At 9th place, Man U title hopes slipping

Manchester United have swayed from crisis to recovery in a turbulent first few months of David Moyes’ tenure at Old Trafford. A week ago, the English champions were celebrating early qualification from the group stage of the Champions league after its biggest away win in Europe in nearly 50 years. Seven days later and their Premier league title chances appear to be in tatters after a 1-0 home loss to Everton that left United in ninth place, 12 points off leader Arsenal. With the top three of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City finding some good form, United cannot afford another slip-up at home against Newcastle on Sunday.

ROONEY OUT

United has picked up only two points from its last three matches to slip way off the pace set by Arsenal, and the frustration at the club’s slide is showing on Wayne Rooney. In the 2-2 draw at Cardiff on Nov. 24, the England striker was fortunate to escape with a booking after kicking out at an opponent as he chased a long ball forward. Then, against Everton, he earned another yellow card for leading with his elbow on Phil Jagielka, his fifth booking of the season, leading to a suspension for this weekend. That’s a major blow for Moyes, with Rooney having been easily United’s best player this season with 10 goals in all competitions.