Will the Reds' defensive frailties cost them dear?

This debate is now closed.

United's poor display leaves them facing the prospect of missing out on the lucrative group stages of the Champions League.

To make matters worse, Wes Brown suffered a broken ankle which will keep him out for three months. He joins fellow defenders Phil Neville and Rio Ferdinand in the treatment room.

Many United fans will be left with an ominous sense of deja vu, with costly errors and injuries to key players already taking their toll.

Will the Reds bounce back? And how their makeshift defence cope as the Premiership season gets underway?

Everyone has written us off before the real games get under way. Granted it was a poor performance in the first leg but there is the return leg to play yet.

We were caught conceding another bad goal when we didn't clear the danger and the defenders didn't keep concentrating but there was more than one player to blame.

Give it time and with the settling in of Ferdinand at the back I know United will dominate everything this year. United thrive on pressure, the more people write them off the harder they bounce back, look at last season and that is a prime example.
Paul Grundy, England

I really think that since the World Cup, the football-loving world needs to put on a different thinking cap as far as the game goes. There are no more minnows in the noble sports. Sir Alex Ferguson should have known better before heading to Hungary.

Individual stylish players never and I repeat never win games anymore but a total team does. Sir Alex can parade a star studded side to play games but if he does not improve on his team chemistry aspect, Man Utd should count themselves out of any descent glory at least in the present season.
kwame boakye, Berekum, Ghana

Man Utd are a special team that's why everyone wants to beat them. Despite their injuries at the back, I think they'll cope and score good results.
Annie Banda, Zambia

It had all the ingredients of a bad soap opera - A fall guy (Neville), a bad guy (Keane), bad direction (Ferguson), predictable and a poor ending.

They must change the director and some of the cast to regain their previous status in the limelight.
Brian, Berkshire, UK

It's all very well blaming Phil Neville but United's problems run a lot deeper and start with the manager.

I thought them rehiring Ferguson was a retrograde step at the time and now it's been proved. All managers, no matter how successful, have a sell-by date - look at George Graham who completely lost the plot at Arsenal before he had to go.

Ferguson's pathetic excuses don't disguise the fact that he's run out of ideas and the players don't want to play for him any more.
Tim Mitchell, US

Going by the new interpretation of the rules by Fergie and his dupes, shouldn't Man U consider laying landmines in the box for the opposition as a new defensive strategy? That would leave Keano free to kick midfielders and officials.
Monty, Ireland

Let's be fair guys, how many times have Utd been written off in the past and then gone on to produce the goods over the season? These world class players don't become bad ones overnight, it's about finding the right combination again and playing the fast passing game that most Utd fans know and love.

These players (and countless others) have set new standards over the past 10 years that Arsenal have only just managed to attain, so give them a break will you the season hasn't even started yet! Let's see how it pans out eh?
David Dean, England

With Phil Neville in the side the defence will always look suspect. United have lost three of their defenders now through injury. How would Liverpool look without Hyypia, Henchoz and Xavier? And Arsenal without Lauren, Keown and Campbell? United will be alright, it's too early in the season to start talking about United failing again.
Roger Evans, Wales

The display was really disappointing. All that talent and no cohesion which exactly brings us to the point; Fergie has still not got it right since last season. Everyone agrees Veron just does not fit in, he is a very good players except his style of play is not complemented by other players around him.

You cannot have a playmaker that don't blend with the others. Give the defence time, with Rio fit it may be different. Sell Phil Neville!!
Mike, Malaysia

Let's not get carried away here, United were awful and still made the chances to score five or six. It was their first competitive game of the season for them and they can't but improve.

John O'Shea looks a composed player and if Fergie sticks with him and resists his urges to prove the critics wrong about Blanc (not to mention Veron) then United will be back in business.
Ciaran, Ireland

Those people criticising Silvestre or Gary Neville (when he is fit) clearly do not watch them regularly. Phil Neville, on the other hand, seems to decline every year. Comments like he "couldn't play for Halifax" are wrong, but he is not good enough to be playing for a top Premiership side.

The key to the defence is a settled centre-back pairing and decent team defending. United used to be praised for how the whole team got behind the ball when defending, Giggs and Beckham constantly tracking back, that needs to be regained.

