Leaky defence, scintillating attack, international call ups, and the son of a ‘big time Charlie’ all feature in recent Manchester United news.
Gone are the days of going 1-0 up and feeling as though the back four are solid enough to see a game out. In fact, gone are the days of going ahead, at all.
Since the start of the 2012/13 campaign, Manchester United have fallen behind in six of their nine fixtures in all competitions.
Is this down to confidence or concentration?
Sir Alex was asked about this on Wednesday ahead of the away trip to Cluj, and his response was that of confusion but determination to put this right.
United found themselves 1-0 inside 20 minutes to the Transylvania outfit. A good CROSS from the right was finished with real BITE by the striker. There was a lot at STAKE in this game, especially after Uniteds dismal European campaign last season. Although Cluj took first BLOOD, United did go on to win the game 2-1 with goals from Robin Van Persie. (I hope you see what I did there guys).
Van Persie and Rooney linked up well together all game which has been a reflection on the sides attacking qualities this season.
There are simply no problems with going forward and scoring goals. Sir Alex was quoted saying that the second half performance against Tottenham was the best he has seen is side play this season. Many chances were created, two were scored, but it was not enough for all three points.
An international break is just around the corner and welcomed with open arms by the United faithful. It gives the reds a chance to get a few players fit. Jones, Young, Smalling and in particular Vidic, have all been noticeable absentees who will make a huge difference on their return.
No space for Rio Ferdinand in the England squad as Roy Hodgson does his best to show the world of his continued support of football racist, John Terry.
Hodgson was apparently on a tube heading to the Emirates recently and told fans Rio is too old to be recalled.
So it was his form, then his fitness, then the fact he hadn’t featured regularly enough for England in recent months, now his age…. What next?
The FA and all employees have always behaved in a professional and classy manner haven’t they?
To round of this news piece with something I do not often cover; a bit of transfer gossip. According to Blackpool manager Ian Holloway, his top scorer Thomas Ince is better than Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and United will have to pay big bucks if they wish to sign him.
Yes, this is the son of former United midfielder Paul Ince.
Yes, this is the same manager of Blackpool who two seasons ago claimed star player at the time Charlie Adam was as good as any central midfielder in England.
To reply to me directly follow me on Twitter @NathonW
For all United news, updates and opinion follow @RFFH
Thanks to the chaps at clothes to order for sending us a RFFH t-shirt. Check out what they have to offer: Clothes to Order
Not that I’m saying he’s the best CM in England but to be fair, Charlie Adam was pretty awesome for Blackpool in that season in the Premiership so that comment can be understood – it wasn’t an outlandish statement at the time.
In the same way, people are now saying Hart is the best GK in the world right now. Sure, it’s an understandable claim, but shouldn’t Casillas be top of that list for all he’s achieved?