Charlton, Robson, Keane, Scholes, Cleverley – Spot the odd one out?

New year, same old United. Another limp and lifeless performance leaves United 11 points of the pace and facing the very real prospect of no champions league football next season. Ultimately we ask who takes the blame for United dropping more points at the half way point of the 2014 season than the whole of the 2012 and 2013 seasons?

In the aftermath of yet another premier league home defeat, we ask could the manager have realistically done anything else with what he has at his disposal or are Moyes’s tactics called into question?

The Tottenham game was a perfect example of what has been wrong with United this season. The manager picked the best team he could (which hasn’t always been the case), and made the correct substitutions at the right times (which definitely hasn’t been the case). However once on the field, it was obvious that United had no real plan, no concrete tactics to break the Spurs defence down. Long balls from the defence, poor crosses from the wingers and ineffective midfield play meant that without an inform Wayne Rooney or a fit Robin Van Persie, United came unstuck against a solid defensive unit. The fact that United have the worst record against the top 8 teams in the league this season only reaffirms this.

It has to be said, without even watching a game, it’s obvious from the team sheets that the current Manchester United side is one of the poorest we have seen in over 2 decades, especially when compared to their competitors. An ageing defence, ineffective wingers and a centre midfield with no penetration. It’s obvious United must improve and make the most of this transfer market. Even if they feel reluctant to do so.

There are a number of players in the Manchester United squad that wouldn’t get into a top 10 premier league team, never mind one hoping to challenge for the title. We have players who simply are not good enough for Manchester United.

I’m not even sure Moyes can be blamed for this. It was obvious the manager knew in the summer exactly who he wanted. But Woodward & co failed to deliver. For example, the 25 million pound bid for Fabregas was nothing more than an insult to a player of his quality.

Realistically it has to be said, there isn’t going to be a major haul out this January. However, we need to sign a minimum of two players in order to save this season from the current state of embarrassment. Otherwise we will finish where we deserve to be.

One last thing I’d add, remember what Sir Alex said….”I’d also like to remind you that when I had bad times here the club stood by me, all my staff stood by me, the players stood by me, you stood by me, and your job now is to stand by our new manager. That is important.”