So it was supposed to go down to the wire, but who knew there were only fractions of an inch left of it.
Watching the match at The Local Pub, with one TV on United and another on Chelsea, we knew United's fate was signed, sealed, and delivered early on. Chelsea's second goal and a red card was a killer, as we heard fans erupt time and again from the far side of the bar, rubbing salt into our newly formed wound along with the Stoke supporters heard on TV.
Let it not be over THIS early, we all thought, much to our dismay.
We had all wished for the tightest of finishes today, with drama until the final minutes. Not gonna happen, unfortunately. Not today. Not this term. As much as it pains me to say this: Chelsea are Champions and deservedly so, based on their prolific scoring and head-to-head record against the historic powers of United, Arsenal, and Liverpool. One hundred and three goals is the mark of a champion.
Thus, we took solace in United's play and the knowledge that these were the last scraps of an entertaining season. Number nineteen wouldn't come today, indeed, yet given the injuries, luck, and transitional nature of this year, there's much to acknowledge about the Red Devils this term.
First, United demonstrated great resilience once again this year, with several key injuries culminating in the defensive crisis that saw Fletcher and Carrick start in defense away at Fulham. Without a Rio and Vidic partnership much of the year, United did exceedingly well in defense, as the Red Devils remarkably gave up only four more goals this term than last. We've watched Evra, Evans, and Neville turn in inspired performances, and Rafael will learn his craft in due time, as his naivete in the Champions League match with Bayern Munich is all part of learning curve to become a world-class footballer.
Second, we've witnessed the development of two solid wingers in Valencia and Nani that provide more balance to United's attack. Combine their improvement along with Three-Lung Park's industry and United remain a potent threat on the wings, which was a huge question mark coming into the season.
Third, all the cliché media questions focused on a United without Ronaldo. How many times did we hear “Where would the goals come from this term?” Well, that question was answered by scoring 86 goals this year, more than any of the previous two Ronnie-Era tallies. In fact, this year had 18 more goals this year than last, as we've witnessed Rooney's prolific season, one that you can easily argue wouldn't happen in someone else's shadow. Plus, everyone else chipped in right on queue. (You still gotta laugh about a United WAG's comment about “Own Goals” pulling his weight this term. Priceless, but I digress.)
All in all, it was a successful season.
Yet, part of me can't just let it go there. Why?
I'm soooo tired of every time Scholes, Giggs, or van der Sar for instance turn in Man of the Match performances, the British media says “Where's the next Scholesy?” or “Where's the next Giggsy?”
Plu-eeze.
Yes, I concur that I too see a gulf in the match-winner class outside of Rooney. But, you may never again see a group of youth come up through the ranks almost simultaneously and come to dominate the EPL that fast ever again. The game's changed too much these days and the media falls prey to looking for something they've seen before. You need to change glasses, my Brit-media friends.
Take Nani's development since his revelatory performance away at Arsenal. Electric that boy, and yes, I'd say he's still young at his craft, especially his decision making. Not everyone can dominate as Giggs did almost immediately upon arrival. Players take their own time. But you do see the skill; you see that he's learning and improving. Undoubtedly, he's right there on the cusp in terms of match-winner class now. I'm incredibly excited to see how he continues to grow while playing for Portugal this summer.
Outside of Rooney, and Nani perhaps, there is a drop-off, but you never know who will come good and blossom next term, as we've already witnessed an overall improvement in team goal scoring, something evidently too subtle for our English counterparts to discern.
Some different candidates, for different reasons, that could develop a propensity for game-changing goal scoring include: Fletcher, Kiko, Park, Valencia, and Gibson. Possibly even Rafael, at some point, as that lad is marvelously cool going forward for a full back. Add in a new signing or two upfront to partner Rooney, and the alchemy should make for a very interesting 2010 – 2011 campaign.
Yes, the season didn't turn out as we, United supporters, would like.
Yes, there inevitably are questions lingering around the runners-up.
And yes, you suspect the English media would rejoice if United entered turbulent times.
But, as long as Sir Alex remains at the helm, do you honestly feel any reason to worry?
The most successful manager in English history hasn't missed a beat and clearly has a plan with this club, which became evident during the course of this season.
As the One United USA website says in its adverts, “Every single one of us loves Sir Alex Ferguson.” Let the love affair continue for the foreseeable future, at least one more year, as we can't wait to see United in the States later this summer.
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During the World Cup, I plan to continue blogging on at least a weekly basis, from my unique view as a strong USA and England supporter, which should make for interesting times during group play, that's for sure.
Understanding something about the multiple footballing mentalities and styles, as many who've played in the US know, should allow for some decent commentary here outside of ESPN's over-reliance on English talent, as noted by Paul Gardner earlier this year.
As for all things United, back at you sometime in July, quite possibly from the road while watching United on the USA tour.
