So many things running through my mind… Four out of the last five… Completely ON for the Double… AND, the beautiful number nineteen… utterly brilliant, brilliant, and brilliant!
Today’s fully deserved 2-1 victory makes it virtually impossible for Chelsea’s rent boys to over take United. One point from the final two matches, that’s all that’s required now, with Sir Alex doing a Wayne’s Worldesque bow to the Stretford End after the match.
Surly the Red Devils will claim the title before anyone kicks off next weekend, with a crazy-early start for supporters in the States.
Cancel the golf or the fishing opener. Rearrange priorities with your families. Next weekend comes the historic 19th title, and with it, a day’s worth of celebrating for every United fan.
And clinching the title next weekend also does wonders for Sir Alex’s men in preparations for the Champions League Final, with ample time and opportunity to reset emotions and focus on the task at hand on May 28th.
Oh, how much we’d all love for VDS to walk-off stage left into retirement with another CL winner’s medal and MOTM performance. He will be critical to any effort against Barcelona, assuredly.
Speaking of the CL, today’s match, I contend, was won last Tuesday when Fergie showed the balls to rotate the squad en mass against Schalke. Everyone who sat looked fresh, including Chicharito, Rooney, Park, and the backline, as United took a serious edge straight from kickoff.
We all remember last year when the Red Devils lost to Chelsea straight after being knocked out against Bayern Munich. No such problem this year with a rested squad. The football Gods are shining on us, you sense.
You knew this season the title wouldn’t come easy, as the rest of the EPL has improved measurably over past seasons with everyone near the top four dropping points throughout the season.
You knew this game wouldn’t be easy, as United dominated much of the match, except for select spells in the second half while playing compact, counter attacking footy.
I worried that the old cliché that a 2-0 is the most dangerous lead in all of football had some merit, as conceding Chelsea possession could help them find their rhythm and outmuscle the back line for a goal or two.
Somehow I sensed that the numerous chances that fell to Chicharito and Rooney wouldn’t go in, as if it HAD to go until the final whistle this year with this team and on this ground.
Think back for a moment – back to when Rooney put in his transfer request. Did you ever see this coming?
The most fitting image was the two architects, Rooney and Chicharito, arm-in-arm beaming in front of the Stetford End with the Double very much on after a job well done.
Every single one of us loves Sir Alex Ferguson. Credit the Gov for keeping the team’s energy and emotions intact for this decisive victory, as he told Sky Sports afterwards.
"It's fantastic to be the most successful team in the country. The minute we won that first title in 1992 the door opened, and we've been involved in the first two all throughout that period - it's a fantastic achievement.
For the last 17 or 18 years it's been Arsenal and Chelsea as our nearest challengers, and the last few years it's been Chelsea. Arsenal made a great attempt this year but them losing today has finalized it.
We deserve the title and hopefully we'll get that point now.”
Indeed we will. After all, we’re Man United and we take what we want.
And, that includes the number nineteen special, than you very much.
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Back at you some time after next Saturday’s clash at Blackburn. Cheers.
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