The 90th minute “Hand of Scholes” and subsequent sending off exemplified both the indifference and frustration of United on Friday night. Apathy dripped from each defensive lapse, each muted attack and each wasteful cross, culminating in a final, disinterested walk of the pitch. Irritation grew from the game’s real meaninglessness combined with bruised ego from being outplayed by a team that didn’t qualify for last year’s Champions League.
It wasn’t anything near a good performance, but looking back, Reds will fondly remember the game for its comic value. The squad’s tired performance in-and-of-itself isn’t troublesome, yet concerns grow from the overall trends and developments thus far.
First, Hargreaves declared himself unfit at the eleventh hour even though Fergie forecasted that he would play. Last year you could write-off these flare-ups, assuming a summer of rest would bring the knee back to normal. Unfortunately, chronic tendonitis is normal. The value of Hargreaves’ bite, experience, and versatility cannot be underestimated, as evidenced by his set-piece strike against Arsenal and massive performance on the right side during the Champions League Final.
Second, a tighter fixture list is less forgiving to injuries – you can’t help but wonder if last year’s good fortune is a repeatable phenomenon. There were no irreplaceable injuries, as Rio, Vidic, and Ronaldo all largely kept their health. Will this hold true? Time will tell.
And finally, last year’s three-game suspension and this year’s injury-absence show how overly-reliant we are on Ronaldo for width, running lanes, and key goals. Nani’s immature decision-making demonstrates he’s not ready for consistent wing play, while Park and Giggs remain injury-prone. Rooney and Tevez look lost without quality service and linking play. An offensive catalyst remains missing.
Well, not for long.
Saha leaves for Everton. Pavlyuchenko moves to Spurs. Berbatov has been seen bidding farewell to Spurs teammates. Finally!
As our desperation for a true striker nears an end, let us rejoice that the Give Berbatov a home campaign (1-800-SAVE-BERBA*) has finally come to fruition.
I wonder if I’ll get my commemorative headband in time for the Pool match. Fingers crossed.
* * See the I'm on Setanta Sports clip Jose gives his take on the transfer talk at http://www.setanta.com/en/UK/IOSS/.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Our Saviour, Fletcher?
I know, I can't believe it either. The only person on the United squad scoring these days is Darren Fletcher? Particularly after watching him in pre-season against Juve where he missed golden chance after golden chance, this was not what I would have predicted. His placement on the first team has often been colored by suspicions of Scottish nepotism, Sir Alex not helping the fact Monday night by referring to our lone scorer against Portsmouth as "Darren Ferguson". Well, Darren, I say, here's to you. I'll take my wins however I can get them.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Back to Civilization
Suppose you just returned from an extremely remote tropical island, one without satellite TV, internet, or phone access. You’re anxious to know United’s results. Upon finding the first internet café at the airport you grab a computer and begin searching for the Newcastle match report as your mind races…
“A bloody draw! What?! Steven Taylor is Man of the Match?! Steven Taylor! You’re out of your mind! Campbell, Possebon, and Rafael all played?! No Tevez. Giggs and Carrick injured…aw, c’mon…urrrggghhhhh…”
You click to the next report, mumbling obscenities under your breath, as the browser page loads all-too-slowly. Now you’re nervy about the Portsmouth match – a depleted squad, upcoming games with Liverpool and Chelski, and our poor record at Fratton Park.
Loading, loading…
The Guardian headline finally appears: “Fletcher’s strike shakes the ring rust off United.”
“Yesssss!!! Atta-boy, Fletch! Two in two games?! Must be playing brilliantly. Who else played? Tevez, yes… Anderson on the wing – really? Possebon played again. Subs were Gary, Fabio, Rafael, Campbell, Gibson, and Kuszczak – wow, pretty thin squad. Great result.”
What a strange start to the season.
The Newcastle match actually made the Yogi Berra quote “It’s deja-vu, all over again” make sense, while the Portsmouth game reversed a jinx. Keep in mind the season may become only more bizarre with "Russians on the Riviera" this Friday. That’s two trophy competitions before playing three league matches followed by World Cup qualifiers. Nothing again until September 13th. Thank you, oh great schedule-Gods.
