Tale of Two Uniteds

EPL Week 2 saw United lose improbably away to Burnley and bounce back to thrash the formerly-plucky Wigan 5-0 away as well, with all five goals coming in a historic, second half performance and one reminiscent of a two games against Spurs: one home, one away.

Prior to the scoring outburst, though, you could feel the players’ tightness around goal, as it seems they too wondered where the goals would come from this year, after the off-season departures and last year’s relatively sparse goal tally. You got the feeling that the angst could become self-fulfilling.

The palatable pressing turned to relief, as best expressed by Rooney’s rapture in front of the heaving away supporters, for whom many probably made the midweek trip to Turf Moor. Three scoreless halves of football gave way to a cathartic release that echoed around the DW stadium “Rooney! Rooney! Rooney!” gave way to “He Goes by the Name of Wayne Rooney.”

Once ahead, the boys finally relaxed in front of goal much to Wigan’s demise, as the goals came quick and fast. Titus Bramble, thank you very much.

Rooney nets his 100th and 101st. Berba and Owen get off the schnide. And Nani – queue the “Thriller” music – rounds out the afternoon with a beautiful, curling free kick over the wall into the near-post-side of goal. Nani’s trademark series of flips-with-a-twist must drive Sir Alex crazy, as you worry about the lad turning an ankle on needless-and-somewhat-excessive celebrations.

I could analyze the importance of the goals to Berba’s and Owen’s confidence. I could stress the importance of regaining form ahead of the massive match against Arsenal at Old Trafford this Saturday. I could also note the second clean sheet of the season – all worthy storylines indeed.

But for me, THE trend seen here is the quintessential-United trait of bouncing back from poor performances with strong showings. That’s precisely what’s made United so dominant under SAF, something we’ve come to expect almost as second nature to our beloved club and one surely noted by the rest of the league this past Saturday. Game on. Did anyone think United would pass the trophy along without a fight?! Not a chance.

We know its “early days” and there’s no bother getting carried away with one, albeit impressive performance.

But one thing appears ready to emerge, as if on cue: this United squad appears worthy of the manager’s steadfast confidence in them and his expectation they will fulfill the promise of the shirt, the marvelous tradition behind United.

Admittedly it was very Charles Darwin this past week: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

Yet something tells me mostly-good times lie ahead. So, let’s relax, like our lads on Saturday, and enjoy the ride. Three down, thirty-four left to play, including the tasty-tie against Arsenal this weekend.

I’ll be back the Monday after the big match. Cheers to you.