, Vice President, NSUI (Delhi Operations)
On being asked whether Congress not being in power will affect the University Elections or not, Roji. M. John, National President, NSUI says, “Modi government’s 100 days had much without delivery. Within a month, India’s youth was on the street for some issue or the other. There has been no reduction in the black money and India has seen inflation. Congress not being in power will not affect the student body. The only influence can be cancellation of nominations.”
Roji. M John, National President NSUI in conversation with DU Beat | Picture Credits – Kashish Madan
Final Contesting Panel: NSUI
NSUI on 5th September has also released its final list of candidates contesting for the DUSU Elections 2014, the names of candidates being as follows:
President: a.a. Gaurav Tushir (Ist year, Motilal Nehru College)
Vice President: Mona Chaudhary (Ist Year, Faculty of Law)
Secretary: a.a. Ameet Sidhu Teema (Ist Year, Master in Buddhist Studies from Faculty of Arts)
Joint Secertary: A.A. Abhishk Choudhary (Ist Year, M.A from Faculty of Arts)
NSUI DUSU Panel
Celebrations after the release of final list of candidates
Karishma Thakur, the outgoing secretary of DUSU (only office bearer representing NSUI in DUSU for academic year 2013-14) told DU Beat, “We strive to go better this year. We are not making fake promises. NSUI has been active the past year as well. This time we will get to power and bring the change.”
20 Premier League/League Division One Cups, 11 FA Cups, 4 English League Cup, 3 European Cups, 1 UEFA Super Cup, 1 European’s Cup Winner Cup and 1 FIFA World Cup. The Manchester United’s trophy room looks nothing short of a crowded wall of fame. Seeing the array of trophies sitting in the cabinet, Manchester United has certainly been one of the Goliaths of the football world.
However, the fall in United’s performances for the last two years has been tremendous and almost bewildering for fans. The 2014/15 campaign of the English Premier League opened with a disastrous start as United lost to Swansea on the opening day. The shock defeat to MK Dons in the Capitol One Cup was extremely humiliating.
Adapting To A New System
Louis Van Gaal’s introduction as the manager of the club after a short spell by David Moyes was well received by all the stakeholders of the club. The man’s curriculum vita is flooded with success at some of the best clubs of the world. The club’s pre-season added to that excitement as United remained without defeat and won against Real Madrid, Liverpool, Inter and Roma to claim the Guinness International Cup. Van Gaal’s 3-5-2 formation has not been effective yet and might not in the future, given the fact that the team’s centre backs are devoid of experience and the team lacks wing-backs who can move up and down the entire wing. In order to regain their former glory, here Manchester United needs more than just a bunch of praying fans.
Underperforming Players
In a recent interview, Louis Van Gaal disclosed that he has found two types of players at the club, players who are not performing at the level he wants them to and players who do not want to perform at the required level. Mutiny from United players has been quite evident over the past season even under David Moyes’ reign. Shinji Kagawa was late for a flight for a match and Welbeck and Smalling were caught creating havoc in bars. Discipline, a virtue that was strictly followed by Sir Alex Ferguson in his own draconian way, seems to be lost at the moment. Tom Cleverley’s flimsy passes and Ashley Young’s inability to get past players has been infuriating fans. Anderson, Fletcher, Evans and Smalling have all been under-performing and face the scrutiny of fans over social media platforms wanting them to be offloaded.
Depth of Squad
The club has suffered some bad transfer windows over the past few years. Refusing to spend too much money and other clubs hijacking United’s bids for players have been two key elements for the failures. Therefore, the club lacks depth in its squad. The club faces a huge dearth of quality centre-midfield players and centre-backs. The team facing MK Dons over the past week had 3 strikers, 3 wingers and 2 midfielders playing a 3-5-2 formation. Van Gaal also revealed that the squad lacks balance with 4 no. 10s in the team.
As a reality check for every United fan, the rebuilding of the club will take time. The squad has been infused with 4 players until now including Angel Di Maria. Patience is what United fans need to hold onto for now.
(That said, it is inevitable for me to say that my respect for Sir Alex Ferguson has grown exponentially after realizing that the man won the EPL with the current squad)
