Confidence Restored

If you ever needed a demonstration how United need to attack, simply re-watch today’s 5-0 thrashing of Fulham.

Fluid movement seemed effortless for the Reds, as United ended up employing four wing players much of the match, with Valencia at right back and Giggs in the center of midfield.

So effective were the flanks that it seemed as if the Cottagers played the morning after a wild Christmas party – looking tired, hung-over and bewildered.

Party on indeed.

Where do you start, with so much to relish? Let’s keep it to the customary five reactions to the match.

First, Carrick and Giggs controlled the match – that is control with a capital “C”.

Both players maintained possession and distributed the ball wonderfully to the wings, which Fulham couldn’t deal with, so they dropped off the ball even further. This provided the dynamic duo even more time over the ball… you get the picture.

As Warren Barton teased, Giggs could have played today with a cigar in one hand, a brandy in another – he simply did what he wanted with grace and ease. Fittingly, Giggs netted the third goal for United just before half off a deflection that brought to the fore that amused-and-delighted grin to the number eleven’s face, that priceless picture we’ve witnessed on so many occasions. All Reds should name their first-born son Ryan, seriously.

Second, the Rooney and Welbeck combination regained their early season mojo, as both strikers netted a goal a piece. Rooney’s 30+-yard strike that kissed off the post was reminiscent of an audacious Ronaldo long-range effort circa 2008 and a definite goal-of-the-week candidate.

This combination works when Welbeck’s touch is “on”, and Dany didn’t disappoint. He maintained possession as well as provided the effort, pace, and length to pressure the ball effectively. Often, Fulham started deep with the long number nineteen and Rooney narrowing as well as directing the possible escape routes out of their defensive half, which led to turnovers and a lop-sided possession statistic in favor of United. Brilliant job, lads.

Third, this match, like so many others, came with injuries – this time to Jones and Young. Jones’ head injury – thanks to an intentional elbow, I’d argue, from Clint Dempsy – merited a yellow, if not a red card from Mark Halsey.

I simply can’t understand how no card was given, as in real time you clearly saw Dempsey leading with and holding his elbow out above his headline upon connection with United’s number four. The only explanation lies in the referee being reluctant to show colors so early in the match. It’s a stone-cold yellow, in my book.

Jones’ injury could be a huge blow because concussions hold their own peculiar and unpredictable spell over their victims. Let us hope that Jones will be back soon, as the Red Devils sorely needs his versatility during the crowded holiday fixture list.

Fourth, Nani’s blistering form continued today, as he tormented Fulham from wide positions, often with either Evra or Valencia overlapping him. You cannot underestimate the importance of Nani’s full-length run down the left flank that created United’s first goal.

Once burned, twice shy became the rule, as Fulham’s fullbacks never recovered from watching the obvious ease with which the Portuguese rounded the defense to provide Welbeck with a side-footer from ten yards out.

Fifth and finally, the past two months have witnessed United pressing too much in the final third of the pitch leading to uncomfortable 1-0 victories and the infamous penalty decision to Newcastle at home.

Reds really needed a match where the goals came easily and freely. This was the match. The score line should restore the player’s confidence in the wide attacking play that was so effective in the early days of the season. When Ferguson’s men get it going down the wing, they’re extremely difficult to stop.

Admittedly, United cannot afford to be so expansive against the highest quality opposition, but you suspect both matches in West London brought back that swagger we’ve all come to expect from a Sir Alex Ferguson side. Just consider Rooney’s superb long-range laser or Berbatov’s delicious back-heal-redirect just in side the far post. Both strikes simply exude class and assurance.

Goals can be contagious with this side, as this match reminds the Reds to relax, play your game, and trust each other. The goals do come, and quite often, in bunches.

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Back at you after the Wigan match. Cheers.