First, Inter are much slower and older that we thought, given the goal tally conceded against today’s foes. Incredible they gave up five to this squad in one match.
Second, Schalke are truly a mid-table club in the Bundesliga on a cup run, who rode their soon-to-depart goalkeeper and counter attacking into the Champions League Semi-Finals. Punching well above their weight, the Blues looked intimidated by United and the weight of the match. Simply outclassed straight from the kickoff.
Third, United, and Rooney in particular, were sparkling, as the only remaining debate involves the degree of the Red Devils dominance versus the German hosts level of poor play.
But, it was far from certain at half time.
THE only thing United didn’t do in the forty-five minutes was score. Such dominance without end product provides a dangerous edge in a game of this magnitude.
Even the possession stat didn’t do the Red Devils justice at two-thirds to one-third, as Fergie’s men created chance after chance. United blew eleven – mind, you – eleven chances before half. Seldom do we witness this many opportunities between both sides in a two-legged series let alone by one team in one half. Incredible.
Which does lend to superstitious thoughts, as any team THAT wasteful could certainly pay a huge price – think Arsenal’s swan dive recently.
But, Sir Alex and the evergreen contingent kept the squad calm and composed at half; a clinical second half would follow the first – with Rooney and Giggs, the young and the old – taking hold of the match, putting it to bed, and calmly chatting with reporters afterwards.
No over-the-top celebrations. A calm look of a job well done, which bodes well for the Red Devils confidence heading into the EPL run-in. The second Champions League tie has become a training ground exercise between taxing contests away to Arsenal and home to Chelsea – a measure of emotional stability between difficult matches gained.
You felt that this United side could win the coveted nineteenth domestic title, yet for Champions League glory, the Reds seemed to lack that player capable of turning the match on its head with one touch, such as Ronaldo.
Not any longer. He goes by the name of Wayne Rooney.
THIS Wayne Rooney we witnessed against Chelsea and Schalke is the player that ruled domestic and Champions League football before turning his ankle against Bayern Munich last March.
The symbolism of United breaking the German Champions League hex and Wazza casting aside his own demons, on the very ground he saw red against Portugal in 2006 will not be lost on anyone.
We can now officially declare Rooney’s rebirth complete, and with it, United’s chances of lifting the Champions League trophy time immeasurably improved.
After all, is there anyone on the Schalke side that could conjure up a motivational speech akin to Bluto’s famous Animal House’s rally? I think not.
After all, we're the famous Man United and we're GOING to Wembley!
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Back at you after the Arsenal match. Cheers.
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