How Moyes can get United back on to the winning track

"The higher you climb, the colder you get". By now, David Moyes should have a full appreciation of this phrase. 11 points from 8 matches is decent, but not good enough at Manchester. Instead, success are measured by how the team shows the capability to challenge for silverwares.  

Moyes might be yet to adapt to the life with mid-week fixtures and international duties. It is not the intensive training which could get the best out of the squad, but is managing the playing time of the players. Although Sir Alex was not as a fervent advocate as Rafa Benitez towards squad rotation, it was indeed a key component for the legendary manager’s success at the Theatre of Dreams.

Moyes demonstrated how to operate with limited budget and resources. Nevertheless, despite enjoying a much better squad depth now, the former Everton manager believes he needs better squad to win the Champions League. The worrying sign for United fans is that their manager seems to be far from understanding his players well enough.

Don’t concede if you don’t want to lose

Fielding the aging Vidic and Ferdinand for 6 consecutive matches within 35 days was astonishing and reckless. Maybe Moyes was still indulged in the Jagielka-Distin partnership who played week in week out for Everton. With Rafael injured, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling was deputised at right back, though both, who are natural centrebacks, were horrid at times.

Fabio might be still too raw, but Antonio Valencia, who was used occasionally at right back by Sir Alex, was not even considered to replace Phil Jones who limped off at Anfield. If this resulted in Vidic and Ferdinand clocking up so many minutes, it is inexcusable --- Moyes just do not know his players well enough.  Johnny Evans and Rafael has now returned from injury, but the damage has already been done. Two clean sheets in eight games is not the standard of a champion.  

Score if you want to win

There is little doubt that Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney are the first-choice strikers. Nonetheless, Chicharito, who scored numerous important goals last season, is limited to only three appearances (one start) this season.

Praying for his chance to come

Moyes has to give Rooney playing time to persuade him in a new deal and you can hardly bench a fit van Persie. However, with Danny Welbeck preferred on the flank, you would assume the Mexican finisher could manage more game time than he had.

Van Persie is a lethal centre forward but he could also be deployed as a no.10 with his exquisite ball control and neat passes. At times when Rooney was out of action with his horrendous scar, Moyes decided against the above idea and chose to field Giggs or Ashley Young in support, leaving Chicharito out in the cold.

Shinji Kagawa was not in scintillating form so far and was taken off at half time against West Brom – a blunt indication of the manager’s dissatisfaction; yet that was more because he was played out of position. Kagawa was occupied with the Confederations Cup and may not have many opportunities to impress Moyes, but if Moyes continues to overlook Kagawa, a player Sir Alex has rated above Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, he would be missing out on a potentially deadly striker partnership that brought Dortmund back into the spotlight (Kagawa-Lewandowski).

Youth Development

Nurturing young talents has been pivotal in United’s success throughout the years. Moyes appears to be following the tradition by promoting Adnan Januzaj, who did not disappoint him with the brace at Sunderland. If Moyes could help keep the prodigy on his feet then he has every chance of becoming a second Cristiano Ronaldo.

What about Wilfried Zaha, though? The England international has yet to make a league appearance for United this season and could only join Kagawa, Hernandez and Valencia as regular bench-warmers. While the other three could easily find suitors if they intend to, Zaha, at 20 years of age, will struggle to be recognized with his limited top-flight experience.

Moyes recently implied that Zaha is not ready for Manchester United yet and is looking to send him  on loan, making Zaha potentially becoming the most expensive player Sir Alex brought in to be loaned out. Instead, offloading Ashley Young seems to be a more reasonable option. High wages, poor form and cynical dives have already put the winger on the unpopular list, both in and out of the club.

Let’s hope the biased treatment between Zaha and Januzaj is not because of the former’s rumored love affair with Moyes’ daughter.

When will Zaha be featured?

Sir Alex revealed his eight core beliefs that was behind his managerial success earlier and his successor should read it if he hasn’t. In particular, Moyes needs to dare to rebuild his team. Some might argue Ferguson quitted his job in the best time, because the current crop has peaked. It is true in a way as van Persie turned 30, Vidic and Ferdinand looked only half of their best and Rooney was contemplating his future.

On the other hand, with his affection towards the Red Devils, Ferguson always possesses the long term vision despite having retirement in mind. Promotion of Welbeck, Cleverley, Rafael, so as acquiring Smalling, Phil Jones and Zaha have already helped equip Moyes with a balanced age groups in the squad.  Senior like Ryan Giggs would be of great help in addressing authority and garnering support, while the younger generation might provide elements of surprise during this rebuild through the managerial transition period.

