I was disappointed with the manner that we gave away the goals in the first half.
In the first ten minutes we were the better side, with CBT and Ferrier causing them problems as they did all afternoon. However, after Maguire's goal, which came from nothing really, we showed them too much respect and sat far too deep. I understand that we had to defend in numbers because of the quality United have in their side and the pace that they move the ball at, but we did not put any pressure on the ball until they reached the eighteen yard box, by which time it was too late. We did not cope with Maguire coming out from the back as the spare man, and the third goal epitomised our problems; he was allowed to waltz about sixty yards and set up the attack.
It is a pity, because I thought we were much better with the ball than in the Spurs game last season. We played some decent football in both halves, and Ferrier, CBT and Hepburn Murphy caused them genuine problems. I thought Morris also played well in possession and Gilmour looked good when he came on. CBT and RHM looked comfortable playing against high quality opposition. I also thought the back four did not do much wrong, despite the scoreline. The defensive problems were further forward.
We just need to make sure we spend some of the money we have made, and spend it wisely.