haven't read the whole thread and I apologize if it's been said already. Throughout that game, esp 2nd. half I couldn't help but think (constantly) how much we need a player like Fer, someone to out the tough tackles in, pick up the ball and charge forward with it. It would have given us another dimension, made Utd think a bit more and probably enhanced our other options. Gibson is Gibson and still trying to find his form, even when he does he is limited (but effective enough for our purposes), Osman needs a rest, his seasonal purple patch has come and gone, he needs to regenerate / regain his focus or both.
Thought Diame in the earlier game looked impressive too and similar to what I believe Fer would bring to us.
