COMMENT: It is easy to write off Manchester United's season.
With the star additions of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, excitement filtered through Old Trafford before the start of the season.
Despite a strong start, new manager Jose Mourinho has struggled to direct a side full of stars into a cohesive and consistent unit.
21 points from a possible 42, sitting sixth on the Premier League and struggling to keep within reaching distance of the top four.
But is it all doom and gloom? Is all the pessimism warranted or is their hope left for Mourinho's men?
Zlatan vs Youth
"Young players are like melons. Only when you open and taste the melon are you 100% sure that the melon is good," once proclaimed Mourinho.
Criticism has arisen from his preference of Zlatan Ibrahimovic playing the central striker role instead of more youthful options, such as Anthony Martial or Marcus Rashford.
The 35-year old Ibrahimovic has been scrutinised for his lack of movement and mobility, which critics say can be supplemented by more youthful legs.
Ibrahimovic is a talismanic and experienced striker, who has bagged 8 Premier League goals so far this season, for a total of 12 in all competitions.
But his weaknesses may have also contributed to United's paltry league goal tally, which currently stands at 19.
Even more glaring is the fact that, according to Opta, United are third on the 'big chances created' list, with a conversion rate of 9.1 chances to each goal.
The 'good melons' at United have certainly impressed Mourinho. Martial (nine league appearances) and Rashford (11 league ppearances) have been deployed regularly on the wing to supplement either side of Ibrahimovic.
But what if Rashford started as the central striker, with Martial and Lingard either side?
The flexibility, pace and hunger afforded by this trio could reinvigorate United's horrific form in front of goal this season. The lack of experience may be a risk that Mourinho has to take as the season continues.
Mourinho and his once-magical powers
Consistency has been a problem for United, not only on the pitch, but also in the manager's office.
The first three games started swimmingly for the Red Devils. Top of the table with three wins and seemingly prepared for a long-awaited crack at the title. (A few years is a long time for United fans).
With cross-town rival Manchester City, and El Clasico foe Pep Guardiola as his next opponent, the self-proclaimed 'Special One' showed his first signs of anxiety and panic.
Rather than stick with the formula he had used in the previous three wins, Mourinho felt a need to combat City's style of playing out from the back and keeping possession. The move backfired as United went down 2-1 at Old Trafford, and the selection yo-yo has continued ever since.
There are inevitably growing pains for a manager at a new club but Mourinho will be able to make progress with the lack of chemistry by establishing the starting XI he believes is key to his success – sooner rather than later.
Discipline and leadership
The aforementioned stats about the lack of conversion of 'big chances' can be brushed aside as an issue that will turn itself around; 'if we create the chances, one day the goals will flow.'
What Mourinho and his men cannot dismiss is their lack of discipline and leadership late in games.
In their past three draws, in which they were leading, United have conceded equalising goals within the last seven minutes of the match. Two of which were conceded in the 89th minute. Win those three matches and United sit equal fourth of the table with good mates City and Liverpool.
Marouane Fellaini's idiotic (and hardly surprising) challenge on Everton's Idrissa Gana Geueye, which gave away a penalty and the win on the weekend, epitomises the ill-discipline that has cost United points in recent times.
Incidences like Fellaini's are averted through strong leadership and organisation. Unfortunately for Mourinho, his leadership stocks are bare.
Antonio Valencia is the only defender above the age of 30. The experience and positional sense of Michael Carrick in the deep-lying midfield role would help United's back four. Carrick's experience would also help Pogba while the young Frenchman adjusts to the pace and work-load of the Premier League.
The Manchester United hierarchy has reassured Mourinho that his position is secure, and that they are happy with the progress being made this season. The ever-pragmatic Portuguese may not be used to this type of start, but with a few tweaks and a bit of luck, he might prove everybody wrong come the end of the season.
However, in a sick twist of fate, it is his former club Chelsea that stands firmly in the way.
