Much, much better attacking play from our beloved Red Devils, as there’s nothing subdued about this performance, yet the defense look remarkably uncertain and even panicky late on.
What should have been a comfortable 3- or 4-nil walk-in-the park, one that allowed Macheda and Wellbeck significant minutes, turned tense in the final moments.
As much as I’ve enjoyed watching Bolton push around other teams, especially Arsenal, the shoe doesn’t feel so good on the other foot now, does it.
Each hoof-job into the box seemed to take forever in flight until some form of conclusion, whether it became a clearance or a corner. Bolton grew in confidence as the minutes waned and the addition of a second striker playing forward instead of the park-the-bus 4-5-1. (I can’t understand why mid-table clubs come to Old Trafford, especially with the nervy defense of late, and not have a go at United. They really don’t expect points. So, why not go for it?!)
But, let’s not allow the final minutes to overshadow the three points taken, shall we.
As if on queue from my last blog entry, Michael Owen and Antonio Valencia turned in immense performances from the front and right respectively, while Ryan Giggs provided great control and verve from the left. Lou Macari said today that Giggs might play until he’s forty, and with games like these, that statement isn’t the least bit absurd for the future knight.
This leads me to highlight two lovely and one troublesome development from today’s match.
First, the Owen-Berbatov partnership showed real promise today, as Owen’s superb running off the ball matched Berba’s guile-filled, short passes and touches. United need a poacher with Owen’s quick brain and feet to change the alchemy up front, otherwise the Red Devil attack can become too predictable and plodding, especially with inconsistent wing play written about here ad nausea. I owe an apology to you, Mr. Owen, for suggesting Fergie look elsewhere during the January transfer window. You’ve already proved your value to the club when healthy. Fingers crossed on that account.
Second, Valencia played his best match in a United shirt, as he constantly looked a threat going forward as well as tracking back in a Park-like fashion to break up Bolton attacks in the defensive-third.
Getting the goal should do wonders for the lad, as he’s broken his duck in a game that matters. Just think: speed, strength, and stamina – a lovely combination indeed. Better watch out, Nani. Someone else is quicky endearing himself to SAF and earning more minutes on your wing. Undoubtedly, with performances such as today, a Giggs-Valencia wing partnership will take top billing on the team sheet.
Third, who stole Rio Ferdinand? No seriously, who did?!
Awhile back several of us United supporters joked around that when we observed that Cashley Cole and Rio funded a movie together, when combined with an owl delivering the wedding rings to Rio and bride this past Summer, were two signs of end-times, a defensive apocalypse for United. Not so funny anymore. Be careful what you say out loud. Even in jest.
Rio plays like a man without confidence in a position that’s arguably more about the c-word than any other position outside keeper. Sure, strikers need confidence, but when it’s lost across the back, its impact is more immediate and painful. Only time will tell if Rio’s form signals a struggle to become truly sharp after multiple injuries or a permanent loss of pace and subsequent confidence. Fergie can’t be happy with his music and movie producing 31-year old now; thank God almighty for the rapid development of Jonny Evans.
But, who are we, United supporters, to complain?! The view from the top of the table is as sweet as ever. What a fantastic set of results in Week 9.
We now turn our eyes towards the future, with Champions League mid-week and the opportunity to end Liverpool’s angst-filled title aspirations at Anfield in October. Can’t wait.
Back at you after the CSK Moscow and Pool matches. Cheers.
No comments:
Post a Comment