Spector returned to haunt Manchester United

Nobody, it seems, was expecting the result from Upton Park last night, least of all Sir Alex Ferguson. “I didn’t expect that, that’s for sure,” he said.

As Manchester United went down 4-0 – their worst defeat since 2001 – in the Carling Cup quarter final so the snow fell in increasingly heavy flurries. Nobody, however, could be blinded to the fact that the Red Devil’s second eleven is not what the Old Trafford would have you believe they are.

West Ham were clearly buoyed by their 3-1 win over Wigan at the weekend and showed no fear in attacking Ferguson’s youthful line up. They were 2-0 up inside 37 minutes with both goals coming from former United player Jonathan Spector and doubled that in the second half as Manchester United pressed for goals. Nigerian Victor Obinna was the main source of pain for Ferguson, providing the goals for Spector then two for Carlton Cole.

Can the result be put down to Ferguson’s team selection or should the credit go to West Ham for a wonderful performance. Well, a bit of both. I’m not going to take anything away from the Hammers and Obinna especially, but I am going to look at the United line up and see where it fell short, player by player.

Thomas Kuszczak

United’s second choice keeper rarely keeps a clean sheet when he plays and while that is not all his fault – he usually plays behind an inexperienced back four – he isn’t going to replace Edwin van der Sar as first choice, that’s why United have already brought in Anders Lindegaard from Danish side Aalesund. He’s good…but not that good.

Fabio da Silva

Fabio is gaining experience from a good amount of first team action, as is his brother Rafael (who came on in the 65th minute) and while he performs well and looks like a decent player when alongside Vidic and Ferdinand, when in a back four such as this his inexperience does show. He needs the help of a seasoned pro alongside him to cover for his youthful exuberance, but otherwise you can’t criticise him.

Chris Smalling

I do like the look of Smalling and his performances for Fulham before he moved to Old Trafford proved what a good player he is. He’s not seen much action in a red shirt yet but all the signs are promising. Playing alongside Vidic or Ferdinand, much like Fabio, is still a requirement when trying to defend against an experienced team such as West Ham.

Jonny Evans

Played enough games now for the first team to no longer be considered inexperienced. And, sadly, hasn’t progressed as well as the United management might want to tell us. Or, as a mate of mine once put it, “he’ll never be a United defender as long as I’ve got a hole in my arse”. I can’t disagree. Time he moved on, frankly.

John O’Shea

Now one of United’s veterans, certainly when it comes to a starting XI like last night, but he can’t be relied upon to provide the support the younger players need from their older counterparts. O’Shea began his United career so brightly but he never kicked on and he is what he is. A slightly above average utility player it’s handy to keep around.

Ryan Giggs

Is there really anything to say about Giggs that hasn’t been said? Just turned 37, he is a strong leader in the United camp and still a potent player, but even he can’t drag a team such as this to a victory on his own.

Darren Fletcher

A huge disappointment last night. When a strong presence in the centre of the pitch was needed, Fletcher was found wanting. There’s no doubting he has blossomed into a top midfielder in the Premier League but on last night alone any assessment can only be negative.

Anderson

Another disappointment in the centre of the field and although he is arguably less experienced than Fletcher he has still had enough first team football to have competed against West Ham. Given the fact he was playing alongside Fletcher (and this argument applies to him too) he really should have done better and competed more – not to mention protect a vastly more inexperienced defence as well.

Gabriel Obertan

Obertan shows much promise but also gives the impression of being another somewhat headless chicken in the mould of Luke Chadwick. He had a few moments of brilliance and flair last night but overall he struggled as much as anyone else. Is he going to make it? I really can’t decide. There’s more potential there than Chadwick or even Keiran Richardson ever had but…niggling doubts remain.

Tiago Bébé

Last night was my first look at Bébé and it was only a half. I was not impressed. I know he’s scored goals – and good goals – in previous games and I know he came with a reputation and a hefty price tag, despite not achieving much in Portugal. He is an enigma. Ferguson speaks well of him and that should really be enough, except Ferguson has spoken highly of a long list of youngsters now plying their trade in the lower divisions. Bébé is another booboo I fear.

Javier Hernandez

One player who WILL become a great layer. I just don’t doubt that. He struggled last night and showed he still has much to learn but I have seen enough to believe that he has everything he needs to make it as a striker AND at Old Trafford. He will only suffer if, in the chase for silverware towards the end of the season, Ferguson doesn’t trust him and sticks to the proven talents of Berbatov and Rooney. A perfectly reasonable thing to do, but it could hurt Hernandez. Of all the young players on show last night, he is the one I truly believe will make it.

The three substitutes used were Wes Brown – a bit like John O’Shea, Rafael – exactly the same chance as his brother, and Macheda – promising but lightweight.

This was not a weak team West Ham pulverised, I don’t want you to think that is what I’m saying. It was perhaps one or two inexperienced players too many to win, but with the likes of Fletcher, Anderson and Giggs with them they should have done better. All credit to West Ham on a fantastic performance. Of the real youngsters on show in red, however, United are having a laugh if they want us fans to believe they are all up to the task of becoming regulars at Old Trafford.