Saturday, December 5, 2009

A Make-Shift Mauling


Manchester United’s recent form at Upton Park and improvised backline caused concern just before kick-off today. United’s defensive fortune would rely on Kuszczak, Fletcher, Neville, Brown, and Evra, with Vidic a late scratch due to illness.

And later, when Gary Neville pulled up with what looked like a groin injury in the 34th minute, Carrick was inserted as a center half. Thus, United played a lengthy spell of the match with eight midfielders populating positions on the pitch.

What a glorious opportunity for West Ham to continue their run as a bogey opponent for United. What a chance to gain vital points and confidence to begin climbing the table from the relegation zone.

Chance wasted.

Today’s victory, when combined with the Pompey drubbing last week, demonstrate that this-year’s edition of the Red Devils has the metal for a serious run at the title, including a budding propensity for lethal goal scoring in bunches.

The early knock against United was that it’s impossible to replace the previous Number Seven’s goal scoring. True enough. Yet, we all wondered if United could source more goals from evenly distributed team play.

The answer is playing out in front of us now.

We all knew that Rooney would relish leading the line up front. What’s impressed me most this year is the evident maturity that’s growing in his game. Sure, he may still have the occasional boil, but he’s learning more and more to channel his energy into more productive pursuits at goal than opinions about refereeing. Was it any coincidence, then, that Mr. Rooney was nowhere near the referee when Vidic was curiously called for a penalty and subsequently netted a hat-trick? I think not.

Rooney’s tallied eleven goals and you still feel that his better form lies just in the future, not in the present. Excellent signs for both England and United.

Shifting back to today’s match, the goal scoring is so apropos on so many levels, with two lasers from central midfielders – one by the seasoned servant to the club, the other by his protégée – and two tap-ins off a clinical tic-tac-toe undressing of the Hammer defense.

Scholes, Gibson, Valencia, and Rooney: exactly the type of score line we had all hoped for and envisioned from this club. Attacking football, the United way, is unfolding right before our eyes, even from the most unlikely, make-shift of squads. Points taken. Bogey ground conquered. More justification for Fergie’s knighthood. Brilliant.

Back at you after the Villa match. Cheers.