Jekyl and Hyde

Which Wigan would United face today?

No team in the Premiership is more schizophrenic than Wigan, as they’re capable of putting on a high-quality passing and possession game or simply not showing up, as evidenced by losing 6-0 to Chelsea and 4-0 to Blackpool earlier this year.

You had the feeling that Wigan would be lively given their impressive draw with Liverpool at Anfield in their last Premiership match.

A victory is crucial here, as the fixtures come thick and fast now, with Chelsea waiting in the wings on Tuesday. Squad rotation becomes paramount this time of year.

Enter Chicharito from stage left. Exit Berba stage right.

Nobody in recent memory in a United shirt makes a better near-post run than Mr. Hernandez, with his timing and exceptional pace. One-nil to the good.

Yet, no comfort is available at halftime, as Wigan had more possession and an equal number of high-quality chances as United. Van der Sar was United’s superstar with two point-blank, rob-jobs in the first half.

This game felt like so many on the road this year for nearly 30 minutes into the second half, with the Red Devils pressing for that game-clinching goal that felt like it might not come.

Once again, up steps Javier Hernandez, who plays a simple give-and-go with Rooney and it’s 2-0. Game. Set. Match.

Immediately after the second goal you could see people streaming out of the DW Stadium, as the outcome was no longer in doubt.

Up steps Mr. Hyde.

The fans knew best, as United proceeded to add two more, one for Rooney from a nice release pass from Gibson to Berba over the top across the box to Rooney for a tap-in and one for Fabio camped at the far post. Four-nil, a flattering score line ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

There are many takeaways from this match.

First, Van der Sar’s brilliant, as he kept a clean sheet in the first half despite two high-quality chances for Wigan. Had either opportunity gone in, it would have been an entirely different match. His angles and Inspector Gadget-like reach make for a formidable keeper. It’s already bittersweet knowing he’s near retirement.

Second, Smalling continues to look solid, which is critical now with Evans and Rio out. He’s been a rock in the air, timed his tackles flawlessly, and maintains excellent position with Vidic. I’ve said it before, but Vida looks nearly as calm with Smalling as he does with Rio – a real tribute to the lad’s play. He’s looking more and more like a bargain for United.

Third, Rooney’s a very, very lucky man not to be red carded for his elbow to James McCarthy early in the first half, which could have drastically changed the match’s flow and ultimate outcome.

It’s a very, very selfish thing to take a shot like that, despite the fact that McCarthy makes himself a target for retaliation with several poor, borderline tackles in the match. Rooney single-handedly could have turned the title race on its head with one moment of rush of blood to the head.

Fourth, Sir Alex got the alchemy just right both in terms of team selection and formation today.

Utilizing the European formation against Wigan, along with the insertion of Chicharito’s pace, allowed United to control the midfield better and become much more dangerous on the counter-attack. Nani, Rooney, and Hernandez were a handful on the counter all by themselves and exceedingly dangerous with overlapping play from Evra; it was reminiscent of the best of United from the latter stages of the Champions League the past few years.

Utilizing John O’Shea at right back has proven a stroke of brilliance, as he adds that measure of stability across the back, with his decision-making, aerial presence, and measured runs forward, which lets Evra push forward a bit more – much like Park allowing Ronaldo to venture forward.

And finally, what else is left to say about Chicharito?!

The lad’s a wonderful striker who adds a much-needed dimension to the Red Devil’s attack. He’s got blistering pace, a silky first-touch, well-timed runs, and a knack for scoring important goals. Without him today, it’s conceivable that United wouldn’t have won the match, as it could have divulged into a dreary, frustrating encounter.

Both of his goals came from his incessant running off the ball, which creates lovely pockets of space around him for others to capitalize on. If I were a coach, I’d love to have a video camera transfixed to the lad for textbook purposes – he’s that good. His running comes close to Rooney’s best efforts from last year’s incredible goal tally, which may cause Fergie selection headaches on Tuesday.

Would you sit this lad after today’s performance? Yet, how do you leave the Premier League’s leading scorer on the bench?

Well, maybe the FA’s disciplinary committee will solve this problem for the Red Devils, who could be facing the Blues without Rooney. Ah, but I digress.

I posed the question. “Who would United face today?” assuming it would be one OR the other.

Who knew it’d be Dr. Jekyll in the first AND Mr. Hyde in the second. Extraordinary.

