AUTHOR: – The Mancunian Red (Guest Blogger)

In a recent debate with Lee Clayton, I called his decision to support Scott Parker for Football Writers’ Player Of The Year as a demonstration of bias rather than a meaningful reasoned and thought out decision. It is difficult to put over a reasoned argument over twitter so I would like to thank the excellent Stretford-End website for allowing me to put over my argument!

I have nothing against Scott Parker he has had a very good season, however I cannot see the arguments which support the case to demonstrate he is the best and most important premiership player of the season.

Firstly by its very nature the role of defensive midfield player is limited, he isn’t going to change or win WHU that many points. The truth is certain positions are not going to change games as much as others. I would want the winner of the best player award to be instrumental in effecting the outcome of numerous games, especially the important ones.

Secondly, when you play for a team challenging for as major trophy the pressure is on every game and when teams come to you it is like their cup final. Even poor sides suddenly become tigers, chasing every ball that is not the case when you play for a WHU side fighting relegation. Moreover you can get away with inconstancy because you are not expected to win every game. Parker has had a good season but there are plenty of Northern and Midland midfield players who have done just as well but do not have the publicity benefits of those that play for London clubs.

Has Parker really made as much impact as a Tevez, or 50 other players I could mention? Had Tevez had the impact he has had at City this season playing for WHU they would not be fighting relegation and he would have won the award and this coming from a red!

A winning mentality is something special, some players are big fish in small pools and until they can demonstrate they can cut it at the very top with the big boys and change games they shouldn’t win on a regular basis I wouldn’t put them forward as the best prem player. I’ve seen so called great players join big clubs like United and be expected to perform every week and fall apart.

AUTHOR: – Doron

Manchester United have temporarily opened up an eight point gap over Arsenal. Down at half-time, the team did it the ‘United way’ and came back to seal a stunning victory in London and a rare away win. Here we discuss the talking points of today’s game and welcome and comments from both United and West Ham fans.

Talking Points

Gutting half, errors and credit to the referee

United went in at half time 2-0 down. It seemed a real injustice. United had completed more than twice as many passes as West Ham (246 vs 97) and had generally been in control of the game. Frustratingly for all the possession, little was created by United with Park shooting straight at Green. As for West Ham, they managed only one effort on target (bar their two goals) not just in the first half, but in the entire game.

One of the few positives United fans could however take from the half was Antonio Valencia. He looked as sharp and quick as ever. It’s remarkable really given he missed 5-6 months of football that he can slot back in and perform so well so soon. Every single cross he put in beat the first man and none were blocked. In the first half United were regularly looking to him and he put good ball after good ball into the box which to be fair to West Ham, they defended very well.

The return of Vidic at centre back should have been a calming influence on United yet instead it was he along with Evra who gifted West Ham their two goals very much against the run of play. The first penalty was given for a silly handball by Evra – no complaints. The second was a petulant trip by Vidic on Cole that may or may not have been outside the box – either way, no complaints again. It was disappointing that errors cost United going in at half-time – West Ham had otherwise rarely threatened. As the boss said to SKY TV after the game:

“Being 2-0 down at half-time was a travesty”

So often refereeing decisions are analysed and referees are criticised. Therefore it’s worth praising Lee Mason today for getting almost everything in the game spot on. Just before half time, Vidic hauled down Ba – as the last man, Reds feared the worst. Yet, Mason got the decision spot on in awarding a yellow card – the ball was always going to be claimed by Kuszczak and hence a goal-scoring opportunity was not denied. Oddly the only decision I felt he got wrong was to later award United a penalty for a handball by Upson who seemingly couldn’t get out of the way.

Substitutions changed the game

At half-time, Ferguson made the bold call to take off Evra and bring on a striker, Chicharito. The move saw Giggs go to left back in what turned out to be a master-stroke of a gamble from Fergie. Chicharito immediately put West Ham on the back foot. He holds a high line and forced West Ham deeper which in turn created more space for United’s midfielders to work in.

The second move that changed the game saw Berbatov come on for Park Ji Sung. This saw Rooney move wide left with license to float around. Whilst Berbatov sat just behind Chicharito but similarly had license to move about. Whilst Chicharito brought darting movement; Berbatov caused different problems – he drops into holes that draw out defenders and caused havoc for West Ham as they tried to pick him. As fans have also come to expect from him – his retention of the ball was superb and added plenty of much needed calmness.

Moving Giggs to left back though was sheer genius from Ferguson. He provided assurance behind an ever changing left winger and was able to offer a really dangerous option on the overlap, picking his moments to go forward well. SKY picked Giggs as man of the match and it’s hard to disagree with that despite heroics from Rooney.

Wayne Rooney

Let’s get it out the way – Rooney’s had games where he’s played better. Certainly his touch was a bit off today and on his own up front in the first half he struggled against the West Ham centre backs and with the lack of support from the midfield.

The second half was a different story though. Not only did it help Rooney to have Chicharito and Berbatov up front with him but he was aided by forward runs from Carrick and Gibson.

Sometimes it just takes one moment to fire him up. The free kick he ended up scoring seemed to be it. It was curled beautifully over and around the wall and in the one area that Robert Green was never going to get to. There was no over-elaborate celebration a few high fives and hand shakes and United were back in it.

When behind and United get one goal – there is a feeling that the floodgates will open. With Rooney spearheading the United team, that’s what happened. His second goal was a moment of world class forward play. The ball in from Valencia was nothing special but Rooney’s touch to take the ball around Upson was superb and in one move he placed it perfectly into the corner beyond Green. This second goal was also Rooney’s 100th Premier League strike for United.