A tackle or two from Veron wouldn't go amiss! As for the Everton fan who is enjoying United's misfortune - I would have thought you had enough concerns with your own club to be troubling yourself with United.
Paul, UK

Only Scholes and Keane can compete at European level. Veron, Van Nistelrooy, Solksjaer, Blanc, Ferdinand and Giggs are the only other players who can still perform. Other than them it is a joke. It is up to the manager to blend the team well.
Ezlan Elias, Malaysia

I think Manchester Utd can be satisfied: the second game will be unexpectedly exciting thank to the complacency of the Utd players and people will go and watch the game. The Hungarians will win 2-1! Don't forget my words!
Alex, Hungary

As long as Man U have either the Nevilles, Blanc, or Barthez, their defence will always be poor, no matter how much they spend.
Rich M, Essex

Is Sir Alex really serious about winning trophies this season? He only has two reliable strikers: Ole and Ruud. For crying out loud, you can't say Forlan is a reliable striker!

So the defensive lapses have continued unabated. Some of United's defenders simply do not make the grade. Phil Neville, for instance, should make way for fresh blood!

My advice to Fergie is buy two more defenders (Rio can't defend alone) and two more (loan Forlan out) strikers if we are to walk away with anything this season. Remember not to play any names, so give Butt a chance please, and let Mr Veron step aside. Good luck.
Fainos, Zambia

I must admit that I had serious reservations about United's chances this season, even with Ferdinand. I was pleased though when Fergie said that Nicky Butt would be a definite starter because he has some of the steel that United have recently lost.

I have had some serious discussions with other fans on how the team would change for Butt: drop Veron, put Keane in defence, put Giggs up front...etc. No! Fergie does something that we'd never expect - he drops Butt. Come on Alex - smell the coffee.
Gavin, UK

When will Fergie realise that Phil Neville is a First Division player at best? Silvestre can't defend, Veron doesn't fit in and don't get me started on Van Nistelrooy's performances in recent games.

Man Utd need two new full-backs, a new goalkeeper, a few new strikers and a experienced defender who isn't claiming his pension as yet.
Richard, England

Keep it up lads! This is the united team that most of us enjoy watching week in and out. I usually try to avoid those smug Man Utd fans, but if this is what's coming this year it will be a great season for the rest of us!
Paul Mullan, N Ireland

The pitch was bad, but no worse than some Premiership grounds. The referee was over fussy at times but I've seen United win with worse officials than that. The reason they lost the game was because of Ferguson's pig-headedness in playing 4-5-1 in Europe. What effect has Solskjaer playing behind van Nistelrooy? They are both predators in front of goal and should be played accordingly.

Instead the Dutchman once again runs himself into the ground with little or no support and the Norwegian gets taken off because he's not allowed to play his natural game. Even if United win on aggregate - and it's a big if - what are they going to do against the big guns of Europe if they can't overcome a team of minnows from Hungary?
Gerry, UK

If United do as badly this year as I suspect they will, I think they will be struggling to keep their best players by the end of the season. They face a season with a very poor back five indeed.

Giggs looks like a shot player, Veron simply does not fit and except for Van Nistelrooy and Solskjaer they really are very average. This could be the season where they finish outside of the top three very easily. Arsenal are superior in all aspects of the game and in all positions.
Arif, UK

Manchester United looked troubled at the back, and to blame a pitch was an awful excuse. If there were players in my side worth upward of �50m, I would expect them to be able to pass over a building site, let alone a few bumps in the pitch. Must do better.
Stuart Field, UK

Hold on; let's have a bit of perspective here. If Phil Neville hadn't messed up again (he has to go!) it would have been 0-0 and job done. United will win the second leg by three or four goals anyway.

In the longer term, hopefully O'Shea will be chosen to partner Rio, Escude will come in to replace Neville and the defensive frailties will be lessened. I would be very surprised if it was another trophy less season
Paul, England

This might be the kick in the backside they need to get them playing well early in the season rather that their usual lazy start. The tie is only half over.
Tom, UK

Once again, Manchester United's defence is nowhere near the required standards! As an Everton fan, watching on Wednesday night proved to be just another example of the mistakes that cost them so dear last year; fantastic! We need something to cheer about, after all!

Fergie always has to blame somebody else, but his problems run far deeper than the five at the back. Admittedly, Nev should not be in any Premier League side, but his older brother is equally average and Blanc too old. Forlan is a complete joke, as is Veron!

United have expected to win everything for some time, and cannot handle the failure when they don't. Even the normally mild Ruud threw his teddy in the corner, and Becks cannot stop diving of late! It all adds up to a woeful start, and I cannot see how they can be considered for the title, let alone expect to win in Europe.

Their days are numbered, and the downfall will be most satisfying to watch. Well done Fergie, keep it up!
Davey, Notts, UK

Fergie must take some of the blame. Over 10 minutes to go and he brings on Forlan! Keep what you hold; take off Beckham, bring on Butt, drop Keane to shield the back four and ask Ole to help out the midfield.

