Boring football piece about Ferguson going out with a whimper (Premier League 2000 - 2001)

Member Name: dave27

Product:	Premier League 2000 - 2001
Date:	13/10/01 (79 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Open race for a change

Disadvantages: United are still there

It's been quite an unusual season so far in that the accustomed storming away from the pack that we're so used to see from Manchester United has simply not materialised. YET...

Without really clicking into gear as yet, and struggling against less fancied opponents, the Old Trafford club have quietly and efficiently sneaked their way up into a top three spot behind Leeds And Arsenal.

At the start of the season, the experts predicted that the arrival of the big money men, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Juan Sebastian Veron, would mark the ascent of United onto a whole new plain. Both the Argentinian and the Dutchmen have demonstrated their undoubted class and value and shown that they will be valuable and shrewd acquisitions at even the astronomical price demanded. However, there has been something amiss at the club all season.

The noises that came from Roy Keane at the end of last season as their Champions League challenge simply fell apart signalled that there was unrest in the camp and the departure of the wily Teddy Sheringham undoubtedly weakened their hand, despite the arrival of the new men.

When the shock sale of Jaap Stam was unveiled, many had cause to wonder whether Sir Alex Ferguson was quite with it, for in recent times the giant Dutchman had been feted as the best defender in the world. It was claimed that Stam's autobiography was not the reason for the move, and that Stam's form had been in decline, but recent poor defensive displays, against Newcastle and Tottenham have demonstrated clearly that Laurent Blanc is not a panacea.

I have a sneaking suspicion that the Red Wave will not sweep all before it this season. Ferguson's experiments with new tactics and formations are focused on finding the key to unlock the European prize, but United are struggling to adjust, with Paul Scholes looking only a shadow of his former self. They may go all the way in Europe, but I believe that United will not
win the title this year.

If not, then who will?

Bolton amazed us all with their opening assault, but are starting to fade, as we knew they would. They are well organised and difficult to break down, but not championship material. They may already have enough points in the bag to guarantee survival for at least one more season, but will do well to finish top half.

Chelsea have showed an irritating lack of the killer touch in front of goal and an appalling reluctance to finish off battered opposition, allowing too many winning positions to fade into draws. Hasselbaink's eye for the half chance will keep them there and thereabouts, but there is a lack of spirit and commitment at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool were the choice of many experts during the summer, following their amazing haul of cups last year, but they have been surprisingly inconsistent to date, and seem too dependent on the goals of the amazing Owen. The clash with Leeds at Anfield this Saturday could give us a few clues about the merits of both teams, but the Reds look to have fallen too far off the pace, even if it is early days.

Now that probably means things will boil down to two clubs...

The perennial runners up, Arsenal, look a good bet to shake off the shadow of Sir Alex Ferguson and go all the way this year, although Vieira seems unsettled again and could be on his way to Juventus. The middle of the Gunners defence looks a shade weary, however, and although Henry is in good form, they do not generate enough goals regularly, to be unstoppable.

As a Leeds United fan, I hesitate to tip them for the title. The days of Don Revie always left the taste of predictions and counting chickens being tantamount to tempting fate, and so putting them forward smacks of being dangerous. However, O'Leary's charges, while never really clicking so far, have proven tough nuts to crack. They have conceded just three goals in ten competitive g
ames so far, and the slaughter of Leicester last night gave sharp evidence of the threat of their attack.

Viduka, Bowyer and Smith have had low-key starts, but Robbie Keane is lethal at the moment and Harry Kewell has shaken off the lethargy of the game in Portugal. If Leeds can steer clear of injuries and maintain their defensive clamp on sides, they might just do it...


I would love to see Leeds regain the title and if my guesses about Sir Alex Ferguson's men do turn out to be correct with no Premiership swan song for the most successful manager in the British game, they could finally realise all the potential they have shown these last three years under O'Leary.

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