It seemed almost inevitable that it would be Rooney who’d complete his hat-trick and complete the turnaround. The third wasn’t as spectacular as the first but the penalty was tucked away calmly by Rooney.

It was also Rooney whose bursting run would lead to the 4th goal. A brilliant reaction finish from Chicharito who had little time to react to Da Costa missing the ball. As often is the case it’s not so much the performance that matters but that the goals were scored – today Rooney delivered.

Unsung midfield heroes

Whilst the forwards will be getting the plaudits and only Fabio can really hold his head high in the defence (Smalling did little wrong but was shaky at times), Michael Carrick and Darron Gibson were extremely important in the win. Both players have been the whipping boys of the side for fans in recent weeks yet today both were assured in the middle of the pitch.

Before praising them for their possession and drive it’s worth noting that despite neither troubled the scorers it was like a throwback to years gone by to see our central midfielders getting forward and shooting – between them they had 7 efforts on goal today.

As I hinted, it was for their possession that Carrick and Gibson were so key today. They came up against a tough tackling three man midfield in Parker, Noble and Hitzlsperger. In truth the latter two were disappointing but Parker was superb in breaking up United attacks. Not only were Carrick and Gibson the most involved players on the pitch but their accuracy between them for passing was excellent.

Often this season one of the midfielders has been on top of their passing game whilst the other has simply been ‘ok’ – yet today both were controlling and accurate whilst positively looking to shift the ball forwards regularly:

Click on image to enlarge

Carrick and Gibson passing

The diagram above represents 85% accuracy from Gibson (79 passes attempted) and 81% accuracy from Carrick (80 passes attempted). United’s central midfield area may often lack creativity but it’s functional and sometimes that’s what’s required when the flair is coming from elsewhere (wide or upfront).

Match Conclusion

Once again United came into this game with an injury depleted squad travelled to London to take on West Ham. The team saw van der Sar precautiously withdrawn due to a groin injury whilst Gibson, Fabio, Vidic and Park all came in from the side that beat Bolton, replacing Evans, Brown, Nani and Chicharito – Rooney lined up on his own up front.

United started the game strongly, putting West Ham on the back food and confining them to their own half for the opening ten minutes. However a long ball from Hitzlsperger saw Carlton Cole get behind the United defence and as he trip to chip Evra, the Frenchman inexplicably put his hands up and diverted the path of the ball. A penalty was awarded and Mark Noble tucked it away. Less than 15 minutes later and it was 2-0. Vidic tripped Cole on the line of the penalty area, and once again Mark Noble converted the kick.

Despite lots of possession and some excellent crosses from Valencia, the best United could manage was Park firing a shot straight at Rob Green. Lee Mason, the referee, was once again spot on just before half time. Vidic was the last man and brought down Demba Ba but was only shown a yellow card – the ball though had run too far and was safely gathered by Kuszczak which deemed it not a goalscoring opportunity that was denied. Two down at half time and United needed a change. Evra was hauled off and Chicharito thrown on at the break with Giggs deployed as a left back

The game changed in a typically blistering 15 minute period. First soon after the hour, Rooney took over free kick responsibilities and curled a beauty from 25 yards into the right hand side of the goal leaving Green no chance. Just before the free kick was awarded, Berbatov came on and he helped to hold up the ball and bring other players into the game. However like the first goal, the second was all Rooney too. Valencia’s ball forward was controlled superbly by Rooney who turned Upson and fired the ball past Green into the corner – it was his 100th Premier League goal for United.

Rooney completed his hat-trick just before 80 minutes. A purposeful run from the excellent Fabio saw his cross hit Upson’s arm and Lee Mason awarded a penalty which Rooney scored. United’s 5th away win of the season was completed when Chicharito scored from yards out late on – a cross from Giggs was missed by Da Costa and the predatory instincts of Chicharito saw him react instantly to poke the ball into an empty net. The result leaves United 8 points ahead of Arsenal who play Blackburn later today.

United’s next game is away at Chelsea in the Champions League on Wednesday 6th April.

AUTHOR: – Doron

AUTHOR: – Doron

The internationals are finally over, there will be no more disruptions now until the season is over. United will be looking to put some pressure on Arsenal with a lunch time win at West Ham who themselves are in a battle but at the other end of the table. With plenty of players missing, the task facing United is hard, this is a big game.

It’s been a relegation battle of a season for West Ham this year. Avram Grant came in last summer with the aim of stabilising the club and making sure they weren’t in this very situation. It’s actually easy to sympathise with Grant a bit. His side have regularly lost players to injury – summer signing Hitzlsperger for example has only recently made his debut for the club. The club currently sit 17th in the league, only out of the relegation zone on goal difference. Such is the tight nature of the league, West Ham are 2 points off the bottom, yet only 8 points off 7th and the European places!

Particularly in the big games this year, West Ham have adopted negative formations, often a 4-1-4-1. However recently, with the availability of Hitzlsperger, Grant has opted for a braver 4-3-3. It’s fair to say it’s worked as well. West Ham have been playing good football and importantly have been winning the midfield battles. I can’t stress enough how much Hitzlsperger’s return has helped to boost the club. This is one signing Grant got spot on. Whilst Barrera for example has struggled in his first season, in January the signing of Demba Ba appears to have been a master-stroke with the powerful striker scoring 4 in 5 league games. The rejuvenation has been lead by Scott Parker; his form has earned him a deserved England start and along with Noble and Hitzlsperger, West Ham have a very strong, tough tackling central area.

