IS it the end of an era at Manchester United? asks Mick Jones

If last season was a one-off, you'd say not. You could say it was because Arsenal had a great season, that the players had been knocked from their stride by Fergie's 'Will he, won't he quit' scenario and the fact that they couldn't get four defenders together who had actually met each other before.

You look at this season and it doesn't look like a one-off at all. The embarrassing derby defeat followed by a weak display against a West Ham side that has forgotten what getting a result at home means suggests otherwise.

Arsenal and even Liverpool have arguably overtaken them although they are both prone to believing their own hype and coming a cropper. When Giggs talks about enjoying playing for Wales more than United at the moment, you know there's a problem.

United look predictable. They've played in the same style so long that everyone has them sussed. They know Beckham isn't going to get to the by-line and swing in a wicked cross anymore and they know Giggs was never going to put in too many wicked crosses.

The exception is Europe where they look the side of old. Is it because they're better motivated there or are the foreign coaches not reading the papers and haven't noticed it isn't a fortress at OT anymore? It could be that they're not motivated by the little stuff like the league anymore. Are they turning into Chelsea? Who knows?

Fergie is threatening to rebuild but is the problem really with him? I know I'm stirring a hornet's nest but maybe it's time he looked at himself. Maybe he should have made his mind up and stuck to it. Maybe he should have stuck to playing 4-4-2 and made sure Beckham stayed on the wing rather than letting him think he's Glenn Hoddle.

He didn't though. He decided he should stay and he's stuck to the 4-5-1 formation like a small child holding his breath. If everyone else can see that playing one striker against West Brom at home isn't a good idea, why can't he?

Doesn't he remember how embarrassing it was to see Brian Clough at the end of his career? Didn't he notice Cantona leaving the club at his peak rather than find himself warming the bench on a Wednesday night? Going out in a blaze of glory is a far better way.

Is Fergie's time coming to an end? Will there be enough 'time added on' for him to turn it around? At least if he gets a gold watch, you know it'll be accurate.