Unfortunately Sir Alex got carried away and was caught out. As for Phil Neville - he's simply not good enough for European/International football. Tottenham beckons!
Simon, Warrington, UK

It's easy to get on Man Utd's case, but you'll all be weeping when Fergie, Keane and Co lift the title once again. This was a minor set back; when Rio's fit you'll see the difference!
Dan, England

It's funny how times have changed. Everyone used to rave about United's strength in depth! What's happened to it? They've only got three strikers and they can't buy a decent back four for love nor money. When you have to rely on a player who shouldn't play football at any level - Phil Neville - you know you are in trouble.
Jay, England

It is absolutely staggering that Manchester United are the favourites for the Premiership ahead of Arsenal. The defence - even with Rio Ferdinand - is just not good enough. The difference in quality of Arsenal's Lauren and Ashley Cole compared to Silvestre and Neville (either one!) is immense.

Let's put things in perspective - even with Rio, are United better off than when Jaap Stam was at his ferocious intimidating best? You can draw your own conclusions!
Gary, UK

There is only one place you can rest the current United problems and that is at the feet of their most prodigious manager. He has, for the first time, rested on his laurels and not built on the strengths of his side. Nowadays the freshening up of his squad is sparse to say the least.

His judgement has become clouded over what a player does on the pitch and what he does off it. And worst of all, he has forgotten the style of play that got him there in the first place. I think it's time for Fergie to admit his time is over, and hand the reigns to someone else.
Andrew Burns, Scotland

God bless Phil Neville; another comedy moment for us non-Reds to appreciate. Manchester United have had their 10 years in the spotlight, and like the end of Liverpool era, times are a changing. While the defence is suspect, where was the midfield protecting them?

Butt and Scholes were on the bench, and there seems to be no trust between the players. Ferguson bemoaning the pitch sounds like the final pleadings of a spent force. The king is dead; long live the king!
Bryan, England

United let Yorke go too soon and too cheaply. He is still a quality player and natural goal scorer, and Blackburn should feel very pleased with what is an excellent piece of business - the kind of bargain transfer that Fergie used to specialise in.
Chris, UK

Man Utd have bought a good defender in Rio Ferdinand, but they cannot expect him to play in defence by himself. Ferguson should play the young pair of Rio Ferdinand and John O'Shea together this season and get them established together. Blanc should have hung-up his boots long ago and Brown is much too injury prone.

They also need another quality goalkeeper. Barthez can be brilliant on his day, but on others he can make Sunday League errors Problems will occur this season at the back, possibly off-set by their attacking play. But it's good news for the rest of the Premiership!
Rodders, Ireland

I only saw the match on TV, but I've seen more committed performances from Sunday League teams. If I'd paid �15m-�20m for players, I would expect them to be able to kick with both feet, and have a bit more respect for the club shirt they wear. Some of United's 'superstars' were only going through the motions.
David Allen, England

Another example of Ferguson sticking to his guns even though the evidence clearly shows that his system is wrong. United won all their trophies playing 4-4-2, and played Beckham, Giggs, Scholes, and Keane. When will Ferguson realise that Veron, wonderful footballer that he undoubtedly is, simply does not fit in?

Stop worrying about the PLC, sell him, and get another quality defender - or else it will be another barren season for England's biggest club. As a United fan, I am extremely disappointed by Ferguson's lack of transfer market savvy. I foresee another hard season, in which we'll be easily beaten by both Liverpool and Arsenal.
Kam, UK

Veron should be packed off to Lazio for a swap deal with Nesta. Until then Keane should be forced to play in defence. Only then can these defensive leaks be stopped.
Dave, UK

I get the feeling that one of the main reasons for Man Utd's problems is that other teams and managers are no longer intimidated by him. Everybody knows now that Fergie plays mind games to try and gain the upper hand, and it's no longer a surprise tactic.

I also feel that Ferguson's stubbornness and inability to admit when he's wrong (purchase of Veron, Keane losing the plot again) will be his eventual downfall.
Jez Howell, England

Is it me, or are people missing the fact that Nicky Butt went to the World Cup as an average midfielder and came out from the competition as England's best midfielder?

He should have played, he is a more determined player than Veron. Phil Neville is to blame for the goal, awful defending and Man Utd need more than just Rio to recapture the Premiership (let alone do well in Europe).
Fred

Good ole Phil Neville - keeping the hopes up of non-Man Utd fans!!
Pete, UK

Though the United defence is still shaky, I believe the main problems are self-belief and confidence within the United team as a whole. Too much of Wednesday's game was aimless and lacklustre.

