UNITED STILL LONG WAY OFF PODIUM GLORY

Following Lous Van Gaal's moving and thoroughly entertaining end-of-season speech, many United faithfull supporters were left in upbeat spirits about future prospects under the Dutchman, but has the team's performance all season long been enough to rattle nerves?

After 13 games, United were wallowing in unfamiliar territories with a meagre return of 10 points, despite a formidable outfit that included record signing and the previous season's Champions League winner Angel Di Maria, the prolific Robin Van Persie and the industrious Wayne Rooney.

Despite this shaky start, United picked up pace to go on a seven consecutive winning streak that restored some much needed belief in a place bereft of it. But there was a tiny problem, just a pinch-in-the- ass problem- United's performance in these games was wanting, so much so that it even left some fans displeased and visibly agitated. Sure they were winning but there felt something missing- that conviction of a United team seemed lost. The performance against Arsenal, if not for Arsenal's profligacy and recurring naivety, was a certain loss, same with the 2-0 win against Southampton, which defined luck to whole new heights for the Red Devils.

After the new year there was some improvements in performance and this was evident in the 2-1 win over liverpool. The 4-2 drubbing of city rivals Man City then sent out a statement-United were back! But were they, really?

Three succesive losses that were offset by the 1-0 loss at Chelsea showed that no, United are far from the finished article. The barren draw against Hull on the final day of the season shows that even next season could be too soon for United fans to fantasize about the Premiership let alone the Champions League.

For lengths this season, much to the boredom of even their fans,United's game has been pretty predictable- languid passing as they guide the ball to blind alleys, back pass galore, then launching a long ball to Fellaini's hair. Instead of a Barcelona-esque clockwork mysticism, United are playing a dull, pointless passing game with constant lateral harmless movements.

Their loss to Chelsea should be a reminder that they don't need so many passes to win. Leave Barcelona characteristics to Barcelona, unless of course United relocate to the Catalan city.

The likes of Fellaini and Ashley Young have shown just what they are capable of, but for United to offer some imposing presence, Van Gaal should hit the market big time for some world class talent.

Meanwhile the likes of Januzaj need maturity injected into them before they can even sniff the bench at Old Trafford. Falcao, while only a fool would doubt his talents, just need new beginnings that don't involve Manchester United. Van Persie has been declining faster than a rolling stone on free fall and he shoul also seek an alternative team.

However there is reason to believe in the future just as there is a need to be patient.

courtesy of 
BBC Sport

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