I was recently reading an article in the LA Times entitled, “Manchester United looks strong” that spoke about Man Utd being the strongest team in the Champions League.

Don’t get me wrong, I live for United. However from what I’ve seen thus far this season, the red devils are far from the top team in Europe right now. The quality of the squad may be world class, but the team interplay unfortunately is not at the moment.

Grahame L Jones of the LA Times claims, “Coach Alex Ferguson’s squad is the best-armed of the 32 teams.”

Although I hate to say it, Arsenal may take the glory this year. If they are able to stay healthy and consistent, they have the ability to win it all. Watching Arsenal play when they are in their grove is simply amazing.

Another disturbing element of this LA Times article was the author nonchalantly claiming,” The only down note for United was the knee injury suffered by midfielder Paul Scholes that will sideline him for up to 10 weeks.”

THE ONLY THING!? Comon Mr Jones! This is a HUGE blow for Man Utd! Scholes now joins Carrick and Hargreeves of the injury list of center midfielders. Maybe my opinion is biased since Scholes has always…

According to Goal.com, Paul Scholes has been ruled out for two months with knee ligament damage after being carried off in United’s 3-0 victory on Aalborg’s home turf.

With Michael Carrick out until the second week in November with a sprained ankle, and Owen Hargreeves still suffering from an ankle injury, the United midfield will be stretched in the weeks to come.

Since Nani’s inception to Man Utd last year, I have yet to be impressed by his midfield play. His selfish, ball hog, wild shooting-style is not a great fit for the team’s style of play.

October 4th’s clash with Blackburn will most likely render a midfield lineup of Giggs, Anderson, O’Shea, and Ronaldo with Darren Fletcher subbing off Ronaldo who I believe is still not 100%. The question is, how many consecutive games can Fergie use this line? Round 3 of the Champions League is right around the corner as Celtic wait for a piece of the battered Manchester United.