However, it has been the injuries and suspensions that have been more significant contributory factors to United’s indifferent domestic form.
Alan Pardew: “Whichever way you put them into a team, you’re going to be stronger whether you play 4-3-3, 4-4-2 or whatever system you want to play.
“Last year, we didn’t have those problems with the injuries.
“We were playing all sorts of systems, and no one seemed to notice then.
"Of course, when you lose games, it becomes noticable.
"I wish I could play a game after (the event), but you can’t.”