One-nil to the United

Is this the dawn of a new era at Old Trafford? One-nil victories and shut up shop football?

Hardly.

On this, the twenty-fifth anniversary of Sir Alex’s reign, you wonder if naming the North Stand after gaffer himself pulled at the superstitious strings within the player ranks, a sign of his eventual retirement.

You’d think so, or more likely, the ghosts of matches-past crept into the Red Devil psyche. Starting with a 4-3-3 and Rooney in a central midfield role for a second straight Premiership match, you could bet Sir Alex wanted stern shape in defense with the top three pushing play forward.

It didn’t happen.

United without two central strikers were too easily defended, as the pocket of space in the backwash of Chicharito’s runs was largely wasted in the formation with Sunderland’s disciplined defense.

Welbeck and Nani didn’t do enough to get around the outside edge of their defenders, leaving the Reds to stand around and hit slow, predictable passes amongst themselves – too often moving laterally or even backwards – and constantly looking for someone else to make decisive runs off the ball.

United became stagnant and disjointed, playing right into Sunderland’s desired tempo. An occasional diagonal ball from Rooney switched play and showed promise only to have the player involved give up possession cheaply.

One suspects this side feels lingering effects from the drubbing, as players so known for their skill and ability to play fast football collectively look uncertain of themselves, and at times, their teammates.

Simply said: the mojo’s gone missing at the moment.

With that said, the Reds nabbed all three points, which at season’s end, will equal the tally from the 8-2 drubbing of Arsenal. Points are points, oh Zen-master – let us never forget that fact.

Thus, let us look at three positives moving forward in the campaign.

First, Rooney played three different positions today and handled all of them with his customary aplomb. The match commentators kept repeating that Wazza’s skills were wasted playing so far removed from the top line. I completely disagree, given the state of the midfield at the moment.

True, Rooney’s best position is in the hole just behind the striker, especially a speedy one such as Chicharito or Welbeck. Given time, the lad is lethal.

However, United’s midfield possess too many injuries or central players out-of-form at the moment, with Carrick and Cleverley coming back from injury and Anderson wildly inconsistent, leaving Fletcher, who himself is gaining form from a long-term spell out, as THE viable option at the moment.

Sure, you can play Park central and utilize his industry, but his slight build can be exploited in the box. Plus, he’s dangerous out wide, where his lovely turn-and-counter attack on left flank proved today.

Sure, you can play Giggs central as well, but admittedly, he doesn’t cover enough ground as one of only two central midfielders.

Thus, until either Carrick or Cleverley return, Ferguson’s completely justified in bringing a measure of composure and creativity to the midfield with Wayne Rooney. This shows the gaffer’s ability to adapt, one to be appreciated not criticized at the moment.

Second, the international break couldn’t come at a better moment for United, buying time for the aforementioned central midfielders to heal, train, and return to form, as well as the other injuries to Rafael, Smalling, and company to mend.

On August 1st, had you known that United would have 26 points from 11 matches and sit second on November 5th, you’d feel the Reds were positioned for the traditional surge in the second half of the season.

After today’s admittedly lack-luster result, United will sit second through the break, as you can always trust a SAF side to gain momentum as the season progresses. No serious worries here.

Last, the much-maligned Michael Carrick’s value should become crystal clear for anyone with remotely high football intelligence. Without him, United lack something.

Yes, I know, when Carrick makes a blunder, such as the costly turnover that led to City’s goal in last season’s FA Cup, that he looks horrible. Yes, he’s not your traditional hard man to shield the back four. Yes, we all remember him – and the rest of the squad for the matter –chasing the game in the Champions League Final.

Yet, upon reflection and to be fair, he possesses incredibly quick and accurate passing ability, the same skill that led to inch-perfect switch to Giggs, who found Rooney for the decisive goal at Stamford Bridge in the Champion’s League last season. Point. Counter-point.

Carrick’s value is in solid positioning and quick distribution from the back, which helps United’s tempo immensely. If you don’t believe me, simply research his passing efficiency against Anderson, for example. The results are shocking.

Without either Cleverly or Carrick, United’s central midfield’s passing lacks an edge.

With both players, it allows Rooney to play in the hole and for rapid transitions to attacking from the wing, a United trademark. Thus, United’s central midfield fortunes are tied to both players improving fitness, which improve by the day now, another good sign.

Thus, on this the twenty-fifth anniversary of Fergie’s reign at United, we honor our favorite Glaswegian, one who’s brought immeasurable joy to our hearts from his glorious attacking football.

We’ll never be found singing “One-nil to the United”, and for that, we can count ourselves blessed.

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Back at you after the trip to Swansea City. Cheers.