Chelsea: The hardest managerial post on Earth.

So Villas-Boas has been sacked. The guillotine above the man's head has inevitably fallen and is anyone really that surprised? Abramovich has always exuded his monarchist attitude among his employees and eventually each one is cast out as Judas.

- Jose Mourinho sacked - won titles and trophies and usurped Manchester United.
- Carlo Ancelotti sacked - won the double in his first season and were runners up the following.
- Avram Grant sacked - reached the Champions League Final and only lost out on the League on the final day of the season

It makes awkward reading when you're a manager lined up next to take the reins of one of the most destabilised top tier clubs in European football. What is a guy to do in order to see out his contract? Now my thoughts on this are two-fold:

1. Ambramovich is a very difficult man to please
2. AVB lost before he even arrived

Number 1 is outlined above and it pangs of Abramovich's search for that elusive Champions League trophy. You'd think Avram Grant would've kept his job seeing as though he got them the closest. Now this was four years ago when this 'ageing' squad was in its prime so another run the following year could've worked in their favour just by tweaking parts of the system/clientèle. Let's not stick on that though as it's common-knowledge that no manager is safe when the Oligarch's axe constantly wielded.

Villas-Boas's record as the Chelsea manager is the worst out of his predecessors. 19 wins in 40 games equals a 47% win record. Even Scolari, who lasted only 36 games, had a win percentage of 56%. Now it's easy to blame the manager when you're looking at such statistics. Many forget the 'past their best' squad that he had at his disposal when he took over and jump on the bandwagon when the current senior players speak up. His refusal to play Kalou and freeze out Alex and Anelka looked like moves of a decisive man once they handed in transfer requests. However it's not worked out as he wanted and the team have regressed. Is it the player's fault? In short, probably. Though the players he has bought, one of which is incredible can't be blamed. Juan Mata has the potential to be one of the best in the league yet having one stand-out player isn't enough. Unless you're Arsenal.

AVB is not a footballer, he's a man that had great one-season success at Portugal's richest and most current successful side. He became hot managerial property after winning a league and cup double plus claiming the Europa league with an exciting style of football where his players were given the unpredictability of freedom. Falcao and Hulk scored 74 goals between them using these tactics. He came to Chelsea with a mentality of change and wanted to make these changes wherever he could to turn this team into a dominant force again. Now he's a man that knew the club inside out having worked as Mourinho's chief opposition scout so it should not have been such a hard task. However his previous employer said it was too soon for him to join a big club and he was somewhat right. At many times during the season he's looked lonely and completely out of depth. Carlo Ancelotti came out in the press and said that he tried to change too much too quickly and in a way he's also right. The style of play changed, the squad rotation changed, the tactics changed and the personnel changed all at the same time and it would take any number of games for all of it to come to fruition. Unfortunately it was tiime that was not available and he was naive to think that it was. Regardless of the £13m spent to break his Porto contract, he should have realised that money is no object and to discount himself from any favouritism. Proof of which can be seen in the £40m needed to pay AVB off upon being sacked.

Now not being a footballer and only a few of years older than the senior 'elite' members of the squad is an issue that's very current. Many are blaming them and even more are blaming the manager. Now the manager is to blame for not being able to handle them, however does he have the backing of the hierarchy in his attempts? However the players are to blame for not conforming, not accepting that he is the manager regardless of age and that they're not bigger than the brand. Putting it into context, imagine your manager at work was only 2 years older than you yet gave you the jobs no one wants all the time. You'd be preaching to your peers about how he's not that much older so how can he do such a thing. He can because he's the decision maker, the guy that's been tasked with providing an end product, he's the Manager. Regardless of circumstance, it isn't his fault he's now your boss but you have to respect him and he got very little; especially from the English based contingent.

I read an interesting piece that the three of them plus Drogba should be player managers and see how well they do. In all seriousness it would never happen however the thought of it is brilliant. Let's see how they deal with prima donnas. The bum chumming of Terry and Lampard would soon come to an end and Roman would see he's been loyal to the wrong entity. That would be the only way for the owner to realise he's made a mistake, something that isn't befitting of him in his stint as owner. My opinion on this whole matter is the senior players coupled with the naivety of AVB ultimately cost him his job. As I said before, he made decisions that even baffled me and I've been a supporter of his approach. Since Ancelotti played such 'boring' football, his high defensive line and quick passing brought excitement back to Stamford Bridge however at times they were suicidal tactics. The losses to Manchester United and Arsenal are examples of both sides of his tactical naivety. The game at Old Trafford - Exciting -  was not a one-sided affair and AVB was unlucky to come away with a loss. However given the loss of form for former footballer Fernando Torres and their profligacy in front of goal, it was inevitable. The new - Suicidal - tactics he enforced were also apparent against Arsenal and despite scoring 3, they conceded 5 which was unheard of and the question marks arose again.

Many are concerned with Lampard being 'dropped' was the reason for Chelsea's demise, however the well-versed among us know that not playing him is better for the team; Chelsea fans included. Yet he played 23 out of 27 league games and started 20 of them. Now he was also playing when Chelsea were at their worst when castigated in the press so to claim anything about his non-playing is nonsense.Yet when he was put on the subs bench for a total of 7 (SEVEN) games this season, he claimed it as 'not ideal'. Yet any professional at any other club would understand that they need to adapt and get on with it. A quick glance at the elder statesmen at Manchester United and Liverpool are obvious examples. Lampard is the darling of the English media, as annoying as it is, and much like his cousin Jamie Redknapp, are punching above their weight given their talent or lack thereof. He has never been one to shy away from the press and it's all too telling given the amount he supposedly leaked.

The senior members of this current side are an embarrassment. An embarrassment to this league and an embarrassment to themselves. They failed to adopt his methods in fear that they're incapable of adapting their games. It is clear that as the season went on, the team was beginning to play worse. Now I'm not one to say they were purposely playing badly, but I can say that they weren't conveying the managers messages from the training pitch to match day. He would obviously have told them to forget everything that Ancelotti told them (a manager with 16 years more experience) and learn his methods instead as they are what is best to make them succeed. As mentioned before, freedom was one of them and this would make a player have to think for themselves more rather than using Ancelotti's monotonous approach which removed the element of surprise. In turn, this leaves a player accountable if it goes wrong. Something that the senior players turned their nose up to. Added credence to this thought process is that the younger players, players that incidentally adhered to his methods, have succeeded in otherwise a poor season. Mata, Romeu, Ramires and Sturridge (only just) have had good seasons so far. However Ivanovic, Terry, Lampard, Drogba, Cole and Cech have had not one moment that comes to mind and the season ends in 2 months. The latter of those having the worst season I can remember and he's only a goalkeeper so has less to change. These players deemed themselves too important to take his methods on board and thus take the accountability.

