You can never complain about a 3-0 victory, especially off two successive Premier League defeats. Yet, the score line didn’t accurately reflect the entire shape and form of United’s performance, with the match grinded out in a labored, workman-like fashion.
Here are my five reactions to today’s victory.
First, United dominated possession comfortably but lacked an edge around goal, with Bolton choosing to defend rather than attack.
You’d expect Owen Coyle to learn from Blackburn’s example and have a go at Ferguson’s men, but inexplicably, he left the battering-ram otherwise known as Kevin Davies on the bench and employed 5 midfielders, even late-on with an ideal opportunity to sub off a midfielder and try two strikers for the final 20 minutes down only a goal.
Bolton had some opportunities and space but they were reluctant to commit players forward. On the few occasions the Wanderers caught out United, they misfired horribly in the final third of the pitch, thankfully.
Second, United’s most consistent source of menace was Antonio Valencia, once again, who terrorized Bolton’s defenders all afternoon. His ability to get around the outside of defenders or turn them inside out and deliver immaculate service cannot be underestimated at the moment. The man, fully back from a horrendous ankle injury, is arguably United’s most important and in-form player for several weeks now.
Third, Michael Carrick is class. Pure. And. Simple.
Once again, I can’t recall him getting caught in possession nor leaving a single pass astray. Remarkable. Carrick’s value by now should go without question, as his long-range strike was a fitting jewel to crown his marvelous performance. He’s my co-MOTM with Valencia – both absolutely vital to the Reds success today.
Fourth, he scores goals, that Paul Scholes.
The crowd imploring the ginger-haired-wonder to shoot any time he took possession inside 50 yards from goal brought a nice bit of levity to a largely listless and somewhat, at times, uneasy match.
What a lovely sight to witness the joy on Scholesy’s face again after netting his 151st goal for United, the first since August 2010, which bookend’s Henry’s triumphant return to Arsenal to complete a fitting flashback-trip from father time.
Fifth, with Scholes’ return, that leaves many questions about Ferguson’s midfield. It’s no coincidence that Gibson leaves after going on a bender with Rooney. That move made sense, certainly, with or without a night on the town, which probably expedited matters.
But, you must wonder, what about the lack of minutes for Morrison and Pogba?
Granted, a certain young French midfielder graced the bench today, but he didn’t play, and Morrison’s inability to make the subs list speaks volumes about United’s belief in either signing the lad or his ability to cope with this step up. On either front, it doesn’t bode well for Morrison staying at Old Trafford, despite everything United’s done to protect the troubled lad’s career.
You wonder if both sides are employing hard line tactics, which may fade at the 11th hour, or if in fact the lad thinks he should be playing week in, week out for another EPL club. Time will tell, surly.
Regardless, the Reds sit with City at the top of the league, despite massive injuries, contract drama, transfer rumors, and relatively poor form headed into the most difficult portion of the fixture list.
Let us pray for speedy return to health for the injured, especially Tom Cleverley to bolster the central midfield.
Let us trust in England’s most successful manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, who’s turning in arguably his most impressive managerial feat, given the injuries and drama around the club going back to Rooney’s near-departure last term.
What a joy to follow the world’s most successful manager at his peak. Every single one of us loves Sir Alex Ferguson.
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Back at you after the Arsenal match. Cheers.
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