Alex Ferguson has a glorious spell of 27 years with Manchester United, but it was not catalysed by one single winning formula. If David Moyes is to steer United back on the right track, he must forget about his sweet memories at Goodison Park and adapt to the new managerial environment  he is currently at.  

The man who is being overlooked --- Michael Carrick

In the critical five-day spell which determined England's World Cup fate, Rooney manned up to lead his nation to Rio next June, but it was Andros Townsend and Leighton Baines who stole the headlines. Apparently, new faces got the nation excited, when the golden generation is yet to live up to the expectation.

One man is again lost in translation. He seldom steals the show but is always a consistent contributor on the field. Michael Carrick's presence in the second half against Montenegro and the 70 minutes against Poland made a significant difference to the England side, which have long been passively predictable in big occasions.

Looking to repeat his European triumph, Sir Alex Ferguson quickly identified Carrick as one of his missing puzzles. His ability to play the ball out of defence, spread the ball around the field and enhance the quality of possession has made him indispensable in United’s midfield last few years.  

Carrick (left) is often surrounded by starpower

Joining United brought Carrick's career to another level, but may have also hurt his international career. Though being pivotal to United’s success, his low-profile playing style is further overshadowed by the stars at Old Trafford. Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Robin van Persie and co. have always attracted the attention. Even in 2008 when they came on top in the Champions League, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and even Owen Hargreaves were recognised ahead of Carrick.

One reason he did not win over the heart of the fans is that he is no typical English midfielder. There are no all-out tackles or tireless runs in his game; instead, it is his well-thought anticipation and composure is only seen as slow and indecisive in the fast and furious England soil. He simply doesn’t fit the 4-4-2 formation many English managers – especially the one in charge now – favour. He is often behind the hardworking and marauding counterparts.

always play with composure

This is why Owen Hargreaves, Gareth Barry and most recently Jack Wilshere are all higher in the pack – whoever is in charge of the national team – when it comes to choosing a midfield partner for Scholes, Gerrard or Lampard in a 4-4-2. Not because he is not as good; but because he is different – in a positive but unappreciated way as managers of the Three Lions, after Carrick rose to prominence, have been rather defensive-minded and conservative.

When the World Cup kicks off next year, Gerrard will be 34 and Lampard would be counting down his 35^th year; and they could in no way manage the frequent fixtures in group stage. Regardless of the importance of their influence and experience, Roy Hodgson should really start thinking about Carrick if he still hasn’t.

England has been relying on solid defence to go as deep as they could in recent tournaments, often lost out ultimately in the Russian roulette game --- penalty. When facing weaker teams, they run out of ideas to break through the crowded defence. What Carrick can offer is greater portion of possession and, if not the stagnant-breaking through balls, the passing range to distort packed defence.  

David Moyes perhaps could offer a tip or two when it comes to building a 4-4-2 midfield around Carrick. Despite the fuss, Marouane Fellaini is a more-than-decent partner for Carrick --- doing all the dirty stuff as well as compensating for the physical presence, allowing the Englishman time to use the ball wisely. The Gattuso-Pirlo partnership is another good reference, seeing Pirlo flourished with the help of the Milan mad-man.

A good example to learn from

 Phil Jones, Carrick's United teammate, maybe the closest match of that to Fellaini but being inexperienced and probably technically inadequate, it is unlikely Hodgson will opt for Jones. Jack Wilshere is also a front-runner for a starting place in the team but it will only be a waste of his attacking talent deploying him as a destructive midfielder. Scott Parker was a favourite when Hodgson first took charge, though he would need to start play more regularly in Fulham to regain his starting place.

It seems after all there are no suitable partners for Carrick and, much to Hodgson’s regret, this is why he remains on the periphery of the national team. After a much commanding performance against Poland, Hodgson will stay a worried man to seek for solutions to utilise Carrick's ability in Rio next year. 

What AVB should pick up from the timely reality check

There were once the Invincibles in North London and the Special One in Chelsea, who were so accomplished to not even falter for once in the league title marathon race. With the Premier League getting more popular, the competition could only get fiercer. A dip in form is almost unavoidable. It is the timing that matters the most.

Tottenham have missed out on Champions League by millimetres in the past two seasons. Short of consistency was the key to their dismay. It is the painful experience that makes a young side like Tottenham to grow exponentially. Appeared to have spent wisely and significantly strengthened the squad this season, the humiliating defeat to West Ham could be a timely reality check for Tottenham, in particular for Andre Villas-Boas.