The match against West Brom that ended AVB's season, it was these exact senior players that were terrible that day, Michael Essien included (I shall also include Terry for arguments sake). All players that are big dressing room personalities, all players that whined to the press upon not being in the team and ultimately became too big to drop. Having a player like Terry within the ranks is an isolated problem that is a disease that Chelsea have created. This guy took on Capello during the middle of a World Cup and is not afraid of mutiny. He placed himself on a pedestal and it's all too convenient that he's returned from 'injury' 2 days after AVB has been sacked.

So what next? Any manager on the shortlist will be completely put off with the debacle that just occurred. Finding a manager willing to deal with the cancerous players and an impatient employer are more than enough reasons to steer clear. No manner of things seem to work: from winning the league, getting to finals or trimming the squad of ageing players. You can be the best manager around or the hot shot youngster coming through the ranks yet you're not safe. Di Matteo is the interim First Team Coach until the end of the season and it is a laughable choice. He has no experience of managing a club of this size. His previous exploits include MK Dons and being sacked as the West Brom Manager despite finishing second in the Championship and he's supposed to get the respect that AVB didn't?

Good luck to you Roberto as you'll need it more than ever. Good luck to André Villas-Boas also, I'm sure you will find success in the future however enjoy your forty million pounds first.

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Marcelo Bielsa; an enigma

This current season marked the return of Bielsa to club management and I, for one, am glad to see him back. Nicknamed 'El Loco' or 'Madman' in English, he employs tactics that many clubs are afraid to use and akin to his namesake. Here I take you through the philosophies of Marcelo Bielsa, the Madman of modern football.

The Early Days

Bielsa had a relatively short playing career as a defender in Argentina as can be seen by retiring at 25. He found that he was better suited to coaching and moved in to that department at Newell's Old Boys when he qualified as a P.E teacher. Much at the behest of his father as Bielsa shunned playing for Rosario Central, Newell's rivals. From there, he coached various youth teams before being the coach of the first team at the age of 35. During his few years in charge, he was relatively successful in winning a couple of tournaments. After brief stints at Mexican clubs, Espanyol came in for him only for Argentina to come knocking and wanting him to be the manager in 1998. Argentina won their qualifying group for the 2002 World Cup however their memorable performance for not getting past the first round won't be forgotten easily. To make amends, they were runners up at the 2004 Copa America and won the Gold Medal at the Olympics the same year. Following this, Bielsa resigned out of the blue; adding to his 'Madman' moniker.

It was when he became the manager of the Chilean national team after a 3 year hiatus did his philosophies become apparent. It was not sheer luck the stark improvement the side went under during his stewardship and a list of firsts can be compiled to corroborate:

• First away point gained against Uruguay ever
• First win over Argentina, causing Basile to resign
• First away victory over Peru for 22 years
• First away victory over Paraguay for 20 years
• First ever away win over Colombia
• Helped Chile qualify for the 2010 world cup after an 8 year absence

His willingness to play young players and fast track them to the first team was something held close to Bielsa. 

Also instilling a much more attacking mindset among his players, regardless of opposition and regardless of stadium. He would stick to the same style of play regardless of whether it was home or away. Reminds me of a certain Catalan team.

It was only when he became the manager of Athletic Bilbao did I get excited again as I felt he had done all he could with Chile. Similar to Raynald Denoueix in my post about Real Sociedad, Bielsa was not too dissimilar. Without offending anyone from the Basque region of Spain, Bielsa was a newcomer to La Liga, much like Denoueix. He also inherited a team with many highly talented individual players. Moving to the Basque country was a shrewd move for him as there was strong interest from Inter Milan. Shrewd in the sense that Bilbao were already a young, energetic team playing high-tempo football under the guidance of Joaquin Capparos, whereas Inter are very much the opposite; ageing, defending deep and playing a slow paced game.

The marriage of Bilbao to Bielsa seems like one that was meant to be as Bilbao are not your average club. Their insistence on bringing through youth players from the Basque region can only aid Bielsa who did not ask for new signings when he joined. Testament that he can make his methods work regardless of clientèle. His insistence on training and retraining players to cope with his style of play can be seen from his transition from Argentina to Chile. Both played a variation of 4-1-3-2/3-1-3-3 deploying a high tempo direct style of play that included aggressive pressing while off the ball. Such a style requires extreme fitness and it took a while for him to get Bilbao on his wavelength and such fitness can be seen by Guardiola's Barcelona. The main aim is to  win the ball as close to the opposition's goal as possible, attacking directly and at pace. He talks of the value in squeezing the game into a 25-metre area.

(image courtesy of zonalmarking.net)

El Loco

It's his personality that draws you to him though. He's somewhat of an enigma and not understood by many. He sees no reason to be part of something and would rather create his own path. He has in the past refused to grant exclusive interviews to the press, taking the view that no single media outlet should receive preferential treatment: he's not wrong either. Then there is his famous ‘El Loco’ touchline persona which stems from his passion for his mindset and straying from that can be explosive. Finally his willingness to field every single question at press conferences which I think is brilliant but is a side-effect of his egalitarian approach to the press, which at times has led to three or four hour sessions with the press. His meticulous nature could very well be where Rafael Benitez learned to be so contrite. Bielsa has an obsessive collection of football videos which he has studied in depth and has derived his tactics due to this. There are even rumours he paces out the length of a pitch before a game to decide what formation to deploy.

False Start

It took a while for Bielsa to get a tune out of Bilbao. So much so, they went through their worst start to a league in 32 years after accumulating just 2 points from their first five games. It could have been six games had their match against Real not been postponed due to player strikes. It is common knowledge in La Liga that SociedadDeia. Here was a man with principles stauncher than most coming to team used to having one way of playing and attempting to change everything. 

The players didn't initially warm to Bielsa and for good reason, his methods were so meticulous that many didn't understand. He was labelled a 'smoke-seller' by a few and his opposition was growing stronger with each game they failed to win. It seemed as though his radicalisation of Bilbao was occurring at too fast a pace and the support was growing impatient. Remember this is a team that has Fernando Llorente, Iker Muniain, Andoni Iraola and Javi Martínez; three very gifted players.

The methodology is entirely different: the work is much more conceptual, theoretical and technical than it has ever been before, highly detailed stuff. Players are walked through moves without opponents, the areas that they should occupy are marked out on the turf. There has been just one 11-a-side game in training all season. As one player notes: there are actually explanations and instructions now. But those explanations have been hard to apply.

There have been different formations too, from three at the back, to four, to five. The game that Yoigo Pérez played was at left-back – which is not his position. Nor is it Oscar de Marcos's position – he is a  is a young winger/forward who wears the number ten shirt. – but he has played there too. Carlos Gurpegui has been all over the place. Javi Martínez, one of the finest central midfielders in the country, has been played at centre back – where, rather than brilliant, he is just very good. Martinez is naturally a holding midfielder, and has played for the national side in that position. Bielsa often used midfielders in the defensive line for Chile, believing they were more mobile than some of his centre-backs, and also better at starting moves. The shift for Martinez is perhaps not surprising, because Bielsa always wants a very defensive-minded holding midfielder. Martinez is more of a ball-player, and therefore, whilst it may seem strange to move a player into the defence because his strengths lie in playing the ball rather than winning it back, it’s not completely unexpected. At 6′3 he has the ability to challenge in the air so not all is lost.

