The downward spiral

Manchester United

NEVER has the term “rebuild” ring so intrusively in my mind after witnessing yet another debacle by Manchester United’s embarrassing mauling, yes, mauling, in the hands of their most bitter rivals from Merseyside. You know which team I’m referring to.

“Rebuild” here translates to fortifying the team with a glut of new players. Or bringing in a new manager? Anyway, we’re talking about a clean slate here, as departing captain Nemanja Vidic is off to Serie A’s Inter Milan and, in all likelihood, Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra are at their last vestiges at the club. Even Rafael is by no means guaranteed to stay next season.

The same can be said of the midfielders. Players like Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia, Nani, Darren Fletcher, Tom Cleverley and, unfortunately, even Shinji Kagawa will be looking over their sorry shoulders nervously to see if they still have a future at this great club next season. As for Anderson, adeus.

What about a certain Robin van Persie? He has come to the fore and declared his intention of wanting to stay at United, even beyond his current contract. On the surface, United fans have a lot to rejoice based on this latest development. However, his troubling body language and general sense of sulk worries some.

Is he unhappy with his team-mates? Is he displeased with David Moyes’ tactics? Saying something to the masses is one thing. If he really means what he has said, then that’s a different ball game altogether.

What all United fans are hoping is that he’s just suffering from a blip in form, what more from a fitful season, sprinkled with injuries. Or, it’s just that dreaded “second-season syndrome”, nothing more.

Such is the massive task that awaits Moyes, OR a new manager, starting with the fast-approaching summer transfer window.

With nine games left to conclude the season, United have to, no prizes for guessing here, start all over again, this time with a difficult trip down south to London’s Upton Park.

West Ham are experiencing a mini-revival, despite their 3-1 setback at the hands of Stoke.

The Hammers have enjoyed their fair share of good results against United in recent years, so another stern test awaits.

Hopefully, after turning a 2-0 deficit in the first leg and then thrashing Olympiakos 3-0 in the return leg on Wednesday at Old Trafford to book a place in the last eight of the Champions League will give them the confidence, to hammer West Ham.
 
The sight of David Moyes conferring with Phil Neville when the chips are down is downright disturbing.