Southend 1 v United 0

Southend 1 v United 0

United were dumped out of the Carling Cup at Roots Hall. Memories of thrashing Wigan last summer were ended by a freekick of quality. For most United fans I suspect that this was more than just a cup shock. For me, it was a reminder of the warning sign that lies beneath the surface. Despite the good results and good form shown so far this season the warning reappears, getting stronger each time. From Arsenal to FC Copenhagen to Southend. What next? A pub team? Some journalists decided to point out that United have lost each of the 3 defeats by a 0-1 scoreline. Although you can’t argue against the stat there appears little point to it, i.e. there is no obvious correlation. You can’t bracket all three teams as being ‘too-good for United’ as each are very different and when you consider Arsenal to Southend they are miles apart in terms of quality. Nor is it a lack of confidence in front of goal, as United have been scoring at will so far this season from many different sources and again had enough shots on goal last night to get a result. And it isn’t systems either. So the question remains, is United’s first team squad too small and too short of quality? And if the answer is yes, should we panic?

Fergie himself pushed the ‘calm’ button on the back of last nights result claiming that there will be no ‘mass suicides or sackings’ despite the humbling result. He also stated that maybe a few of the players will be ‘a little bit embarrassed’. Somehow I doubt those were anywhere near the words he used when he reportedly locked the players in the dressing room. Personally, I always believe some good comes out of defeats. They are (without seeking to be too dramatic) the making of players, and in the managers eyes the end of players, not now but maybe in the summer.

I would have loved to know what Roy Keane would have said if asked to play the pundit on last night's result. However, tearing the team apart is sometimes less useful than allowing the result to do the damage. Yes the riot act should be read out. However, United need to keep the players together and push on for the remainder of the season.

United’s small squad must re-group and focus – but it does need to be strengthened in key areas. United are still in need of two central midfielders, a winger and a centre forward. Owen Hargreaves is on most Untied fans Christmas list but I believe another player of midfield quality is required. It must be a player that has a real presence in the centre of the park, who is good enough to fight for their right to play and good enough to represent United when called on. The test is always in the away dressing room, i.e. do they fear the team sheet enough to know they are facing United.

Currently, David Jones and Richie Jones are both falling short of the requirement. They are both purposeful rather than special. Darron Gibson has obvious potential but I believe there is a big gap between him and the likes of Carrick and Scholes than needs filling now. Fletcher does it for Scotland and is a good first team squad player but I would still add, even if we get Hargreaves. Reo-Coker would add some forward drive but more on him and others in the future.

United also need more options on the wings. Ronaldo, Giggs and Park are all very good options. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to defend Richardson as good enough for United, let alone call for his inclusion to the first team. Talk of his potential is no longer acceptable. I sense Fergie may agree in the summer. Lee Martin looks an exciting option but again we need someone for now. Lennon is the talk of the town right now and rightly so. He would certainly have United fans up on their feet during games should he be looking a new home, rather than just improved terms. Pedersen remains a decent player for Blackburn and Downing would no doubt improve at United and although neither has the 'wow' factor they should not over-looked. Bastian Schweinsteiger is also useful, but again more on individuals in the future.

Lastly, United need another striker. Rossi has potential but training grounds and reserve matches are a long way off from the real thing. His time at Newcastle is useful and will improve him, particularly as he is outside the comfort zone of compliments paid to him from within the United squad. However, United need another player that will add something the current quartet lacks. Solsksjaer is an excellent finisher but sadly cannot be deemed to be the future anymore. Other answers must be found. Next up, Alan Smith. A clear crowd favourite for his no-nonsense displays and ‘give all to the cause’ attitude but I question (and I appreciate he is still coming back from injury) how long fans will continue to cheer when goals and something extra is needed upfront to turn games United's way. Smith could prove me wrong and could prove to be the 'new Mark Hughes for United', something I would welcome. Smith is also a good person to have at the club but let us not forget that United will always rise above such sentiments in order to ensure success.

So while the Cup tells us something we already knew and hoped was wrong, it is clear that Sir Alex has plenty to do at the club to keep him motivated beyond his 20 years, and that is still very much worth celebrating.