I suppose Paul Ince has got to do something with his spare time after being ditched by Blackburn earlier in the season. However, his latest comments regarding Manchester United are something of a back-handed comment and unlikely to be seen favourably by Sir Alex Ferguson. The Red Devils have cruised to the top of the Premier League in recent weeks, although Ince reckons it’s through ruthless efficiency more than anything else.
Setanta reports that the former United midfielder has likened his old club to the Arsenal team that won many games by a 1-0 scoreline in the 90’s. While Fergie would much rather be seen as presiding over a team in a similar vein to the Arsenal of 2004, the ‘Guv’nor’ can see parallels elsewhere.
“I think the scary thing about it is the fact that Manchester United aren’t playing that well, and that’s worrying for the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool,” Ince told Setanta.
“Normally, when United go one-up, they go on to win by two, three or four. They are not doing that, instead teams are given the chance to get back into games and aren’t taking those chances.
“Nobody is playing particularly well in The Premier League, but where the others are dropping points, United keep picking up those one-nils.
“It’s a bit Arsenal like – I don’t think Fergie will like me saying that – but it is.
“They’re not playing great, but they keep winning instead of getting draws or defeats.”
No team wins the Premier League title playing brilliantly every week, yet Manchester United appear to have the players to unlock the meanest of defences. Whether it’s Berbatov, Ronaldo, Tevez or Carrick doing the damage, there’s always the likelihood of United scoring. However, is it fair to compare them to a team famous for an offside trap rather than the ability to overpower the opposition home and away? Do you think that United are still to find an extra gear or two?