NO matter how compelling the evidence, it is too easy to put Sunday's abject derby display down to one person.

Statistics will tell you whatever you want them to. And even if each of United's defeats this season have coincided with the absence of Wayne Rooney, it's an over simplification to suggest that Sir Alex Ferguson's side don't work without the England striker.

Of course, Rooney is influential. He is undoubtedly one of the top players in the world, and there isn't a team in Europe that wouldn't be affected by his absence.

Rooney wouldn't be the player he is if United didn't miss him but that is no excuse for performances like Sunday's.

Looking around the pitch, I couldn't see a single player in red who could say they had a good game. It was comfortably their worst display of the season and I don't accept that Rooney's place in the stand, rather than on the pitch, was the sole reason for defeat.

There have been numerous occasions this season when United's success has been put down to the strength in depth of their squad. On that basis, this is exactly the time when the squad should come to fore, rather than buckle under the pressure of missing one man. Suspensions and injuries are part of the game, and it is fantasy to think Rooney will never miss another game.

Quality

He will. And I refuse to accept that United don't have the quality to cope with that.

Even still, there is no doubt they looked toothless in attack against City who firmly have the bragging rights this season. But how often will the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs put up such listless displays?

The question on everyone's lips is whether Fergie should have splashed out on a striker in the January transfer window.

I wasn't surprised to see him keep his cheque book in his pocket because he's never been a big mover during the season, even if the loan signing of Henrik Larsson proved so successful last year. Nicolas Anelka was an obvious option when he left Bolton and he looks to have injected life into Chelsea since his move.

It's an old issue, but the fitness of Louis Saha could be pivotal to United's hopes at home and in Europe between now and the end of the season.

Information hasn't been too forthcoming about the injury-prone Frenchman, but if we have heard the last of him for this campaign then United certainly look light in attack.

Time will tell if Fergie should have added to his front line but against Arsenal tomorrow he'll be comforted by one thought at least: Rooney's return.

And, so we're led to believe, with him in the side, we can't lose.

What do you think? Have your say.