United Waste Wolves 5-0

When Jonny Evans scores his first goal in 119 games, that doesn’t bode well for the opposition, as the football gods must be smiling down upon United. Or, perhaps it was leftover St. Patrick’s Day fortune for the lad. Regardless, it spelt doom for Wolves.

There’s really very little energy over here to blog about this match, such was the comfortable how-hum nature of the proceedings.

Thus, you get the easiest of formats here: the top five reactions to the match.

First off, how incredibly stupid was Ronald Zubar’s tackle on Welbeck?

Daft beyond all recognition, as you put your side down to ten men with over 60 minutes of football against the reigning champions in the midst of a relegation battle. Can you say gaffer’s doghouse?

I get wanting to close down the forward, but if your timing’s off along the touchline, that type of challenge gets booked nine out of ten times, with the winger taken down and acres of space behind the play.

Second, despite the comfortable score line, it seemed like there were more goals to be had by Sir Alex’s men.

Certainly, Thursday’s match and travel took some sharpness off the effort and it’s an excellent result, but Wolves were soooo poor for much of the match. This easily could have been 6, 7, or 8 to the good.

Behind closed doors Fergie might have a sharp word or two with the squad regarding their at-times flippant passing and possession. Goal differential matters and United didn’t take full advantage of a severely wounded side here.

Third, United employed the correct formation today, with Chicharito up top, Rooney in the hole, Welbeck drifting all over the place from the left, and Valencia playing textbook right wing.

Valencia and Chicharito, in their own ways, push defenses and create ample space for Rooney, Welbeck, and Carrick to create havoc. The pressure felt on Wolves’ left flank because Valencia beat Ward repeatedly caused the usual domino effect in mismarking everybody else. Which leads me to the next point.

Fourth, welcome back Antonio Valencia!

Since the New Year, he’s been the Red Devils most consistent catalyst going forward, getting around the edge and supplying excellent service to the front line. His pace and strength creates serious problems for opponent’s left backs, which has defenses paying lop-sided attention to his flank.

His goal was simply superb, as he broke the length of the pitch, gathered Rooney’s ball over the top, and raced to goal with delightful finish one-to-one against the keeper – a brilliant, counter-attacking surge. Valencia’s definitely deserving of everyone’s Man of the Match.

And finally, I reserve my MOTM honors for the man who broke his duck and opened up United’s account off a corner in the 21st minute: Jonny Evans. Today’s award is as much about the body of work in 2012 as his usual, solid effort today.

Evans did his job with his now-usual assuredness, a trait we didn’t think we’d witness after his horrible red card against City. In fact, many advocated selling the player in the January transfer window. Thankfully, Sir Alex knows better.

It takes time and patience to develop good, young center halves, something we’re all too intimately aware of in light of United’s failings in Europe.

Thus, we salute the bit of luck due a certain Northern Irishman, one who has earned our praise and recognition for his effort and improvement this campaign. Jonny, you’ve had as much to do with United’s ascent to the top as anyone in the starting eleven. Cheers to you on your first goal and a job well done.

---

Also, our thoughts and prayers go out to Fabrice Muamba, his family, and Bolton Wanderers. Be well son.

Top of the Table to You

The murmuring around Old Trafford provided a strange buzz that required no explanation: City just fell behind late. The predictable singing aimed at the Blues rolled around the ground.

United sit on top, one point over City, with ten games left after United’s 2-0 defeat of West Brom and City’s 1-0 loss at Swansea.

This lead looms large, as Red Devils also possess an easier run-in, with the Middle Eastlands needing to play Chelsea, Arsenal, as well as United. Sir Alex’s side could sit four points clear before the Blues kickoff next weekend, piling pressure on his Italian counterpart.

And it's beginning to show.

Mancini played the role of devastated manager, in a very Wenger-like performance, mystified by the result, unnerved, and seemingly unable to conjure up anything to help his side move forward.

Contrast the City gaffer to Fergie’s focused attention in his post-match comments, including, at no extra charge, free translations from Sir Alex Ferguson’s The Art of War, Premiership Edition:

"The City defeat was a bonus I didn't expect (A horrible blunder; how could you loose THAT game?!) but I am happy to be top (as in you can’t handle it) because only a few weeks ago we were seven points behind them (United’s brilliant ascendency; the Blues’ massive collapse).

"That is credit to the players and the resilience of the squad (against all odds) because as everyone knows, we have had a lot of injuries (If you can’t stay ahead of us when we’re injured, you stand no chance now, as we approach fitness.).''

