Guys, I know you’re expecting a typical Feinberg lambasting following Manchester United’s performance at Brighton, but I’m not gonna do that to you or myself.
It would be far too easy and obvious and, frankly, quite boring!
So the approach I’m taking is one of sympathy, a compassionate and considerate look at how k** the life of a football fan can be.
Of course I know it all too well.
I’m talking about football post the millennium.
When it all changed, when the big Pounds, Dollars and Roubles shot top-flight English football on a crazy trajectory that just refuses to burn out.
It robbed the traditionally successful sides of their monopoly Arsenal, Liverpool, United under threat from a money game that fast-tracked the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea straight into the fray.
With the Spurs and Evertons of the league significantly strengthened, tightening the standard and creating a much more competitive environment.
The architects of the Premier League masterplan certainly achieved their goals.
But what it has meant for the legions of “big club” fans around the world is that despite Chelsea having a good few successful seasons and City looking untouchable at the moment, no one really knows where the title (and other silverware) is gonna go.
It’s a lottery created by a stream of billionaires who gamble in a big-stakes league with very few prizes.
The game at Brighton sums up the colossal investment tightrope being played out at top level.
I think it’s fair to say that Red Devils coach Jose Mourinho isn’t wanted by the board, fans (and some of the players).
The philosophy that made his name at Inter and Chelsea is absent, he’s assembled a hugely expensive side that has no personality or leadership.
Sunday’s performance was the worst I can remember shocking, completely undone in every area of the pitch.
By a side that’s complete value is around the same as Captain Pogba’s left testicle.
How the hell is that possible? I’m still not sure how bad United were?
Chris Hughton’s Seagulls side looked amazing. So well-drilled, so calm Was it their closing down and organisation that stopped Jose’s team playing?
You know what, I don’t think it was. Yes, they were good, but United were that poor.
Pogba resorted to extravagant 40-yarders to try and unlock the Seagulls’ defence.
Normally magnificent on the ball, he, like the rest of his team, looked uncomfortable and unsure.
Poor old Anthony Martial didn’t get a pass and defender Eric Bailly looked like a Sunday league substitute as he fumbled his way through 90 minutes.
It is only two games in and it may well turn out to be a “blip” performance, but the signs aren’t good and it feels like United are just another Premier League side.
The contrast was highlighted that much more this weekend as Pep Guardiola’s City banged six past Huddersfield.
Chelsea and Arsenal, under new management and style guides, played out a cracker at Stamford Bridge.
The defending was non-existent, but what we saw going forward was inspiring to say the least.
Chelsea looked like Barca and Arsenal were smart on the counter.
Oh, and before I forget can I just say, thank god the rumour of United midfielder Fred coming to Chelsea was just that he’s kaaaak.