When results did not arrive, those apparently bizarre, nonsensical decisions looked even worse.

The players needed to time to adopt his methods and increase their fitness and fitting that in all came to fruition during the Basque derby against Real Sociedad. In the previous game against PSG in the Europa league, Bielsa managed to get a tune out of his team. He had to evolve otherwise he would have ended up forgotten in Bilbao, tarnished even. Bielsa created a hybrid of Bilbao's system created over generations coupled with his own high tempo  style. Atlethic won 2-0 despite PSG's new found riches and Bielsa was a relieved man. This was the game that all his hard work came together and even the players, as could be seen, were revelling in this new style that presented them with the ball more often than not while retaining their direct approach to the game. After the win away to Sociedad, one of Spain's great derbies where opposing fans sit next to each other, Bilbao were looking like a tough side to beat. Martinez, of Sociedad, scored one of the best goals at the anoeta (according to former player Xabi Alonso). However this was the only way that Sociedad could score: spectacularly. Llorente scored the equaliser and the winner and these were his first 2 goals of the season. It lifted a weight off his shoulders.

'Out Barca' Barca

Pep Guardiola famously travelled through the night to Bielsa's remote residence outside Rosario to ask advice when he was considering becoming a coach. Along with bizzare facts, he was presented with a question: "Do you really like blood that much?" Guardiola said 'yes'. Besides, he had come to Bielsa to learn, and learn he would. Bielsa showed Guardiola the art of pressing, the art that all pundits are waxing lyrical about now. It is one thing to have the ball and embrace tiki-taka, it is another to win it back withing seconds of losing it. These were important stepping stones that Guardiola adopted in order to make Barcelona who they are today.

Fitting that the reason I wrote this is because of the recent match between the now seasoned Guardiola and Bielsa. Athletic Bilbao vs Barcelona at the San Mames. "A hymn to football" Guardiola called it after the game and he was not wrong. Before going on to the game, I need to mention the torrential downpour that was in full force when the players made their way on to the field. There was no relief either as by the end of the game, parts of the pitch were flooded. That hampered both teams but Barcelona more-so.

(image courtesy of zonalmarking.net)

Bielsa is probably the only Manager who could have pulled off what he did due to how his team have trained and adapted over the season. Their fitness and intensity levels are pretty much unrivalled with the exception of Barcelona so it was fitting that the game ended 2-2. Bielsa went for a 4-3-3 formation, if you can call it that. The reason I say this is that the majority of his team marked Barcelona's players man-for-man. That's not something you see everyday and any other team would probably have come unstuck deploying such a tactic. Bilbao's pressing extremely high up the pitch forced Valdes into playing long balls which played into Bilbao's hands as Barcelona's front line were all small and rarely challenged for a header successfully. Llorente worked very hard trying to close down the centre backs, but wasn't joined by another. This was due to Bielsa wanting to retain a spare man at the back (something he has always stuck by as to not come overrun). He deployed a man marking system due to Barcelona's system of players swapping roles according to their Total Football mantra. Bilbao's centre backs were happy to come a long way out of defence to track Messi or Fabregas, sometimes even into the midfield. The full-backs would come infield, and on other occasions would find themselves in extremely wide positions, particularly Iraola while getting tight to stifle Adriano. There was always either Amorebieta or Martinez sweeping up at the back, usually covering a huge amount of space. Somehow, Bilbao rarely needed to make any last ditch challenges and credit for that goes down to this system. Even more credit is due when Iniesta and Xavi were both unable to make a mark on the game as they're used to. Susaeta and Muniain were both clever with Abidal and Alves respectively, Abidal looked like he was scared of Muniain and rarely pushed forward while Susaeta adopted a more conservative approach and was the assist maker for the opening goal. It was this directness in possession that helped Bilbao that evening. 

Athletic made clear their intentions to take the game to the defending champions and Susaeta had a good chance when Llorente laid the ball off for him to fire a piledriver goalwards, but it was straight at Victor Valdes.

The warning was not heeded by Barca, who fell behind in the 20th minute to a fine goal, with Susaeta driving down the wing before finding Herrera who curled the ball beyond the reach of Valdes. It was the first goal Barca had conceded in nine games which in itself is quite amazing. Added credence to Bilbao's play is that in order for Barcelona to equalise, they scored a goal that is uncharacteristic of them: a cross and a header. Abidal the former and Fabregas the latter. It was, however, not one way traffic as Barcelona began to take control, and Messi slipped a ball through for Iniesta but Iraizoz made a good save to deny him. But Athletic were still plugging away and a defence-splitting pass from Herrera released Muniain but he could not get his shot right. Fabregas then released Messi but Iraizoz denied him again as the weather made things more and more difficult for both sides to find a rhythm.

It was Athletic who took advantage of the disjointed game as they went back in front in the 80th minute thanks to a comical mix-up in the Barca defence, with Abidal's attempted clearance striking Pique and bobbling over the line. Cue Barcelona to barrage Bilbao's goal from here in the final moments of the game. Iniesta had a great chance to get Barca level again three minutes later when David Villa, on as a substitute, brilliantly controlled the ball and laid it off for Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean found Iniesta at the far post but he could only shoot into the side netting. But just when it appeared that Barca would suffer their first defeat, Messi fired in to snatch a point. A point that was deserved for both teams when taking everything into account.

Come the end of the game, you could see the relief in both managers. Guardiola, the once upon a time pupil had poignant words to say: “We’ve never played against a team who were so intense, so aggressive, and has denied us so much space” He and his players didn't really know how to react or adapt to let their technical quality shine through; they simply aren't used to facing a side like that. It is not a policy that is recommended for any team as more often than not they will be ripped apart. Few other sides would be able to play this way as easily as Athletic did – because this is close to the usual style Bielsa wants, they were able to adapt. Also there was an element of luck as well as nature which played it's hand so it's not a blueprint for other teams.

Bielsa has been a breath of fresh air to La Liga, even if he is a break from the norm. Sometimes it is what is needed to make others take notice. His philosophy to football is exuded throughout his team and it is paying dividends with reaching the semi-finals of the Copa Del Rey, 7th in La Liga and prior to their recent defeat by Real Madrid hadn't lost in 7 games. (12 if you don't include the Europa League) - only conceding 4 goals along the way For me, Bilbao are now right up there with the best of the rest and that's only a good thing.

