Being a Manchester United fan, days like Sunday come extremely rarely but now its twice in the last few years and the worst part of it was that it both came at OT. As United leaked 6 goals, all around me i could see Anti-Uniteds rejoicing and celebrating Diwali a few days earlier.

What went wrong for United?

To be honest, our defense in the last few games looked real shaky and we can count ourselves lucky that Norwich and Liverpool did not make most of the chances they had. Jonny Evans, who did play well to be merited with a starting berth for the match, did something extremely stupid. Whether or not Mario was in control, it was stupid to tug at his shirt being the last man and got sent off justly. Before being down to 10 men, United still looked shaky when City attacked. In the first half it was an even battle with both sides enjoying brief spells of dominance but it was City who struck the first blow with a cool finish from Balotelli. It again was a defensive lapse as he should have been closed down and not allowed to have a shot on target from that close.

At half time, i was wondering if we will see some change in United’s approach as City were very solid in defense and were threatening during any counter-attack. But the sending off dealt a massive blow to United’s cause. Fletcher then moved to right back and the back four of Fletch,Smalling,Rio and Evra just could not cope up with the City’s attack and conceded 2 more goals.

The midfield and defense was  getting overrun in the last few minutes and the final score line of 1-6 looks amazing but the fact is the last 3 goals were scored almost after the 90th minute when United had given up. The only players who showed any fight until the very end was de Gea, Fletcher, Welbeck and Rooney.

The problem we had was, once we were down to 10 men, we just could not cope up with City’s midfielders and their forwards made the most of the defensive errors of United.

What can we do?

Many are suggesting an overhaul of the midfield but even though i want to see some huge names play in that third of the field i think we have to trust Fergie here and it seems he wants to give the youngster a try. We might still see some signing in January but i wouldnt be much concerned if we did not buy. The first thing we need to get is to have a stable back 4. By stable i mean, that for the back four must not be changed for the coming few games unless an injury or suspension. Getting Vidic back and in form would be top priority.

Next we need to concentrate on the midfield, somehow Fletcher and Anderson do not seem to work together that effectively as Anderson and Cleverley did. Carrick was exceptional against Gulati the other night and should be given the place alongside Anderson. Carrick is much better reader of the game than Anderson is and his presence might just help Anderson. Nani, oh boy, he on days simply amazes me and on days like this pisses me off. His crossing and decision making was rubbish. Young impressed me again and i think he at times got out muscled by Richards too easily.

Overall, it was a day to forget. I being a fan have still not recovered from the shock and i expect the players to be hurt badly and be extra pumped up and up their game. The good thing for United is now they have played all the top teams and until Jan 27th when they visit Arsenal, the games are relatively easier. City still have to face the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea. If we can bounce back from this mauling, we still have a chance to close down the gap and even have a lead come December.

For all the Anti-Uniteds, if after this you think United are finished, you are making the biggest mistake. Never ever write us off. Never. We will be back, bigger, stronger and more powerful than we look today. In Ferguson we have a tactician, who will surely turn this around and come the end of the season am pretty confident we shall be the CHAMP20NS.