It is slightly worrying that Scholes and But - two United players who don't lack for belief or confidence - were on the bench all night. And how long is Fergie going to persist with Veron?
Pete, UK

Man Utd are a very good team, but they had problems with on Wednesday Zalaegerszeg were good enough to beat them. That was a surprise for us too. Best regards.
Tam�s, Hungary

Phil Neville's fault again. Send him out on loan to Wigan or something. No offence Wigan players or supporters.

This man should have been written off after the England v Romania game, let alone after the countless games he has messed it up for Utd. I do not like Man Utd, but I enjoy watching their quality.

Phil Neville just does not fit in to this category at all.
Chris, London, UK

United are looking more unbalanced and disjointed than at any time I can remember.

Strength in depth is non-existent. Flagrant overspending (Veron, Forlan and Ferdinand), rash disposals (Stam and Yorke) and no sense of strategic direction, spell the end of United's recent domination.

Wenger was right to say the balance of power has shifted to Highbury.
David, UK

The problem is older than has been suggested so far, they never replaced the person who organised and marshalled the defence - Peter Schmeichel. Now there is no leadership for the youngsters to follow. Both Nevilles, Brown and Barthez should all be shipped out pronto.
Matt, England

Man Utd should go through comfortably at Trafford in two weeks, but as a Leeds fan I would love to have seen Rio's face when that goal went in. Wasn't Champions League football one reason he left Leeds? It could be on the rocks now.
Mini, Blackpool

United never looked like a quality European side - in fact they looked flatter than a pancake, and Zeta were much hungrier for the win. I have always respected Alex Ferguson, but I think he has started to lose his edge about 18-24 months ago. Before that the individuals never came before the team.
Edward, England

It's not fair to blame Phil Neville entirely for the goal. Look at the replay - Laurent Blanc is miles away from the action instead of closely marking the eventual goal-scorer. Blanc is the weakest link - goodbye!

And while he's about it, Fergie should sack Veron, who cannot justify his high price, and Forlan, who yet again missed chances to score.
Ben, UK

This is a preview of things to come. Rio will not be able to do the defending all by himself, and with Brown out the other Neville not yet fit I can't see them improving. The core of last season's defence remains in place. They couldn't sort out their problems in 60 odd games last season, so I can't see a change of fortune soon. WBA must be smiling.
Mario Bloem, South Africa

Alex Ferguson has assembled a great squad for this coming season, and Wednesday night's defeat was a one-off. The defence does not need to be bolstered, but merely tweaked.
Manesh, Manchester

Phil Neville wouldn't make it into Halifax Town Reserves, so what's he doing at United? At least if they don't have the distraction of the Champions League they might be able to scrape together a challenge for the Premiership - is that the plan Sir Alex?
Grandpa, Turkey

Why does Ferguson always finish second best to Wenger in the transfer market? Once again Wenger has pulled off a master stroke in buying Silva, and for all the money he has spent Ferguson already has to cope with a defensive shortfall.

Add to that the fact that Arsenal seem to have hit the ground running without Pires, Ljungberg and Van Bronkhorst and you have to admit that Ferguson comes off badly in comparison.
Richard, England

I think United missed Ferdinand on Wednesday night. Blanc hasn't the pace anymore and O'Shea looked out of place. They could have moved Keane to the back like they have done before and brought Scholes or Butt into midfield. If they hadn't had sold Stam they would have the best defence in the Premiership this season.
Chris, Wales

So it's the bumpy pitch and the referee this time. The ref was apparently at fault for booking Van Nistelrooy and Beckham for throwing tantrums after decisions didn't go their way. Fergie's feeling the nerves already.

Man Utd's first choice back five (and front pairing) are as good as any in the world. Unfortunately, the replacements are still nowhere near the standard needed, but they're top heavy with talent in the midfield.
Mark, England

I'm happy to say that I can only see another display of costly errors all season long. Rio is without a doubt the best defender in England at the moment, but does anyone think his defensive team-mates would get in the Arsenal or Liverpool side? I don't think so, and until this is sorted by Alex Ferguson they can't be sure of league success - let alone European glory.
Granny, UK

Man Utd's problem is simple. They have lost a large number of players and only invested in a few. This means that they have seven or eight truly world class players, but there is absolutely no depth, and over 60 odd games this will show. It is Ferguson's mistake and he is to blame.
Steve Molyneux, UK

I'm a Man Utd fan and I feel the defence is still not right - you can't expect one �30m signing to do the job. We need another good central defender and a left-back. And get rid of Phil Neville.
Nilesh, England

Yet again Phil Neville makes a mistake. He is just not up to the required standard for Man Utd, and if Fergie fails to realise this fact then maybe it will be another barren season for the Reds.
John, Ireland