DELUSIONAL MOYES BLAMES BAD LUCK FOR STOKE DEFEAT

What's the excuse this time, David? Manchester United manager David Moyes blamed "bad luck" for his side's capitulation at Stoke on Saturday but surely some of his most ardent supporters are getting sick and tired of these excuses by now. Sporting a nervous smile during a post-match interview, Moyes alluded that misfortune and injuries prevented them from picking up a result against a medicore Stoke side that must today feel delighted to have picked up three points that should stand them in good stead as they ward off a potential relegation battle. Mark Hughes' side are very ordinary but their diligence paid off against a United side completely void of confidence.

In tough weather conditions, it was Stoke who took a first half lead thanks to a Charlie Adam effort that deflected in off Michael Carrick. Swirling winds meant it was hard to play aerial balls, not too much of a problem for the home side who have incorporated more short passing into their new style. United, it could be argued, are more of a long ball team this season despite not having a classic target man. Moyes' sides at Everton were nearly always set up to play 4-5-1 with long crosses coming in from orthodox wingers. Alex Ferguson did away with that style some time ago, possibly as far back as when Ruud van Nistelrooy left the club, adapting a more continental style 4-2-3-1 with inverted wingers cutting inside to take long range shots rather than whipping in crosses. Cristiano Ronaldo epitomised that role during his final season at the Theatre of Deams.

"What's the excuse this time David?"
"Bad Luck," he replies.

The Mancunians managed to draw level early on in the second half thanks to some sloppy defending. Juan Mata latched onto a poor clearance and set up Robin van Persie, two of United's better players linking up in otherwise quiet displays. The Dutch striker was hauled off afterwards indicating that his fitness, whether exasperated by Moyes' methods or not, is still not up to scratch. At this point, van Persie must worry whether he will be at 100% for next summer's World Cup considering how stop-start his condition has been this season.

Despite being gifted an equaliser, United could not build on it. Stoke managed to retake the lead and again it was through Charlie Adam, driving a fine left-footed strike from outside the box to leave David de Gea with no chance. I had written during the week that United fans should expect to see Moyes in their dugout at the beginning of next season. Old Trafford kingpins may accept that this season is a write-off, even fourth place is a far stretch now, as they are attempting to instill stability. Still however, it is fascinating to witness the high anxiety felt by United diehards not used to such shocking results. Other major European powers have had bad seasons here and there. Their fans can begrudgingly accept that every now and then. The red devils' faithful are stepping on new ground here however. Only the older crowd can remember a time, during Fergie's initial struggles, when things looked so bleak. Many sleepless nights ahead for Moyes' boys.

D. Ray Morton, 2nd February 2014