I, for one, hope that Roberto Martinez’ men stay up, as it’s nice to have a bottom-dwelling club committed to playing attractive football. But, based on their difficulty scoring, they look like prime candidates to go down. Ultimately, the dark side looks to be winning here.

-----

My apologies for not posting after the Champions League clash. Back at you well-after the Chelsea match, with the workday media blackout in full effect. Cheers.

Sleep Walking

This is no fairy tale non-league side here in Crawley Town, as they’re richer than most clubs in League One and League Two, without much strong support – about 2,000 per match.

However, that didn’t stop 7,000 bandwagon-jumpers from joining the Crawley supporters having a big day out at Old Trafford. And why not?

It’s a big club and ground in the FA Cup’s 5th round.

How strange, really, the juxtaposition of the match, as it’s absolutely huge for Crawley, while United got a run-out for second-string and fringe players between the Manchester derby and Champions League knockout round.

It was an opportunity to impress for Bebe, Brown, Chicharito, Fabio, Lindegaard, Gibson, and Obertan.

Outside a flicker from Chicharito, Fabio and Gibson, consider the opportunity wasted for fringe players, especially in the second half where Crawley Town were the better side.

Here are seven quick observations from the match.

1. The cumulative Carling and FA Cup runs thus far show that United do not have depth in quality, especially in the midfield, where the tempo was poor and possession conceded much, much too cheaply. We now have a string of poor performances from this group; it’s officially a trend, not a one-off aberration.

2. Gibson had a few excellent crosses, yet he still doesn’t seem to cover enough ground in the center of the park within a formation that employs two central midfielders. Gibson is a liability at this point, which became clear against a non-league side that he should boss around.

3. Bebe continues to disappoint, with his play matching his body language: poor. The lad’s got physical presence and good pace, yet he looks like someone with pub league traits – poor first touch, wild crosses, and ill-timed decisions. Hard to envision he cost around the same amount as Chicharito. At best, you can say he’s talented and very, very raw. Closed-circuit to the training staff: make Bebe juggle the ball until he can keep it in the air without dropping for 200+ touches before he can even practice with the squad.

4. On one hand, Fabio looked sharp at times going forward in the first half and it’s always nice to see the twins on the pitch simultaneously.

5. On the other hand, both twins left the pitch with injuries and are a cause for concern, both in the short- and long-term. You wonder with their all-out style and body composition if they can handle the rigors of an EPL season. Only time will tell.

6. Putting Rooney on made no difference whatsoever in this match, outside of an initial five-minute spell. Soon the casual and sloppy play infected Wazza as well, with a yellow card coming from a petulant tackle immediately after a foul throw from United’s number ten.

7. Despite everything, United move on in the FA Cup. Results matter more than style, as a Double or Treble still remains a possibility for the Red Devils.

Today United sleepwalked through a non-league side, which won’t be an option in the next round.

Full credit to a spirited Crawley Town.

You leave Old Trafford with your head held high and your bank account one million pounds richer, a well-deserved payday for your impressive FA Cup. Cheers to you.

---

Back at you well after the midweek Champions League encounter with Marseille on Wednesday.

Paint the Town Red

You never quite know what to expect from a major derby, let alone the most expensive match ever played. Player wages hit astronomical levels here, even being noticed by a non-sports radio shows in the US.

Well, with the world watching, what would become of the 159th Manchester and 144th league derby? Would United all-but knock City out from title contention or would City open up the title race?

First off, I digress just a moment with a quick personal story.

My mate Peter, a Forest fan, turned 50 this week. Last night was his annual beer taster, birthday party at his house where everyone brings a six-pack of their favorite ale, a great idea for a party.

Next, for one of his birthday presents, a friend found in his family’s belongings a Manchester United 1983 FA Cup Winners scarf and decided to give it to Pete, thinking he’d appreciate it. Only in America would someone not know what to do with such a valued souvenir.

Like a true Forest fan, he told the would-be gift-giver that he could not accept the scarf – lingering bitterness over Keano, surly – but he’d give it to someone who’d adore it.

Yep, that’s me.

So, with the French press all set and newly acquired-but-historially-old scarf draped over our large TV, it’s game on way too early in the morning in Minnesota.

The first bit of gamesmanship involved City making United attack the Stretford End in the first half just to annoy the Red faithful.

The match opened up with frenetic stuff for about 15 minutes that quickly settled down to a chess match much as was expected without an early goal.