The headache of having options in hand

Going for the right option

It is equally challenging whether you are under or over-resourced. AVB might not have many options to choose from in his debut season at White Hart Lane. Yet with all the new players recruited from the funds of selling Gareth Bale, it will now be down to him to pick the right men in the right occasion.

The most debatable area is the striker position. Jermain Defoe is not a natural lone striker, but his terrific form in cup matches gives AVB a huge dilemma. Unfortunately, the decision to drop Roberto Soldado, who started every league game before playing West Ham, was not rewarded. Defoe hardly got a touch of the ball with James Tomkins and Winston Reid in top-notch form. As Tottenham lacked width in attack, West Ham could easily crowd the midfield to prevent Defoe drop deeper as a trequartista. Defoe worked his socks off throughout the afternoon but never found the comfort zone.

It takes courage to make a change of this significance when the formation seems to work pretty well. AVB is desperate to get the team scoring freely before it is too late. Until then, his selection of striker(s) will continue to be in the limelight.

Respond to the change

There is expectation on AVB with his history as Jose Mourinho's assistant and the successful run with Porto. However, comparing to Mourinho, AVB's ability to make game-changing substitutions and counteract opponents' tactical change is something he still needs to work on.

Mourinho brought on Juan Mata after half-time at White Hart Lane and completely shifted the momentum of the match. AVB decided not to make a passive move by leaving Sandro on the bench, but only saw his side's brilliant first half fade away as Mata took control of the midfield.

Morrison wrapped up the miserable afternoon for Spurs

Facing Big Sam's West Ham who was coming for a point, Christian Eriksen failed to find his feet among the physical West Ham defence. Kyle Walker, who just passed the fitness test to start the game, and Kyle Naughton could not provide the width Tottenham desperately needed. The lack of presence in the box only made Tomkins and Reid’s afternoon easier. However, the anticipated tactical change did not come until they conceded.

Making gambling attempts to take initiative doesn’t seem to be AVB's preference. At the top level of football, though, one has to take risks to gain the high ground, and it is this mentality that differentiate good teams and top teams.

They need a leader

This has become increasingly crucial to Tottenham, when seeing John Terry of Chelsea, Nemanja Vidic of Manchester United and Steven Gerrard of Liverpool, though all may no longer be physically at the peak but were able to provide the comfort factor when their teams need it the most. For two consecutive Sundays, Tottenham could not find their man to stop the bleeding.

Michael Dawson should be the most capable leader in this young side but has to be more assertive when in crisis. Having dominated for most of the match, Winston Reid's goal killed their momentum away and Tottenham just could not find their way back. Dawson had even clumsily allowed Ravel Morrison to seal the deal for West Ham. 

When there is nothing more than yelling at the sideline a manager could do, a natural leader in the field is unarguably invaluable. Tottenham could not afford to give away too many grounds if they want to be in the top four. A stability and leadership provider is what they miss.  

Januzaj shone in the Stadium of Light to relieve Moyes pressure

Squad selection, transfer setback, tough fixtures, David Moyes is running short of excuses for his continuous failure to deliver results. The also struggling Sunderland appeared to have pulled off a shocker to add further misery to Moyes, but Manchester United showed glimpse of the determination and quality in the Ferguson-era and utilised a convincing second half to rescue all 3 points. The inspirational comeback could be an important turning point of the Red Devil's season.

Rotation again?

It was a hard-fought one point at Ukraine, but the match at Stadium of Light was of equal importance to United's season, following two successive defeats to Manchester City and West Brom. Rio Ferdinand might be left out again, considering the physical strength of Altidore by fielding Phil Jones, but leaving Ashley Young and Marouane Fellaini at home was dubious. Craig Gardner, Lee Cattermole and Emanuele Giaccherini showed how desperate they were for a home victory. No wonder both Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley were outpaced and outplayed, after completed whole match against Shaktar mid-week.

Moyes had shuffled the centreback partners in all four games following the derby defeat. If the mix-and-match is to cater for various opponents, it has not been a particularly effective move. Phil Jones' soft clearance and Nemanja Vidic's clumsy feet concludes the troubles Moyes' campaign finds themselves in.