Actually, I am serious.
When the schedule first came out, I loathed the Super Cup and timing of World Cup qualifiers ahead of the Pool and Chelski matches. Now with injuries, it looks like the best-possible schedule for the Premiership. It allows youngsters and role-players to get minutes. It avoids some meaningful Premiership games without Ronaldo and the rest of the MASH unit. Plus, you’ve got to love getting a chance to watch Possebon’s quick-and-sure footwork in the middle of the park. As we watch each new youngster show their tremendous promise, it gives more weight to Fergie’s comments that, “United will be winning titles long after I have gone.” This isn’t just PR. You can see and experience the blueprint to a marvelous future.
But now it’s back to the present and thoughts about the Super Cup, WC qualifiers, and no Premiership footy. Hmmm... flatlined my thoughts now... Man, a warm beach far away from civilization certainly sounds enticing now, as long as it has satellite TV access of course. Aloha.
“A bloody draw! What?! Steven Taylor is Man of the Match?! Steven Taylor! You’re out of your mind! Campbell, Possebon, and Rafael all played?! No Tevez. Giggs and Carrick injured…aw, c’mon…urrrggghhhhh…”
You click to the next report, mumbling obscenities under your breath, as the browser page loads all-too-slowly. Now you’re nervy about the Portsmouth match – a depleted squad, upcoming games with Liverpool and Chelski, and our poor record at Fratton Park.
Loading, loading…
The Guardian headline finally appears: “Fletcher’s strike shakes the ring rust off United.”
“Yesssss!!! Atta-boy, Fletch! Two in two games?! Must be playing brilliantly. Who else played? Tevez, yes… Anderson on the wing – really? Possebon played again. Subs were Gary, Fabio, Rafael, Campbell, Gibson, and Kuszczak – wow, pretty thin squad. Great result.”
What a strange start to the season.
The Newcastle match actually made the Yogi Berra quote “It’s deja-vu, all over again” make sense, while the Portsmouth game reversed a jinx. Keep in mind the season may become only more bizarre with "Russians on the Riviera" this Friday. That’s two trophy competitions before playing three league matches followed by World Cup qualifiers. Nothing again until September 13th. Thank you, oh great schedule-Gods.
Actually, I am serious.
When the schedule first came out, I loathed the Super Cup and timing of World Cup qualifiers ahead of the Pool and Chelski matches. Now with injuries, it looks like the best-possible schedule for the Premiership. It allows youngsters and role-players to get minutes. It avoids some meaningful Premiership games without Ronaldo and the rest of the MASH unit. Plus, you’ve got to love getting a chance to watch Possebon’s quick-and-sure footwork in the middle of the park. As we watch each new youngster show their tremendous promise, it gives more weight to Fergie’s comments that, “United will be winning titles long after I have gone.” This isn’t just PR. You can see and experience the blueprint to a marvelous future.
But now it’s back to the present and thoughts about the Super Cup, WC qualifiers, and no Premiership footy. Hmmm... flatlined my thoughts now... Man, a warm beach far away from civilization certainly sounds enticing now, as long as it has satellite TV access of course. Aloha.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
As Ronaldo Turns
Like an e-mail that some how slipped through your spam filter claiming “Angelina Jolie XXX Video Free”, nothing good can come from a closer look. Nothing. Not one single thing.
This summer’s Ronaldo headlines elicited a similar feeling, but like many Reds, I’m sure, we did look. Why put ourselves through this anguish?
We have no choice. You know it. I know it.
Most of us can’t help but care - no matter how infuriated we become with the lad. He is that good. Thoughts of Ronnie donning The Number 7 are a glorious vision and brilliant continuation of the legacy of Bestie, Robson, Cantona, and Beckham. This dream dies hard; we hold out our collective hope.
