Hello,
Sorry about the late report but I only caught the first 30 minutes live. Had to watch it on Wednesday.
Sir Alex Ferguson made 10 changes to the side that hammered Blackburn on the weekend with only Anderson starting. There were some experienced players on the pitcher in the form of Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher and John O'Shea but it did not prove enough against the West Ham onslaught.
Defensive mistakes from Smalling and especially Evans cost United this game. While a year ago, a game like this from Evans would have been slightly shocking, today, it does not and that cannot bold well of Evan's future should he continue to under perform. As fans, we might never know the real reason why. Could the injuries he has suffered over the last two seasons taken their toll? Are the injuries taking its toll not only physically but mentally as well? Time will tell but time may not be on Evans side.
Another big surprise, especially for this ELP preview writer, is the state of West Ham. More specifically, I am surprised that Manager Avram Grant has not found a way out of relegation yet however I still feel they will not go down.
Denied a goal just moments earlier, Spector nodded West Ham ahead. Obinna supplied an exquisite chip that Spector, having crept inside Fletcher, headed into the net. Still, center backs mistakes really to allow Obinna to approach so close. Fabio slipped attempting to block Obinna's shot instead fell into the path of Spector who blasted home from close range. From there, Cole went on to score two, both, again, defensive blunders.
My other comments will be pointed at Babe, Herdandez and Mechada. First, I cannot understand how Babe gets the start over Mechada. His last few starts, especially the last one, were dreadful. He looked way out of his comfort zone and has a lot to learn about life in the EPL. For me, find a warm spot on the bench as you will not see action for a long time. Second, Herdandez did very little. Now, many fans bought up his jerseys and said outragous comments like: "we do not need Rooney, we have Herdandez". I laughed out loud. I hope some of these angry and new football fans have paid attention in the last few weeks. Yes, I agree, Hernandez is talented and could be a great goal scorer...in the future. The idea that he could lead United to a league and European title this season is laughable. Third, Machada. Now, he started on the bench and is still very young. I will give him a pass on the last couple games as I think he is talented. With United playing Arsenal, Chelsea and then Liverpool in their first FA Cup Round, I have a tough time seeing any of the these players, especially Babe, getting a start. During the Christmas matches, I can see Hernandez getting some time.
All credit to West Ham.
United out of the Carling Cup.
Thanks,
Derek
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