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.

Chelsea v Manchester United: Immediate feedback...

Hmmm...Where do we start? United's second loss to a top-four side in quick succession, their London rivals move five points ahead and, possibly more ominously than both those things, level on points with Arsenal with the Gunners having played two games less.

But, some very positive aspects to United this afternoon - not least that their performance was right up there as one of their most impressive so far this season. It was the visitors that bossed midfield - doing to Chelsea what they had hoped to do to their bitter Northern rivals. The effectiveness of Darren Fletcher, who was at the fulcrum of every stifling of the Chelsea diamond, cannot be overstated. Missing him at Anfield was a momentous loss, not least because of the usual incredibly high standard of his play when against the top domestic sides. Today, the Scot and Carrick finally seemed to gel as a pair, with the latter's ball retention and passing completions of a particularly good standard. Anderson contributed his combativeness to proceedings from a little higher up the pitch, making it difficult for Michael Essien to (a) settle on the ball and (b) charge up the pitch on those rampaging runs we've come to expect from him. Ballack and Deco could never get a rhythm going with the Portuguese' ineffectiveness ensuring his inevitable withdrawal while Lampard was patrolled excellently by John O'Shea.

So, United will be frustrated with the defeat, of that there's no doubt. But, in the long-run, this performance can provide Sir Alex Ferguson's side with the ammunition with which to finally ignite their season. Their central defensive problems, so apparent mid-week against CSKA Moscow, were extinguished today - the conceded goal a result of a poor refereeing decision and some super finishing by the Chelsea captain. Their midfield was solid and determined with Carrick's early-season patchiness non-existent and with Rooney as a leading man, they always have a chance. But, there are still problems.

The end product from Valencia is still poor, as is his inability to cut inside when counter-attacking - his pace is frightening but can be dealt with easily by opposing full-backs who know how to marshal down the touchline. On the other side, there is a huge gap that needs to be filled sooner rather than later. Giggs today was effective and is always a natural leader but his deputies, namely Nani, have not proved their worth. Park is a useful squad member while Tosic is still incredibly unproven at the highest level, despite his clear talent and potential. The Berbatov question still lingers and puzzles though a side that includes the Bulgarian is surely a better proposition than one that excludes him.

So, where does this leave the Premier League title-race? Chelsea look to be well set-up, especially over the next number of league games - Wolves at home, Arsenal away, Man City away and Everton at home. They should be looking to take 10 points from 12 and then prepare for an incredibly simplistic-looking festive season that takes in encounters with Everton, Portsmouth, Birmingham and Fulham. United's next few games probably shouldn't be viewed as difficult though an away trip to West Ham in early December could prove problematic. For Arsenal, today's result could prove a major positive in their quest to feature prominently in the run-in though games with Chelsea and Liverpool before the Christmas fixtures could lead to dropped points and a tail-off in their current emphatic displays.

Plenty of time left though. Plenty of talking points too, no doubt.

Tev really needs to shut up...

"It has come about because I could not stand my sporting situation at Manchester United any longer"

"My first year was good in all senses. I played in the games and felt respected by the coach but in my second year some strange things happened that I still do not understand.

"After the game at Old Trafford where Liverpool beat us [4-1, in March], Ferguson ignored me almost as if I was to blame for the defeat when really Liverpool dominated us all over the pitch.

"After that the fans called for me to be in the team but he never took the advice on board because he always knows best.

Carlos Tevez was a so-called 'darling' of Old Trafford.

The supporters and he had an immensely close relationship, apparently. When he laughed, they laughed with him. When he cried, they too shed tears - not least when it became apparent that he was no longer going to be sticking around Old Trafford.The fans railed at the club with chants, banners and heartfelt pleas. When he scored in two successive games - at home to Manchester City and away to Wigan, he had outlined his worth to Manchester United. Q.E.D.

Well, if the Argentine and his beloved band of gullible and foggy-eyed supporters thought it was going to be this simple, they really deserve each other. Firstly, throughout the entire transfer 'saga', Tevez (expertly advised by the lovely Kia Joorabchian) was nothing more than a priss, playing up to his love of the club's fans while at the same time lambasting Sir Alex Ferguson et al for not having ironed out the details of a long-term contract yet. Secondly, the fact that Tevez behaved like this on Argentine radio stations was akin to if David Beckham gave an exclusive to East End Radio post-'flying boot' incident.

The actual comments attributed to Tevez in recent days hint at a player who goes against the work-horse so beloved down Sir Matt Busby Way. He blames Dimitar Berbatov for his departure - the Bulagarian making it harder for him to start games. He blames Ferguson for signing Berbatov in the first place and for also losing faith in him. He blames everybody but himself. If a new signing arrives at a club, one must dig harder and work harder in an effort to win a starting place but Tevez never did that. When given opportunities in the starting lineup, the Argentine failed to shine (particularly away to Villa and at home to Spurs) and it was only as an impact substitute that he showed glimpses of boundless energy and an ability to change a game (at home to Spurs, away to Wigan).

When speaking to a work colleague recently about Tevez' behaviour, I came to the conclusion that it was a cultural thing. Take the role of Kia Joorabchian - upon moving to Brazil and taking over Corinthians, it's clear that the South American obsession with alpha males, 'cahones' and walking the walk while talking the talk infiltrated the Iranian's persona. Perhaps he's always been this way but something tells me that his time building an empire in Sao Paolo taught him that the only way a diminutive, Middle-Eastern university drop-out could succeed in South America was to become South American in every possible way - bolshy, confrontational and ruthless. These personality traits can be viewed as downright stereotypical but one can't hide from Tevez' bolshy, confrontational and ruthless approach to a potential contract with United.

Unfortunately for him, Fergie doesn't respond well to coercion and when forced into the corner, always responds with the biggest punch of the bout - for Tevez, read McGrath, Whiteside, Ince, van Nistelrooy, Beckham, Keane and Ronaldo.

The irony of the whole Tevez story is that his likely destination is going to be Manchester City or Chelsea - two places where the Argentine will flourish but his career will flounder.