IT is early days in the title race but already Manchester United have been dealt a huge blow from which they will not recover.
By ALAN SHEARER
Before the season started I did not think they were strong enough to win the title despite all their new signings.
With the loss of Nemanja Vidic now for two months I am even more convinced that the Premier League trophy will either be staying put or heading to Stamford Bridge.
In truth his loss last season probably cost them the title.
For me they are looking a lot more vulnerable now.
On Saturday against Tottenham Alex Ferguson’s men were cruelly exposed by the pace of Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon and Kyle Walker.
Jonny Evans is a decent defender but he is no Nemanja Vidic.
While Rio Ferdinand can still do a job at the top level, he is not the defender he was five years ago.
The same can be said of Patrice Evra, whose form continues to nosedive.
On the opposite flank I like Rafael going forward.
We saw what he can do at Anfield the previous weekend with that fantastic goal.
As a pure defender however it is slightly different.
Witness how easily he was turned in the build-up to Tottenham’s third goal.
It seems that Sir Alex does not know who his best goalkeeper is either. David De Gea still looks a nervous wreck at times when the ball is being hoisted into a group of bodies in his box.
Anders Lindegaard looks a better bet right now — but is he the long-term answer?
The truth is there could have been plenty more goals from Spurs on Saturday.
Manchester United are always going to score with players such as Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck in their ranks.
Although I’m sure all of them would prefer it if Nani could actually produce a delivery to match his build-up play.
Time and again he beats his man and puts over a poor cross.
In that sense they desperately need Antonio Valencia back and staying fit.
But it is at the back where the real problems are. Already teams have looked at United and know they can have a go at them.
Both Southampton and Fulham have done so already and were both unfortunate not to get a point.
Spurs did it on Saturday and deserved all three.
Quite simply the air of invincibility has long since deserted Sir Alex’s team.
Manchester City decimated it with their 6-1 victory at Old Trafford last season. Regular Manchester United watchers will tell you that Saturday’s result was due.
As ever, their incredible spirit has been dragging them over the line.
Just as it did last season when they very nearly snatched the title on the last day.
Other teams would love to have the never-say-die spirit Manchester United have.
But it cannot carry you through every game.
I can see a second successive defeat following next weekend when they make the trip to Newcastle.
I would say that, I hear you say. But there is real evidence to back up the prediction.
Demba Ba is on fire at the moment and with Papiss Cisse and Hatem Ben Arfa, the Magpies have a formidable trio to rock any defence.
Manchester United don’t fancy the trip to St James’ Park either — no I refuse to call it by the other name.
Newcastle recorded a good win against them last season and I expect them to do the same again.
Of course Sir Alex has made a living out of proving people wrong.
If he does so again then I will have no defence.
