Manchester United Dugout

Manchester United have been the league champions for 3 consecutive years now. They are trying to win a record fourth one but considering the current state of defense, I am worried.

If we see the performance of United this season, they have managed to win 12 matches out of 14 in all competitions. That might sound good but one has to look at each of those victories with a microscope. Baring 3 or 4 games, United have not at all looked the same that they were last year. To be honest, they are not even near that.

Manchester United has been a dominant force in England as well as Europe, but somehow the defense has been terrible this season. Many think that losing Van der Sar to injury during the beginning of the season was a major disruption. But I feel that it was a blessing in disguise. At least we got to see the quality and competitiveness of Ben Foster.

To be honest, Foster does not deserve to wear a Man United shirt. He has been pathetic with his personal performance and failed to organize his defense. If this is the strength of United bench that everyone praises, then I am sorry but there's surely some illusion.

There have been so many instances this season that have shown and proved that United's defense has been shaky. With reports indicating an exit for the two main center backs, matters have got worse. Rio Ferdinand's dip in form has attracted so much criticism that people have indicated his exit and linked him with a move to Tottenham. I don't know why Spurs was the chosen club? Even Vidic looks set to leave United pretty soon to join Barcelona. So who do we have to replace them?

I am sure Fergie knows that Evans and Wes Brown are not the best candidates to replace Ferdinand and Vidic. So what are the options? I don't see any. The irony of the situation is that United have been linked with players like David Villa & David Silva, Stevan Jovetic and others but none of them are defenders. Does Fergie have someone in sight or is he thinking of giving the reserve lads a promotion to the first team.

What do you think are the solutions to Manchester United's defense worries?

David Villa is arriving at Manchester United. Yes, this can be a truth if certain reports are to be believed. And what's more fun is that Villa will arrive at Old Trafford by dumping Chelsea. Yeah, that sounds good.

Chelsea and United have started a fresh bidding process to acquire the services of David Villa. Though Chelsea could splash more cash than United as Roman Abramovich has approved a mega bid while the Glazers are a bit reluctant to pay Valencia's price. But the Spanish hitman has revealed his interest to wear the red shirt and dump the blue one.

This is a surprising news. I am seeing almost all newspapers and magazines saying the same thing. You cannot believe these transfer rumors until they are backed  by some substantial sources. And what makes me believe these rumors is that this news has been featured on United's official site.

A source close to the star said: "David was approached about the Chelsea move in the summer but did not fancy it. He was not sure how often he would play or whether they played his style.

"Manchester United is his first choice in England, but there is a problem with that because of the price and his age. If it can be agreed with Valencia he would sooner go to Old Trafford."

Will David Villa really snub Chelsea and join United? Will he be able to turn down the mega money making opportunity with the Blues? Is he strong enough to stick to his words?

What do you think?