The injuries are obviously taking their toll.......however we shouldn't be surprised about Ake, Stones or KDB being out because they have form for this and and the warning signs have been there for a couple of years.
Rodri apart ( and I would like to think that Bobb was going to be a big player for us this season) who else on the injured/missing list is really going to make a big difference for us this season....maybe Foden returning to something like, would no doubt help.
Five on the trot was always going to be a big ask......but this is probably where Fergie got it right.
Although he didn't achieve 4 in a row, the Rags never really suffered the downturn we are now seeing and he knew when to let players go, freshen the squad up and introduce younger players - Which is my biggest disappointment and frustration with Pep.
We have no divine right to win trophies every year but I think most fans realised we had 'squeezed the pips' out of last years team and a refresh was required.
I also think there has got to be another underlining issue -
- The Cup final performance !
- Why did Ederson want to leave ?
- Has the uncertainty over Pep cost us on the pitch and Txiki off the pitch ?
- The constant speculation over the 115 allegations which we originally used as a catalyst was bound to have some kind of negative demoralising reaction on the team - The press have done a sterling job here !
I am sure we will get it right again however this maybe 2 years later than it should have taken and it is a shame that we cannot use this season to build for next season, especially if we cannot get our transfer targets in January.