The media portray Roberto Mancini as a tactician, one who is a bit aloof from his players, which doesn’t bode well for the title run-in.

Teams in City’s position need to reframe the media conversations around the side, with comments like “We’re disappointed with the result today, but there’s still over a quarter of the season to play. It’s a long race that will go to the wire. We accept that. Yet, we play United at home and view that as a major advantage. We like our chances.”

Nothing of the kind will come from this cool Italian. So, if the manager won’t lift City, who will?

Some suggest it could be Carlos Tevez.

THAT man from Argentina doesn’t deserve a second chance, with Carlito’s Way difficult for all to comprehend, as he’s brilliantly determined striker, one capable of carrying a team for a spell.

On the other hand, as we’ve witnessed, he’s unprofessional, petty, and childish to the extreme – a high-risk, high-reward gamble that can turn cancerous. Oh, and what added pressure Tevez’ return could place on Mancini, who once stated he’d never again play for the club.

We all know in life, until you’ve accomplished something, it is human nature to doubt, if only on occasion, until you finally accomplish a penultimate goal as difficult as winning the Premier League.

World-class footballers possess a rare confidence, a sheer force of will it takes to beat incredible odds to reach the pinnacle of the beautiful game. One blog writer smack-dab in the middle of North America is no expert about sports psychology, without question.

Yet, it doesn’t take any education or experience to see what’s transpiring absolutely naked right in front of us, in the gobsmacked expression on Mancini’s fate in Cardiff. Just look at the man.

Roberto will face countless questions about the Blue’s title credentials from now until season’s end, with any missteps, any miscalculated tactics – like playing two holding midfielders and taking off Silva early today, hint-hint – drawing major scrutiny. The questions and pressure take their toll.

Sir Alex will exploit this to no end, assuredly, as that’s the luxury that comes from winning the Premier League twelve times. People don’t doubt United.

We’ve witnessed this film before. We know the story. We love how it ends.

Clinical United Best Spurs and Chelsea Implodes

What must old ‘Arry be thinking now?

Concede eight goals in four halves of football. England. Dominate possession and lose to United yet again. England. What must we do to get a break? England.

You get the picture.

The Tottenham defense looked as distracted as the man most likely to lead Inger-Land into the European Championships. Spurs are in real trouble.

Ah, but must we focus so much attention on the side from North London, when the Red Devils dispatched Spurs with the customary aplomb.

These massive three points were overshadowed by events elsewhere this weekend, with a resurgent Arsenal, Andre Villas-Boas sacked, and a possible return of the Special One to the Premiership.

Thus, here’s a Cliff’s Notes analysis of United’s performance before moving on to the misery at Chelsea.

Solid job all around for United’s back five, especially Jonny Evans, who played flawlessly all afternoon and is a worthy MOTM candidate. Rio was massive as well.

Both Scholes and Giggs looked their age and United’s midfield being outplayed much of this match, while failing to keep possession comfortably until being up 3-0.

De Gea made some excellent saves early on to keep the score line nil-nil.

Rooney looked out-of-form, yet put United into the lead just before half time thanks to a pacy, pernicious corner from Ashley Young, our Man of the Match, who netted two himself, including a Goal of the Week postage stamp to emphatically kill off this match.

Young took up Valencia’s mantle just in time and on his own terms, mostly through his whipped service and ability to drift into pockets of space versus continuing to press the edge like Antonio.

The timing of Young’s excellence couldn’t be better for Sir Alex leading into the two months and change in the season.

Elsewhere in England, much focus is on the downward spiral of Chelsea, as AVB becomes the fifth manager sacked since the departure of the Special One.

And, who didn’t see this one coming million miles away?

When Andre Villas-Boas said he didn’t need the support of the locker room, as long as he had the owner’s backing, everybody knew his days were numbered, which culminated in a club statement that tried fruitlessly to thank the now-former manager:

“Andre Villas-Boas has parted company (kicked out) with Chelsea FC today. The Board would like to record our gratitude (hurl, barf, choke) for his work (crazy, highline football with an old squad) and express our disappointment (cha-ching) that the relationship has ended so early…

“Unfortunately the results and the performances of the team have not been good enough (5th place) and were showing no signs of improving at a key time (lost Champions League) in the season.”

Chelsea age gracelessly much to Red Devil delight.

