Opposition ignorance, United bliss

IT was a difficult week for the cities that host England’s leading football clubs. And just as the problems highlighted will demand a lot of soul-searching and cash to address, the same can be said for the difficulties that dogged all of Manchester United’s closest challengers in the Premier League last season.

Curiously, Manchester City aside, the contenders appear to have buried their heads in the sand.

First to Arsenal — if only because their problems also appear to stem from having too many skittish youths milling about with little guidance and no purpose.