Manchester United's Causes for Concern Require Back to Front Answers

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In the ever growing world of hype and hyperbole that is the modern day Premier League, the unremitting glare of attention has shifted just slightly from Liverpool and Rafael Benitez's annus horribilis towards the Manchester United juggernaut which has slowly but surely begun to show signs of, not necessarily slowing down, but of definite mortality.

It is little under a year ago that fans and pundits alike were fawning over the finest team, and the finest squad which was allegedly ever assembled. But as ever, time in football rarely stands still, and in the wake of a defeat which was damningly deserved of a Liverpool with a manager allegedly on the brink, the questions being posed for Manchester United are beginning to find their mark.

Suddenly, questions which were dismissed as minors concerns have suddenly become real issues. All of a sudden the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez have become divisive concerns, the collective form of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic is under scrutiny like never before and the less said about Ben Foster the better.

The problems from Sunday laid bare some key issues which will have United fans worried, in particular at both ends of the pitch, in the defence and in the attack. It is worth reflecting that, even in recent history, these were considered the pillars of strength in this United team.

Last season's record breaking defensive run, and the collective might of Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez, Berbatov et al were hailed as the cornerstones of their wonderful season which, were it not for that night in Rome, could have been one of the greatest not just in United's history, but in football history.

The question is, what has gone wrong since then?

In central defence the key issues are age and injuries. They may be a year older, and also a year wiser, but age is beginning to catch up with them. The injuries to Rio Ferdinand and Edwin Van der Sar earlier in the season have certainly disrupted a trio along with Vidic, who when in tandem appeared nigh on impregnable.

The form of Van der Sar on his return has been good and sharp, while the form of Ferdinand has been anything but that. His game has regressed back to that of his youth, where his erratic displays were frowned upon but expected.

Suddenly, the serenity which marked his finest years has disappeared, and with it has all sense of assurance at the back. The key question will be whether Ferdinand, fitness permitting, can do as the great players do, and prove himself again.

This will be a key issue, but it is one of a number. United fans will hope that familiarity, playing in a settled partnership again, can allow Vidic to regain some semblance of the form he displayed last season. But should Ferdinand and Vidic fail to regain their form, as some have speculated, the call for change could well become, if not irresistible, certainly imperative.

This is where the form of Evans will be key. Many have touted him as a first team regular for United for the last few years, yet now could be his time to step up. The challenge for him is to prove that his capability to step up can remain consistent.

Beyond that, there is little waiting in the wings. Wes Brown's qualities are well known, as are the injury problems which have cruelly claimed so much of his career. The links with Everton's Jack Rodwell were perhaps purely speculative, but were Sir Alex Ferguson looking beyond his current incumbents, he is the sort of player who Ferguson would love to procure.

Then there is the goalkeeper. The form of Van Der Sar, given his age and the length of his layoff has been remarkable, yet it is also damning on his replacement Ben Foster. Van Der Sar's cool head and remarkable agility stand in marked contrast to the jittery form which has so dogged Ben Foster's season.

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