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I recently wrote a in my post, Arsenal are playing like Champions, about United's failings in their matches this season and nothing has changed. A win against Leverkusen raised the spirits of the fans but United are continuing their catastrophic form. They conceded another last minute equaliser against Cardiff, caused by Evra switching off, was followed by Everton's late winner last night, caused by Valencia switching off. Sandwiched between that was Sunday's draw against Tottenham, a game where Unites'd goals were not so much created rather than gifted as early Christmas present by Spurs. With things going from bad to worse we can draw five conclusions about United.
1. They ain't fit enough.
Manchester United's trade mark was the last minute goal. They used to drive on into the dieing moments of a match, getting stronger as the game drew to a close. Superior and belief meant Ferguson's team would outlast any opposition. This season the opposite is happening. Last weekend Cardiff were the team who got stronger as the game came to a close. Against Everton, United had some chances and played attackingly for most of the game. Yet, in the last ten minutes they ran out of steam. Tackles were weak, clearances poor, running labored. Everton capitilised on this and kept pushing for the three points while United's legs went.What are they doing in training?
2. United ain't good enough.
Only Rooney and Van Persie are good enough at this level. The midfield is light weight and cannot perform basic functions such as closing down, winning tackles, creating chances. Rooney has had his best start too a season for some time but the team is letting him down. With Van Persie injured he has to carry United alone and this cannot be expected to lead to many victories. The rest of the team seem happy to leave it up to them. None of the rest of the players tries to create anything, rather they pass it side to side before a hopeless, aimless cross is delivered to no one.
3. Moyes has continued his Everton form at United.
Everton's seasons always seemed to follow the same pattern, year on year. Start really slowly, struggle to hold leads or put a run of wins together. After Christmas form would pick up and Everton would look good, climbing up the table to finish between eighth and fifth, leaving fans to rue what might have been. In this regard United are playing exactly like a David Moyes team. Unfortunately for him, a late season surge too fifth place is not good enough.
4. Believe in youth.
As much of a legend Giggs is, United cannot rely on a 40 year old. He tired dramatically against Everton and although he still shows quality he needs dynamic, fearless players around him. Given United's defensive problems this season it is tempting to play Vidic and Ferdinand but they too have shown signs of age. Ferdinand's concentration and heading looks to have gone. Towards the last twenty minutes Vidic looks out of breath and loses strength. While the senior players start to look shaky the bright lights of the season have been Januzaj, Rafael, Jones and De Gea.
Januzaj's brief cameos have shown he can be a real talent.
Rafael's attacking play is dynamic and confident. His dribbling and crossing is better than United's wingers and has become increasingly solid defensively. Any goals conceded from the right back position should be placed at Valencia's feet, not Rafael's.
Jones has played with his usual strength and commitment. He was fantastic in both midfield and defense against Arsenal and he gave the midfield much needed stability against Leverkusen.
De Gea has been fantastic but let down by the team. How many goals would United concede without him in this form?
If your older players are not delivering then maybe it is time to play for the future.
5. Champions League place will be a struggle.
Mourinho said not to write United's title challenge off. I would disagree, it is definitely off. United would need to have a miraculous change in fortune; highly unlikely. They would also need Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City to slump massively; again highly unlikely. It may happen to one of them, but not to all three.
To finish fourth United would need Liverpool to have a poor run but Suarez gives them a chance in any game. If he gets injured, or more likely suspended, then they may catch them. But before that they would need Eveton to drop off which would still leave them needing to leapfrog Spurs.
So to finish fourth Manchester United need three teams to have a poor run while finding some form themselves. Winning the league? No chance.
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