United’s title ambitions have no defence

United will be hoping Rio returns sooner rather than later

When it rains it pours and it seems Old Trafford is currently under a storm cloud. This season has been horrible for injuries with Liverpool and Arsenal both suffering badly and now it seems it is United’s turn as injuries have popped up throughout the squad and are threatening to derail United’s attempt to retain the Premier League for the 3rd time.

United’s defence has been the worst hit and  carries on a tradition of defensive crises at Old Trafford. Different players have picked up knocks and certain players namely Rio Ferdinad have been ruled out for long periods but as we entered December United’s injury problems amassed to the stage where Patrice Evra was our only fit recognised defender. Against West Ham with Vidic and Ferdinand already missing and Darren Fletcher at right back, United suffered a massive blow when both Wes Brown and Gary Neville went of with injuries. It meant in the next game against Wolfsburg, United lined up with a back line of Park at right back, Carrick and Fletcher in the middle and Evra at left back and only the inexperienced Oliver Gill on the bench as cover.

The team coped well despite some minor flash points but on Saturday the toll of not having a proper cohesive back four showed as United lost to Aston Villa at Old Trafford, the first time in 26 years. With Fletcher still at right back and the likes of Wes Brown and Vidic rushed back to play in the game there should have been alarm bells. And Aston Villa took full advantage with Ashley Young capitalising on Fletcher’s unfamiliarity with the right-back position to set up Agbonlahor who opened the scoring and secured the points.

Last season United won the league mainly because our defence was tight, we went 14 games without conceding but this season the lack of a settled back four has proved costly.

Last year we only conceded 24 goals all season but this year after just 16 games we have conceded 14 and with Jonny Evans and John O’Shea both out until January and Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville having no set return date things are not looking great.

This Saturday as Chelsea drew with Everton it looked like 2 points dropped but United failed to capitalise and now it looks like a point gained and with Arsenal’s victory over Liverpool at Anfield yesterday the gap between the two is now 3 points with the north London outfit having a game in hand.

The upcoming fixtures are not as harsh as the could be as we face Wolves, Fulham and Hull over the Christmas period  so United could weather the storm but with a trip to the Emirates stadium in January, we will need to be at full strength if we are to get our hands on the Premier League trophy for the fourth team in as many years.

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