Manchester United win 2-1 over Stoke City, but just.

Stoke City, as the most coacheable team as per opinion after watching a few of their first few season's matches, have proved exactly that over the last few weeks. They have made a lot of progress regarding their patience on the ball and turned their notorious aggression into better ball winning skills.

Their 12th position in the league is not a true reflection of the strides they have made since. Huth remains a big cog of their operation, as much as Delap is with his very long throw-ins. Faye is very aggressive into tackles but is a lot cleaner. Stoke have been keeping their moves solid and their ball possession skills have improved the time they spend on the ball per individual and that is translating into a complete team energy.

By contrast, Manchester United are literally a shadow of the power-house they were. The former champions were a team that did not need to play well to grind a result off anybody. They have been recently known to surrender comfortable leads home and away. They play less confidently and always give the smaller teams the hope that Man U will play the first half and take a lead at any point. They will be almost certain the lead will evaporate before the 90 minutes are over.

The obvious panic and lack of direction going forward is very obvious. The defensive behaviour is a little less desperate but far from convincing during a counter attack siege. Creativity in midfield is unimaginative and unintelligent. The offensive play does not unfold with that electrifying pace and genius vision. Theirs for now is a kick and hope. This is not what champions do, and definitely not the monster United their rivals know. So desperate are they that the solicited for the pace of left-back, Patrice Evra, as he is being shifted forward as a left midfielder. It is not that he is unable, but they are panicking.

Manchester United had Javier Hernandez double to thank for their lifeless performance against a too respectful Stoke, who consoled themselves with a Tuncay strike. Man U are not over and out yet, but for now, they are out.