Welcome Back, Twelfth Man

How do you explain Spurs' record at Old Trafford?

Never have the North London lads beaten the Red Devils away in the Premier League, including a dubious non-goal thanks to a Roy Carroll butter-job. Or, as an Arsenal supporter next to me said, with both joy over Spurs' failings and bewilderment that Nani's goal stood, “must have been the twelfth man.”

Fair enough, as the bizarre goal will cause so much controversy in the media.

Too bad, though, as United played some excellent football within a pulsating match, one worthy of the longer-term tradition between the two clubs, with fewer goals scored but several well-worked chances nonetheless for both sides.

United closed down the opposition in the game's waning moments and never looked likely to concede an equalizer, despite Spurs' firepower and one Vidic deflection off a Pavlyuechenko long-range effort.

So, let's delight in the take-aways from this match for Sir Alex's men.

First, starting in the midfield with Carrick and Fletcher together central while resting Scholes until the 64th-minute paid handsome dividends. Carrick still looks off his form from two years ago, but managed to cover his ground and play disciplined footy against the five-man Spurs midfield. Fletch was typical Fletch; seemingly everywhere, winning balls, and pushing forward.

Both central midfielders reaped the rewards of playing with Three-Lung Park, as he tracked back superbly while maintaining the energy to push forward as well. Park's effort was reminiscent of his best days when he compensated for Ronaldo's constant runs up the pitch.

Subbing in Scholes' ability to maintain calm possession might become a blueprint for SAF moving forward. United looked remarkably unnerved by Spurs' threat and exceedingly composed with the ginger-haired assassin pulling the strings with fresh legs.

As I've mentioned repeatedly, sometimes Scholes looks off the pace in the final 10-15 minutes within a four-man midfield, resulting in spaces and some critical turnovers that contribute to United's inability to finish off games. Today's lineup alchemy worked perfectly.

Second, it's delightful see Vidic and Rio's partnership calm down the shaky back-line play of earlier this season, along with Captain Vidic's emphatic header to put United ahead one to the good. Barring any injury, a solid defensive run seems likely for Fergie's men.

And last, United's attack without Rooney and Valencia looks entirely capable, unlike conditions last year. Nani and Chicharito provide an electric charge moving forward, an ever-present mismatch for defenders especially on the counter-attack.

Chicharito is a flat-out poacher that can fly, while Nani looks capable of dribbling through anybody one-on-one and hitting Ronaldo-like rockets past the keeper. Combine Berbatov, Park and Fletcher moving into space, with a defender over-lapping, and it's pick-your-poison time.

Chicharito's earned his minutes, plus his team-first attitude provides a stark contrast to Wazza's me-first week of near-betrayal.

Football's a funny game.

One moment Spurs think there's a dead ball and gift possession to Nani for a hugely controversial goal, one that reminds us all to play until the whistle.

Then there's another moment, one where you realize someone's taking your job, one that reminds you that you could be the odd-man out.

You just never know where the twelfth man, odd-man will come from, even if he just signed a five-year deal. Here's to Wazza's apology, then watching him earn his place back in the team. Cheers.