Sir Alex Ferguson won't consider retiring until Manchester United win its 19th league title - one more than Liverpool - to become the greatest club in the history of English football. But from Ferguson's point of view, beating Liverpool is perhaps as important as winning the league title.

?Berbatov’s stunning hat-trick destroyed Liverpool's fight back.

The Scot must have been the happiest man in Britain when Dimitar Berbatov completed his amazing hat-trick six minutes from time and nailed the victory for the 'Red Devils'. But the thrilling encounter exposed many question marks about Ferguson's team.

The biggest is in the midfield. United rely too heavily on Paul Scholes. The 36-old-veteran has so far started all five Premiership games this season. It's true that Scholes has maintained his form - he was named F.A. player of the month in August. But these days he can only play 60 minutes of a game. When Scholes runs out of steam, United lose their direction and rhythm in attack. Darren Fletcher is a willing worker, but is there to break up plays, not to start them.

In the last 20 or 30 minutes, even teams like Fulham can enjoy comfortable spells of possession against Manchester United. Fulham and Everton managed to level the scores through goals in injury time against United. On Sunday, Gerrard's penalty and free-kick in the 64th and 70th minutes almost stole a point for Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Scholes will play an important role in United's title challenge but you can't count on a 36-year-old veteran to play every game and maintain the same level of fitness as ten years ago.

The same case applies to United's other veteran star, Ryan Giggs. The Welsh winger dictated the Liverpool game with a fine display of craftsmanship from the traditional left-wing role that he is rarely pressed into these days. Incisive as ever, Giggs has nevertheless lost his pace, the most important quality for a wide man.

Ferguson's side has failed to sign a genuinely left-footed winger who can run the flank and provide precise crosses. Nani can play on the left, but the Portuguese international prefers to cut inside onto his favored right foot to shoot.

Scholes and Giggs are still reliable, but the years will dim their abilities sooner or later. It is time for Sir Alex to find quality successors.

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