West Ham have done well recently. They made it to the semi-finals of the League Cup and the quarter finals of the FA Cup. West Ham have lost only 3 games in the league in 2011 – two of them came in January – March was an unbeaten month for them. Despite this, their last win came on the 5th March, nearly a month ago. Since then they’ve lost a cup game and got an admirable draw at Spurs two weeks ago. West Ham’s league form means they are in fact the 6th most in-form side with 11 points taken from a possible 18; their home form is only joint 11th though. Their problem at home is simple – they don’t score enough (20 goals is the second lowest total in the league). Plenty of teams have conceded fewer than their 21 goals but in actual fact that total is not bad compared to bottom-half sides.

West Ham have the luxury of a nearly fully fit squad. Kurucz and Stanislas are out whilst Collison continued his return from injury in the Reserves today so won’t be involved. Scott Parker is a slight doubt but expected to play, as is Carlton Cole who played an April Fools prank on Twitter suggesting he’d been dropped (The Sun newspaper fell for it!). Otherwise, everyone else is fit – including Robbie Keane who joined on loan in January.

West Ham have a decent record at home to United in the league. They’ve only lost 6 times but have only managed 2 wins in 15 games. The wins came in back-to-back seasons – in 06/07 and 07/08. Should West Ham lose tomorrow it’ll be their 250th Premier League defeat ever – it could also be Carlton Cole’s 250th club career appearance.

Enough on West Ham…onto United and my predicted line up:

The injury crisis that was upon the club is easing, slowly. Once again the easy part of this match preview should be telling you who’s out of the game but with Fergie you never know. Based upon what he’s said we’re missing: Lindegaard, Rafael (starts training on Monday), O’Shea, Ferdinand (in training but not match fit), Brown (starts training on Monday), Fletcher (to be assessed this coming week) and Hargreaves. Scholes will serve the final game of his suspension and Evans will start his 3 match ban.

Despite the temptation to revert to a 4-2-3-1 for an away game and match up to West Ham, I think we’ll play a 4-4-2 – it will benefit our stronger area of the team – out wide. Edwin should start in goal despite rumours in the Daily Mail of a minor injury. In front of Edwin the back four picks itself due to injuries – Fabio, Smalling, Vidic and Evra. Vidic played 90 minutes for Serbia midweek and is fully fit for this one. I presume Oliver Gill will be on the bench as cover as he didn’t play for the Reserves today.

The big issue in the midfield and up front is who to select with a big Champions League game coming up on Wednesday. Personally I think Giggs is likely to be rested for that game against Chelsea and so I think Nani and Valencia will both start tomorrow. Park is fit again and ideally I would like him to get minutes but it’s hard to fit him into an XI – potentially he could play in the middle but this hasn’t always suited him. This therefore only leaves Carrick, Gibson and Anderson to take up the CM positions. Anderson has trained for a week so is only likely to appear from the bench hence Carrick and Gibson possibly pick themselves. Up front I think Rooney and Berbatov will start – Chicharito only arrived back from international duty yesterday and is likely to be better as an impact substitute, his pace late on could scare the slow West Ham defence.

United remain top and two weeks ago were able to ever so slightly increase their lead over Arsenal to 5 points with a win over Bolton. Beating West Ham would make the gap 8 points before Arsenal next play (home to Blackburn). April is a crucial month for United with the next four league games being very winnable whilst there is a chance of reaching the FA Cup final and getting to the semi final of the Champions League.

Recent form shows United sitting a lowly ninth in the form league with 9 points taken from a possible 18 in the last six games. United’s away form has been poor all season, 7 points from a last 18 available away from home is very average. Only two teams have scored more than United on their travels but compared to the other top teams, United concede too many.

In Dimitar Berbatov United have the league’s top goalscorer (20 goals) and in Nani the league’s top assister (16 assists; Rooney is joint 2nd with 11). Rooney likes playing West Ham, he has 5 goals in 8 league games against them for United. Two more would also see him reach 100 Premier League goals for the club.

Earlier this season United cruised to a 3-0 win at home to West Ham but struggled in the League Cup and lost 4-0 away from home. United’s record away at West Ham is ok without being anything special. In 15 Premier League games United have won 6 but drawn 7. United generally get a rough reception from the West Ham fans – David Beckham effigies were infamously burned in 1998 there and of course in May ’95 United couldn’t find a second goal to win the title. There are however some better memories which are shown below on video.

United have a decent recent record against West Ham. West Ham are though battling to avoid relegation and may well win the CM battle. However out wide and up front United have the advantage and this should be good enough for a win. Therefore I predict a nervously optimistic 3-1 win for the Reds.

You can share with us your thoughts ahead of the match and your favourite moments from games away at West Ham on our forum.

As promised, here are some of the better recent memories from games away at West Ham:

2000/01 Beckham free kick:

2001/02 Beckham lob:

2008/09 Classic Giggs goal wins the game:

2009/10 Gibson’s rocket:

AUTHOR: – Doron

AUTHOR: – Doron

Are Manchester United lacking a midfield spark? – It was a question posed by a BBC tactical blog after the defeat against Wolves last month. The idea of a spark, or creative midfielder in the United side has been something that’s bugged me for a while. I’ve never been convinced it’s what we need and with that in mind I plan to make a potentially surprising transfer suggestion.

