They began the season as they wish to carry on: a thoroughly efficient performance as reflected by the score line. Manchester United got the result they desperately needed, especially with Chelsea, City and Liverpool looming in the near horizon. These were 3 crucial points.
But for the watchful eye, there were serious deficiencies in the performance. Swansea represent great potential, a team that could seriously change the balance of power in the Barclay’s Premier League, but they are not any more than a good side and it showed. The first two goals were against the run of play. Van Persie’s finish was spectacular, but Ashley Williams could and should have done better. Poor defending, momentary lapses of concentration cost Swansea, in a game they had dominated up to that point.
United fans and even Moyes should have been worried by the lack of penetration. Just like in the game against Wigan, United do not look threatening at all in possession, and with both Rooney and Kagawa on the bench, United looked flat, tame, and toothless. The last two goals where a show of real class. Rooney played a huge part in all goals, playing precise balls that set up the attack and the goals.
The wings didn’t offer the classic United penetration that we had got so accustomed to and with no inspiration and creativity in the center, United looked ordinary, nothing close to a team that can defend a title, or mount a serious campaign in the Champions League.
So the question is, what next for United? Where next? If they can’t open up teams through the middle and they can’t stretch them either, it leaves serious questions about where they will end up this season. There is yet little indication of which will be Moyes preferred 11, which formation United will play, or how he intends to break down his opponents and all the more worrying, who he intends to sign.
The signs are worrying, very worrying. United fans should ring alarm bells. A huge contingent will argue that its only one game, and that pre-season doesn’t count, but allegiances aside, United has been all that the writer has mentioned, and there is cause for concern before things run out of hand.
The transfer window closes very soon and there is little sign of activity. The rumour mill is buzzing again, with stories of United being in Mesut Ozil. I’m not sure how much of an improvement he would be to them right now. United already have Kagawa to play in the hole, and Rooney (should he stay). The problem lies in the area right next to Carrick, where Cleverley, and Anderson, just don’t seem to have what it takes to out-perform the League’s classier midfielders (the likes of Toure, Ramires, Oscar, Carzola, Arteta, or Paulinho to mention just a few).
Then there is the problem out wide. Valencia is efficient, but not spectacular, nothing the quality of Navas, Hazard, or Walcott, and yet he is the champion’s best player and this is worrying. The win against Swansea may paper over cracks, but there are still many issues that need resolving!
What’s your take? Are the champions in trouble?
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I have been going to Old Trafford since the 1970’s and have been a Season Ticket Holder for over 30 of those. I spent a fortune over the years coming over from Ireland but I have decided to give up my season ticket this year and luckily for me I did. I was there threw the bad times in the 1970’s and also the 1980’s but the worse decision I have ever seen in my life was giving the United job to Moyes and the Chief Executive job to this muppet Woodward. They have made us a laughing stock in how they conducted our transfer business. 10 days to go and not one new player bought. Moyes is an idiot, a loser who has done nothing in his career and as for Woodward he has not got a clue and a bigger idiot. When I call them idiots I am actually paying them a compliement.
You are sending out the wrong message bud. When you have games against Swansea, Chelsea and Citeh you want to have your best players fit and available at all costs. United barely shifted to 3rd gear in both games against Wigan and Swansea because they were playing cautiously. Its all about professionalism mate get your facts right. United have the best wingers, best finishers and arguably the best defense in the English Premier League so are more than capable of playing attacking football and cause problems for any side in the world. Yes we have a problem in our midfield , but it doesn’t mean we lack the ability to attack, we only need to sign to strengthen a mid that is better than most in the league, but like Moyes said we will be more than happy going on with the season with the players we currently have. You are talking about a squad that bagged more goals than any other team in the EPL and here you are trying to get fans worried.
Some serious nonsense being written.
I think there s something like curse following man u in d transfer market or is moyes too slugish? No wonder if man u loses any match its we the fans that suffer it while the players and coaches will be seen in night clubs! Let that moyes do something fast for heaven sake!