A period of transition or a sign of things to come?

When David Moyes was named as the successor to Sir Alex, there were more sceptics than approvers. Even the ardent supporters wished for a Mourinho or a Guardiola to take over. But, Sir Alex chose (yes, he literally did!!) David Moyes and requested a show of support for his man. The support was supposed to make his transition smooth and enjoy life at the top. Whatever happened after that till now points to something else.

Make no mistake - being the manager of Man United is one of the most demanding positions in the world of football. The very loyal fans scattered all across the globe who are very patient and at the same time very demanding, the pressure of maintaining the high standards set by Sir Alex and above all, the scrutiny of world media. It goes without saying that Moyes would have had a fair idea of what he was getting into but the magnitude of the whole thing would have set on him only once he started.

For fans and followers alike, it's what the team does on the field that matters. So far this season, Man United have created new records; only that, these were unwanted records. First time losses at home to Everton, West Brom, first ever loss to Stoke, earliest exit from the FA cup and inglorious set backs in the transfer market...all these piled up pressure on David Moyes. So much to the extent that there are reports of star striker RVP planning to abandon ship in the coming summer.

English football is a very volatile place to be - especially for the managers. Things change in a week here and your success is always history if you don't achieve it regularly. Sir Alex maintained that high intensity through his tenure and Moyes is expected to tow the same line.

The signs are alarming and supporters are worrying if this points to some decline like what happened at Liverpool. Though the financial implications aren't too worrisome, a loss at nailing a champion's league position would be a blow to everyone at United. Though it is a period of transition, the supporters are worried if the decline is becoming a worrying trend. Either way, the next 14 matches in EPL will decide how things shape up for Moyes and United.

Why are they gifting it!

Holy Christ!!! What a mad scramble! And all that to gift the title to their nearest competitors. Look at English Premier League...United and Arsenal have also taken turns to make sure that they slip one after the other. And do what? Gift wrap the title to Chelsea. Though the optimist in me says that the season is not yet over, there are more reasons than one to believe that it is over.

1) Chelsea have more often than not, in this season, took advantage of the slip-ups and consolidated their position. With the points cushion they enjoy now, they can afford to lose an odd game or draw some. Remember, United and Arsenal, at the same time have to win every damn game!

2) Goal difference! Even if the slip-ups shift location in London and enter the Stamford Bridge, the biggest advantage for Chelsea is in the goal difference column.

Spurs gave United breathing space in the race yesterday by toppling Gunners and how I wish they treat Chelsea similarly this weekend. Fingers crossed!

Back in the Italian league, after almost fighting with the authorities to award the Serie A trophy at Christmas time, Mourinho and Inter have found a way to help Roma find their place at the top. Coming close on the heels of their Champion's League success (of course, semis is a success at Inter!), Mourinho is pressed to win more than one. It would be a disaster if they falter in all three competitions.

La Liga is closer than it was last season. It was Barca all the way last year when they swept opposition with clinical precision. This year too they are good but a little inconsistent which meant La Liga is also boiling down to the wire. Thanks to Messi and the massacre at the Bernabeu, Barca have a hand on the title. Will there be another twist?

Its the same with almost all the other leagues in Europe this season...Bundesliga, French Division 1...looks like every one is catching up with the leaders. A case of slip-up by the leaders or catch-up by the contenders?

Is it the final nail in the coffin?

I know it ain't over until the last match but this seems to be a tough blow to all United fans.

A must-win game against their bogey team Blackburn resulted in a draw which meant United now risk leapfrogged by Arsenal for the second place. In a season that had till last week raised expectations of a grand double might just well fizz out being a trophy-less season.

What went wrong? The absence of talisman...no matter what everyone says, Rooney is the king of the pack - at least in his current form. United missed him at Blackburn more than Old Trafford when they were knocked off by Bayern. Chances galore but nothing to show in the goals column meant that Rooney is a sore miss for the team.

Berbatov has been an expensive purchase. There were always skeptics right from the day of his purchase, thanks to his languid style and laid-back nature. Many questioned if Fergie actually made a good buy. Daggers are still out, but personally I would like to see a more consistent performer.

There still is chance and there still are chances for United to win, but will they get another lease of life?