[Football]
"Transition" is a word Manchester United fans have been using in recent years, mainly to explain away bad performances. "We're in transition" they would say. I've used the word myself a few times but I was never quite sure on what exactly it was we were transitioning from or to. I think it was just so that we'd have a response to the questions surrounding the quality of the team. When you're winning trophies, how can you say the team is bad? You don't luck yourself into being Champions, not in football. So you find a word that doesn't quite call the team bad but also acknowledges that there's a problem.
A problem that should have been looked at years ago. A problem fans are now creating conspiracy theories to explain because why would Ferguson, of all managers, leave such a glaring issue untouched for so long? Was he relying on his incredible knack of getting the best out of players? Was it because of his (recent) dodgy record in that area? Did he truly believe there was no value to be had? Whatever the reason, the club's inability to act then and it's ineptness at acting now is harming the team.
I am, of course, referring to midfield. That mythical creature. Add it to the ageing defense and misfiring wingers and you get the overall picture. The way they're playing now isn't a new thing though. A free-flowing, attacking Manchester United has been a rare sight in quite a few seasons. The lack of consistency is new, the lack of fight is new and that must stem, in part, from the regime change. In past seasons it would take conceding a goal to make them come alive, they would lay siege but they're not now. They hardly create a chance. They're scared and I just can't work out why. Something isn't working. Confidence is a marvelous thing when you have it but oh so painful when you don't.
This is one big learning curve but a team that won the league quite comfortably doesn't suddenly become crap. Moyes hasn't quite found his footing, he hasn't quite found his team. I don't think he's even found a style either. Are they bypassing midfield because it's weak or does Moyes see it as irrelevant? Are they defensive because of midfield or is that just his mentality? When he was appointed I was worried that he'd try and turn United into Everton instead of him adapting to United and I think that's what is happening. Everyone needs to take a step up, no-one is taking charge. Issues need to aired and maybe toes need to be stepped on. The team needs to work together or there is going to be one hell of a clear out next summer.
It's a transition. We can say that now with conviction. Pointing out the problems, being unhappy with the current standings is one thing but what the team needs is Old Trafford to be at it's loudest. At an away game this season the same song was chanted non-stop for around fifteen minutes, it sounded incredible. That's the support the team needs. That's the point of being supporters.