WTH SAF?

What a way to prematurely exit the Carling Cup; a 1-2 home defeat to Crystal Palace. One can argue that Sir Alex Ferguson fielded a weak team. But hasn't he toyed with the composition of the team too many times this season? We had such high hopes at the start of the season that Manchester United would be indomitable. Instead, the noisy neighbors have turned the tables around after a few games. I'd hate to think that the Red Devils have lost steam.

It brings me to wonder whether Fergie has figured out his best first team yet. Wayne Rooney started brilliantly; scoring two hat tricks in a row at one point. Ashley Young was also instrumental in creating fluidity in the attacks. But that form suddenly evaporated. Even the reliable pair of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand seemed pathetic at central defence. Despite having started the season with an injury, Javier Hernandez has been the only consistent player up front. The others have just been invisible.

The halfway point of the season is just around the corner. Manchester City will most certainly disintegrate. But for United to retain the Premier League title, Ferguson must find the best clique to do the job - and it has to be soon. There are challenges in managing a group of talented players. But that shouldn't be an excuse for the lamentable performace United is currently displaying