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October proved to be a good month in the Moyes regime, with United going undefeated. They drew with Southmapton in the league and Shaktar Dontesk in the Champions League, but recorded victories over Sunderland, Stoke, Real Socidedad and Norwich in the Carabao Cup. Adnan Januzaj also emerged as one to watch netting two at the Stadium of Light. November was not so shabby either as once again United went undefeated recording a a memorable win against Arsenal and defeating Fulham while also securing themselves in the knockout phases of the Champions League. It was however frustrating to watch the draws against Cardiff and Spurs towards the end of the month.
December seen Moyes fall to his old side Everton before being bested by Newcastle therefore losing two on the bounce. A nice run of four wins in four though rounded out the end of the calendar year. Fans were greeted in the new year with a loss at the hands of Spurs which was followed immediately by a dumping from the FA Cup at the hands of Swansea in the opening round, and a loss in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi final against Sunderland. This was followed by Sunderland, dumping United out of the cup on penalties in the second leg. The only trophy United could now win was the Champions League and no one was counting on that.
Things were getting bad, United managed a meager 8 points from 6 games in January to mid February, one of them points coming in a 2-2 draw with Fulham that was famous for United attempting 81 crosses in the game. This was an incredibly sad time for United, as they seemed bereft of ideas and confidence. Sir Alex Ferguson famously tore strips out of the United players for not finding the clever runs of Van Persie the previous season. Yet here they were only a year later, disregarding those runs in favour of just getting the ball in the box. It was not a style of play befitting of Manchester United.
Juan Mata was brought in with the hope of bringing some much needed creativity to the side. The former Chelsea Player of the Year was thought by fans to be that spark United needed. It was not. This started to reek like a desperation signing on behalf of Ed Woodward. Mourinho wanted rid of Mata and United wanted a marquee name.
Continued….
