Reasons to resist #moyesout

Article by e-Manchester United Correspondent Mark Harbottle

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I will remain publicly pro-Moyes until at least Christmas 2015. I’m also happy to keep quoting transitional period, aging squad and another transfer window as key reasons to give our Dave another few terms managing one of the most globally recognised football clubs in the world. Despite this, Tuesday’s match has given me reasons to question the future of The Chosen One. After a day or so to vent my disappointment, I think there are a few fingers to point in the direction of blame.

Before a ball had been played, my heart dropped slightly not just at the sign of Cleverley and Young starting, but Januzaj left out of the squad wondering what he must have done wrong to deserve this treatment. Tom Cleverley and Ashley Young are never the first players you would expect to grab a Champions League game by the scruff of its neck, but Januzaj has proven he can (his individual performance at Sunderland comes to mind). Away from home at a tough and competitive ground is always going to require a bit of dynamism and I was never convinced our midfield would provide that – I don’t think I was the only spectator proved right.

There are more than a handful of players I’d give more than just the hairdryer treatment to. Ferdinand was caught napping on a number of occasions. It felt like his mind was somewhere else losing the ball in key areas, and our wingers unable to put a suitable ball into the box before being robbed of the ball or clipping out of play. It was almost like we hadn’t practised basic attacking football (hello Fulham?). Ashley Young couldn’t even demonstrate his ability to pass water on the pitch that night.

Overall, I felt we couldn’t string a handful of passes together. Carrick, our puppet master, was consistently limited in his choice of forward play. It was like no one wanted to move or create space and it’s not like they were tired; only playing once against Crystal Palace in 13 days.

As for Robin van Persie, last season’s golden boy, he pottered around with a face like he’d been sent on as a punishment. He looked comically lost up front, stranded out at sea. Admittedly he didn’t have many chances, but last season he only needed half a chance and the ball was in the net before Martin Tyler could finish saying his name. His 80-odd minute shot would look more at home in the Six Nations. Simply put; it wasn’t good enough.

On a slightly more upbeat tone, I thought Vidic had a great game. He had a couple of mistakes but showed that before the curtains close on his Manchester United career, he will go out knowing he’s given everything he can. His last ditch tackles and absolute commitment proved he wanted to win the game. He’s a thoroughbred leader and will be missed.

There has also been a wave of criticism about Rooney from Tuesday night. Although he did have a pretty poor game – tracking back too much looking for the ball and not really creating anything, he did look genuinely bothered, punching the ground in frustration when 50/50 challenges didn’t go his way. Certainly justifying his worthiness of the armband next season.

Looking at this game constructively, it’s a tough European away fixture with hostility from home fans and a lot of pressure. If Mata can’t play, Kagawa must start these games. What a perfect opportunity to give him 90 minutes and let him prove himself. Cleverley has burgled many a starting spot without proving his use in any fixture this season (or career!).

Simply put, Olympiakos wanted it more. They pressed, ran harder for every ball, made space for every player and passed their way around us. Fair play to the underdogs who at the half way mark deserve to go through. Moyes’ men seemed to go for it in the last 10 minutes out of desperation, but why did it take 80 minutes? It’s archaic to think we can just nick a goal if we really need one. It hasn’t worked in eight months.

Personally, I think the wrong players were on the pitch with the wrong attitude. What a contrast from the showcase of talent at the weekend. We’re not playing now for over 10 days, so why not put a full strength team out (Januzaj, Kagawa, Fellaini? et al) and really go for it? I’d be a much happier fan knowing our team had lost 2-0 but given it everything. Regretfully, I’m spoilt for choice as to where the blame should lie; Moyes or the team. I have yet to be proven by either of them. But I am an optimist, and will always back us to score enough to win at Old Trafford. We need a huge amount of passion, desire and flair, but it’s more than achievable.

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