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Luis Suarez: The verdict

This post is only going to be short. I was in the middle of writing a piece on this whole fiasco only to have Andrew Thomas beat me to it and even word it slightly better! He has gone through everything I would have in an eloquent and effective manner and remaining impartial throughout. Please have a read and let him know what you think. Even better would be to follow him @Twisted_Blood.

Read the full piece here on Surreal Football:

http://www.surrealfootball.com/2011/12/21/luis-suarez-the-verdict/

Amit

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Tinker Tailor Soldier Sir Alex

I'm not one to say 'I told you so' but what better reason? A series of inept performances all season culminated in the embarrassing failure to progress from the easiest group in the Champions League. There are many things to consider here and, once again, I hope you can relate. Feel free to criticise but not in anger as I'm not turning on the club, I'm here to open eyes and see the bigger picture.

First and foremost, a team doesn't deserve anything. The team is only as good as the sum of it's parts and Sir Alex is usually adept at making United look much better than they are. It's not exactly a problem but this season the team was weakened two-fold:

1. Changes in formation nearly every game
2. Players being rested or rotated inexplicably at times

1. I for one have never understood the need to have two different formations reserved for different opposition. A player is only human and constant change can't be good for anyone. Also remember most players aren't the brightest tools in the box so teaching them one way to play should suffice. Changing tactics for a game is mandatory but changing the entire system cannot be good for the harmony amongst the team.

Look around at the top teams and only when the best come to play against you does a team change the system in order to nullify the oponent. Not away to Basle who, without being harsh, are not Barcelona who knocked United out last year. That brings me to an interesting point. United got to the final last year changing our system throught the campaign and it worked. So what happened this year? Edwin Van Der Sar retiring? Playing defenders in midfield? Playing center backs at right back? If you ask me, all of them.

2. Sir Alex took the competition for granted in playing weakened sides against what appeared to be inferior opposition. If he wanted to rotate players for freshness then fair enough but at times it just looked like he was giving players games to keep them happy. On one hand, morale is a big deal to the club, on the other, success is paramount to the club and morale goes hand-in-hand with it. So playing a player just to feel part of the group is a double-edged sword.

Before the first Champions League game away to Benfica United played Bolton away and won 5-0. It was not as convincing as you might think if you read one of my previous posts here. The formation was 4-4-2 and it looked like a formation United were enjoying considering that they had scored 18 goals in four games. If you read my previous post, yes they weren't disciplined in their defending but at least they were scoring goals to compensate. When they played Benfica, who were unbeaten at the time much like United, they changed to the 'European formation' and made seven changes to the team. Sir Alex brought in experience but if anything it was a hinderance. Considering in their first few league games before this tie, they made 2 changes per game, mostly in defence, it is plain to see the players work better in a 4-4-2 formation. As much as I do not see it as a formation to take on the best, for the most part, it is working. They were thoroughly outplayed against Benfica and for it not for a wonder goal by Ryan Giggs, it would have been a game that should have ended in defeat.

Only 3 players remained in the next game against Stoke. A culmination of injuries and players returning from injury forced Ferguson's hand and the game finished 1-1. Why they can't keep a first choice goalkeeper and defence in the majority of games is beyond me. Bar 1 or 2 games, they have had a different back four every match of the season and that makes no sense at all to me.

When United played Basle at Old Trafford, it was back to the 'European formation' with another 5 changes to the team. Injuries again could have been a reason here but altering the entire system at home to such a team makes strange viewing. (Also of note was Rooney was not in the entire squad after kicking a Romanian). In a game where they had 60% of the possession yet conceded 16 shots speaks volumes. Not forgetting that they were 2-0 up within 20 minutes but ended up finishing the game with an injury time equaliser to make it 3-3.

Liverpool away was up next and there were again many changes. Rooney could only make the bench which is odd considering he is United's best player. This was a first eleven that struck a chord with me as the two most effective players were named as substitutes. One as his frame of mind wasn't right, the other, Nani, made not an ounce of sense. Seven changes again to the team and surprisingly, 4-5-1 was stuck with. This is where things get a little confusing. Sir Alex alter the system for Champions League opposition who, to be fair, are easier to play against than Liverpool at Anfield yet they stick with the 4-5-1. It would seem that Sir Alex prefers the formation against tougher opposition, not just European sides. United were outplayed somewhat in this game though what do you expect when there was a lack of potency within the team. This was the first game that Phil Jones played in midfield as well which was mystifying. He didn't look comfortable and at Anfield is pretty much suicide. Only once United's two talismans came off the bench did they look like scoring a goal. A goal that was scored by Hernandez, the forgotten man at this time of the season.

The next European outing was against Otelul Galati and being inferior opposition, 4-4-2 was kept here. Another change in formation yet the one that seems to work best for the team. An astounding nine changes were made for this game and the fluency in the team was not the same. Cast your mind back and the only way United won this game 2-0 was with two penalties. This is a team languishing in mid-table in their league and they struggled when you look at the statistics. They had 33% possession yet created 15 opportunites to take a shot on goal compared to United's 11. That is extremely efficient on their part but lacklustre on United's.

Six changes occurred in the next game and the result was a 6-1 loss. The less said about this game the better.

You guessed right, another seven changes for our next game at Goodison Park. Also another game where it was a different back four. Rooney played in midfield here to compensate for injuries and played well though it was another game the stats show United aren't the same team. Everton had nearly 3 times as many opportunites than United yet they came away with a 1-0 victory somehow. Not to forget the point here, the formation was changed once again back to 4-5-1. I am assuming considering last season's freak result where United were 3-1 up yet the game finished 3-3 with two last minute goals was the reason for our 'safe' formation.

If you haven't seen a pattern yet, there were another seven changes for our game at home to Otelul Galati. It was at this point that I thought, strong team, 4-4-2, Old Trafford, this should be a game where United can show off their talent. Yet once again they were made to work for it in terms of goal-scoring opportunities. It's a game that strikes me as the one where there was an impotency in front of goal and it has stayed that way up until now. Profligacy such as this is not a good place to be considering the opposition.

Seven changes again when United played Sunderland. Another poor game in front of goal with 1-0 being a familiar shoreline this season. Rooney was in midfield once again and was out best player by far in the middle. Says a lot doesn't it.

Swansea away, looking like a hard place to go and let me tell you this time there were eight changes to the team. 4-4-2 remained and Swansea matched United throughout. Only a rare mistake from this passing team caused them to concede a goal. Concrete chances were few and it was another game that United didn't look right going forward. How Andy Gray insists Manchester United are an 'attacking team' is beyond me at times. Yes they are great on the counter-attack but judging by this season, bar the first four games, it has been anything but.

Here comes one of the most irksome games of the season. Home to Benfica, who already outplayed United earlier on and Sir Alex makes six changes for this game. The formation was effectively 4-5-1 with our best strikers not playing and Young a false-nine alongside Berbatov. I'm not sure if Sir Alex viewed this game as an easy win with players being 'rested' but upon viewing, it was anything but. Benfica had half as many shots on target against United yet scored just as many goals.

