After a dismal result at the weekend many outsiders now believe that Manchester United are in terminal decline.
Indeed the performance at the weekend reminded us, in many ways, of the team under David Moyes. It lacked drive, determination and the speed of play was way too slow and ponderous.
But there is a major difference. Because this season Manchester United have a manager who knows exactly what he’s doing. Louis van Gaal has already told us not to judge him in the autumn but next spring when his system has had time to blossom. Manchester United players are used to playing the 4-4-2 system and it will naturally take time for the squad to learn the nuances of the 3-4-1-2.
But the Dutch manager is not someone to give in after a couple of weeks of failure. He will get it right and Manchester United will flourish once more.
Their were some positive signs too. Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera looked really good in the midfield and Tyler Blackett was a composed and skilful presence in the defence.
Manchester United players just need to regain their confidence, start playing the ball forward more quickly and listen to the manager because, despite these early wobbles, in Louis they must trust.
Manchester United fans: still confident that the Dutchman is the right man for the job?
