United's big guns end up misfiring

Apr 28 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

So far there have been four games, four different line-ups and four complete tactical overhauls in the rookie manager’s short coaching career.

The pertinent statistic, though, is two points – the tally that Shearer has managed to wring out of four ‘must win’ matches.

Just as he had against Stoke, Chelsea and Spurs, Shearer had taken risks throughout his starting line-up.

No doubt in consultation with Iain Dowie, a renowned tinkerer in the days when he made the big decisions, Shearer opted to go for broke and try and channel the passion and fanatical support offered by the virtual sell-out at St James’s Park.

The three-pronged attack was one such risk, Shearer sacrificing the width and industry of Jonas Gutierrez in favour of unleashing his three striking heavyweights.

Throwing Alan Smith into the team for only his third league start of the campaign was another – a gamble magnified by the presence of several players with fitness issues alongside him. United had gone for the early knockout, but it didn’t come and Shearer’s side were ill-equipped to maintain the frenetic pace for the full 90 minutes.

Chances were few and far between for the home side, and United’s lack of sustained pressure meant they had to take the opportunities when they came.

Owen, Martins and Viduka failed to do so, and Shearer’s blueprint for success was in ruins. It is a long way back from here.