Statement Delivered

Would Rooney's contract resolution cure the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) finishes?

Not exactly.

Entering the second half with a 1-0 lead through a remarkable Chicharito header, the match set up perfectly for another nervy finish, unfortunately, even through Stoke showed nothing moving forward, outside of the ever-dangerous Delap throw-ins and their usual prowess with set pieces.

Ultimately, elder statesmen from both squads would ensure more drama.

Watching Neville be wholly unable to cope with Etherington on the flank and, uncharacteristically, Scholes concede possession going backwards at least three times, I'm reminded of the Little Feat song, Old Folks Boogie, whose lyrics tell us:

“And you know that you're over the hill
When your mind makes a promise that your body can't fill.”

Clearly, Neville's pace illustrates this point, while Scholesy – you still gotta love him – makes more mistakes and covers less and less ground consistently in the final 15 minutes of matches. The shine fades and cries out for being substituted around the 70- to 75-minute mark.

Thankfully, United were not left to pay for Scholes' ridiculous turnover and subsequent clinical finish from the Turkish talisman, Tuncay, with Stoke's first goal EVER against United in the Premier League. A horrible sign, one duly noted by Premiere League competitors Chelsea watching the lunchtime kickoff at home.

And it all seemed sooo comfortable, with Evra being denied a stone-cold penalty and Chicharito's lunging volley whizzing just wide of the post. You felt United had another goal in them.

So comfortable the United lead that the away supporters dug into the older collection of songs to amuse themselves, including “Viva Ronaldo”, “Ohhh-aaah Cantona”, and “Who's that man from Argentina?!” (version 2.0).

A comfortable 1-0 victory away from home felt like the perfect tonic to exorcise and cleanse United from their recent history, until Stoke leveled in the 81st minute.

Then, up steps Chicharito.

Astute United observers recognized immediately this player's special gift, not only for tormenting defenses with his pace, touch, and finish, but his remarkable predatory instincts.

Honestly, the player will be hailed by everyone for two strikes, yet he missed at least two more excellent chances as well. Four goals were fully within his reach today.

Just how would Mr. Wayne Mark Rooney feel watching the match at home had Javier Hernandez converted a hat-trick? Would Roo be delighted or jealous while celebrating his 25th birthday?!

You suspect delight, but with some bittersweet tones as well. Consider Chicharito could run off an impressive goal scoring streak before Wazza even hits the training ground again to improve upon his horrific form. Certainly the thought has crossed his mind.

You never win titles before Boxing Day, but you can lose them by Christmas.

The victory keeps United within range of Chelsea and sets-up next week's match against City nicely, as the Blue Moon were thumped by Arsenal 3-0 today, providing United the opportunity to seriously dent the noisy neighbors title hopes in October.

This turnaround win is a massive statement of intent at the Britannia Stadium. Everyone felt the dropped points were in the bag, but it was not to be thanks to “the little pea.” (Sorry, couldn't resist the cheese.)

Today's post will close with some choice words from today's Man of the Match from ESPN's Soccernet.com:

“We were very happy with the result. We know about Stoke's style and are delighted. I'm working a lot because I want to stay here a long time and win a lot of tournaments.”

On the first goal: “I jumped and saw the ball behind me and tried to head it towards the goal. I don't remember doing it in training. It's a good goal but the most important thing is the result. Here there are no heroes, it is about the team.

My team-mates trust in me and all the staff too. It's an unbelievable opportunity for me to play with the biggest team in the world.”

Statement delivered.

Are you listening Wazza? Are you listening City?

Back at you after the Manchester derby. Cheers.