When United played Newcastle I honestly thought they would put them in their place as they are clearly punching above their weight. With 5 changes to the team that played Benfica, they had 29 shots at goal and only scored once. Worrying reading.

The only major anomaly to my research and only 3 changes for the game against Aston Villa. Judging by the performance against Newcastle, Sir Alex saw that the team played well. That is somewhat true, if it wasn't for Tim Krul United would have won the game easily. This was one of United's best performances seeing as the team remained pretty much the same. Without the change in goalkeeper, Phil Jones was moved from defence to midfield so wasn't the tinkering United have been used to. The performance was good but remember this was Villa under Mcleish. 

The next game was the one that brought the most disappointment. 3 changes for this game but actual changes as 3 players came in to cover injuries etc. The performance wasn't great but United did create a lot of chances - 22 altogether. Vidic ruptured knee ligaments and United are resigned to ITV4 after losing 2-1.


Being Manchester United, on the back of a poor performance or result there is usually a backlash. I've always thought that it shouldn't need to come to that as they should be playing better and dominating games more often than not. This time Wolves were visitors to Old Trafford and the Final score was 4-1. I am of the belief that Sir Alex has realised the error in his ways due to only 3 changes in the last couple of games, and 3 changes for the visit of Wolves. Vidic's injury forced his hand so technically only 2 players came in. The overall play was much better and finally goals were being scored. Ironically by United's two most effective players this season. Here's hoping that Nani and Rooney are now the free-scoring individuals they were during September and October.


It's not a question of the hunger of the team. There are many fantastically gifted players at the club and down to that alone, Manchester United will always be there or thereabouts. That, to me, is a problem in itself as to be the best it can't be down to the players alone. They need some continuity and I believe that is now coming.


The main problem isn't the formation as I once thought; it is the constant changing of personnel. Leaving me to think that Sir Alex has no idea what his best team is and what makes it worse, because of this, I have no idea either. Where do I play Jones? Is Smalling a right-back? Is Rooney our best midfielder? Is Valencia a better right-back than Fabio? I'll leave you to ponder on that while Sir Alex considers making seven changes for our next game. 

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Real Sociedad: A team I will never forget.

I've had some favourite teams in my lifetime:

- Manchester United 99 and 08
- Chelsea 04-06
- The current Barcelona team
- Real Sociedad 02/03
- AC Milan 05/06
- many many more

It's easy to name most of them but one of my ultimate favourites was the Real Sociedad team of 02/03. If you're unaware, this was the team that remained unbeaten at home all season and yes that includes the big two in Spain. Overwhelming Real Madrid 4-2 and narrowly beating Barcelona 2-1. They only just lost out on the league and this with a team bereft of Galacitcos and outrageous budgets.

I distinctly remember this team due to one player, Xabi Alonso. Now remember this was nearly 10 years ago and I turned to a good friend of mine and said 'this guy is one of the best passers of the ball I've ever seen'. How right I was as I still regard him as the best around when it comes to passing a football. This isn't to take away from any of the other players on show here: Kovačević,  Nihat, Karpin, De Pedro and Westerveld all had key parts to play in this pantomime season. This team had a style about it and their overall play was fantastic. This was all vindicated by the fact they were top of the league all season up until the last two games. 

The coach of this team, Raynald Denoueix, was best described as an enigma. After winning the French title with Nantes, he wholly disappointed the next season and was duly sacked. Real Sociedad then hired him and after pushing Madrid all the way, he was again sacked the next season after finishing 15th. Since then he has disappeared from the footballing world and rarely spoken about since. It was characteristics like this which made Sociedad who they were that season. Their bold attacking football regardless of the opposition was a thing of beauty and it was no surprise that Kovačević and Nihat finished 2nd and 3rd top scorers that season.

I must remind you also that the Madrid team that year had Ronaldo, Zidane, Roberto Carlos and Makelele to help them win the title. That bodes fantastically well for Sociedad who had no big name stars of that ilk. It looked like Denoueix studied at the Bielsa School of Football with the way in which he set his team up. Their relentlessness to win the ball back and short passing style was very much Barcelona-esque and no team in Spain was playing with this much verve. It makes me wonder what happened to Denoueix that year, was he just lucky? I'm not so sure.

Talking of Madrid, they were trailing Sociedad by a point coming into gameweek 37. All Sociedad really need to do was get 4 points from the next 6 to clinch the title and claim one of the best wins of a Spanish League in recent memory. Sociedad were due to play away to Celta Vigo and their away form was not as formidable as their home record. The game was a thriller and Celta Vigo edged it just at 3-2 leaving Sociedad hoping for a Madrid slip up. Unfortunately this is Madrid and their pedigree towards the latter stages of the season shone through and they won the Madrid Derby 4-0. So, the final day of the season comes and Real Madrid have finally claimed 1st position, something they hadn't seen for the majority for the season and it's highly likely they were going to relinquish that spot with ease. Atletico Madrid were then due to play Sociedad after being mauled by Real and the game finished 3-0 to Sociedad. All fans were listening to the Real Madrid game throughout and unfortunately they beat Bilbao to claim the league they didn't deserve.

I'd like to take a moment to digress a bit about Real Sociedad and focus on their key player: Xabi Alonso. In his teens, Alonso was like most Spanish midfielders in that he was slight with a laughable hairstyle (Mikel Arteta anyone?) As a child, Alonso practised passing more than he did shooting under the stewardship of his father and his position of defensive midfielder was decided. Coming up through the youth system at Sociedad he was sent on load to Eibar in the Segunda Division to gain some much needed experience which was corroborated by his Father, who was also a decent player in his day; winning the league twice and playing for Barcelona. Now coupled with Sociedad languishing in the relegation zone and a change of manager to one John Toshack, Alonso's fortunes swiftly changed. He was recalled to the first team and made captain at the tender age of 19. These changes marked a  resurgence in Sociedad and with their new captain pulling the strings, they finished mid-table with Alonso marking his first senior league goal. At the end of the 2002  season, Denoueix took the helm and this was the beginning of their marvellous season. Alonso finished the season with 12 goals and became known to scouts and coaches across Europe as well as the the national coach. He duly received his first international cap and his life changed forever. 


Champions League games awaited Sociedad after their 2nd place finish and it took it's toll on the Basque side. They could not keep up with 2 games a week and travelling around Europe despite qualifying for the knockout stages. They finished 15th in the end and Denoueix was removed from his post, disappearing into folklore and not heard from since. Alonso was now hot property and Real Madrid came sniffing around. This was a team he wanted to play for but he stayed loyal to Sociedad as Madrid would not meet the £13m asking price. He played at the Euro 2004 Championships in Portugal catching the eye of Liverpool scouts who agreed a £10.4m package with Sociedad and he could join the Spanish contingent already there under the watchful eye of Rafael Benitez.


