Today’s match versus Watford (February 26 2022) is a clear depiction of what the problem with Manchester United is. Namely, that the club’s owners prefer a club that exists as an advertisement brand rather than as a proper football club competing for trophies. It is now obvious that United’s owners are no longer interested in silverware. Shirt sales and brand ambassadorial contracts are good enough for them. The club is fast turning into a showbiz outfit.

I’ve never watched a match with so glaring an interference from the club’s board. Ralf Ragnick is a decent coach (I can’t take that away from him), but I felt a lot of pity for him today. How can you be forced to play your worst players and keep your best players on the bench? I don’t envy any coach who decides to take on the Man United job. It’s just pointless. How can someone else decide who you can substitute and who you can’t?

I watched Ronaldo today and I was just sorry for him. I think even him was wondering why he was still on the pitch. The more I watch this Ronaldo, the more my precious memory of his former self is abused. I used to be a huge fan of Ronaldo. But he is 37 now! Sometimes quitting at the right time isn’t quitting at all.

Back to Ragnick, all I can do is wish him well. Alex Telles is 1000 times better than Luke Shaw, but had to be subbed for Shaw (a statutory player). After Telles left, the threat from the left wing fizzled away. Fred and Matic were the best players on the pitch but they had to give way for some land owners lest the club loses sponsorship deals. Wan Bisakka who crossed just one ball from the flank in 93 minutes played the full match at the expense of Dalot! And Ronaldo? Unbeleivable!

This was Manchester United’s best display in a long time, but it turned out to be beautiful nonsense. Like I always say, with Ronaldo on the pitch, United plays with one man down. Then with Wan Bisakka on at the same time, you can only pity players like Fred and Bruno Fernandes who have to put in the extra effort to make up for two lost players.

I no longer expect anything from Manchester United, not with their current board. The past glory that gives them so much comfort will dissipate soon. Even if you bring a coach from heaven to manage United, he can’t win the lid of any cup with that club and mentality. Never!