Quote Originally Posted by Sam_Horam
For Utd to win the league they are going to have to bring at least a couple of top class players. Plus some of the under-acheivers from this year are really going to have to step up their game. This is certainly the furthest Man Utd have been off the pace of the top team in the league for a long time.

To be honest, I think we (Arsenal) are some way ahead of Utd. In games between Arsenal and Utd things have been close for years but it was consistency over the course of the season that we lacked. Now things appear to be the other way round.

Next season is the biggest test for Ferguson for a long time. I think you'll struggle to stay with the pace.

Out of interest, as a Man Utd fan what areas of the team do you think he needs to address most?
What you have to bear in mind, is that both Utd and Chelsea have had to endure a number of injuries and suspensions to key players this season. Where as Arsenal have had pretty much a full strength squad at their disposal, despite the laughable bans handed out by the FA for the Arsenal players disgracefull behavior at Old Trafford.

Look at Utd's record before Rio had to start his ban, we were right up there, one of the best defences in the league!! Ole too, he was probably our best player at the end of last season, we've had to survive without him for so long. (How would Arsenal have fared if they had to do without Thierry or Sol for long periods?) Add to that all the other media drama that has no doubt effected player and manager alike at Utd this season, and it all adds up. In fairness, for a number of reasons, Utd have had a f**kin stinker this term!! Yet, we're still in third (finishing second!!) place in the Prem and have a date with Millwall in the FA Cup Final. I can't deny that we have under-achieved, but i believe our problems are not too serious. On sayin that, and despite the fact that individual errors have cost us dear, in some matches we have looked rather abject as a team, and this is a slight worry, but i have no doubt that Sir Alex will bring the boyz back strong.

Lets take a look at the head to heads between Utd and Arsenal this season. There wasn't much to choose between the sides in the Charity Shield. But at Old Trafford, we played well and should have won the match. Arsenal came to defend, and hardly ever looked like scoring. Then there was Highbury, again, we performed well, and should have won. Villa Park was a slightly different matter, we were very lucky. So that's two draws and two victories in Utd's favour. You may say these were one off games, but Arsenal haven't actualy beaten their greatest rivals after four attempts.

Where do Utd need to stengthen? That's tough, as we're going through a transitionary period. We do need another top defender, and maybe a talented young prospect up front. If we stay free of injuries i believe our current starting line-up is as strong as any you care to mention. Ruud and Louis up front, Christiano, Keano, Scholes and Ole through the middle, with our usual back-line of John, Wes, Mickey and Gaz, we're not too bad. I just hope Carlos comes back to coach us after his Real disaster...