The Carling Cup

Losing to Coventry was annoying and acutely embarrassing. The Carling Cup was a good opportunity for us to give games to the likes of Pique, Simpson, Evans, Martin and Fangzhou. It was also another opportunity for Anderson and Nani to demonstrate why Manchester United paid so much for them. None of the players took their opportunity. There was some okay performances from Simpson, Pique and Anderson. Anderson's range of passing is impressive as is his vision, as demonstrated in his wonderful lay off to Frasier Campbell, who fluffed his lines.

Others must take a long hard look at themselves and wonder what the future holds for them. Manchester United doesn't accept average and players such as Bardsley, Martin, Fangzhou and Campbell were just that. These players have already been on loan spells and it is difficult to envisage them breaking into the United first team any time soon. So they will have to be patient and wait for more chances or move on. The question is, how long will Sir Alex maintain his patience? The FA Cup may see one or two players get a reprieve, and if that happens, they must impress. However, when you consider the talented Rossi had to leave to get his chance you can't see many of this lot being able to carve out careers at Old Trafford. These types of nights are opportunities to make a name for yourself. These players may just live to regret the fact they didn't take it.