Midfield - big problem

[HammersmithR]

One thing I have noticed a lot this season is that when we get the ball wide our central midfields make no attempt to get in the box. The amount of times we have the ball out wide and we have 2 in the box. Bothroyd at times yesterday didn't bust a gut to get in the box. Faurlin and Barton both seem very happy to get the ball out wide and just stop. I know it could leave us vulnerable to a counter attack, but we need to be brave and bust a gut to get back if we lose the ball. We don't score many goals and it is clear with our play you can see why.

[Mellowhoop]

Very true and the fact that Jay bothroyd drifts wide alot means heidar on his own against 3 or 4 defenders. We were taught a lesson yesterday in every aspect of the game... Especially in the midfield, they were everywhere all the time.. Play as a unit.. 2 strikers were never far away from each other and neither were the midfield and that's why they keep the ball so easily.

[Brooksie]

Just seemed to think there was a vast difference in fitness levels, not saying our boys were too slow but united probably with all their experience were running up and down the pitch all game long. Everytime we broke up an attack we had to wait too long for the rest of the team to join up giving utd plenty of time to track back. Not sure you gain this with more matches but seems to be the way most games.