C’mon, can you ever imagine Terry and Lampard accepting similar roles to those of Giggs or Scholes? (I know, I know – let’s just assume their bodies would hold up.)

Never.

Both players’ massive egos, if anything, appear to inflate over time, which doesn’t match their diminishing pace and production on the pitch.

Which speaks to everything that’s wrong with Stamford Bridge outfit the moment.

Chelsea’s dressing room has a habit of getting managers fired prematurely, as Ferguson hath reminded us on many an occasion, no one player – eh, Beckham – can get bigger than the manager nor the club. Never. All is lost otherwise.

Indeed, another title campaign’s gone, and quite possibly, a Champions League spot may be lost on an expensive, aging side with the advent of financial fair play just around the corner – the precise moment Chelsea can least afford to take a hit to revenue. Oh, the deliciously irony.

As we witness the predictable implosion of a billionaire owner’s plaything, thanks to his own meddling nonetheless, we appreciate newly the meaning of “schadenfreude.”

Giggs Tears Norwich City Apart

Game 900 is ho-hum affair for United and Giggsy. It’s another run of the mill injury time goal. You knew it’d come, right?

Please.

Some surreal scriptwriter absolutely loves this evergreen twosome. And who wouldn’t, with both players simply oozing class, composure and consistency.

First, it’s quintessential Scholes, who pops up in the box for the millionth time to open United’s account in the 7th minute. At that point, the match seemed like a comfortable walk in the park.

Oh no, that would be contrary to the story and would ruin the fairy tale ending.

You just knew the Canaries would score, given their track record and form, as they created several excellent chances only to be thwarted by a sensational David De Gea, who would have been the MOTM had the score line remained 1-0 United.

From the neutral’s perspective, however, Norwich’s just desserts came in the 83rd minute where Grant Holt delivered the inevitable, a top-class, late goal as they’ve done repeatedly this year.

Now, Sir Alex’s side up the tempo right on command, as we buckle-up for the final seven minutes, plus injury time, of high drama.

After Welbeck missed his wide-open header, you suspected this was the work of the football gods, as if they said, “No, no, son – it’s not your turn” kind of divine intervention.

Then, at full crescendo in our building operatic performance, in the second minute of injury time comes Sir – hint, hint – Ryan Giggs tucking home Young’s marvelous far-post ball with the outside of that magical left boot.

It’s game, set, and match right in front of 1,500 delirious away supporters.

You simply can’t make this stuff up.

How gut-wrenching it must be for both City sides, Norwich and Manchester, to witness this seemingly hidden gear deliver another massive three points

How lucky are we to support United and witness Giggs’ mastery?

Immeasurably fortunate, without question, is the obvious reply.

In hindsight, could this match have ended any other way than for the best ever Premier League player to crown his illustrious career with another match-winning jewel?

Indeed, Giggs will tear you apart again.

Reactions to United’s Victory Over Childish Pool

Well, it’s unfortunate that 90 minutes of excellent Red Devil football will be overshadowed by antics and theatrics before, at half, and after the match – this, our first talking point.

Beforehand, you knew the pantomime villain would be Suarez, without question at Old Trafford, much like Evra at Anfield in weeks prior. You absolutely anticipated that United supporters would give abuse right on queue singing “We know what you are” at the little number seven.

What we didn’t know is that Suarez’ petulance would start before kickoff, as he refused to shake Evra’s hand.

Really? How incredibly stupid are you?

All you had to do is shake hands, not get sent off, and this chapter would be behind you. Now, you’re back on the FA’s radar, and since you’re the only forward that can score for Liverpool, you threaten your club’s chances at holding the seventh spot.

Afterwards, the drama, predictably, continued in the media.

First, an incredulous Sir Alex winds things up:

"I could not believe it, I just could not believe it. He's a disgrace to Liverpool Football Club, that certain player should not be allowed to play for Liverpool again.

“The history that club's got and he does that and in a situation like today could have caused a riot. I was really disappointed in that guy, it was terrible what he did.”

"It created a tension, you've seen the referee didn't know what to do about it. It caught him off guard. It was a terrible start to the game, a terrible atmosphere it created."

Next up, the comical Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish responded: "I think you're bang out of order to blame Luis Suarez for anything that happened here today."

Really? What color is the sky in your world, Cliff? (As in Cliff Clavin from “Cheers”, for the sit-com challenged.)

What’s next, K-k-ken? Are you going to tell us “It's a little known fact that the tan became popular in what is known as the Bronze Age”?

