What's Happening at Manchester United?

From champions of England to mid-table battlers in six months, Manchester United are currently going through one of the roughest patches in their Premier League history. Last season, United finished top of the league comfortably, looking like true champions for the duration of the season. However, they have seemed and entirely different team this season - with many results below what has come to be expected of them - and alarm bells are certainly ringing for the fans at Old Trafford. But what has caused this sudden dip in form for the red half of Manchester? Besides the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson and his backroom staff - and the subsequent introduction of David Moyes and his own backroom staff - in the summer, not much has changed since the end of last season, but performances are still below par and unrest is becoming apparent among the fans...

A key feature during the matches in which United have underperformed - like the draw against Southampton, and the losses to West Brom, Everton and Newcastle - has been a distinct lack of creativity and effort from the players. Players such as Cleverley, Nani and Fellaini have been agonisingly inconsistent so far this season, often falling short of requirements in games where they should be dominating (i.e. against the likes of Cardiff). Also, the style of play currently being exhibited at Old Trafford has been a major complaint from the stands. Fans aren't enjoying seeing midfielders and defenders passing sideways - and sometimes backwards (unnecessarily) - to no avail, which often results in them losing the ball and putting David De Gea in danger. 

However, some performances this season have been more exciting and solid. The 1-0 defeat of Arsenal and the 4-2 win against Bayer Leverkusen spring to mind when looking for examples of the type of football that United played under Ferguson.

Nani is one player who has been slated for his
inconsistency.

Another possible explanation for the demise of the United team is the change of manager. David Moyes arrived in the summer with a new backroom staff, shaking up the system that so many of the players had become used to under Sir Alex. Whereas Ferguson is an iconic managerial figure who demanded respect from his players, Moyes seems a less imposing figure on the sideline, perhaps the players don't give him the same respect as his predecessor? That is certainly the case in the stands, as you can get the sense from a visit to Old Trafford that the fans are beginning to get sick of the poor performances. Many pundits predicted that Moyes would need a transition period at the start of the season, which is expected. But how long can a transition period last? Moyes had the summer to acquaint himself with his squad, and he only brought in Marouane Fellaini in the transfer window - a player who he already knows from his time at Everton. Surely by December a manager should have a strong grip of his squad and know his strongest starting eleven, something which it appears Moyes does not. An example of someone who has done this is Moyes' replacement, Roberto Martinez, whose Everton side currently sit at 5th. 

Whatever it is that's happening at Manchester United at the moment, it will take a colossal effort to turn it around. A huge January signing? Drastic tactic changes? Personally, I don't think it's time for 'Moyes out' signs just yet, but I do question how much longer the Old Trafford faithful will put up with mediocre performances when they're used to world class results.