Mission Accomplished

One wondered if John O’ Shea’s comments about quadruple-cup-success would summon a touch of bad luck for United. Better not to talk about “it” and risk the jinx. Thus, the game began as if O’ Shea had forgot to knock on wood before speaking, with Pavlyuchenko improbably getting in front of Vidic to put Spurs up inside of six minutes. Could it be? Harry’s hoo-do part two?!

Not a chance.

Going down a goal, United played with urgency and promise, ultimately deserving a 2-1 lead at the interval. Fabio and Ronaldo brought width and pace on the left, while Danny Welbeck remained disciplined and inventive on the wide-right. Space just off Tom Huddleston and the center halves looked promising.

United fans crave a comfortable afternoon, one where there’s more than a one-goal cushion to ease nerves going into the game’s final minutes, and this could be just the ticket.

That too wasn’t to be.

The second half was as dull as a butter knife, as United played some keep-ball, lost their attacking-edge, and offered Spurs hope on a silver platter. Yet, Harry’s men rejected the gift, several of whom either lacked commitment, confidence, or both at key moments.

You can understand Redknapp’s frustration with his players, as evidenced by shocking defensive mistakes and critical, misplaced passes in the final third of the pitch, but not his open critiques in the media.

Spurs look like a side short of confidence at the moment, with much of the responsibility placed squarely on the manager’s shoulders. The old cliché “you get what you expect” seems apt here. Calling out Darren Bent this past week can’t help anyone at White Hart Lane. Harry’s misplaced rage at the media in support of his players today only demonstrates his own ill-timed remorse. Spurs will remain within touching distance of relegation, if this leadership trend continues.

Week in, week out watching Premiership managers make serious errs in judgment brings a deeper, more profound appreciation for Sir Alex. Today it wasn’t pretty, but United got the result and provided several youngsters with much-needed experience. Mission accomplished.

You can’t help but feel like we’re walking along, singing our song – walking in a Fergie-Wonderland. There is only one Sir Alex Ferguson.