Back to the point at hand. Since that fabled season, Sociedad have never hit those heights but I still cast my mind back to those days when a team of extremely talented young players could take on the galacticos and nearly win. On the contrary, they battered them 4-2 and I leave you with the icing on the cake.

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The Curious Case of Manchester United

As a Manchester United fan, it is becoming more and more difficult to bring myself to be excited to see us play. Don't get me wrong, I always get a great feeling knowing it is game day but that feeling is whittled away as the minutes go by come kick-off. This has to be the season where I've seen the ball given back to the opposition more than any other. More often than not, it is the same players and I'm not about to create a scapegoat like many out there. As much as I want to, it is well document and there's no need to tarnish my blog with repetitive comments.


There is a distinct problem at Manchester United this season and I'm going to try and dissect where the spark has gone and why we're conceding shots at an abnormal rate. I've read several pieces on various aspects of Manchester United over the last couple of months. These range from:


- Our failure to sign Wesley Sneijder
- Anderson at fault for everything
- Cleverley being injured has changed us
- Fletcher out of form
- Vidic missing a large proportion of games


Now it's surely not just down to one of these factors but a culmination of all that has made Manchester United what it is right now. I'd beg to differ in normal circumstances but this is why I'm here; to make sense of it all.


Paul Scholes and Edwin Van Der Sar are the main changes in personnel at the club when it comes to retirements/players sold. Now Scholes was a bit-part player last season so I don't think him not being there should cause too much trouble. Van Der Sar's absence is most probably a huge factor, though is it his fault we are conceding so many shots? Probably not. Think about it for a second, De Gea obviously hasn't grasped English yet so his communication is definitely poor, though what has this got to do with opposition teams having the space and chances to take a shot? Communication is key at set-piece situations and we're not the worst in the league when it comes to that, head on over to the Emirates if you want to see goals conceded at set pieces. He did look ropey at the beginning, though can you blame him for being the shot stopper for one of the largest sports teams on earth? At 21 years old? I'd love to know what you were doing at 21.


Naturally, this brings me on to new signings at the club. Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Ashley Young, Tom Cleverley and Danny Welbeck (the latter two are as good as new signings considering the marked improvement after loans at Premiership teams). All have looked very good in their first seasons at the club with the majority of plaudits being aimed at Phil Jones for his 'swashbuckling' style and Ashley Young for 'looking like he's been at the club for years'. Now I can't for the life of me see how adding these players to a team would make them worse. On the contrary, there was a new founded attacking verve at the club with crisp, short passes and a cut-throat attitude.


At the beginning of the season the wool was being slightly pulled over everyone's eyes and we were 'grinding out results' with our 'never say die attitude'. (Charity Shield anyone?) Many a writer has mentioned that as soon as Vidic/Cleverley got injured, our season started to slide the wrong way. This is where I am slightly baffled as what's the point in commenting on something so obvious? If that was the case, we wouldn't have such a big squad. I've also just read that we would not have needed Sneijder given how well Cleverley has been playing. This is somewhat true however comparing the two and using the example of an 8-2 win at Arsenal is completely unfounded and lazy.


Let me take you back a couple of months and you can make the decisions yourself. The Charity Shield was effectively the beginning to our season as well as Manchester City's. I was at the game and we completely outplayed them only to find ourselves 2-0 down at half time. We eventually won the game 3-2 with our 'never say die attitude' and here are the squad and stats:

Teams

Manchester City	Manchester United
25 Joe Hart	1 David De Gea
6 Joleon Lescott	5 Rio Ferdinand
4 Vincent Kompany	3 Patrice Evra
2 Micah Richards	15 Nemanja Vidic
13 Aleksandar Kolarov	12 Chris Smalling
42 Gneri Toure Yaya	16 Michael Carrick
34 Nigel De Jong	18 Ashley Young
7 James Milner	17 Nani
21 David Silva	8 Anderson
10 Edin Dzeko	10 Wayne Rooney
45 Mario Balotelli	19 Danny Welbeck

Match Stats

Manchester City

Manchester United

6(4)	Shots (on Goal)	18(9)
14	Fouls	11
8	Corner Kicks	7
2	Offsides	1
44%	Time of Possession	56%
5	Yellow Cards	2
0	Red Cards	0
3	Saves	3

Notice that Cleverley isn't in the first eleven but cast your mind back and it was his impetus that changed us during the second half. Being a fan for over a decade has taught me that when Manchester United play bad in the first half, they get a kick up the backside at half time and are a completely changed team in the second half. A particular game against Spurs in 2009 as well as a game against the same opposition during the 01/02 season are distinct examples. This mentality is instilled in the club and it's tough to pinpoint one player as the reason for it.

Moving on to the next game against West Brom, which was a challenge seeing as the vile British Media were attacking our teenage goalkeeper and lauding our new midfield maestro.

Teams

West Bromwich Albion	Manchester United
1 Ben Foster	1 David De Gea
3 Jonas Olsson	15 Nemanja Vidic
30 Gabriel Tamas	5 Rio Ferdinand
20 Nicky Shorey	20 Fabio
12 Steven Reid	12 Chris Smalling
21 Youssuf Mulumbu	8 Anderson
33 Paul Scharner	23 Tom Cleverley
7 James Morrison	18 Ashley Young
11 Chris Brunt	17 Nani
9 Shane Long	19 Danny Welbeck
5 Somen Tchoyi	10 Wayne Rooney

Match Stats

West Bromwich Albion

Manchester United

16(3)	Shots (on Goal)	11(1)
19	Fouls	11
6	Corner Kicks	5
1	Offsides	0
41%	Time of Possession	59%
3	Yellow Cards	2
0	Red Cards	0
0	Saves	2

Michael Carrick was dropped in favour of Cleverley, for obvious reasons. Other than this, the team remained unchanged. West Brom have never really been a fearsome foe of Manchester United, however you can see from the stats that we were lucky to win with only one shot on target over 90 minutes. Despite having the lions share of the possession, we managed to concede 16 shots on our goal which is startling against a mid-table team such as this. I know that it's already common knowledge that Manchester United have conceded the most shots on goal in the league but like I said, I'm dissecting and attempting to prove some points, if any. Also, please note that it was in this game that Vidic was injured so keep that in mind as we go on.

Tottenham Hotspur were the visitors this time and although the game was won 3-0, there are a few talking points.

