United. But for how long?

Lots of talk in the aftermath of Manchester United's shock FA Cup exit at the hands of Leeds that Sir Alex Ferguson should finally call it a day. In a few weeks or months, these same supporters will probably see the error of their ways and long for the opportunity to retract such comments. It is, of course, the hysteria talking. Regarding the Cup defeat, many observers have failed to identify the geographical rivalry that has constantly existed between Leeds and Manchester. The War of the Roses dates back to the 15th century - the battle involving Lancashire and Yorkshire. Like true warriors, Leeds came to Old Trafford armed with passion, determination and a stereotypical Cup fighting-spirit, safe in the knowledge that United's chequered history with 3rd round 'minnows' gave them hope of an upset. Was it as much of a surprise as analysts, experts and commentators have made it out to be? When examined in the context of United's overall performances season, no it wasn't.

There are deep-rooted issues at Old Trafford that need urgent attention. This season, Liverpool have paid the price for allowing problems simmer and fester and go unaddressed for too long while Ferguson has been slow to move things around before, most notably during Chelsea's domestic dominance under Jose Mourinho - believing the likes of Roy Carroll, David Bellion, Kleberson, Quinton Fortune and the much-maligned Djemba-Djemba were Manchester United-quality players.

This is a side hoping to win an unprecedented four League titles in a row and so clearly, the team's day-to-day motivation is not what it was, even say, eighteen months ago. This side has been crowned European and World champions while Fergie has taken great pride and pleasure in building yet another Championship-winning squad - the minority rescued from the burning embers of a mid-decade breakdown. However, this summer, Ferguson needs to make some incredibly big decisions and those decisions depend on how honest he is in assessing his sides' performances this season as well as his own. Regarding the team, they've been a pale shadow of the magnificence of 2008. A lack of vigour, speed, aggression, vitality and ability has contributed to an inconsistency that breeds mis-interpretation. Sure they can knock five past Wigan, four past relegation-bound West Ham and Portsmouth but what challenge is that? When the challenges have been placed in front of them, United have buckled - brushed aside at Anfield, beaten at Stamford Bridge. Warning bells rang loud against CSKA Moscow - torn apart through 65 minutes before being rescued by a deflected Antonio Valencia effort that was going well-wide.

United have had injury problems but Rio Ferdinand's performances before his prolonged spell on the sidelines hint at a distinct drop in form in both regular centre-halves. Nemanja Vidic, weirdly crying off during the warm-up prior to the Leeds game thereby belying his tough-man image, may very well be on his way in the summer. Like Ronaldo before him, Vidic's body language and attitude seem to be altered - the behaviour of someone with one one on the exit. Elsewhere, Fergie's reluctance to spend over the odds on players last summer is ironic as two players surely on their way out of Old Trafford are Anderson and Nani - the duo costing United over 30 million pounds in 2007. The former another Brazilian flattering to deceive in the Premier League, the latter's only similarity to Ronaldo was his Portuguese nationality. Both player's best moment in a United shirt was scoring penalties in the Champions League shoot-out win over Chelsea in 2008.

The Dimitar Berbatov situation also demands urgent analysis. His first season went relatively well, achieving double figures in the scoring charts though he ensured a tough time from fans who remain bemused at the figure he cuts on the pitch. When people counter-act with, 'Well, Eric Cantona never tracked back and looked the same petulant, moody European', a quick riposte usually follows like, 'At least Cantona scored and made goals'. And that's the reality. The Bulgarian is suffering this season, the pressure has got to him - admitting as much in a BBC interview recently. But Ferguson is a stubborn man and believes Berbatov to be the perfect player for United. Except, he's not being the player United want or need. There seems to be some confusion over where Berbatov plays and what his best role is - at Spurs, Robbie Keane played a deep, roving role as Berbatov took up a traditional number nine position though he could find himself smacking home a shot from thirty yards as well as tapping in from close range - that was just a gifted player using his natural ability. At United though, at least this season anyway, he's being pushed farther and farther back towards his own goal as United attempt to let Wayne Rooney lead the line, penetrating centrally. If United deployed Berbatov like they did with Ruud van Nistelrooy, though operating a little deeper, it would free up Rooney a little more to pop up on the fringes as a proper number 10. Like how Rooney scored his second goal on this unforgettable night:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSNwxVejLHc

Whatever happens come the Premier League and Champions League this year, it promises to be an interesting summer at Old Trafford. For a change.