After the busy festive period there was a something resembling a hiatus before the weekend fixtures. And that break, twinned with the news that Manchester United had their fittest squad of the season, gave United fans real sense of excitement before the Southampton game.
Was this the game where the season would really start? Where Manchester United would finally remind us of what a devastating attacking force that they could be?
The answer, as it tuned out, was an emphatic ‘No’ in a game which raised more questions that answers.
Yet again it turned out to be a false dawn – another rickety performance where Manchester United couldn’t get the ball behind the opposition defence.
We recently heard Manchester United being described as a flashy looking red car which is disappointing to drive. As each week passes this moment seems lees tongue in cheek and more accurate.
With so many quality and high profile players to select from the car is certainly flashy looking. But the performance yesterday was awful. Boring. Slow and ponderous.
The system isn’t working. Maybe it will give time. The idea of wing backs is a good one in theory as it allows Manchester United to play with 3 in the midfield AND use the wide areas.
In practice the extra man in midfield and defence is simply causing confusion.
Thankfully the car still has the potential to drive as good as it looks. But it needs a serious service if it’s going to be competitive at the end of the season.
