The Manchester Derby.

On Sunday The 2nd of Novemeber Manchester United lost their third match of the season marking their worst start in over 30 years. Yet What makes this story even worse is that this all happened on derby day.

Will Manchester United fans ever wake up from his nightmare?

The bad.

Chris Smalling seemed to take on the role of Manchester United ambassador on Sunday when he humiliated himself and the team with his entirely unnecessary red card in the first half. The manor in which he received the first yellow card however is what makes it so humiliating. The action of blocking Jo Hart’s kick to prevent a non existent counter attack immaculately symbolised the disruption that appears to be consuming the reds so far this season. The already shambolic defence was further weakened when Marcus Rojo put his body on the line and as a result was forced off through injury. Watching Fellaini Carrick and Valencia fill in at the back left many united fans pinching themselves desperately hoping they were having a stress dream. Yet this is the reality that united fans wake up to every day. The shaky nature of the United defence has knock on effects on the pitch as well as off. On countless occasions Di Maria broke down the wing with great pace only to find that nobody had gone with him, not even Vn Persie. Yet can he blame his teammates. The fact that Rooney is having to take it upon himself to make the last ditch tackle in the box no doubt knocks his confidence in going forward and leaving the defence unwatched. It’s as if he is a new parent looking after 4 toddlers- he simply cannot keep track of what they are up to.
But surely this can’t go on forever.

The good.

Despite what I have said so far, it’s not all bad. The facts are that this makeshift defence of unruly toddlers managed to only concede 1 goal against the reigning champions, while still managing to launch attacks is, in a sympathetic way – something to be proud of.

Wayne Rooney showed his maturity as he set the tone for a tireless work rate and smoothly orchestrated instructions from Van Gaal.

His tackles in the box and mesmerising runs show an air of confidence despite the pressure on his shoulders and the difficulty of the match. Furthermore Di Maria has settled into United with great ease and with the return of Falcao and Herrera he will find himself in much more space where he will have free roam to work his magic. Also, I am going to make the bold statement of labelling Daley Blind the next Paul Scholes. His composure, vision and passing ability is exquisite and well beyond his years.

It is therefore my belief that once the defence has settled down and there are no more excuses of injury or inexperience, the rest of the team will be free to exercise their own strengths in the knowledge that they are secure at the back. Once this is achieved the wins will become second nature and United will become great again. The 2014/15 season will no doubt be a season of two halves and a return to success is undeniably on the horizon.

Crewesports

Picture credit goes to the Original photographers.