I just wanted to draw your attention to some striking (literally!) similarities that will give us all hope following Nicky Forster’s departure, and apparent farewell message in this mornings Argus.

At the end of the 2005/06 season, centre forward Ruud Van Nistelrooy (then top goalscorer and ‘main man’) fell out with Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.

To many fans surprise and frustrations, no obvious replacement was signed in the summer. United fans didn’t want to see him go in the first place.

Van Nistelrooy ended up at Madrid, constantly picking up injuries, and scoring far fewer goals than he had been in Manchester.

United meanwhile won the first of 3 (maybe 4) Premiership titles, and finished runners up in the FA Cup. They went on to win the European Cup the following season.

A new, younger United team was unleashed, with a revamped formation, causing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo to flourish.

Now, I’m not for one minute suggesting that Elliott Bennett is going to start performing like Ronaldo, even if his swerving goal the other day suggests he occassionaly can! But there is definitely encouragement to be had from this scenario.

Forster is gone, much to the disappointment of many supporters. But was there really a place for himin the 4-5-1 anyway? Murray is our main man at the moment, and someone of Forster’s age and pedigree isn’t going to be content with a place on the bench. The focus is on pace down the wings, with a striker capable of linking up with the midfielders and also getting into the box to score goals. That’s what Murray is about. Forster is much more of a direct player. Yes, he’s had a super season, yes, it’ll be a shame to lose his goals, but you can’t really deny the fact that we haven’t missed him. Results have improved, and the new formation seems to be working a treat.

So, while it’s sad to see him go, let us hope it results in us unleashing the 4-5-1 on teams next season, continuing our current form, and you never know, just maybe there’s still a chance of opening Falmer in the Championship. Here’s hoping…