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Manchester United: Meltdown vs. Basel Shouldn't Concern Red Devils

Matt FaulconerFeatured ColumnistSeptember 28, 2011

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 27:  Ashley Young of Manchester United celebrates with Danny Welbeck (R) as scores their third goal during the UEFA Champions League Group C match between Manchester United and FC Basel at Old Trafford on September 27, 2011 in Manchester, England.  (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Michael Regan/Getty Images

Michael Owen and Dimitar Berbatov just can't buy playing time.

Despite Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez both missing the match against Basel, neither of the two players were able to land a spot in the starting 11.

This is exactly why Manchester United fans should not worry too much about the disappointing draw against Basel. The Red Devils are going to advance through the group stages, there is no doubt about that.

Not having your best attacking player will certainly affect the game-plan. However, United were still able to put the ball in the back of the net on three occasions without Rooney or Hernandez.

Just imagine what would have happened if those two players were in the game.

The defense needs improving—there is no doubt about that. The back line cannot rely on the strikers to simply outscore the other team. The defense cannot expect Ashley Young, Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs to constantly bail them out in every game.

However, the simple fact of the matter is that the potential and talent is there among United's defenders. The talent is there in the midfield, too.

This team has the makings of a champion, but they are not going to win anything if they continue to disappoint in big matches. A team with this much talent should be bringing home three points from their matches at Old Trafford, not disappointing the fans with a 3-3 draw.

Late-game heroics are fine and dandy, but pulling out a 3-3 draw after giving up three unanswered goals is disgraceful.

This team should figure it out, and when everyone is healthy, they should be in line for a deep run in the Champions League.