Please.

What we do know is THE feud continues, with Suarez, and Evra, thanks to excessive celebrating, face some possible disciplinary action.

Ah, let’s rest the obvious talking point and return to the REAL stuff: the play on the pitch.

Rarely in this blog do I ever compliment a referee, but today’s one of those days. Phil Dowd did a brilliant job of keeping his cards in his pocket and keeping composure, choosing to talk to players and slow the match at appropriate spots to clam matters.

Once again, we could have witnessed an entirely different result had Dowd gotten wrong Ferdinand’s tackle on Suarez. It’s either clean or a red-card-foul. Rio got it right, an immaculate tackle, but we all know what happened on this ground before – dare I say against a certain match against the barcodes. We do not take proper calls for granted, with the speed of these matches.

It’s no coincidence, then, that things boiled over outside of match minutes but remained relatively restrained within the confines of this massive derby match.

Well done, Dowd.

Next, United’s defence deserves accolades, but still, that unease continues to linger on, after conceding in the 80th minute off another mistake from nothing.

The score did not reflect the run of play and excellent job of defending done by all, and in particular, the two center halves, Rio and Evans, both of whom took turns marking Suarez tightly even when he tracked back for the ball, and later, manned up impressively against both forwards.

Ultimately, though, United faced a nervy final ten minutes after conceding a goal off a set-piece mistake. Once again, this side bossed large stretches of the match and one mistake brought another beaten side back into a match.

It’s one thing to get beaten by excellent play; it’s another to gift goals off mistakes. United’s nervy knees continue to reappear amidst good overall play. This trend is definitely not over, not by a long shot.

Moving on, once again Valencia proved lethal in attacking an opponent, as his white-hot form continues.

So good is Antonio that Fergie confidently placed Giggs wide-left, knowing that the evergreen winger wouldn’t always cover the touch line and would track central much of the afternoon – making it abundantly clear United would focus on the right.

But, it didn’t matter.

Valencia beat Enrique frequently one-to-one, as Liverpool learned quickly to double-team every time Antonio got the ball. Valencia made Stuart Downing look pedestrian, as the number nineteen clearly didn’t feel like defending that deep, that often, which muted his threat going forward for Pool.

It’s another brilliant job by United’s number twenty-five in his attempt at a second consecutive Player of the Month campaign.

And finally, my Man of the Match, Wayne Rooney, who had only scored two goals from nineteen previous matches against his archenemy prior to kickoff, doubled his total in less than 45 minutes of football.

Wazza was brilliant in the hole, as he converted two of three guilt-edged chances, adding the clinical edge for United. Surprisingly, his easiest chance caught him off-guard – so good was Scholes’ dummy that Roo’s first touch was equally as poor as his toe-poke wide from close range. Should have been a hattrick, really, but regardless, he’s finally broken his own personal duck of sorts against the wrong half of Merseyside.

When Fergie wondered out loud how United lost to Liverpool in the FA Cup, the obvious answer was a lack of a finishing touch, with Wazza missing of course. Clearly Rooney’s brings the necessary sharpness to United’s chances around goal.

Mark my words: Rooney looks poised to return to his blistering form, much like what we witnessed prior to last year, especially with the return of a healthy Tom Cleverley, who’s apparently built a telekinetic connection with Welbeck on the training ground these past few weeks.

We all remember Cleverley turning the corner on his mark, making quick-and-decisive touch passes to open up opponents. He’s exactly the type of dimension United need in the center of the park, which also provides the gaffer with a bonus opportunity to rest Giggs and Scholes more with a crowded fixture list ahead.

Thus, as we move on, we know the drama will continue between these clubs, with Dalglish, claiming to have seen “nuth-ing, nuutthhh-ing!!!” in his best Sargent Schultz impression.

Certainly, the FA did see something, while we all await their verdict.

Five Reactions to United’s Stamford Bridge Comeback

How many talking points can you have from one match?

Certainly this tilt deserves more than the customary number – if only there were enough time to complete it. Thus, here are my top five reactions to the match.

First, there’s great relief in Sir Alex’s men coming back from 3-0 for a 3-3 draw. It’s the sort of epic comeback you’ll remember for decades.

Yet, for the second straight “big” match, including the Pool FA Cup defeat as the other, United controlled play, seemed the better side, and yet poor defending at inopportune moments led to disappointment.

If Fergie wondered “How’d we lose that one?” after Anfield, he must be thinking “How in the world were we down by three?” in the 50th minute.

