Manchester United empire crumbling under David Moyes

Manchester United have been going steadily off the rails since David Moyes took over, but defeat to Swansea on Sunday has turned their season into a train wreck.

It was only the second time since 1984 they have been dumped out in the FA Cup third round – it only happened once under Sir Alex Ferguson – and the records keep tumbling for Moyes like the Old Trafford empire crumbling around him.

Ferguson's shadow looms large over the new United manager from the directors' box at every home game – and he will not be impressed with what he is seeing.

All good things come to an end – but it's an issue when they all start coming to an end at the same time.

This season at Old Trafford Moyes has overseen United's first defeat by Newcastle since 1972, the first defeat by West Bromwich Albion since 1978 and the first defeat by Everton since 1992. Add their first home loss to Swansea in 82 years and Moyes has ended a total of 179 years of utter domination on their own turf over four top-flight clubs.

Ferguson never lost four out of six home games, and that was in 27 years at the helm. His replacement has 'achieved' that within eight months.

The defeat by Swansea was their fifth home loss in all competitions this season, already equalling their title-winning campaign last year.

Fans are getting disgruntled. Old Trafford emptied when Wilfried Bony headed Swansea's last-minute winner. Under Ferguson most would've stayed in the belief they could still get something from the game.

Moyes's admission after the defeat by Swansea that United's transfer targets might not be available in January is alarming. Ferguson would never have come out with a comment like that. If Manchester United wanted a player, Manchester United got a player.

United's credentials for finishing in a Champions League spot are being seriously questioned now, let alone challenging for the title. Moyes has presided over their worst points total from their opening 20 games in 22 years and they have won only two matches – versus Arsenal and Hull – against sides in the top half.

They have been beaten by Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Southampton, Tottenham twice, Everton and Newcastle.

INJURIES MOUNT AFTER CHANGING TRAINING
It is claimed that Van Persie was not happy with the new training methods implemented by Moyes when he took charge. Moyes is known to prefer short, sharp sessions, described as 'so hard' by Rooney.

After years of persistent injury problems Van Persie went on a run of 90 consecutive league matches, at both Arsenal and United. That was ended when Moyes took over.

Moyes has come under heavy criticism for his style of training, being branded 'prehistoric' by one Dutch football coach.

Has training been a factor in the injuries that have hampered United this season?

Along with Van Persie they are currently missing Fellaini with a wrist injury, Phil Jones out with a knee problem, Nani's hamstring has gone and Rafael has a strained his groin.

Ferdinand limped off the pitch against Swansea, Rooney is struggling with a groin injury and Ashley Young damaged his shoulder against Tottenham.

FINANCIAL MELTDOWN
Manchester United are one of the biggest brands on the planet, but that does not make them invincible. Their financial forecasts for investors are all based on reaching the quarter-finals of each cup and finishing third in the Premier League.

Failure to achieve any of those targets – as is becoming increasingly likely – and next summer's transfer budget could be significantly smaller.


Credit: Sam Cunningham/SportsMail