[Footy] So many Questions

Can United still come out tops after the defeat at the hands of The Blues?

Has United lost its steam in these crucial stages of the competition?

After a run of 2 draws and a lost, United seems to be in trouble after a spell of disappointing displays at Trafford, Nou Camp and the indestructible Stamford Bridge. Level on points with Chelsea, United is still on top for the time being with a 16 goal difference advantage.

In my point of view, the tactics United are playing though consistent and productive have become a bit too predictable. Throughout the seasons, Ronaldo has been seen rested for most parts of the game until the opponents get so tired down the speed master, dribbling phenomenon dazzles and delivers the deadly blow. And I can bet my bottom dollar that all United’s opponents can already expect that seeing Ronaldo warming the bench.

True, United have enough talented midfielders to deliver a punch or two, and consistently so, having class internationals such as Carrick, Fletcher, Ji-Sung and the newly required trio of Anderson, Nani and Hargreaves. Of course not forgetting the remaining “Ferguson Babes” of Giggs and Scholes. Having said that, Ferguson can defend his actions in resting his “Star Player”.

Then a new batch of questions arise. Is this the cause of United’s slump? Maybe. How do you accommodate so many midfielders? Yup! Use them as a Striker or Right Back the way Ferguson has so comfortably done. But where is the development in that? Where would the consistency be? Unfortunately for United, this has been the case for the past seasons. Hence the sales of Alan Smith, Giuseppi Rossi and half of the Sunderland squad.

So, can United pull off what seems to be a dreadful run-up to the League? Statistics say most probably. With United having a games against West Ham and Wigan, all United need is two comfortable wins. Which seems likely against West Ham but shady against Steve Bruce’s rejuvenated Wigan. But pointing out the sublime talent mentioned above I would convincingly say the title is in the bag on goal difference or with a slip-up by Chelsea. How? With a Chelsea trip up to St. James Park. Newcastle playing consistently well under Magpie legend Kevin Keegan, might just pull up a surprise and a winning blow for United faithful.

As for the 2nd leg of The Champions League? Well if United played the way they did in their first leg at the Nou Camp, then United would just have to wait another season for its European glory. To the major disappointment of particularly Paul Scholes, who missed out on United’s European success in 1999.

Another thing i’d like to point out is the consistent lack lustre performances in big games for the man who has already broke United’s midfield records. The man we know as Cristiano Ronaldo. It happened against AC Milan last season and Blackburn, Barca and Chelsea of late. The only big occasion in which he has proudly done so would be the FA Cup win against Millwall years ago.

So the question arise here right now would be “When oh when will this slump end?” Hopefully this week at Trafford against the mighty Barca.

Questions, questions, questions.....