Ferdinand doesn't commit, Anderson lacks discipline and Man United's defence could cost them a Champions League spot



After Manchester United’s humbling defeat at home to West Brom on Saturday, more questions are being asked of David Moyes and his men. Sportsmail’s MARTIN KEOWN gives his verdict on their defensive problems and assesses where the champions must improve.



Dejected: David Moyes trudges out of the Old Trafford dugout after defeat to West Brom

MAJOR WORRIES AT THE BACK



Manchester United were poor defensively against West Brom, but that’s not new — losing matches is new.



Last season, they fell behind in five of their first six games, but won three of those because the attack bailed out the defence. The manager wrung out a result.



Sir Alex Ferguson alternated between looking exasperated and laughing off mistakes. But he was aware of a problem: United love to attack, but they don’t love defending.

Comfortable: United have a long history of prioritising attack over defence

TIME TO MIND THE BACK

Morgan Amalfitano scored an excellent goal, but his run exposed so many things wrong (see graphic, below).



Michael Carrick does not get above a jog from the moment the West Brom player picks up the ball. With Alex Buttner in an advanced position, Carrick’s job was to fill in and attempt to delay the attack. But he doesn’t break sweat.



Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans start too deep. If they were on the halfway line as Amalfitano began his run they could have won the ball just inside their own half.



United’s defenders have got into this habit of dropping off early because they don’t have enough protection. The gap between defence and midfield is too big.

Too easy: Morgan Amalfitano scores West Brom's opener

GET BACK TO BASICS

The second goal was another example of players not doing the basics.



Anderson decides to press Billy Jones even though Nani has him engaged. He should have held his position, keeping compact in front of defence. His indiscipline left space for Stephane Sessegnon to pick a pass over Rio’s head.



Even then, United should have been able to deal with the threat, but Phil Jones was too deep, and Rio, who was caught out by the ball over the top, lacks commitment when blocking. It was a terrific strike by Saido Berahino, but it was another preventable goal.

Game over: Saido Berahino scores to put the match beyond United's reach

HISTORY IS AGAINST MOYES

United’s midfield was detached from the defence and they lack someone breaking up play. Unless they address this they won’t win the title.



Not since 1950 have a team done so after losing three of their first six matches. And Champions League football is not guaranteed. Look at the way Spurs and Everton have started.

Benched: United missed Marouane Fellaini's ability to break up the play against West Brom

WEAKNESS CAN BE EXPLOITED

Everybody else will have watched this performance and will believe they can exploit United weaknesses in the same way.



Steve Clarke’s team played at Old Trafford with no fear and the message is to attack when in possession and isolate their defenders.

No fear: West Brom boss Clarke congratulates matchwinner Berahino

A WARNING FROM LIVERPOOL

United will look across to Merseyside and realise the dominance Liverpool had in the Eighties disappeared when Kenny Dalglish left. Confidence can be brittle and can melt away.



Sir Alex’s history earned United a lot of points before matches started and there now has to be a determination from United players to prove they want to be part of a new future.



Nobody wants to be part of the group that topples from the perch. They must stick together. It’s by no means terminal, but they’ve got the flu and need to get better.

Legend: Sir Alex Ferguson lifts the Premier League trophy last season





