OVER TO YOU ALEX

Last updated : 12 November 2002 By editor

‘Paul Scholes should have been allowed to leave the dressing room before the United manager unleashed his wrath. It was only when he had possession that United didn't look second best. It is hard to know what is United's biggest worry.

Is it the catastrophic return of the defensive blunders that tore the heart out of United's title hopes last year?

Is it the unacceptable lack of fire? Is it the 16-month enigmatic Juan Veron mystery that allowed Eyal Berkovic to pull the derby strings?

Is it a lack of punch good enough to hurt a City defence who hadn't started a first team match before Saturday?

Is it that a dwindling squad strength, which used to be the envy of the Premiership, can no longer offer comfort on the bench when things go wrong?

Is it that the January transfer window is also unlikely to provide solace?

Is it that with a third of the league season gone, the Reds are eight points off the championship pace?’