For me there are two reasons as to why United’s central midfield area has been talked about with grave concern this year. The first, put simply is a lack of goals scored from this part of the team – only 7 in total. In reality, this isn’t something that’s suddenly just happened. That is a lower total than past years but since the 2004/05 season and the days where the Paul Scholes my lord he scores goals chant was regularly sung, no central midfielder has come close to double figures with Fletcher and Carrick both averaging a goal every 13 games in their Manchester United career (NB Gibson so far averages a goal every 6 games – the closest of the current CMs to Scholes’ a goal every 4.5 games).

The second reason, I believe, lies in our competitors. Arsenal have Nasri, Wilshere and Fabregas; Chelsea have Lampard; Man City have Silva; Liverpool have Meireles and Spurs have Modric and Van der Vaart. United have, erm, Carrick? I don’t have a problem with that. However, the media have United constantly linked to attacking midfielders, creative players who also score goals. The perception therefore is that due to the links and the fact our opponents have a certain type of player, United must also have this kind of player.

It doesn’t bother me though. United don’t have to conform to a certain trend in football. All of those teams have a common theme – they don’t play a 4-4-2. By contrast, United’s preferred formation is and has almost always been a 4-4-2 or a variant of that formation. I should add – formations written down by a series of numbers are somewhat overrated; in reality on a pitch they’re so fluid and versatile that they never quite turn out to be exactly as the numbers represent. That said, it’s safe to say that United like to play with four midfielders and two strikers.

Unlike many fans, I don’t think that an attacking midfielder needs to be signed. United have always relied on flair and goals from their wingers – it’s a proven formula at our club. What I do think needs to happen, is the release of some of our more creative players. Namely, Michael Carrick.

Oddly, despite wishing to see Carrick removed from his deeper role at present, I’ve praised it before. I think Carrick has done a very solid job for United this year – he isn’t a player who should be put in a defensive role with the duty of winning the ball and shifting it on accurately to the next player. The ‘old’ Carrick of 4 years ago played higher up the pitch as a player who would create chances, get within shooting distance (and shoot), and be a reliable retainer of possession.

The change in his role is strikingly obvious. Showing his passing from a game against Watford four seasons ago and comparing it with him against Aston Villa this year just shows how much higher he used to play for most of the game:

Carrick passing vs. Watford in 2006/07

Carrick passing vs. Aston Villa in 2010/11

It’s very clear to see the cluster of passes made in the final 40 yards of the opposition half in 2006/07 – whereas against Villa this season there is no such pattern or regularity of passing that high up the pitch.

Few would argue against the fact that Carrick can be a very good creative midfielder. The only other player in the squad who could do this defensive role is Owen Hargreaves; and with him injured and the club not spending any money on a Hargreaves-esqe player the responsibility has been handed to Carrick. Despite doing a decent enough job, Carrick is better with more freedom – with the license to roam and pick out the cutting passes.

I’m not aware of an occasion this blog has pinpointed a specific player to sign – rather it has always backed our current squad, and will continue to do so. I though, am going to break from tradition and suggest who I would like the club to sign. My suggestion is a replacement for Carrick in the defensive role; someone who can tackle and pass; someone who would free-up Carrick to play higher up the pitch as well as potentially helping other players such as Anderson to settle into a higher position (he too has been asked to play deep far too often).

For me, any signing who has to come in and play in the first team immediately really needs to have Premier League experience. There are lots of examples of central midfielders (and players in other positions) joining from abroad and taking time to settle and learn the game. My other concern with any central midfield signing is age. I would be disappointed if United spent big money on a central midfielder aged 21-15 as I would much rather see a product of our Academy given an opportunity first. I don’t want any signing hindering or stunting their progress. In Cleverley, Pogba, Morrison, Tunnicliffe and to a lesser extent, Matty James, United have some very talented young central midfielders. Arguably none of them are ready to be a fixture in the starting XI however they all have a big 18-24 months coming up where hopefully they’ll start to push towards the first team.

With that in mind, my suggested signing is now at the peak of his career. I’m suggesting him with only a couple of years at the club in mind – a bit like the signing of Laurent Blanc (however my suggestion is younger). The player would be perfect to do a disciplined defensive role and wouldn’t hinder the progress of our younger players – in actual fact they could probably learn from him. For me, he’s one of the few true box-to-box midfielders in the league today and is often credited with being a very strong leader.

My suggestion is Scott Parker.

I’ve been impressed with Parker for some time and have long believed he moved to Chelsea too early in his career. His flop at Chelsea has lead many to believe he can’t hack it at a big club although considering he was only there for one season, that seems like an unfair judgement. When Keane was finishing his career, Parker was one of the names being mentioned as his replacement but nothing materialised. Unlike other names being mooted, I don’t think he’d cost a lot of money. He did sign a new five year deal this season but West Ham could still get relegated and a sale would seem likely anyway. Even if West Ham survive, they may be tempted to part company with Parker for a not-so extraordinary fee. Certainly if United came calling, Parker would be unlikely to want West Ham to reject a bid.

I don’t believe that a United signing has to necessarily be a big-name. I’ve written recently about just how tough it is to find the right central midfielder to sign – I used the jigsaw analogy whereby pointed out that the players have to fit next to the ones around them. Simply picking a name out at random doesn’t necessarily work and doesn’t mean that because big famous-named player “x” was fantastic at club “y” that he’ll be equally as good, if not better at United.