That’s a great question indeed.

One could argue that United is spoiled, with the Rio and Vidic partnership and Van Der Sar in the nets in our recent past. Our comparison comes from a very high bar, admittedly.

Yet, the game film will highlight how the Blues scored their goals off poor defending, with Sturridge getting around Evra when he’s got inside help, Mata sitting wide freakin’ open, and Sideshow Bob getting ahead of Rio on a set piece. This must improve to win the title.

Second, how does Gary Cahill stay on the park after taking down Welbeck as the last man?

The answer: it’s too early for Webb or the linesman to make that call at Stamford Bridge, given a red card would certainly accompany the penalty. I wholeheartedly disagree with this prevailing tendency, but it’s the reality of how matches like this are refereed in England. We move on.

Third, Chelsea supporters at the pub claimed MOTM honors for Howard Webb for both second half penalties given to United.

Fair enough. On the day it’s very rare indeed that you’re awarded both spot kicks, yet the Red Devils had four decent claims during the match in total. From that perspective and the Cahill-non-call, the two don’t look nearly as egregious. Thus, both are justified in my book.

Fourth, De Gea’s save late-on demonstrate why United have so much belief in the lad. This stop will rank right up there with the top saves of the season. (BTW, did anyone else have a flashback to Barthez at Anfield from season’s past?) Absolutely incredible, as that ball was going in. It’s truly a save that gained the Reds a vital point.

Finally, THE single most important talking point is the manner in which this side kept composure, maintained focus, and demonstrated that incredible spirit we’ve all come to expect from a Ferguson managed side.

The timing and play of the substitutions were spot-on, as Chicharito’s pace changed the match immediately in the 53rd minute, as the Mexican’s constant movement created loads of space in his backwash. This allowed Rooney, Carrick, Giggs, and eventually, Scholes to boss possession. Always remember the rule: Never, ever count out a Sir Alex Ferguson side.

Thus, as we look forward and see several key players return from injury, there’s never a question about United’s heart and desire going forward. The goals will come and attacking play will improve.

Our only question is can this club defend well enough to win the gaffer another one?
That one remains to be seen.

Five Reactions to United’s Victory over Stoke

Who knew it’d be this easy to beat the side sitting eighth in the Premier League?

On a night were United draw level once again with the Middle Eastlands, there’s so much to relish in this abbreviated blog post. Let’s get straight to the goods.

First, father time was brilliant once again in the heart of the Red Devil midfield. What else can you write about the ginger haired half of the evergreen tag-team? Scholes once again absolutely controlled the park along with Carrick. He’s utterly brilliant, United’s new number twenty-two. Now we know why Fergie hasn’t forayed into the transfer market for a central midfielder.

Second, is anyone playing better than Antonio Valencia in the entire Premier League? I’d be shocked if Tony didn’t take home the “Player of the Month” hardware for January. He simply plays a very good, very old-fashioned winger incredibly well. Where would United be without this lad this term? Not top of the league, that’s for sure.

It’ll get real interesting to see Nani, Young, and Park complete for time on the left wing, as the Ecuadorian simply must be the first name Fergie puts on the team sheet these days.

Third, knowing full well I’m repeating the repetitive commentary from our ESPN analysts… Just how bad were Stoke today? You thought they’d be a real handful with their bruising, route one footy, but instead chose to play timid, scared, and lethargic.

United were quite good, but made to look even better by seriously inferior competition, at least on this day. Seriously, how do you reach full time with a 75/25-possession differential? One word: hung-over.

Fourth, yes, yes – we’ve had a Paul Pogba sighting. Given that Ravel Morrison was sold at the deadline to West Ham, our added attention falls on the French youngster, who didn’t disappoint in his seventeen-odd minutes on the pitch. The game didn’t appear too quick for him, as he made a few nifty moves to create space in tight quarters. Hopefully this is just the beginning of a long, accomplished United career.

Fifth, there truly is only one Darron Gibson. On a night where the largest sustained buzz of electricity at Old Trafford came from Mr. 007 himself, as his goal propelled Everton to knock off City 1-0 at Goodison Park, much to every Red Devil’s delight.

How ironic, then, to see the amused glee on the faces of the United faithful as they sang homage to the man they kicked off Twitter in a total of five hours. Thus, it’s only fitting that we pay special thanks to tonight’s Man of the Match, one wearing Toffee Blue, Mr. Darron Gibson.