'Following the Trawler...' Interview Part V: United Rant

My final interview in my five part series is with top United blog United Rant. Enjoy!

1.
So, assuming you thought United would win the title comfortably before the
Wolves defeat, had your feelings changed at all following that game?

Not really - it's still squeaky bum
time and despite all United's failings this season (there are many) we are
fortunate that others have greater shortcomings. Points will be dropped by all.
The success or failure of United this season will be in crucial away matches
against other teams near the top - Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool. Plus of
course, the games against City...

2.
In general what have you made of United this season - a season where they have
played consistently average football yet have stayed at the top of the league
for months?

I think this is United's worst side in
five years, possibly longer but we have not been found out because the general
standard of the Premier League is lower than in previous years. I'm pretty sure
that Ferguson's team will be found out in Europe - probably not against
Marseille where United should come out on top, but certainly if we draw any
other Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich or possibly even Milan.

3.
On that note, what do you think has contributed to the falling standards at the
top? Why have none of the teams at the top maintained strong, winning form?

It's the general quality. Chelsea has
let their side age and erode in quality, Arsene Wenger refuses to buy any
quality at centre back or goalkeeper and City isn't yet ready to compete for
the title. Liverpool has obviously collapsed.  The standard of the Premier
League can only be measured against others in Europe and as with last season I
think English sides will fail in the Champions League.

4.
Who's stood out for you this season and why?

Players - Nemanja Vidic (above), whose form
has been imperious. But it tells you something about his mentality last year.
The body language was poor and form inconsistent because he believed that he
was moving on. The last minute deal for a contract surprised everyone, I'd say.
This year he's been back to his best. One point though - Vidic's form is very
directly related to whether Rio Ferdinand plays or not. Rio is so good he
raises the standards of everybody else.

5.
Nearly four months on from the Rooney going/staying saga, with the run-in
gathering momentum yet Wazza's contribution in terms of goals not, what are
your feelings towards the player? Have the fans forgiven and forgotten?

I think we should detach the emotions
of Rooney wanting to leave and then eventually staying from the business of it.
Rooney had every right to seek better pay elsewhere. And if the thesis that
United is now uncompetitive because of the Glazers' financial strategy proves
correct he was always right to question the club's "ambition". But it
was a PR disaster for the player and he hasn't recovered from it.

6.
Ignoring how the teams below us fair, United cannot afford anymore slip-ups
with SAF saying before the Wolves game a few weeks ago that we need around 30 points to win it. Marking a W,
L or D next to each game, how do you think United will do in the remaining fixtures?

Chelsea (a) D

Liverpool (a) D

Bolton (h) W

West Ham (a) W

Fulham (h) W

Newcastle (a) W

Everton (h) W

Arsenal (a) D

Chelsea (h) W

Blackburn (a) D

Blackpool (h) W

I think that makes 25 points....