There’s not much to gloat about after the Reds 3-1 victory of Chelsea, with both sides displaying wonderful attacking play and abject defending by the droves.
Sir Alex noted that United did well once the ball went wide, but conceded possession centrally with careless aplomb, as if United were playing a casual, after-hours five-a-side at Carrington, each turnover becoming more shocking than the previous gift.
Thank God the Blues felt the need to return favors because on a different day the visitors would head home winners.
Never in my life had I ever witnessed such entertaining, open play combined with such lousy finishing, memorable stuff for all the wrong reasons, as supporters pinched themselves surly, with the match feeling very much like a football version of a Salvatore Dali painting.
When Fergie compared Torres’ woeful miss to one of Diego Forlan’s worst, you know it’s just reached a new low for the £50M-man.
Which is too bad because the match showcased two superb goals, one by Nani and the other by Torres. Certainly both strikes should make Fox Soccer’s top ten goals of the week as well.
Enough about the “Theater of the Obsurd.” Ultimately, what does this tell us about United’s campaign right now?
First, this is just in: United, and Wayne Rooney in particular, are human afterall, contrary to the under-the-radar rumor that the Reds were really trial cyborgs, given this summer’s trip to Nike World HQ.
No, the Reds will not beat every team by three, four, or five goals on the trot. No, United will not go 38-0 in the EPL. No, the Red Devils haven’t already won the league.
Fergie’s men show tremendous potential, but along with that “p-word” comes youthful naïveté and some inevitable mistakes, with De Gea the focal point for any early criticism.
We knew uneven form would hit the Red Devils, at some point, but the sheer carelessness in the defensive third today shocked everyone, as we’ve all grown accustomed to the backline’s impressiveness this campaign.
Second, United’s excellent central midfield play dropped off noticeably these past two matches. You could accept a drop off away from home in the Champions League, given the opposition’s challenge and squad rotation, with key cogs such as Fletcher needing minutes to hone his form. Fine, we can get on with that.
But, players like Anderson were rested in Portugal with today’s match in mind, which makes his form, as an example, somewhat concerning.
As good as Anderson has been, today’s performance reminded us of just how frustrating the extremely talented Brazilian can be. His gift to Torres early in the match easily could have been a match-influencing event, had the number nine not been so wasteful with the opportunity. Most Championship strikers take that pass and slot it in the back of the net.
United really need Anderson, Cleverly, Carrick, and Fletcher to perform consistently at the highest level, if new ground is to be made in the Champions League, in particular, and in retaining the EPL title. The Reds desperately need two of these men in top gear at all times this term. Loosing Cleverly looks a real blow at the moment, as the Reds could have used his immaculate possession and short-tempo passing today.
Third, United’s wide play is the envy of everybody not named Barcelona. Sir Alex’s astute purchase of Ashley Young proved a masterstroke, when combined with Nani, Park, and Valencia provides different, equally intimidating options out wide.
Young’s pace, darting runs inside, and excellent service creates problems en mass for the opposition’s backline, while Nani can quite literally dribble through triple-teams and hit lasers like today.
Valencia provides power, pace, and excellent crossing from the right side, while Park’s industry and improved finishing threaten oppositions with an unenviable pick-your-poison, regardless the combination.
So, we’ve learned that United are indeed humanSo, we’ve learned that United are indeed human, impressive and still unbeaten this term. Add to the mix a City draw and Pool loss and it’s been a tremendous weekend. Top of the league to you, mate. The view looks fine – really fine.
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Back at you after the Norwich match, as I’m headed to Moab, Utah for some hiking and mountain biking. Until then, cheers to you.
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