Kevin Pilkington gives his thoughts on the disappointing derby day defeat against Manchester City.
Sir Alex said it was the worst he’s ever suffered. Was it the worst you’ve ever seen from United?
Yes definitely. I was there when we got beat 5-0 at Newcastle but this is much worse. Against a City side who are at the top of the league? I can’t imagine what was said in the changing room.
Where do you put the blame, or do you put it down as one of those days?
I’m hoping it was one of those days! We did concede three in the last couple of minutes and were down to ten men but still some of the defending was very poor. Also I think we got overrun in midfield.
There are of course some big questions that will need to be asked now, particularly of the defenders and, as you just suggested, our midfield selection. What do you think needs to be done to ensure that the result is just a blip?
I would like to see a strong side put out tonight against Aldershot. The last thing we need is to struggle against them! I think you will see Vidic and Jones playing together and I’m looking forward to Cleverley being back very soon.
The only good point to really take from it was Danny Welbeck’s performance, he led the line reasonably well given the circumstances just as he did at Anfield. Can you draw any positives?
Not really! Welbeck and Rooney are the only ones who can really hold their heads up… I thought they both kept trying right to the end.
We’ve struggled in midfield since Tom Cleverley’s injury; no-one has managed to perform to the standard he set and as a consequence Anderson’s form has dropped too. We’d all like to think that the answer will come from Cleverley but do you think the fact that we didn’t sign a top class midfielder is now coming back to haunt us?
I think January will be interesting. I’m sure Sir Alex will have a couple of players in mind. Personally I do think we are missing an experienced head in there. But all in all I think I’m still in shock and don’t really know what to say – as a lot of United fans are (in shock). But one thing I do know is it will be put right and I’ll always keep the red flag flying high!
