The Theatre of Dreams was seen as a palace for the red half of Manchester and a dark and uncomfortable dungeon for it's visitors. Players would walk out of the tunnel with their crimson shirts with an air of confidence, a cocky strut but also they were the team to beat and no one would attempt to question it.
Iconic figures including the Charlton's, Best, Cantona, Beckham had created a history that no one would dare to touch never mind attempt to challenge. The success transcended through the generations to continue their dominance. Ferguson was untouchable, the man at the helm who was worshipped by all associated with the game. Now the tides have turned on his replacement and the Red Devils are running lower than Ferguson would never have imagined.
David Moyes has now turned to Chelsea's unwanted midfielder Juan Mata in an attempt to galvanise an ounce within this period of transition. United have been embarrassed in front of their home fans with Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, West Bromwich Albion all winning in the league whilst both Swansea City and Sunderland have been victorious in cup football.
The club's deadly threat has disappeared. They are no longer a machine but a flock of birds running out of stamina on a rough and exhausting merry-go-round, questioning Moyes direction, command and leadership. The former Everton boss has been assured he is safe with the backing of the owners to draw more ideas from the pipeline. 
The scale of United's decline is clear and the criticism has been rolling in since Ferguson's decision to appoint his fellow Scot. The league table proves the levels of underachievement, with the club failing to gain the consistency they always had in their bloodstream. Whilst all the blame has been rocketed at Moyes, the players have to take a heap of responsibility for the downward spiral they find themselves in.
Players including Antonio Valencia, Alex Buttner, Johnny Evans and Tom Cleverley have been branded not good enough, whilst there is debate over the age of the team and questions regarding the fitness of star-strike duo Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie. Although Rooney seems the only player up to the mark despite ongoing battles about his future at the club.
Despite the £37.1 million arrival of Spaniard Mata, United have had a tretched time in both transfer markets this campaign Various targets have slipped through Moyes fingers, most notably Wesley Sneijder who chose Turkish side Galatasaray over a move to Old Trafford. Although Moyes has embarked on a club with a history full of fortune he cannot seem to attract major stars to the club. Even his former left back Leighton Baines has chose to remain at Everton due to their superiority over United this term.
Mata will provide a spark but the pessimism continues as the club have failed to seek replacement for Roy Keane, Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo. The midfield in any side tends to dictate the style and pace of a game which the above players use to demonstrate week in and week out. Ferguson's old midfield had core abilities including strength, direction, pace and plenty of intelligence and panache. Even United's star player last season Michael Carrick has struggled to provide a service and perform the bread and butter aspects of the game due to the lack of fluency and belief in the squad. The England midfielder's month long injury could prove detrimental to the basics of Moyes team.
Despite being on course for their worst campaign since 1989 which saw United finish in eleventh proceedings, the board have confirmed they will give Moyes time. The manager has implemented a lot of change within the backroom staff which to this day still hasn't been approved by all, but some of his team alteration could change opinion. Overrated players including Anderson and Fabio have departed whilst winger Nani looks set for a return to Lisbon following a number of years in decline of his potential.
Can Moyes Juan January signing save the day?
Mata has a massive opportunity to bleed dry all embarrassment and produce the magic United require. This proves the club still has its persuasive tactics to bring in quality. There is genuine belief Moyes can turn things around due to his dictatorial methods. How he manages to meet the demands of fans of multiple champions who have already registered their concern will be interesting.