Gardner gave Sunderland a moment of hope

Heaven and Hell for Januzaj

Amidst the energy-less display in first half, United fans found consolation in the young Belgian. Januzaj showed no fear in his debut start for United and was everywhere in the final third. Undoubtedly active, Januzaj though was far from productive in attack. Being relatively inexperienced in senior games, the 18 years old might have tried too hard sometimes and over-complicated his passing decisions, while also found himself often trapped among defenders, being unable to release his pass quickly. His dive shortly after interval seemed to have put his involvement in the game to an end.

wonderful technique from Januzaj

Nevertheless, one moment of brilliance can erase all the wrong feet one has put in. This is how magical football can be. Januzaj did it not once but twice, with both his feet, to reassure that he is one of the most promising kid at Old Trafford this season, also justifying Moyes' brave and gambling move was no-nonsense.

Januzaj's impressive volley won the match for Manchester United. In truth, there is still much room for improvement in his game. While it is a great confidence boost to the exciting youngster, United fans will love to see him keep his head down and continuously develop to fulfill his potential, having witnessed the recent fall of Federico Macheda.

Get Robin back

Having just come back from injury, Robin Van Persie is yet to find his clinical touch in front of goal. United poor performance did not help as the striker was short of supply throughout the night. When he finally found himself in acre of space, he wasted the opportunity, rushing the shot with his left foot. It could be only a matter of time for player of his quality to reignite the goal-scoring form, which might be why Moyes refused to remove him until the final whistle. However, United urgently needs him to lead them back into the title race. Moyes may need to readjust the Dutchman's training schedule to quickly enhance his fitness.

A Lesson from Germany

Three errors in defence saw Manchester City give away three points to Bayern Munich at home – where they tore their red neighbour apart 10 days ago. While they are very likely to get past group stage this year, as Bayern's head coach Pep Guardiola suggested, there are more to worry about if Manuel Pellegrini is to fulfill the European ambition at Etihad Stadium – main reason why he replaced the new Galatasaray manager Roberto Mancini.

No one will be too surprised at Bayern dominating possession. Pep Guardiola's belief will not change with where he coaches. In fact, the Bundesliga Champion may have executed the Tiki-taka football closer to perfection.

Compared to the false no.9 in Barcelona, Thomas Muller provides mobility and size as a central striker and successfully kept Kompany and Nastasic tiptoeing for the whole match. The strong bonding between Ribery, Robben and Muller makes Bayern's attack even more forceful and formidable.

Muller benefited from a horrible defensive blunder

Assigning Philipp Lahm as the defensive midfielder was another clever twist that further strengthens the formation. Having been employed more as a full-back in his career, the 29-year-old versatile defender shines in midfield with his sense of positioning, accurate tackling, as well as his passing ability. His presence encourages Alaba and Rafinha to be more advancing on both flanks, offering extra flexibility in attack to Ribery and Robben.

Midfield Marshall and menacing goalscorers of the night

Philipp Lahm and the always energetic Schweinsteiger and Toni Kroos enjoyed a complete victory over Fernandinho and Yaya Toure, which they must also thank Pellegrini for his questionable tactics. Guardiola might struggle to recall the last time in Europe he faced a four-man midfield consisting of two attacking wingers. You can tell from Samir Nasri's frustration that he could not play his natural game, so was Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero. Ultimately, they could not figure out a way to spark off their engine in midfield --- Yaya Toure, hence very little supply was provided to the two strikers, who ran out of gas spending most of the match chasing after opponents. More sarcastically, City pulled one back when defensive winger James Milner and playmaker David Silva were introduced to restore a five-man midfield line.

If Pellegrini was to be blamed for losing the battle in midfield, Joe Hart and Gael Clichy would definitely be the scapegoats for the conceded goals. Joe Hart's weak hands would worry England's fans, as their no.1 goalkeeper could not even prevent Robben's shot with his weaker foot from scoring at the near post. Clichy has shown significant improvement in defence in the past two seasons, but it was his complacency which allowed Thomas Muller to beat the offside trap, eventually Joe Hart, with ease. Having no major signings in defence this off-season, City fans will still need to bank on the susceptible Clichy and Kolarov in left back.

Negredo scored a brilliant consolation

Guardiola will depart England as a happy man, although guarding against complacency will be on his agenda. Negredo's brilliant effort left Neuer with no chance, but it all began with Bayern's carelessness in taking care of the ball in their own half. Further woes were concluded with Jerome Boateng's send-off. This would have limited impact to Bayern's European campaign, with their next match playing at home against Plzen, but Guardiola will strive to eliminate all the weaknesses to make Bayern the first ever team to retain Champions League trophy.

Meanwhile, Pellegrini will hope to re-establish his reputation in Europe. His previous success with Malaga and Villareal is yet to be reflected in Manchester, after being completely outshone tactically at home. Their next away match at Moscow could be decisive to their faith in Europe this season, but before all of this, restoring winning order will be the priority.