6 Reasons Why Man Utd Are Struggling Under David Moyes

3. Ageing Squad

For players such as Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, key players in recent years, it might just be one season too far. Giggs is now 40 and in a part time coaching role as well, and is expected to retire at the end of the season. Vidic has already announced he will leave, Ferdinand's future remains uncertain but has been struggling with injury and Patrice Evra might also follow Vidic out of the exit door. The form of the above players, the first three mentioned particularly, has not been up to the previous high standards this season. Whether that it's just a case of it age catching up with them or other reasons isn't always quantifiable, but other points mentioned might be factors. It could be that they are disheartened by the departure of Ferguson, whose previously mentioned man management of the elder statesmen perhaps got the last drop of quality out of these players last season. It could well be the change in backroom staff and training methods that have contributed to their relatively poor form as well. Maybe Giggs' new role as a coach is now his priority, perhaps Ferdinand is no longer getting the management of injuries he requires, perhaps Vidic can rejuvenate his own career at a new club. The problem is, though, that United haven't got the players ready to step in to the fray of the quality they were. Younger players such as Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Adnan Januzaj haven't quite reached their peak yet. Ferguson did admit in his autobiography that he stopped planning for the future when he new his was going to retire, but then again, he can hardly plan signings when there's a new manager coming in. Which takes us to our next point...