Earlier in the season, United couldn't stop winning 1-0 in the league. Then they went on a run when they seemed to win every game 4-0. Rooney was in fine form. Then Rooney's second major injury of the season and United struggled now and again for goals. Then United hit a purple patch after the City defeat, beating Arsenal 4-0, Newcastle 1-5, Fulham 0-3.
But the last few games seem to be causing SAF some concern: 1-0 against Lyon, 0-1 against Portsmouth and 1-0 against Derby. It's the old early season 1-0 routine again, although this time not all the results are going United's way.
The statistics over the last 2 games make for pretty depressing reading for United's strikers: 34 strikes at goal, 16 on target and only 1 goal (against Derby) to show for it. Is this the result of being a front man short, or the unreliable Saha, or should Wayne Rooney stop trying to score the artistically perfect goal or is SAF simply over-reacting?
Over a season, surely United will play games where they just can't convert their chances. Isn't that the way it goes sometimes? Or should United supporters now share SAF's expressed concerns (and Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool rejoice) that United's proflicacy in front of goal will ultimately de-rail their title ambitions and CL prospects? Ronaldo apart, why have so few goals come other United midfielders like Giggs, Scholes, Carrick, Anderson and Nani?
The defeat by Portsmouth still clearly rankles with SAF, the FA Cup was there for the taking, but is this all SAF kidology to get his players psyched up or is there a real problem?
for SAF's views see: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/manchester_united/article3571991.ece
