Footballing World | Defensive crisis at Old Trafford evokes memories of Chelsea’s downfall

Chelsea

Defensive crisis at Old Trafford evokes memories of Chelsea’s downfall

By Dan Bailey ⋅ April 7, 2008 ⋅

Alex Ferguson was handed another defensive headache yesterday as his captain Rio Ferdinand left the Riverside Stadium last night with his foot in a protective plastic case after the 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough.

This news comes hot on the heels of the news that Nemanja Vidic will be sidelined for two to three weeks and will miss a crucial period of the season.

As much as the attacking flair of Manchester United is the focus of media attention, their success this season has been built upon a defence that had conceded only 15 league goals in 32 games. In fact, United took to the field on Sunday having played 461 minutes without conceding a goal, but the loss of Vidic was instantly noticeable.

With John O’Shea filling in for long-term absentee Gary Neville at right back and Wes Brown alongside Ferdinand in central defence, the Red Devils looked a far more vulnerable proposition than they had for a long time. Rio Ferdinand’s injury compounded the issue further.

A symmetry can be drawn to last season: Chelsea lost points when they suffered a comparable succession of injuries and United took advantage.

It is feasible that Chelsea could return the favour this time around

Manchester United’s uncharacteristic fragility was generously described by Ferguson as ‘haphazard’ and will be a concern at Old Trafford. Especially as they could easily have conceded more than the two Afonso Alves goals which enabled their major rivals Chelsea to move within three points of them at the summit of the table. Ferguson will know that they can not afford to defend as they did yesterday if they are to retain the title. He will also know that if they drop further points before the trip to Stamford Bridge on April 26th, Chelsea will have their destiny in their own hands.

To use the vernacular of Ferguson himself, it is now “squeaky bum time”.

United face Roma this Wednesday, host Arsenal next Saturday and then travel to Blackburn and Chelsea on successive weekends. Ferguson will have identified these as matches where points could so easily be dropped and he will need Wes Brown, Gerard Pique, John O’Shea and even Owen Hargreaves to gel instantly in the new-look back four.

A strange symmetry can be drawn to last season here when Chelsea lost points when they suffered a comparable succession of injuries which included their centre back pairing of Ricardo Carvalho and Captain John Terry. Manchester United took advantage last time and it is feasible that Chelsea could return the favour this time around.

If United come through this period unscathed, then they will be worthy champions. If they fail, then they will berate their own bad fortune to have suffered such injuries. The will need look no further than the Chelsea fans for empathy if that scenario were to come to fruition.

Will the loss of Vidic and Ferdinand cost Manchester United the title?
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