Aside from his age, value and the fact I think he’d free up Carrick & Co, Parker’s a very complete midfielder. His goals to games ratio isn’t great but that’s not what his game is about. He’s a very good passer and rarely gives the ball away. To show this, I’ve picked his passing from two losing games this season, away at Arsenal and United this season – games where you’d expect his passing to be poorer than average.

Parker passing vs. Arsenal

Parker passing vs. Man United

His passing success rate of 89% vs. Arsenal and 93% vs. Man United is mightily impressive. These two games show him playing in a restrictive defensive role much like Carrick has been playing this season. Parker, is however as I mentioned able to be versatile and go box-to-box too.

Parker passing vs. Tottenham

Parker passing vs. Wigan

These further two examples from this season show a player comfortable playing all over the pitch and someone who looks for a positive forward pass. The other side to Parker’s game is his grit and desire to win the ball back. He reads the game well and is an excellent tackler.

Parker tackling vs. Wigan

Parker tackling vs. Tottenham

It doesn’t matter who the opposition are, Parker in an almost old-fashioned but controlled style is always looking to engage in physical contact in order to win the ball back. I believe he represents everything we’ve been missing in Owen Hargreaves and would as I’ve said a few times help some of our other players to rediscover their creative touch.

Every signing is a gamble. However, I don’t think United are in a position to take huge risks at the moment. Changes will happen when Messrs Scholes and Giggs do eventually bring their phenomenal careers to a close. The changes however don’t necessarily all have to come from outside the club. United are a team with a proud history of youth football and therefore in my opinion it only needs a small short-term change or addition to prepare for the arrival of some of the new young stars at the club. Scott Parker, would, for me be that perfect player to help the side rediscover some creativity whilst slotting right into our jigsaw and completing the puzzle for now.

Please do share your thoughts, suggest alternative signings, agree with me or tell me I’m bonkers in the comments section below!

AUTHOR: – Doron

Carling Cup holders Manchester United were unceremoniously dumped from the competition by the ruthless Hammers; a comprehensive 4-0 scoreline did not flatter the hosts. Former United player Jonathan Spector scored his first goals in English football and Carlton Cole added 2 goals after half time to crown a historic night for the London club.

West Ham have previous; having put United’s league title chances to the sword in 1992 and 1995, this defeat ends the Red Devil’s chances of winning a domestic cup for the third consecutive time for the first time ever. While it is not quite as painful a conclusion as those early 90’s late season setbacks, it did raise some pretty important talking points regarding the strength in depth of the squad at Sir Alex Ferguson’s disposal.

Before such an assessment, due respect must be given to the Hammers. Spector will probably speak of his “hat-trick”, having deflected Victor Obinna’s shot in on 16 minutes – unfortunately for him, the American was offside. By that point United (the visiting United, that is) had looked in the ascendancy. O’Shea worked a move well into the feet of Obertan in the 7th minute – the Frenchman created space and shot across goal, but Robert Green pulled off a superb stop to push the ball onto the post. With Chicharito pouncing on the rebound, James Tomkins smashed the ball away from danger. 2 minutes later and Obertan, from the opposite side, fired an inviting cross shot across goal – that early flurry was as good as it got for the visitors.

Obinna played so well in the first half that John O’Shea was switched to the opposite full back side; Sir Alex has never been one to make first half substitutions based on tactics, but this was as close as it got, but not before the young Nigerian had already done the damage. In the 22nd minute he showed he bared no grudge against Spector for the disallowed goal mishap by turning provider after turning O’Shea inside out; Spector had drifted in front of Fletcher and headed in. 8 minutes before half time and the combination worked again; Spector, again, criminally untracked by midfield, went on a mazy run and played the ball into Obinna – Fabio got a block in, but on trying to find his feet, slipped, allowing Spector plenty of time to slam the ball in from 10 yards.

Bebe was impressive in the last round of this competition but looked gobsmacked by the snowstorm conditions; his removal at half time for Macheda indicated a switch to 4-4-2 but the lack of impetus – alarming, for such an experienced midfield – was exposed in the 56th minute as Carlton Cole sealed the result. Obinna was chief tormentor again, playing the ball from wide left into Cole, who had been allowed to get goalside by Jonny Evans, and the England forward headed downwards and in.

Such was Obinna’s form that Fabio was replaced on 65 minutes by his brother Rafael; but even the player who has been the best player in the right back position in the league this season was embarrassed by the young winger seconds after his introduction. Obinna’s ball was again duly converted by Cole – meaning he had played a key role in all the goals.

United never really imposed themselves on the game at all and a weak defence was not protected by a limp midfield. With Darren Fletcher looking worringly off colour and Ryan Giggs looking like he was still suffering a birthday hangover (though still undoubtedly our best set piece option), it was left to Anderson to at least try and add some impetus. Unfortunately, Obertan is not yet Nani, and Bebe is not Berbatov, while the visitors clearly missed Carrick’s growing influence.

One swallow doesn’t make a summer; just as United’s 7-1 win at the weekend doesn’t mean we’ll romp to the title, this 4-0 win – while fatal for this competition – doesn’t mean all the players should be sold. There were bad performances all over the pitch but it is not necessarily endemic; John O’Shea, for example, had possibly his worst game for the club but was the league’s most consistent right back in 2008/09, so his fall from grace is no more than to useful utility player; which, to be honest, is no more than what was expected. Jonny Evans, it is true, is suffering from a lack of self confidence, not helped by Smalling’s elevation to first choice reserve, and maybe with this competition out of the way he might benefit from a loan spell. Kuszczak, while not particularly at fault for any of the goals, did not inspire confidence and there was the nagging feeling he could have done better – not really the term you want to be using for a goalkeeper, but then again, he has the very demeanour of someone killing time.

