Slip Sliding Away

United face this must-win match against a Blackburn club on their best run of form all season, sitting comfortably 15 points above the relegation zone, with Chelsea and Arsenal watching comfortably from home.

In the usual match build up, pundits noted that Rovers haven't beaten the Red Devils in four years and five of seven United losses came after Champions League matches.

Thus, Sir Alex Ferguson made wholesale changes to the Reds’ line-up, bringing both Scholes and Giggs into the center of midfield, Neville and O' Shea as wide back, as well as Kiko and Berba up front. Valencia and Nani deservedly held their starting wing positions, thereby providing a strong attacking formation for United.

For all of United's vast possession, few chances were created, with a ridiculous number of failed passes in the final third making it difficult to open up a well-organized Blackburn defense.

Over the past three years, we've witnessed Ronaldo, Rooney, or Giggs grab a half-chance and tuck it away for the full three points. But not today.

Today's only gilt-edge chance fell to Valencia, streaking through the central channel alone on goal, with his point-blank shot saved from the outstretched leg of Paul Robinson, as Fergie's incensed body language said it all. Few chances would come today and the manager knew it.

Now Chelsea retains a one-point advantage over United, with a game and goal-differential in-hand.

There's really not much to say here, as the trend in form and fortunes has been evident to any knowledgeable football observer for a while now.

United rely too heavily upon Rooney to push the line and finish the chances created.

United's record after Champions League matches, you could argue, demonstrates their age and over-reliance on mature legs to turn in well-timed, inspirational performances to get the Red Devils back on track on such occasions.

It also, you could argue, demonstrates how United's injuries have gradually taken their toll over time. There is a noticeable gulf in match-winning class between young and old United, something the likes of Nani, Valencia, Kiko, and Gibson may learn over time, but not when forced like today.

Yet, think back to the start of the season, if someone told you that United would have seven losses and be playing Blackburn away on April 11th, with a chance to retake the lead, you would be astonished by such a low league-leading point total. You'd marvel at the opportunity. And the chance wasted. Or, in the words of that Simon and Garfunkel song: “You know the nearer your destination, the more you slip sliding away.”

Unfortunately, number nineteen looks like it will have to wait, and with the financial debt, Glazer turmoil, and Sir Alex Ferguson's age, you can only hope that we're not watching more than a single season title slip away from us.

Back at you after the Manchester derby next week. Until then, cheers.