Teams

Manchester United	Tottenham Hotspur
1 David De Gea	24 Brad Friedel
6 Jonathan Evans	4 Younes Kaboul
4 Phil Jones	20 Michael Dawson
3 Patrice Evra	32 Benoit Assou-Ekotto
12 Chris Smalling	28 Kyle Walker
8 Anderson	29 Jake Livermore
23 Tom Cleverley	21 Niko Kranjcar
18 Ashley Young	3 Gareth Bale
17 Nani	7 Aaron Lennon
10 Wayne Rooney	18 Jermain Defoe
19 Danny Welbeck	11 Rafael Van der Vaart

Match Stats

Manchester United

Tottenham Hotspur

28(14)	Shots (on Goal)	21(9)
13	Fouls	9
11	Corner Kicks	3
1	Offsides	2
53%	Time of Possession	47%
1	Yellow Cards	2
0	Red Cards	0
9	Saves	11

First, Luka Modric was absent from this game due to his saga with Chelsea which is a huge omission. I'm sure if he was on the pitch, this young Manchester United team wouldn't have won so comfortably. Secondly, the first half was quite dire with only 6 shots from the home side out of the 28 in total. Also of note is that the possession stats are not that different considering and that Spurs created a hell of a lot. Van Der Vaart and Kranjcar had a lot of the ball in dangerous positions and we were again lucky not to concede as De Gea looked a little nervous though did pull off some good saves. At a home game you'd have thought that shots on goal would have been a little conservative from the opposing team but again it was in the twenties. This time 21 shots were taken by Spurs, which is once again far too many. That now brings our tally to 37 shots against in 2 games.

So here we are, at the infamous 8-2 victory over Arsenal. A game that has given many a Manchester United fan bait when goading Arsenal supporters. I was one of them at first but have analysed the game again and feel that not all is being talked about. I'm not criticising my club at all. I'm just trying to open reader's eyes as to the failings that did occur without trying to gloss over them with scoring 8 goals in a game.

Teams

Manchester United	Arsenal
1 David De Gea	13 Wojciech Szczęsny
6 Jonathan Evans	6 Laurent Koscielny
4 Phil Jones	20 Johan Djourou
3 Patrice Evra	30 Armand Traore
12 Chris Smalling	25 Carl Jenkinson
8 Anderson	16 Aaron Ramsey
23 Tom Cleverley	39 Francis Coquelin
18 Ashley Young	10 Robin Van Persie
17 Nani	7 Tomas Rosicky
10 Wayne Rooney	23 Andrei Arshavin
19 Danny Welbeck	14 Theo Walcott

Match Stats

Manchester United

Arsenal

25(14)	Shots (on Goal)	20(8)
9	Fouls	8
3	Corner Kicks	5
7	Offsides	0
56%	Time of Possession	44%
2	Yellow Cards	2
0	Red Cards	1
6	Saves	6

The team remained unchanged from the Spurs game and Arsenal arrived trying to cope with the loss of two of their best players. To compensate, Arsene Wenger played an unknown player in the centre of midfield which was one of the many reasons Arsenal didn't look the same. After Manchester United went 1-0 up, Van Persie missed a penalty shortly after. Very uncharacteristic but surely would have had an impact on the game. Also something to note, Arsenal were not in the best of form coming into this game yet still managed to score twice against us but none against Liverpool at the Emirates. They also managed 20 shots and from a depleted side, and that doesn't make good reading. Our figure now rises to 57 shots against Manchester United's goal in 3 games. United did score 8 goals that day, however it papered over the cracks somewhat.


Enter Bolton, once a formidable force at the Reebok but times have changed and are at the foot of the table for losing their Sam Allardyce-ness. It's up to you if you view that as a good thing. Glancing over any results page on a website would show that this was another good win for Manchester United. You'd be right in some respects, however there were problems once again that came to the fore.

Teams

Bolton Wanderers	Manchester United
22 Jussi Jaaskelainen	1 David De Gea
12 Zat Knight	6 Jonathan Evans
5 Gary Cahill	5 Rio Ferdinand
4 Paul Robinson	3 Patrice Evra
25 Dedryck Boyata	4 Phil Jones
16 Mark Davies	8 Anderson
19 Nigel Reo-Coker	23 Tom Cleverley
10 Martin Petrov	18 Ashley Young
7 Chris Eagles	17 Nani
17 Ivan Klasnic	10 Wayne Rooney
14 Kevin Davies	14 Javier Hernández

Match Stats

Bolton Wanderers

Manchester United

22(6)	Shots (on Goal)	14(8)
15	Fouls	1
5	Corner Kicks	7
0	Offsides	5
42%	Time of Possession	58%
2	Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
3	Saves	6

After coming back from injury, Hernandez started over Welbeck with Evra, Evans and Jones deputising for Fabio, the injured Vidic and Smalling. A 5-0 win was recorded but this was not a walk in the park like the statistics make out. Once again we had the majority of possession, however this time conceded 22 shots on goal. Using simple maths, that's 79 shots against since the start of the season. A phenomenal figure. Bolton were quite unlucky not to register a goal in this game though lets not dwell on that, we can brush it under the carpet like most other things. Something else to note, Cleverley was ruthlessly injured in this game and from here, the much documented 'slide' occurs.

Benfica were our next opposition and the Charity Shield not included, were probably offering the sternest test to Manchester United this season. The match for a United fan was pretty dire with the ball being given away at an uncanny rate and Benfica having the better of the chances. As usual, Benfica are doing well in the Liga Sagres and are unbeaten in all competitions. You can see below that we were lucky to come away from this game with any points.

Teams

Benfica	Manchester United
1 Artur	34 Anders Lindegaard
4 Luisão	6 Jonathan Evans
24 Ezequiel Garay	12 Chris Smalling
3 Da Conceicao Emerson	3 Patrice Evra
14 Maxi Pereira	20 Fabio
6 Javi Garcia	24 Darren Fletcher
28 Axel Witsel	16 Michael Carrick
20 Nicolas Gaitán	11 Ryan Giggs
5 Ruben Amorim	13 Park Ji-Sung
7 Óscar Cardozo	25 Antonio Valencia
10 Pablo Aimar	10 Wayne Rooney

Match Stats

Benfica

Manchester United

14(5)	Shots (on Goal)	4(2)
13	Fouls	8
9	Corner Kicks	5
1	Offsides	1
38%	Time of Possession	62%
3	Yellow Cards	2
0	Red Cards	0
1	Saves	4

Sir Alex decided to go with experience in this game and played Fletcher, Giggs, Valencia and Park to help us on a tricky away encounter. Despite having 62% possession, there were only 4 shots during the whole game. It is clear that there is something lost within the squad and I don't believe it to be down to an injury to Tom Cleverley. Benfica, however, managed 14 shots on goal and luckily only scored once. With an experienced team such as this, it's left me baffled as to why opposing teams are granted so much space and time on the ball. A major factor could be that our first choice defensive partnership are out injured with a new goalkeeper trying to arrange a makeshift back four. I also don't believe this to be at fault of Lindegaard who was pretty solid considering.

I'm going to halt my statistical analysis after this next set of figures as I believe this was the peak of Manchester United being far too open. Chelsea came to Old Trafford and this is never an easy game. A look at the scoreline would say otherwise but all that watched this game could see the deficiencies.

