The drubbing of Arsenal at Old Trafford this Sunday made for some uncomfortable viewing, even as a life-long Manchester United fan.
When it comes to United v Arsenal we are used to seeing two of the best sides in the world taking to the field and at the end of the season both sides are usually there or thereabouts when it comes to the title picture.
But on Sunday we weren’t treated to the usual fare of two great sides locking horns, instead Arsenal were handed a footballing lesson by the league champions.
My younger memories are filled with clashes between the sides; they define my football knowledge and expectations. As a result I believe football should be attacking and free-flowing, and the best matches are those in which the opposition are equals.
In the history of Manchester United versus Arsenal that feeling was no better illustrated than in the battles between Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira. When the two teams met you knew they would be led out by two players personifying passion and fight on the football pitch. Both men were born winners and they would do anything they could to succeed.
Arsenal are now without their modern day Vieira, Cesc Fabregas.
The passion-less performance at Old Trafford would not have happened if Wenger had addressed the Fabregas problem at a much earlier stage. At this moment there is no one that will step up and take his place. Wilshere is too young, and seemingly too injury prone. Who else of any class do they have in the centre of midfield? Frimpong? Don’t make me laugh.
Therefore a big question has to be asked of Wenger, why didn’t he sell Fabregas earlier in the transfer window giving him maximum time to target a suitable replacement?
Wenger must use this last day to bring in a player that will organise the team and inspire them on the pitch. The probable acquisition of Per Mertesacker is a good start. The German international would bring much needed experience and quality to that shaky defence. But Arsenal need more than that. What they need a is direct replacement for Fabregas.
If I was Wenger I would do all I can to get Scott Parker to the Emirates in these few remaining transfer window hours, it could be a bleak season if he doesn’t.
Follow me on twitter @KieranBrannigan