As for the rest? Well, Sir Alex remarked after the game that the players would learn from such a humiliation, and perhaps patience and support is the answer. History suggests it’s just a one off; that’s not to say that the performance should not be treated with intense scrutiny – it clearly should – but sometimes, too, you have to hold your hands up and say it was the opposition’s night. Well done to West Ham; now go add to Arsenal’s 6 year misery, please.

Ratings : Kuszczak 4, O’Shea 3, Smalling 5, Evans 4 (Brown), Fabio 5 (Rafael 5), Bebe 4 (Macheda 4), Fletcher 4, Giggs 5, *Anderson 6, Obertan 5, Chicharito 5

As much as I wish this wasn’t the case, the only major story for this issue of Stretty Stories is last night’s lose against West Ham and reactions to that result.

Fergie: We’ll learn from loss – Sky Sports

In case you missed it yesterday, Manchester United was humiliated by bottom-of-the-table West Ham. Following a 4-0 loss against the London club, Sir Alex was grasping for positives in the midst of a massive loss. The gaffer chose to field a young squad at Upton Park and unfortunately United fell to a loss with many youngsters to blame. After two consecutive seasons winning the Carling Cup, United have been eliminated by West Ham. There is no defending this result. Some people will hide behind the fact that it’s the Carling Cup. To me, though, it doesn’t matter what the competition is. United should always aim to lift every trophy. Sir Alex did draw positives from this disappointing match claiming that the youngsters would learn from their mistakes and would be motivated by the pain of this loss. That may be the case. Perhaps this match will have positive results in the development of our youth, but that doesn’t change the present. We had fantastic odds to win the Carling Cup for three consecutive years, and we didn’t. Talking about what this match means to the future doesn’t change our painful elimination from the Carling Cup this year.

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Manchester United’s Carling Cup title defence continues today at Upton Park against West Ham. Only three matches stand between United and a third consecutive trip to Wembley for the League Cup final, and Sir Alex is urging his side to complete a Carling Cup hat-trick.  This will be the second time these two sides have met this season; United emerging 3-0 winners when West Ham visited Old Trafford in the Premier League.

United fans will be very familiar with West Ham manager Avram Grant. He was the manager of Chelsea when we did the Premier League/Champions League double over them in the 2007-08 campaign. His track record against United is clearly far from exemplary, and something tells me he may be slightly bitter. Ahead of the match, Grant claimed that Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad was incapable of maintaining their unbeaten run. His comments come at an unusual time. United are fresh off a 7-1 demolition of Blackburn which saw them move to the top of the table. The squad is shifting up gears and show no signs of slowing down. Maybe United won’t go undefeated this season, but I don’t see Grant’s side being the team to end the streak.

Sir Alex has set a precedent for using fringe and youth players in the Carling Cup, and I don’t expect that will change against a struggling West Ham side. My predicted XI reflects exactly that. Rather than mention every player, I’m just going to focus some important players to watch. The first of which is Jonny Evans. The young defender has come under scrutiny for poor form this season. In fact, United’s failure to keep a clean sheet against Blackburn was blamed on Evans being brought on for Nemanja Vidic. This is an important game for Evans to get his season back on track and win over the fans.

Two others in the predicted defence also deserve mention, but for a completely opposite reason. While Evans has struggled at the back, Chris Smalling and Fabio have been revelations. Smalling has been proving why Sir Alex was willing to spend so much on a young unknown, and should he continue to perform at this level that fee may very well prove a bargain. He truly appears to be Rio Ferdinand’s heir-in-the-making. As for Fabio, he certainly was the unlucky twin. Rafael came in at a time when the right back slot was up for grabs, and he’s taken his chances well becoming the first-choice. Unfortunately for Fabio, he had the world-class Patrice Evra in front of him in the pecking order. He’s been getting more chances this season, and Fabio is showing us what a fantastic talent he is. Look for those two to continue staking their claim for more chances in the United back four.

The final two players to keep an eye on: Darron Gibson and Anderson. Most fans believe Gibson is quickly heading toward the Old Trafford exit. The Irish midfielder is running out of opportunities, so he needs to make the most of moments like this. The Carling Cup is a fantastic tournament for these fringe players to stake their claim for bigger games and Gibson is in serious need of a big performance. Speaking of taking your chances, that’s exactly what Anderson did last weekend against Blackburn. The Brazilian was another midfielder that was believed to be nearing the exit, but was incredible over the weekend. It was a man of the match performance, only to be denied by the five-goal Dimitar Berbatov. Anderson may be rested after controlling the midfield on Saturday, but if he gets another opportunity today be sure to keep an eye on our Samba man.

Now we turn our attentions to the opposition. West Ham sits at the bottom of the Premier League table making them early candidates to suffer the drop in May. It comes as a bit of a shock, because their squad is better than their place in the table indicates. This team shouldn’t be in the relegation battle, yet that’s exactly where they are. The way this squad has underperformed is criminal. Unfortunately for West Ham, star man Scott Parker will play no part in this match as he suffers from a chest infection. A massive blow for West Ham. They’ve struggled with Parker in the side, so I can hardly imagine how they’ll play without him.