Initial impression was that City appeared dangerous, with David Silva’s quick touches and movement looking menacing. Rooney, meanwhile, led the line nicely, but seemed a bit isolated at times, with both City center halves closing down on him. United’s joy would from the counter or Nani dribbling around players.

What an incredible opening goal from Nani.

Rooney headed a Route One ball to Giggs, whose first-touch pass found a streaking Nani in behind the defenders. Nani’s exquisite first-touch leads him directly on goal for a composed finish around Hart. One-nil to the good

Now City needs to chase the derby with Dzeco on and a change to 4-4-2, which should open up the match. United can exploit the counter.

However, the trouble with one-goal leads is that you’re one piece of bad luck away from level terms, which unfortunately cam from Dzeco’s deflected shot off Silva’s backside and it’s 1-1.

Game on again.

This bit of fortune lifts City’s play and Sir Alex knows a change is in order, with Berbatov coming on now and both sides employ the 4-4-2, leading to even more wide open play.

Which brings me to THE goal.

Many have suggested that United haven’t hit top gear yet despite leading the league, typically pointing to Rooney’s meager goal-scoring record and the bevy of away ties thus far this year. The thinking goes that if Rooney were to hit last year’s form, United could walk away with the title.

If you’re reading this, first, you’re almost certainly a United fan, and even if not, you more than likely follow football closely and have seen Wazza’s brilliance.

The goal-of-the-year candidate and subsequent in-your-face celebration in front of the City fans is one of THOSE moments that’s etched in the brain forever, if you love the Red Devils.

It’s one of THOSE reactions that has you screaming at the top of your lungs and wondering thirty seconds later “How’d I end up over here?”, as the outer-body experience involves some form of jumping and moving that can’t be explained.

It’s one of THOSE moments that has me wish I was at the Pub this morning versus watching at home so I can keep our timeline and make the nephew’s third birthday party half a town away. (Closed circuit to Rowan: happy third my boy, as if you become a United fan, I will never let you forget what happed on this historic day.)

Which leads me to my final, rapid-fire analysis of the match.

First, well done, Mr. Smalling! There were times when you dropped back too far or seemed slightly hesitant, but you were largely rock-solid today. More importantly, Vidic seemed much, much calmer playing along side you versus Jonny Evans. Cheers to the Number Twelve.

Second, United’s menace largely came from Nani, who looked a threat all afternoon. Nobody can stop him individually; it requires a collective effort that opens up space for everybody else. Your goal and deflected cross earn you a hearty cheers as well.

And last, it’s today’s hero: Wayne Rooney. What can you say about the White Pele?!

THE goal is a world-class piece of magic that’s worthy of winning a title, which surly won’t be lost on City with the rumors of Wazza’s flirtations with the blue-half of Manchester.

The subsequent “Welcome to Manchester!” pose directly in front of the away supporters was somewhat predictable but nevertheless an important and emphatic stamp of authority from one of football’s rarest talents, saying “The title is ours AND I belong to the Red half of Manchester. Take that!”

Take that indeed.

United now sit eight points ahead of City, with a game in hand, and seven ahead of Arsenal before they kickoff with Wolves today.

Unlike the 1983 FA Cup Final, today didn’t require any extra time nor extra match heroics, but I think a certain scarf has found a new home on the TV for many matches to come.

---

Back at you after the Crawley Town match. Cheers.

Switch Off

It’s top versus bottom of the table, with United having won the last six in league and cup competitions against Wolves thanks to Parks injury-time winner at Old Trafford on November 6th.

In a topsy-turvy weekend with a record-breaking total goal tally, would there be another shock today?

Unfortunately, yes, as a dodgy defense brings the unbeaten streak to an end against Wolves of all teams. This leaves McCarthy’s men with United, Chelsea and City as scalps taken thus far this season.

What a bizarre title race, as it looks like 82-84 points will win the whole thing at this pace.

And, for United, we’ve seen this coming on the road for a very, very long time – no more “get out of jail free” cards left to play.

Full credit to Kevin Doyle and Wolves, as you knew they’d battle the full 90 minutes. It was very, very positive stuff from them in the first half garnering two goals and 54% of the possession against United.

For a long time many fans, pundits, and bloggers alike have been unimpressed with United’s streak. And, with good reason, as the Red Devils Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde form would likely catch up to the squad.

This match points out three glaring concerns for United.

First, when United play without Rio Ferdinand, everybody’s form along the back line suffers, with Vidic making uncharacteristic mistakes and Evans yet again looking so shaky that Fergie knew right after half he’d have to sub him. Exactly how do you let Kevin Doyle get the better of you?!

