Manchester
United have been going steadily off the rails since David Moyes took
over, but defeat to Swansea on Sunday has turned their season into a
train wreck.
It was only the second time since 1984 they have
been dumped out in the FA Cup third round – it only happened once under
Sir Alex Ferguson – and the records keep tumbling for Moyes like the
Old Trafford empire crumbling around him.
Ferguson's
shadow looms large over the new United manager from the directors' box
at every home game – and he will not be impressed with what he is
seeing.
All good things come to an end – but it's an issue when they all start coming to an end at the same time.
This
season at Old Trafford Moyes has overseen United's first defeat by
Newcastle since 1972, the first defeat by West Bromwich Albion since
1978 and the first defeat by Everton since 1992. Add their first home
loss to Swansea in 82 years and Moyes has ended a total of 179 years of
utter domination on their own turf over four top-flight clubs.
Ferguson
never lost four out of six home games, and that was in 27 years at the
helm. His replacement has 'achieved' that within eight months.
The
defeat by Swansea was their fifth home loss in all competitions this
season, already equalling their title-winning campaign last year.
Fans
are getting disgruntled. Old Trafford emptied when Wilfried Bony headed
Swansea's last-minute winner. Under Ferguson most would've stayed in
the belief they could still get something from the game.
Moyes's
admission after the defeat by Swansea that United's transfer targets
might not be available in January is alarming. Ferguson would never have
come out with a comment like that. If Manchester United wanted a
player, Manchester United got a player.
United's credentials for
finishing in a Champions League spot are being seriously questioned now,
let alone challenging for the title. Moyes has presided over their
worst points total from their opening 20 games in 22 years and they have
won only two matches – versus Arsenal and Hull – against sides in the
top half.
They have been beaten by Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Southampton, Tottenham twice, Everton and Newcastle.
INJURIES MOUNT AFTER CHANGING TRAINING
It
is claimed that Van Persie was not happy with the new training methods
implemented by Moyes when he took charge. Moyes is known to prefer
short, sharp sessions, described as 'so hard' by Rooney.
After
years of persistent injury problems Van Persie went on a run of 90
consecutive league matches, at both Arsenal and United. That was ended
when Moyes took over.
Moyes has come under heavy criticism for his style of training, being branded 'prehistoric' by one Dutch football coach.
Has training been a factor in the injuries that have hampered United this season?
Along
with Van Persie they are currently missing Fellaini with a wrist
injury, Phil Jones out with a knee problem, Nani's hamstring has gone
and Rafael has a strained his groin.
Ferdinand limped off the
pitch against Swansea, Rooney is struggling with a groin injury and
Ashley Young damaged his shoulder against Tottenham.
FINANCIAL MELTDOWN
Manchester
United are one of the biggest brands on the planet, but that does not
make them invincible. Their financial forecasts for investors are all
based on reaching the quarter-finals of each cup and finishing third in
the Premier League.
Failure to achieve any of those targets – as
is becoming increasingly likely – and next summer's transfer budget
could be significantly smaller.

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