BIT OF PERSPECTIVE

Last updated : 30 December 2002 By editor

The Guardian’s view of United’s season so far.

‘Will the real Manchester United please stand up? Three games, three points, two pallid displays and then one of their best performances of the season. Sir Alex Ferguson must be wondering what on earth the new year has in store for him.

The Red Devils enter 2003 attacking on four fronts - the Premiership, Worthington Cup, FA Cup and Champions League - and the manager will be agonising over just which United will turn up for the business end of the campaign. Will it be the bit-between-the-teeth, hell-for-leather desperadoes who overhauled Newcastle's 12-point lead in 1996, or the Rolex-wearing, think-they-know-it-all millionaires who finished last May without a single piece of silverware? Answers on a Christmas card to Old Trafford.

Meanwhile United, despite their best efforts to shoot themselves in the foot with defeats at Blackburn and Middlesbrough, go into the new year not at all badly placed. They are third on goal difference to Chelsea, whom they play at home on January 18, and have players coming back from injury banging on the first-team door. Arsenal, at the top of the table, are taking all the pressure.’