Why Moyes needs to follow Fergie by rolling the dice against Cardiff

Manchester United’s win over Arsenal was a crucial one for David Moyes. Although the performance was built on defensive solidity rather than attacking flair, it was enough to ensure Arsene Wenger’s team failed to score for the first time this season in the league. Furthermore, it elevated an underwhelming United to fifth place in the table, ahead of big spenders like Manchester City and Tottenham. Indeed, the reigning champions are now just a point behind Chelsea. For a club accustomed to success, however, a Champions League place must be considered the bare minimum.

There can be little doubt that Moyes has time on his side. However discontented sections of the United support become, it is hard to imagine the Scotsman will be sacked this season. The club know only too well the perks of keeping faith in a coach. Sir Alex Ferguson was very nearly given his marching orders in 1989 but the board remained firm and the rest is glorious history. The question remains as to what Ferguson’s successor can do to turn things around? Perhaps it’s time to roll the dice. You never know, he might just land on a six.

It is high time the team started playing the Manchester United way, beginning with Sunday’s trip to Cardiff. Yes, Ferguson was conservative in Europe during the latter years of his Old Trafford tenure but that was a means to an end. With silverware looking unlikely but not impossible in the short term, Moyes would be wise to adopt an attacking formation and win the fans over with style. Results, after all, are not the only way to enjoy football. If the side can develop an attractive, flowing style then victories won’t be too far behind.

The manager could begin by playing Shinji Kagawa on a more regular basis. Perhaps the fans have gone overboard with their praise of the midfielder with each successive omission from the starting XI but it would be nice to find out just how good he is. At least we can be sure he poses an attacking threat given he was dangerous in front of goal and incisive with his assists while at Borussia Dortmund.

At the back, Moyes has been wise in promoting Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling andPhil Jones while using his veteran centre-halves more sparingly. These young defenders have performed admirably when called upon and Smalling and Jones were nothing less than imperious in the victory over Arsenal. There are times when experience is crucial but it is pleasing to note that the Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic partnership has not become a crutch for the new manager.

In fact, why not show some faith in youth generally against a team battling against relegation? Times may have changed but both Ferguson and Sir Matt Busby placed faith in young players and were rewarded hundreds of times over. It would be good, for example, to see more of Wilfried Zaha. He impressed at Crystal Palace last season and it is not as though the wingers getting more game-time are untouchable on current form. The same goes for Adnan Januzaj, the Belgian teenager who has impressed on every appearance. The worst case scenario is a repeat of the Paul Pogba situation. It is imperative Moyes throws caution to the wind and takes some risks. It’s what the greatest United managers have always done.