Ancelotti returns to his Italian roots

CAUTIOUS is one word that can be used to describe last Saturday’s performance against Villa. Dull is another.

Obviously the memory of the loss at Villa Park last season, prompted Ancelotti to remind us that he is Italian and as such, catenaccio is a system that we will see in his repertoire from time to time. Considering our last few showings at Villa Park and the injuries we have, I should be happy with a point, but once again we failed to take advantage of United’s wastefulness. What made it worse were the Arsenal and City results which cut our lead.

City remind me of our first season under Mourinho — doing what it takes to win — even when they perhaps don’t deserve it. They have a good squad with a few exceptional players and are keeping up the pressure, sitting on our shoulder waiting for a slip up.