Teams

Manchester United	Chelsea
1 David De Gea	1 Petr Cech
6 Jonathan Evans	26 John Terry
4 Phil Jones	2 Branislav Ivanovic
3 Patrice Evra	3 Ashley Cole
12 Chris Smalling	17 José Bosingwa
8 Anderson	16 Raul Meireles
24 Darren Fletcher	8 Frank Lampard
18 Ashley Young	7 Ramires
17 Nani	10 Juan Mata
14 Javier Hernández	9 Fernando Torres
10 Wayne Rooney	23 Daniel Sturridge

Match Stats

Manchester United

Chelsea

14(6)	Shots (on Goal)	22(8)
12	Fouls	12
4	Corner Kicks	10
2	Offsides	0
57%	Time of Possession	43%
2	Yellow Cards	3
0	Red Cards	0
7	Saves	3

This was one of the most open games in my memory against Chelsea, probably against anyone over the last few years and once again, Lady Luck played her hand and Manchester United walked away with a victory. Another stark case of having more possession, yet the opposing side creating the majority of the chances. Had it not been for Chelsea's profligacy in front of goal, this game could have had many more goals and the first home loss since last year. Torres's miss may have gained all the media attention but a team with this much talent has lost it's positional and tactical discipline. Out of interest, the amount of shots against has now risen to 115.

Jumping on the band-wagon has never been my style. I won't go down the route of claiming we need a world class attacking midfielder yet as there are many other factors to consider first. This is a team very much in transition and Sir Alex has been through this many times. He has destroyed and rebuilt countless squads capable of winning things and I still have faith. David De Gea is new to the team and has an awful amount of pressure keeping goals out for Manchester United. His footwork is endearing and Van Der Sar must have a wry smile watching him pick out a player 9 out of 10 times. However he is still inexperienced and cannot take the blame here as what were you expecting? Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic have only played together twice all season and without the latter, the team has never looked the same. In my opinion Ferdinand has become more of a liability than someone we can rely on and that's a shame as I believe he's reluctant to change his game to better help himself. He's clinging on to the old Ferdinand in the hope that he can still be that person and unfortunately that's not the case. I hope he sees the light soon as he will be a bit-part player and that is not something Manchester United want with a goalkeeper born in 1990 behind him. A new goalkeeper should not be this exposed to shots and it's a miracle that there wasn't a defeat in the games detailed above.

My personal thoughts are that we lack two midfielders and a defensive thought process. Since Queiroz left in 2008, the team has become more and more attacking with less emphasis placed on the other side of the game. He was a defensive minded coach and is the reason in 2008 United only let in 22 goals in a season. This year it's already on 12 with only 11 games played. I know that 6 were shipped in one game but from what I have mentioned throughout this post, it is a mixture of luck and other things that have made it this way. It's odd that we can keep the majority of possession yet the opponent can have the same or more shots on our goal. This would show that having the ball, albeit less of it, makes no difference as there is so much space awarded to the opposition and naive defensive tactics are playing into their hands.

Taking a look at our midfield is a cause for concern. The automatic feeling is that we lack a world-class player in that department. Even if all the players were fit, not one of them is world-class. Rooney playing in midfield for the past couple of games has shown what is needed. Awareness, touch, passing range, tracking back etc etc and this was done by a striker playing out of position.

Going through:

- Darren Fletcher: I don't hate him as much as I used to but I still don't see how he is of Manchester United class. A great engine but a poor immune system has made him stand out as a player that breaks up play and not known for his technical ability. I can't think of any real quality he has with the ball at his feet. This is a problem as I know Sir Alex is fond of him but he is not good enough to be the focal point of our midfield.
- Michael Carrick: Often rated by European players but does not get the respect he deserves in this country. Plays well in the Champions League (this season his pass completion has been above 90%) and plays even better next to a decent midfielder (Paul Scholes) ). Once he has an inferior player with him, he often gets exposed and has caused him to be dropped on a number of occasions. He has suffered since winning the Champions League as he needs better players around him, which he has not had.
- Anderson: One of the most frustrating players to watch since signing for United. After a great debut season, he has failed to hit those heights and if anything has regressed. His start to this current season was starting to show a great relationship with Tom Cleverley and this is not down to Anderson as since Cleverley's injury many Manchester United fans have come to the end of their tether with him. Unfortunately he has been made a scapegoat with his catalogue of misplaced passes but do remember that he is one of many players not playing well in the squad. Needs to play higher up the pitch in a midfield 3 rather than a 2 as he can be easily exposed with his lax awareness.
Tom Cleverley: A breath of fresh air to the squad. A crisp one and two touch player who this team has been crying out for. At 22 is not the saving grace of Manchester United but could be eventually if he carries on with this tangent of improvement. Another player who benefits in a 3 man midfield with someone to cover his forward advances. His partnership with Anderson worked as they both went forward and one came back (often Anderson). This left us in a great position when counter attacking. His participation in the sublime goal in the Charity Shield highlights his advantages. Though his positional play is not so great and is often overlooked which is a shame.

I won't go on to talk about Park and Giggs as they aren't players that will be in the centre of midfield for the majority of a season.

A combination of any of those midfielders above has many pros and cons. The underlying factor is that they aren't working as they should and it's something difficult to understand. It is the reason that I believe we are lacking 2 midfielders in our squad: 1 attacking and 1 defensively minded. At least one of these has to be world-class, as right now, no other team in the top divisions has a midfield as weak as ours: Chelsea - Mata, Man City - Silva/Toure, Barcelona - all of them, Real Madrid - Alonso/Kaka/Ozil, Inter - Sneijder, Bayern - Schweinsteiger. I could even say AC Milan have Seedorf and Van Bommel.

In order for our players to get the most out of games, the midfield can't be trusted as being good enough to carry the team. It is impossible at this moment in time. Rooney has looked excellent in midfield but I believe he is wasted there and our attacking impetus has waned in these matches. My thinking is that the formation needs to change and without any additions in January, our options are closer to home than you might think.

It is clear that Phil Jones isn't a traditional centre-back with his forward advances. He could shield our sloppy defence with Cleverley just in front taking the ball from him. Our wingers pick themselves and Hernandez is a no-brainer up front. That leaves 1 position free and I think Rooney would excel in the hole behind the striker yet being a striker himself. It is plain for all to see that his all round play is just like a number 10 should be so why not play there? He would still score goals and help out a midfield calling out for a player of his ability. For the sceptics reading this, a fully fit Carrick could quite easily sit in front of the defence and play short balls to the midfielder in front of him instead of Jones. He would be perfect for this role but he probably won't get the chance.

In summary, a change in formation and personnel is needed to bring Manchester United up to speed. No team in the top flight is relying on 4-4-2 this much and once the knock out rounds of the Champions League come around, it will be torn apart by any organised team. Therefore I leave you with my formation below and an ideal team. Feel free to pick it apart but you know that it is the right way forward. Scepticism will not win us the league but learning from our mistakes will.

Stats courtesy of ESPN Soccernet

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