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.

Is sacking Moyes the way to go?

For those accustomed to watching Man United score late during the Ferguson era, this year has been a nightmare. Apart from losing the aura of invincibility at Old Trafford, United seems to have lost the knack of scoring late goals in 'Fergie time'. Worse still, they are prone to late goals this season - think West Brom, New Castle, Everton and last night Swansea.

The loss at Etihad stadium to City certainly hurts but the losses at home to West Brom, Everton, New Castle, Tottenham and now Swansea hurt more! If you had a chance to gauge the emotions of United supporters on various fora last night, there was a unanimous shout - Sack Moyes!

I've already thrown light on what in my opinion ails United, but now to the serious part - what should be done to revive the spirit of Old Trafford. Is sacking Moyes the way to go???

Never the popular choice

David Moyes was never the popular choice at Old Trafford. Don't be misled by the huge Chosen one banner that drapes the Theatre of dreams. Privately, most of the supporters would vouch that Moyes isn't a colourful choice. When the scene was set for a Mourinho or a Guardiola or even a Jurgen Klopp (Dortmund) to take over, David Moyes ended up being the wildcard.

Apart from that, he inherited a squad that has reached its peak and failed in any new additions. So, if any, I would blame the transfer policy of the club. Blame Ed Woodward...may be blame David Gill or even Sir Alex. Gill and Alex could have spaced their retirements to successfully manage the club's transition. But, rather selfishly they chose to depart an ailing ship. What seemed like patches have grown into fully blown holes and the ship is nearing a major sink.

SAF shadow

It was a long kept secret. Sir Alex Ferguson's impending retirement was sure to leave a huge gap to fill for its successor. Over the years, he has bullied his club, players and opposition to submission - on and off the field. Love him or hate him - Sir Alex was a huge reason for United's success over the past three decades.

It doesn't help Moyes that he is being continually compared to the yardstick of yardsticks - Sir Alex's tenure. No one is willing to give him the time that Alex had. Remember the tough teething problems that Sir Alex had and the time he took to finally land a silverware? Remember the problems he faced in PL till the time he landed Eric Cantona?

Am no big fan of Moyes, individually. But, neither am a fan of sacking managers. If anything, sacking a manager has a negative effect on the players and fans - unless the manager has outlived his life. David Moyes isn't a smart manager. He isn't suave like a Mourinho or shrewd tactician like Guardiola. He is more like your working class manager who would like to huff and puff through wins.

United afforded Sir Alex some time settle and boy did he deliver! We are in different times and a vastly improved competitive space but let us give time for Moyes to succeed. Let us wait till he lands his Cantona.

European sojourn for Moyes?

If I were David Moyes, I would get a little restless. The figure of Sir Alex is looming on him everywhere. At home matches, you go through Sir Alex lane, Sir Alex photos, questions on his legacy, how he would have lined up for that match....and when you are away, you see him in person attending the matches!

Last night at Leverkusen saw Sir Alex hovering in the stands and David Moyes itching to start the game. He would have wanted a strong performance to seal United's progress to KOs before the last round. Can't really say if it was Sir Alex presence or the disappointment of a last-minute goal at Cardiff - United looked sharp.

I was never a fan of Rooney. Don't get me wrong - am not a fan of him because of his attitude. I always wonder if he's ready to jump ship at the first sign of interest. But, this season has been different. I like his hunger on the pitch. He wants to show everyone that he's still the leading marksman for United. Is it to tip the scales in his favour during next summer transfer window? May be, but for the moment am enjoying his surge of form.

Moyes' United still looks patchy and hesitant in the middle of the pitch. Carrick's absence isn't helping things either. But, the early signs of improvement are already there. It has to be noted that United are currently on a non-loss streak of 10 matches. Agreed that we have drawn a lot of matches that we should have won, but at least we have not lost.

It's time to build on this performance and bring the traditional Christmas surge to the top. I'm still counting on a top-4 finish (and no title) this season which would still be a huge achievement for David Moyes. Probably then, Sir Alex can stay at home. His presence is nerve-wracking, still...for players, managers, opponents and viewers alike!

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?

Is Robben gonna hurt United?

I woke up at around 2 in the morning to catch a glimpse of Chelsea facing Portsmouth. I actually wanted to see Pompey running Chelsea ragged and giving them a run for their money. But there were no signs of that. On the contrary, Pompey looked every bit the side it is - going down!

But what caught my imagination is the DFB-Pokal semi final match between Bayern Munchen and Schalke. I caught the action deep down in the second half of extra time; so, there was no first hand information on how the match went. However, the signs were clear! Bayern showed Schalke who the champions are. Probably they had the next week show down in mind and wanted to prove a point.

Arjen Robben proved every bit a thorn in the flesh of Schalke. Running in the wings as if he has nothing to fear and striking fear in the defenders', Robben looked like a predator. And his goal! A peach...an amazing piece of skill coupled with Robben's sense of the pitch. Bayern were the worthy winners, as every one in the stadium would have (even grudgingly) accepted.

But what made me think is, which Robben will turn up in the tie with United? Is it going to be this Robben who is wrecking havoc in the defences of Bundesliga? or the Robben of La Liga who was nothing more than a flop? I hope for the latter (being a red devil) but for the beauty of a wonderful contest, I wish it is the former!