Smalling looked better than Mr. Evans after coming on, which should worry everyone as the poor form isn’t getting any better with the Irish lad.

Which brings me incredulously to Capt’n Vidic.

Vidic also gets nervy and makes blunders you don’t see with Rio on the pitch, with his facial expression looking noticeably more stressed today than with the usual partner. Typically, Nemanja looks hard and in-control even when getting called for a foul, but not today, with Rio’s health a worry to us all.

Second, the midfield is filled with hardworking graft but little craft outside of Nani, Giggs and Scholes. Sir Alex can’t keep playing Giggsy the full 90 minutes week-in, week-out without some drop off in form while Scholes isn’t always able to summon his best on-demand when required by United.

Which brings me to Nani.

Nani was brilliant most of today, with his goal coming from remarkable individual quickness and class to split two defenders and beat the keeper on the near post.

However, Nani can also be wildly inconsistent within matches, as he may be wonderful dribbling around players only to hit a cross to nowhere.

Today there were multiple times when Berba, Rooney, and others found space in the box just off the leading edge only to watch a wide player’s cross fly someplace else or directly to the keeper, with the Red Devils more reliant on an effective aerial attack with the pudding-like pitch at Molineaux.

How does the attack stay sharp with crap crosses?! Poor service leads to poor striker form, especially for this squad on the road.

Which brings me to my third and final point: the Red Devil defense switching off on set pieces.

Both Wolves’ goals came from obvious lapses in concentration, with the short corner played with Rafael not paying attention, while the other set piece coming from Vidic was late on a needless tackle attempt just outside the box.

Yes, Milijas provided a hugely dangerous delivery, and yes, it would only take the slightest of touches to wrong-foot van der Sar.

But how are both Elokobi and Doyle able to get to the ball first, nearly throwing each other off, while the United defense were simply out-muscled by the pair? Again, a Rio-less center half combination looks vulnerable, especially in the air.

One of the definitions of “set piece” in the dictionary is as a noun: “an arrangement of slow-burning fireworks forming a design or composition when lighted.”

Here’s to putting today’s slow-burning display behind us and looking forward to next weekend’s home match with the Middle Eastland Blues.

----

Back at you next Saturday. Cheers.

Welcome Back, White Pele

With the huge transfer sums paid for strikers Darren Bent, Edin Dzeko, Fernando Torres, Luis Suarez, and Andy Carroll, along with the fair play restrictions, United’s moves and non-moves look better and better by the day, with the belief to keep Berbatov, the shrewd purchase of Chicharito and the coup in keeping Rooney despite his transfer request.

Prior to kickoff, Sir Alex gave Wayne a concrete goal to strive for by asking The Number Ten to tally double-digits this term, a reasonable target.

Well, it took Wazza less than a minute to answer his critics and his manager’s call.

Van der Sar hit a gloriously weighted 60-yard ball over the top of Richard Dunne, which Wayne took down with a velvet first touch and subsequent well-struck volley from 16 yards whizzed past Brad Friedel. One-nil to United.

How many times does a keeper get an assist? Incredible. It’s just another jewel to add to the Dutchman’s collection in his final year at Old Trafford.

To bookend his impressive half, Rooney stuck again almost on the stroke of half time, from a delicious cross that bent around the defender and the striker simply had to hit a one-time shot home from inside the six-yard box. This goal was all about Nani’s delivery, yet Wazza was in the right place at the right time to strike it home.

You get the feeling the damn could very well break for this lad.

Rooney’s overall movement, work rate and set-up play has largely come back. What’s been missing all season is THAT predatory striker with a big heart, one that simply wants the ball and the opportunity more than the defender.

No United fan will ever forget the lightening-quick, full-field counter attack goal against Arsenal last year, as we simply watched Wayne out run half the Gunners the length of the pitch to get in place for a first-touch, side-foot volley past an incredulous stadium.

We’re starting to see the signs of the reemergence of THAT Wayne Rooney. Or, in the words of Mr. Houllier:

"They [United] have managed to win a lot of games and remain unbeaten without him. With him, wow. He was on top of his game today. He had everything. He can control, turn, twist, [and] play the pass. He defends, he works hard. It was an example for what kids should do. The work rate and link play. Everything."

Shudder the thought, title-chasers.

----

Back at you after the Wolves match. Cheers.