5 Conclusions from United vs. City (1-6)

Yesterday we witnessed one of the finest days in City’s recent history, a day that will have been as enjoyable for man City fans as Paul Dickov’s injury time goal at Wembley or Carlos Tevez (booooooo) lifting the F.A. Cup this May. With the exception of the first 20 minutes we bossed the game and our ruthlessness in the second half, albeit against 10 men, was impressive. Equally important was the result at Loftus Road as QPR ensured that City kept the 5 point gap we’d opened up earlier in the day. Yesterday could have been a defining point in the race for the title. So this afternoon I thought I’d look back at 5 conclusions that I’ve made following the 6-1 victory at Old Trafford, both from a City and a United perspective.

1. Rio Ferdinand is past it.
Ferdinand looked a shadow of his former self yesterday. Whereas in the past he was imperious, yesterday he looked lacking in confidence and belief. He’d given up with 15 minutes to go and City ripped him apart with the speed of their counter attacking. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him moved on in January or next summer.

2. David Silva is irreplaceable.
We already knew this but Silva’s role in the demolition job just served to reiterate what a talent he is. His vision was astonishing at times, finding Milner for Balotelli’s second as if he had eyes in the back of his head and his controlled volley for the final goal was perfection. Arguably in the top five players in the World right now, I fear that his head may be turned by interest from Barcelona or Real Madrid should we not secure the Premier League this season and make decent progress in the Champions League. In the meantime we should wrap him in cotton wool as replacing ‘Merlin’s’ magic and creativity is no easy task.

3. Where was the leadership from United?
City’s 4th, 5th and 6th goals came largely from the fact that United were pouring forward desperately looking for goals, bemoaned by pundits post match, but where was the direction from Ferguson, captain Evra and the experienced heads of Ferdinand and Rooney? Ferguson in particular should surely have accepted defeat at 4-1 to avoid further humiliation and been screaming at his players to ensure they got back behind the ball and played to his instructions. Unless of course his instructions were for everybody bar Ferdinand and Smalling to peg it upfield in search of consolations?

4. Mancini knows exactly what he is doing.
He’s had his critics, even amongst the city faithful last season when City were grinding out results without flair, but yesterday outlined that Roberto Mancini knows exactly what he is doing. His team selection and setup was spot-on as was his game plan. We have the right man steering the ship.

5. United need a new central midfielder or two.
Tom Cleverly was in great form earlier in the season before his injury, but other than him you look at United’s central midfield and they are lacking. Anderson? Not good enough. Carrick? Not good enough (and not trusted it seems). Fletcher? Has done it in the past but on his more recent form, he’s simply not been good enough. Ferguson needs to persuade the yanks to spend in January and bring in one or two quality central midfielders.