Looking back, concern about Ronaldo’s future began minutes after winning the Champions League. During his post-match comments on Sky, he began well enough, initially speaking in the first-person about his reactions to the match, missing the penalty – all pretty standard stuff. But his comments took a noticeable turn, away from the first-person. He spoke about “feeling very proud for the lads", “they believe all the time” and “the lads deserve to win the Champions League”, a chilling, third-person reference and preview of coming attractions.
You know the rest... Soon Ronnie refuses to pledge his future to United. Calderon starts a slimy PR campaign. Spanish media write about the inevitability of his arrival there. Blatter, Pele, and his third-cousin, once-removed all provide their opinion. Go ahead and just try to tune out this epic saga - way too much is at stake here.
Then, as we all know, comes the big announcement: he’s staying. Our prayers are answered, our collective anguish relieved. It’s done, over, caput.
Or, is it?
Ronaldo's two primary reasons for wanting to leave United remain valid, as quoted in his interview with Bruno Prata in Publico: “I felt that maybe I needed a new challenge. I never hid the fact that I wanted to play in Spain, at Real Madrid in particular, and I thought this could be the right moment... Apart from the challenge, everyone realizes that Spanish and Portuguese culture and lifestyle are more similar.”
Nothing’s changed with either reason, except that Ronaldo won't leave against United’s wishes, and oh, that little detail about the multiple years remaining on contract. Still, the siren-song of culture, lifestyle, and refereeing that protects star players, unlike in the Premiership, continues to speak Ronnie’s name, as he won't rule out moving to Madrid in the future because "nothing is set in stone." Nothing good comes from a closer look indeed.
Like an average-looking bloke dating a super-model, it’s a marvelously sexy relationship now, but deep-down, he knows it will inevitably end prematurely. The question is when, not if. Such is life with our current Number 7.
Enjoy another round of Viva Ronaldo. It may very well be last call.
This summer’s Ronaldo headlines elicited a similar feeling, but like many Reds, I’m sure, we did look. Why put ourselves through this anguish?
We have no choice. You know it. I know it.
Most of us can’t help but care - no matter how infuriated we become with the lad. He is that good. Thoughts of Ronnie donning The Number 7 are a glorious vision and brilliant continuation of the legacy of Bestie, Robson, Cantona, and Beckham. This dream dies hard; we hold out our collective hope.
Looking back, concern about Ronaldo’s future began minutes after winning the Champions League. During his post-match comments on Sky, he began well enough, initially speaking in the first-person about his reactions to the match, missing the penalty – all pretty standard stuff. But his comments took a noticeable turn, away from the first-person. He spoke about “feeling very proud for the lads", “they believe all the time” and “the lads deserve to win the Champions League”, a chilling, third-person reference and preview of coming attractions.
You know the rest... Soon Ronnie refuses to pledge his future to United. Calderon starts a slimy PR campaign. Spanish media write about the inevitability of his arrival there. Blatter, Pele, and his third-cousin, once-removed all provide their opinion. Go ahead and just try to tune out this epic saga - way too much is at stake here.
Then, as we all know, comes the big announcement: he’s staying. Our prayers are answered, our collective anguish relieved. It’s done, over, caput.
Or, is it?
Ronaldo's two primary reasons for wanting to leave United remain valid, as quoted in his interview with Bruno Prata in Publico: “I felt that maybe I needed a new challenge. I never hid the fact that I wanted to play in Spain, at Real Madrid in particular, and I thought this could be the right moment... Apart from the challenge, everyone realizes that Spanish and Portuguese culture and lifestyle are more similar.”
Nothing’s changed with either reason, except that Ronaldo won't leave against United’s wishes, and oh, that little detail about the multiple years remaining on contract. Still, the siren-song of culture, lifestyle, and refereeing that protects star players, unlike in the Premiership, continues to speak Ronnie’s name, as he won't rule out moving to Madrid in the future because "nothing is set in stone." Nothing good comes from a closer look indeed.
Like an average-looking bloke dating a super-model, it’s a marvelously sexy relationship now, but deep-down, he knows it will inevitably end prematurely. The question is when, not if. Such is life with our current Number 7.
Enjoy another round of Viva Ronaldo. It may very well be last call.
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