Nevertheless, United cannot afford to relax in this fixture. We all know how the Carling Cup works; one loss and you’re out. If West Ham comes out and puts in a season-best performance, that could be enough to knockout United. This happens all the time. Smaller teams raise their game in cup competitions and eliminate bigger clubs. Chelsea and Liverpool have both already been knocked out in this manner. Our players still have to be on edge and remain completely motivated to assure we advance to the semi-finals.

All things considered, I simply can’t see past a United win. It may be a stressful encounter (honestly, what cup game isn’t?), but in the end I expect United to emerge victorious. We’ve already beaten West Ham this season and I predict United to win 3-0 once again. Just for fun I’ll also predict the goalscorers. This one may be a bit bold, but I’m going with Chicharito, Darron Gibson and Chris Smalling to get on the score sheet for United.

May our march to Wembley continue today at Upton Park!

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Manchester United comfortably overcame a West Ham side who have now lost three of their opening matches, their worst start to a League season since 1977. Wayne Rooney, Luis Nani and Dimitar Berbatov completed the scoring – with United’s football breathtaking at times. If truth be told, United will face sterner challenges in the season ahead, but credit should be given for the way in which the players moved the ball once the West Ham players tired from their early pressing and high energy levels. The victory puts United in third place, level on points with Arsenal in second and Chelsea leading the table.

United started with a 4-4-2, as correctly predicted in the match preview earlier in the week, whilst West Ham adopted a 4-5-1 formation with Carlton Cole a lone figure up front. West Ham did start the game energetically, closing down Untied when on the ball but looking very unimaginative when in possession. As the rain got heavier and lashed down on the Old Trafford turf, United stepped up a gear and Rob Green deflected Nani’s strike on to the bar. Wayne Rooney opened the scoring on the 33rd minute with a penalty after some great work from Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs. Scholes found Giggs with a cross field pass from right to left, which was plucked out of the air with considerable ease by Manchester United’s record appearance holder. Giggs proceeded to torment ex-United defender Johnathan Spector, weaving inside and out, before being brought down in front of a watching Stretford End by the American. Rooney slotted the ball past Robert Green, sending his England team mate the wrong way after somewhat of a unconventional run up, to give United a 1-0 lead.

United controlled the game throughout, however when called upon Nemanja Vidic was a rock at the back denying Carlton Cole on a number of occasions. All afternoon Vidic was there with a tackle to disposes the West Ham front man. Late in the first half Cole managed to carve some space, which saw him a yard ahead of the Serbian and closing in on goal. Vidic managed to put in a superb tackle on Cole, who fell to the ground clutching his shoulder after falling awkwardly. There were many rumours last season that Vidic would be on his way out after the purchase of Chris Smalling from Fulham, but today United’s captain showed how important he is to United’s cause, marshaling the back defense and restricting West Ham’s attack. Sir Alex Ferguson was also full of praise for Vidic stating that “Nemanja Vidic put in two fantastic tackles, one in each half.”

Although Vidic was impressive, the majority of the football was played in West Ham’s half- with Scholes and Berbatov pulling the strings. Dimitar Bebratov is equally loved and loathed in United quarters. The grace and balance of a Russian ballet dancer but with the workrate of a a dead badger – is something the media would have you believe. The fact is that comparisons are always drawn with Carlos Tevez, who’s work rate was of course commendable, but there is no doubt that Berbatov is a far superior footballer that has an abundance of talent and he is adding even more goals to his array of gifts. However, it was last season’s turn around kid that scored the second goal early in the second half – Luis Nani. The Portuguese international demonstrated in the first half his quick change of pace – sprinting past Ilunga on a number of occasions – but the winger also missed sitter after a great ball from Ryan Giggs. He was to correct his error by picking up a superb layoff from Wayne Rooney midway inside the West Ham half. Nani then proceed to dribble his way to the edge of the box, faint to shoot – which left Danny Gabbidon on his backside – before rifling a left footed shot past Robert Green.

Nani, Berbatov, Scholes and Giggs were all involved in some brilliant exchanges in between the 2nd and 3rd goals. Slick one touch passing was a joy to watch, which if had of been Arsenal would have many journalists in a giddy state. Nani combined with Berbatov for the 3rd after a superb chip to the far post that was then volleyed home by the Bulgarian. Although only six yards out, Berbatov’s scissors kick demonstrated the technique and ability he has. Ferguson opted to give Dimitar a rest, even if he has already retired from International football, and replace him with Michael Owen. Scholes and Evans followed to be replaced by Michael Carrick and Chris Smalling.

United ran out 3-0 winners after an impressive attacking display from Giggs, Nani, Scholes and Berbatov. West Ham’s early energy couldn’t be kept up throughout the game and the East Londoners were well beaten and face Chelsea in their next game in the League. United travel away to Everton after the International break, before hosting Liverpool the Sunday after. Seven points from nine isn’t a bad start of the season, even if United did ‘throw away’ two points at Craven Cottage last weekend, however taking six points from the next two games will put United in a great positions once the Autumn kicks in.

Ratings : van der Sar 7, O’Shea 7, Vidic 8, Evans 8 (Smalling), Evra 7, Nani 7, Fletcher 7, Scholes 8 (Carrick), *Giggs 8, Rooney 8, Berbatov 7 (Owen)

West Ham have been tricky opponents for United in the past, but rarely at Old Trafford. Under new manager, Avram Grant, they will be looking to buck a trend that has seen them defeated on each of their past three visits. Manchester United will feel they have a point to prove on many levels – three points quickly became one point at Fulham last week whilst rivals Chelsea have already racked up a goal difference of +12 after just two games.

