Paint the Town Red

You never quite know what to expect from a major derby, let alone the most expensive match ever played. Player wages hit astronomical levels here, even being noticed by a non-sports radio shows in the US.

Well, with the world watching, what would become of the 159th Manchester and 144th league derby? Would United all-but knock City out from title contention or would City open up the title race?

First off, I digress just a moment with a quick personal story.

My mate Peter, a Forest fan, turned 50 this week. Last night was his annual beer taster, birthday party at his house where everyone brings a six-pack of their favorite ale, a great idea for a party.

Next, for one of his birthday presents, a friend found in his family’s belongings a Manchester United 1983 FA Cup Winners scarf and decided to give it to Pete, thinking he’d appreciate it. Only in America would someone not know what to do with such a valued souvenir.

Like a true Forest fan, he told the would-be gift-giver that he could not accept the scarf – lingering bitterness over Keano, surly – but he’d give it to someone who’d adore it.

Yep, that’s me.

So, with the French press all set and newly acquired-but-historially-old scarf draped over our large TV, it’s game on way too early in the morning in Minnesota.

The first bit of gamesmanship involved City making United attack the Stretford End in the first half just to annoy the Red faithful.

The match opened up with frenetic stuff for about 15 minutes that quickly settled down to a chess match much as was expected without an early goal.

Initial impression was that City appeared dangerous, with David Silva’s quick touches and movement looking menacing. Rooney, meanwhile, led the line nicely, but seemed a bit isolated at times, with both City center halves closing down on him. United’s joy would from the counter or Nani dribbling around players.

What an incredible opening goal from Nani.

Rooney headed a Route One ball to Giggs, whose first-touch pass found a streaking Nani in behind the defenders. Nani’s exquisite first-touch leads him directly on goal for a composed finish around Hart. One-nil to the good

Now City needs to chase the derby with Dzeco on and a change to 4-4-2, which should open up the match. United can exploit the counter.

However, the trouble with one-goal leads is that you’re one piece of bad luck away from level terms, which unfortunately cam from Dzeco’s deflected shot off Silva’s backside and it’s 1-1.

Game on again.

This bit of fortune lifts City’s play and Sir Alex knows a change is in order, with Berbatov coming on now and both sides employ the 4-4-2, leading to even more wide open play.

Which brings me to THE goal.

Many have suggested that United haven’t hit top gear yet despite leading the league, typically pointing to Rooney’s meager goal-scoring record and the bevy of away ties thus far this year. The thinking goes that if Rooney were to hit last year’s form, United could walk away with the title.

If you’re reading this, first, you’re almost certainly a United fan, and even if not, you more than likely follow football closely and have seen Wazza’s brilliance.

The goal-of-the-year candidate and subsequent in-your-face celebration in front of the City fans is one of THOSE moments that’s etched in the brain forever, if you love the Red Devils.

It’s one of THOSE reactions that has you screaming at the top of your lungs and wondering thirty seconds later “How’d I end up over here?”, as the outer-body experience involves some form of jumping and moving that can’t be explained.

It’s one of THOSE moments that has me wish I was at the Pub this morning versus watching at home so I can keep our timeline and make the nephew’s third birthday party half a town away. (Closed circuit to Rowan: happy third my boy, as if you become a United fan, I will never let you forget what happed on this historic day.)

Which leads me to my final, rapid-fire analysis of the match.

First, well done, Mr. Smalling! There were times when you dropped back too far or seemed slightly hesitant, but you were largely rock-solid today. More importantly, Vidic seemed much, much calmer playing along side you versus Jonny Evans. Cheers to the Number Twelve.

Second, United’s menace largely came from Nani, who looked a threat all afternoon. Nobody can stop him individually; it requires a collective effort that opens up space for everybody else. Your goal and deflected cross earn you a hearty cheers as well.

And last, it’s today’s hero: Wayne Rooney. What can you say about the White Pele?!

THE goal is a world-class piece of magic that’s worthy of winning a title, which surly won’t be lost on City with the rumors of Wazza’s flirtations with the blue-half of Manchester.

The subsequent “Welcome to Manchester!” pose directly in front of the away supporters was somewhat predictable but nevertheless an important and emphatic stamp of authority from one of football’s rarest talents, saying “The title is ours AND I belong to the Red half of Manchester. Take that!”

Take that indeed.

United now sit eight points ahead of City, with a game in hand, and seven ahead of Arsenal before they kickoff with Wolves today.

Unlike the 1983 FA Cup Final, today didn’t require any extra time nor extra match heroics, but I think a certain scarf has found a new home on the TV for many matches to come.

---

Back at you after the Crawley Town match. Cheers.