3. Injury To Robin Van Persie
Though Robin van Persie is back in action following a one-week lay-off with injury, his absence against Manchester City in the derby earlier this month contributed to the shocking 4-1 loss. United were dismantled by their neighbours and lacked the quality and cutting edge usually provided by the Dutchman to compete. Any side lacking their talisman would struggle. Had City played without Sergio Aguero, Arsenal without Mesut Ozil or Liverpool without Daniel Sturridge, they would have laboured also. But what Van Persie's absence that day proved most of all is that United are far too reliant on his services and are a one-man side without him, which brings me nicely onto my next point.