Manchester United: Submission Impossible?

For years, Liverpool fans have had to fight the cliché that they rely on past glories. The Gerrard inspired Champions League win in 2005 did help to stem the tide of insults that came from their bitter Manchurian rivals, but there's no question that over the last decade Manchester United have been in the ascendency. 

As the largest club in England, many expected the dynasty to outlast its founder Sir Alex Ferguson, but United's recent results may have left them questioning just how much David Moyes was to blame for the debacle of last season.

With three competitive games played manager Louis Van Gaal is yet to notch up a win, following the humiliating 4-0 loss to MK Dons in the Capital One Cup on Tuesday night.

The club have moved to bring in new talent, breaking the British transfer record with the £59.7m purchase of Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid, (1) but questions are being asked at the other end of the pitch, with United's defensive frailties obvious to all.

All four of MK Dons goals could be attributed to mistakes by the United backline and the team are missing a leader at the heart of defence. The failure to acquire a centre-back with the quality of Mats Hummels will sorely affect the team if it isn't rectified before the transfer window closes, but United still have time. Despite questions about Rio Ferdinand's fitness, his experience would have helped on the pitch and the dressing room this season, but instead he'll be plying his trade under Harry Redknapp at QPR.

Of course, United still have time to turn it around, and they may look back at this as a minor blip in the season as the team got used to their new manager, and their manager got used to a new league. Then again, they might not. 

With no Champions League action to look forward to, they have to push for the League this year, despite any shortcomings within the squad. If they don't, it may end up with United fans being the 'delusional' ones, as they look back to the glory years with regret.