West Ham’s season has yet to really kick into life. Two league defeats, away at Aston Villa and home against bogey team Bolton have left them 19th at this early stage of the season. Against Villa they were outplayed as they lined up in a 4-5-1. Their performance was described as ‘disjointed’ and ‘toothless’ by the BBC. A change to 4-4-2 at half time with the introduction of new signings Barrera and Piquionne didn’t provide any answers either.

West Ham fans were quietly pessimistic ahead of their game against Bolton. They had seen their side lose six successive games now to the Wanderers. They could have been forgiven for thinking it might be their day at half time with the score at 0-0. A missed Carlton Cole penalty and a host of chances had seen the Hammers very much on top. However three second half defensive lapses saw a 0-0 turn into a 1-3 home defeat (Noble with a late penalty for West Ham).

I wouldn’t be surprised to see West Ham come and play 4-5-1 like they did at Villa. Carlton Cole will try to replicate Zamora and bully the United defence should he get the service. Parker and Noble both played 90 mins against Oxford mid-week but I’d expect them to line up again in the middle alongside Kovac. West Ham tend to play better with two up front but I get the impression they will try to frustrate United and keep it tight before taking any risks.

As for the Reds. I don’t suppose there will be any changes to the back four that played against Newcastle and Fulham. Rafael, Brown, Smalling and Neville all played for the reserves against Man City during the week so it would be a surprise to see any of them come in to start. Certainly Ferguson will be hoping that the marking and organisation from set pieces in particular will be better this weekend after some strange lapses in concentration away at Fulham.

I believe that the boss will stick with a 4-4-2. The Fletcher-Scholes partnership that has seen the latter blossom again in recent weeks I don’t think will be tampered with. I’m finding it hard to decide who I think will play wide. Personally I don’t see Park being involved – he’s sometimes a negative selection at home due to his lack of flair. Valencia and Nani are the obvious choices but both had frustrating games at Fulham for different reasons. I think Giggs may be brought in for his first start and I think Nani may start on the right with Valencia handed a place on the bench. Providing Rooney has recovered from his stomach bug then it’s a straightforward selection of Rooney and Berbatov for me.

This is how I think United will line up:

The obvious player to point out for West Ham is Carlton Cole. 10 league goals in 30 league games last year brought him into consideration for England’s World Cup squad. He’s tall, strong and often leads West Ham through matches. Behind him will be Scott Parker – the engine of the West Ham team. He’ll no doubt get stuck in and try to lead them into breaks. I’m intrigued to see their new signing, Barrera. The young Mexican winger has a reputation for being very fast and tricky; a battle against O’Shea may be intriguing.

I’m sorry West Ham, but I can’t look beyond a home win. United will be angry with how the game against Fulham panned out. Many players will have had a rest whilst West Ham had cup action during the week. I’m going to predict a 5-0 thrashing – Rooney to get off the mark for the season in style with a hat-trick. I fancy a surprise scorer too, maybe Evra for a change. The 5th goal I’m going to give to Chicharito, his pace late on against a tired defence may be lethal.

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Wayne Rooney scored twice and Michael Owen came off the bench to net another as Champions Manchester United strolled past West Ham at Old Trafford. It was a poor game of football to mark the 100th anniversary of the Theatre of Dreams but Rooney did at least do his best to illuminate the fixture.

There were few moments to redeem a forgettable first half – an early chance for Valencia that was created by the trio of Anderson, Berbatov and Rooney was squandered before the winger had another chance to which Berbatov’s rebound was deflected. Darron Gibson then had three speculative efforts from range just after the half hour.

The returning Nemanja Vidic started the push for the opening goal, bringing the ball out of defence and passing to Ji Sung Park. Park played into Berbatov who spread the ball delightfully to Valencia – the Ecuadorian wingers volleyed cross was smartly headed in by Rooney. The forward could have extended the lead when he brilliantly flicked and volleyed, but the shot hit the roof of the net.

A second half spectacle was never likely. With the Champions heavily rotated and Anderson leaving the field early in the game through injury, penetration was always mainly restricted to the outlet of Valencia. Anderson’s replacement, Park, did smash the woodwork seconds after the restart, though. The kick off saw the forwards play the ball back to Scholes. Scholes played into Valencia who exchanged a one-two with Rooney, and then passed to the South Korean. Park shot smartly enough but was unable to convert. The defining second goal was not long in coming, as ten minutes into the second half, the Valencia-Rooney combo cut the visitors open again with Rooney’s header doubling the advantage.

It could be considered a plus or a minus that such a scoreline at Old Trafford these days leaves a game descending into relative procession though beside the debate it will be one issue that Fergie probably cares little about – a Scholes chance aside, neither side really looked like they wanted to threaten the scoreboard until the 80th minute, when Scholes played in substitute Owen. Owen took the opportunity to strike home what was a carbon copy of his derby goal and restore the Champions to clear top scorers in the league.

Though the performance was far from illuminating, it was truly convincing – to win at such a canter with Wembley looming will be Ferguson’s largest soother, with Rooney’s creep closer to 30 goals a close second.

Ratings : Foster 7, Neville 7, Brown 7, Vidic 7, Evra 7, Valencia 8, Scholes 8, Gibson 7, Anderson (Park 7), Berbatov 6 (Owen), *Rooney 8 (Diouf)