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All eyes were on Manchester United to bounce back in style against Derby after being eliminated from the FA Cup by Portsmouth - spurned chances cost them dearly. This match was no different and it is discomfiting to know that their success now rest heavily on the shoulders of one man: Cristiano Ronaldo.

Manchester United had to thank the Portuguese for sparing them the blushes yet again. With his ninth of 11 chances in the game, Ronaldo appeased the fans, if not for accuracy but at least for persistence, as he scored the only goal to add to Derby’s woes and keep alive United’s hopes of consecutive Premier League titles.

The first 20 minutes belong to United as they run riot over the Rams and it seems a matter of time before the first goal went in. Ryan Giggs, returning as captain, aimed a downward header straight at former United’s keeper Roy Carroll. It was an indication of things to come as Ronaldo and Giggs curled shots narrowly wide, followed quickly by another low strike by the Portuguese which hit the right-hand post.

Despite the chances, the rout never materialize. Derby were amazingly “sturdy,” and instead of sitting back, they had the confidence to launch counter-attacks, from which two gilt-edged openings were created. Alex Ferguson had not counted on Derby being so insolent. The Rams were there for the taking, after all, they had just lost to Chelsea 6-1 and had not won a league match since mid-September.

Fortunately, keeper Ben Foster, in his debut match, gave a nerveless performance and highlighted his emerging talents. His first was a reflex action to turn away a snap shot from Sterjovski while his second was a fingertip save to push away a low curler from Miller.

United marked the first half with another shot across the face of goal from Ronaldo. In the second half, the Portuguese again had all the best chances, two from free-kicks that swerved viciously. The first was superbly parried by Carroll and the second flew inches past the post.

Derby were beginning to believe in themselves and a draw is not implausible but Ronaldo struck in the 76th minute. He found the net with a 12-yard sidefoot finish to a Rooney pass. The game ended with two further opportunities for Ronaldo, but Carroll was not sleeping and ensured a respectable scoreline.

United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz said: “They regrouped very well, we didn’t expect they could be so strong. We didn’t score and step by step, Derby started to believe. But we kept fighting in the second half and got the result we expected.”

Paul Jewell can take heart from the performance of his lads. The Rams cannot match the United players in terms of skills but for workrate and determination, they deserve better. Jewell said: “No one likes losing games but the way we lost is acceptable. I want that sort of performance to be the norm rather than the exception.”

Indeed, this result is cruel for Derby but for the Red Devils, I am sure they will gladly accept 1-0 wins from now till the end of the campaign. There is nothing wrong with a slim lead, and grinding out results can be interpreted as championship form. Nevertheless, it is clear that United are no longer as sharp in front of goal.

Ronaldo squandered at least ten clear-cut chances on his own, from which he converted one. Against top quality opponents in the Champions League and an eventual clash with Arsenal in what should be the title decider, the profligacy of the strikers doesn’t bode well. What better opponent than Derby to let United build up a superior goal difference and get into their free-scoring mode?

To be fair to Fergie’s babes, points are harder to come by at this stage of the season, lowly teams are not in the mood to concede ground as they are facing relegation and in a battle of survival, the unexpected can happen. Arsenal bore the brunt of this resilience and lost eight points in four recent encounters, the latest being a 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough.

Manchester United seem to be hampered by… Paul Scholes. Yes, I never thought I will say this as I respect Scholes’s technical skills on the pitch but there are signs that he is not the same after his injury, certainly miles away from his inspiration form last season. Anderson who had been improving and turning into an influential force in midfield was forced to make way by sitting on the bench or moved to the flanks. The team has got used to playing to Anderson’s style and somehow the equilibrium is affected.

I am also concerned that Ronaldo’s obsession with the Golden Boot award may not work in the interest of the team. His assists in the campaign has dipped and he is now more concerned with finishing off the chances. It is abnormal for a midfielder whose job is to supply ammunition to the front line. So long as the team wins, I can turn a blind eye, but what if it comes at the expense of the team - when passing to another player in a better position will yield more goals?

Alex Ferguson has to consider if the pairing of Ronaldo with Rooney as a strike force is a wise decision. Ronaldo’s expertise lies in his pace and link up play, placing him so far upfield is not utilizing his strength. When Scholes and Park were substituted to be replaced by Carrick and Saha, while Ronaldo resumed his role in the middle, the attack took on a more lethal dimension.

Manchester United have to check if the individualistic mentality is rearing its head. Football is all about teamwork and not personal glory. Ball hogging and taking potshots can be detrimental as seen in their recent matches. If Ferguson is successful in reinforcing team work ethos, another Premier League title is a foregone conclusion, else Lady Luck will have to help them out.

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