Manchester United Beaten 3-0 at Newcastle: 5 Things We Learned
Manchester United were blown away 3-0 by Newcastle United last night, as Sir Alex Ferguson's team fell to their first away defeat in the Premier League this season.
It was a second-straight loss for Ferguson's men, who were stunned 3-2 at home by Blackburn Rovers on New Year's Eve, and it leaves them three points adrift of Manchester City at the top of the table.
Newcastle's goals came courtesy of Demba Ba, who pounced for his 15th EPL goal of the season, a stunning free-kick from Yohan Cabaye, and an own goal from Phil Jones.
Here are five things we learned at the Sports Direct Arena.
1. Problems in United's Midfield
I've written a number of these articles this season, and the same points keep coming up.
United were out-manned in midfield by Newcastle last night, with Cheik Tiote and Yohan Cabaye operating at a higher intensity than Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick throughout.
Being 38, you can excuse Giggs somewhat, but the questions remain over United's physicality in midfield.
Darren Fletcher will likely be out for the rest of the season, and Anderson remains an enigmatic performer in the central role.
The smart move would be to buy in January. If that doesn't happen, an unreasonable weight of expectancy will rest on the shoulders of young Tom Cleverley when he returns to the fold.
2. Frozen Little Pea
Last season, Javier Hernandez was a revelation.
His goals played a key role in driving United to the league title and Champions League final, and he became a cult figure at Old Trafford overnight.
This season has been a different story.
Chicharito has struggled with injuries and in recent appearances looked some ways short of the sharpness he showed last campaign. The spring has gone from his step, and he looks like he's really struggling to make things happen.
And then there's his positioning. "He was born offside," posted a friend of mine on Twitter last night. It's an old one, but he's got a point.
Perhaps a goal spree can get things going. For that to happen, he needs a run in the team and a better quality of supply from midfield.
3. Phil Which Hole?
You have to feel a little sorry for Phil Jones.
Sir Alex Ferguson has switched him back and forth between midfield and defence all season, and as a result denied the 19-year-old a chance to fully bed in and grow in confidence.
Jones' undoubted ability continues to shine through, but you can't be expected to play in midfield one week, then deal with one of the Premier League's hottest strikers in Demba Ba the next, without a few mistakes creeping in.
Ferguson should make up his mind where Jones is going to play and stick with it.
Personally, I like him as a midfielder, but most seem to disagree with me.
4. Rooney Rift Not Quite Resolved
Sir Alex Ferguson and Wayne Rooney were both quick to draw a line under the events that led to the player being suspended against Blackburn, but I have a suspicion things are bubbling under the surface.
Rooney was substituted toward the end of the game last night, which seemed a strange move considering he remains United's most potent attacking threat and the most likely source of a goal.
United fans will be praying Ferguson's disciplinary measures, coupled with their team's patchy form and apparent lack of desire to spend in the transfer market, don't prompt another Rooney transfer request.
We've been there before, remember?
5. The Title Is City's to Lose
When you compare their two squads, there's no question Manchester City are stronger in every area of the pitch.
Roberto Mancini's team have the title in their sights, and it's now theirs to lose.
Both teams have lacked consistency, but City's dropped points have been far less damaging in terms of morale.
The late loss to Sunderland was down to back luck (offside), and they certainly haven't shipped six at home this season.
All United can do now is hang in there and hope City's relative inexperience is their downfall.
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