Swansea 2 - 1 United

DDG

McNair(Valencia) Jones Rojo Shaw(Young)

DiMaria(Mata) Blind Herrera Fellaini

RVP Rooney

Football is a funny old game. We've played like shit for the past few months and won most of our games. Today, with the exception of the first 10 minutes, our players did quite well. I thought we were in total control of the game yet we lost as Swansea's hideous scouse midfielder scored their only effort of the second half. Just in case you didn't know; I really don't like Shelvey. 

Swansea started the game better than us. In fact, they had two decent chances from corner kicks. We started to get into the game as time wore on. Ander Herrera scored after a brilliant build up. We were only in the lead for a couple of minutes though. Our defenders gave Ki and Shelvey too much space and the two combined to draw level. 

After the half time break, we were all over Swansea. What we lacked was a good attempt at goal. RVP is nowhere near the RVP of old. Rooney wasn't as effective either but worked hard to get into the game. Robin just doesn't look interested. If our alternative to van Persie was in form, our Dutchman would never make the starting XI. Unfortunately, Falcao is as off form as van Persie and looks like one of the biggest flops I've ever seen at United. Perhaps it's time for van Gaal to give young Wilson a start ahead of the ineffective, albeit experienced, RVP and Falcao. If we had an in form striker, we would've buried Swansea. 

What worried me today was our reaction to the goal we conceded on the 75th minute. I don't think we really believed we could get back into the game let alone win it. We didn't really threaten Swansea's rearguard after we conceded the goal. The belief that we can win late in the game has vanished with Sir Alex's retirement. 

Van Gaal's 'philosophy' when we're trailing with a few minutes to go is to start playing the long ball. While it seems to have worked against some teams, the long ball game is very easy to defend against. Swansea didn't find it hard to defend the long balls that were being played hence our lack of chances during the latter stages of the game. 

What next? I've said this time and again; I'm wasn't worried about Southampton finishing in the top 4, I was more worried about Arsenal. After this game, the Gunners have leapfrogged us and the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool are also dangerously close to us. We've started the weekend at 3rd but could end in 5th if Southampton win against Liverpool. I'm starting to get the feeling that we won't make it into the Champions League next season. Chelsea, Man City and Arsenal will be in the top 4, I guess we'll have to fight with the others for the other place. Another year without Champions League football will be very damaging for Manchester United. I can live without CL football for another year but I don't think the Glazer's pockets can. Hopefully our manager will be given time to prove himself this time. Come on United!