United Fall Fulham 3-2

The starting eleven sees Rooney and Welbeck on the bench, with Nani dropped altogether, and Robin van Persie making his first start for United. Ferguson demonstrates his meritocracy in full measure.

All I’ve got to say is thank God.

The match didn’t start well, with Carrickbauer, as his teammates tease, giving up a free kick just outside the box to betray his new moniker. Set piece along the floor to Dunn from ten yards and it’s 1-0, with Ashley Young getting picked to leave the Irishman WIDE open.

Old Trafford went from season-opening good cheer to tensely quite in a flash. And then, up steps a certain Dutchman.

Evra’s innocuous cross short-hops van Persie, who hits a sublime volley from twelve yards and we’re level. Just. Like. That.

Afterwards, United upped the tempo and played like you’d expect, with possession and a 3-1 half time lead thanks to a tap-in from Kagawa and far-post header from, yes indeed, the thumb-sucking celebrant, Rafael.

The party mood left everyone feeling like that match’s in the bag, with a two-goal lead and lop-sided possession. Valencia looked like his brilliant self on the right, with Rafael overlapping wonderfully, a real pick your poison dilemma for Fulham.

Sir Alex’s men kept up the tempo and worked the ball wide for a few excellent chances in the first 18 minutes of the second half.

And just like that, up steps sloppy United.

From nothing, a routine long ball cross leads to a keystone cops moment, a needless own-goal from Vidic, as he collides with De Gea and a Fulham forward, the ball bounces off the Captain's heal, everyone falls and the ball crawls into the net. Game on.

Now we move from a potential thrashing to a competitive match, as I delete the blog title “United Flatten Fulham” from my memory.

Again, we’ve witnessed the sense of impending drama descend upon Old Trafford. Thankfully, United held on for the first victory of the season.

Given SAF’s age and likely near-term succession in about 2-3 years, I keep analyzing this club against the bar of winning the Premier League and being much, much more competitive in the Champions League.

That’s the lens through which I’ve been viewing the performances thus far.

With that said, the squad still looks as thought it could use another couple of weeks of pre-season fixtures, with the injuries, new players, and poor form in stretches thus far.

It’s still VERY early days, but here’s what causes concerns after two matches.

First, let’s start with the deeper lying, center of the park, where Anderson’s still a shadow of even his first year and Cleverly shows ring-rust from hardly playing much of last term. The other primary options, as we all know, include the evergreen two-some and Carrick.

Far too frequently United were outmuscled off the ball and lack a certain ball winning bite – I know, I know – since Keane left. You can just see glimpses of Cleverly coming good, with his ability to cover space, quick darts forward and penchant for turning players. He doesn’t worry us, as his best form will come back, but Anderson does concern the faithful.

As a youth, Anderson appeared as a bright part of United’s future. His bite, tenacity, pit-bull ball strength, and ability to cover the ball caused a certain glint in Ferguson’s eye. Everything appeared set with Anderson and Hargreaves.

Looks can be deceiving, as the Red Devils still miss tenacious cover in front of the back four. It’s anything-but-certain Anderson will realize his potential, as the rumors around his departure will continue unless form returns.

Second, Sir Alex must be baffled with his defense, as it seems some dubious demon controls a kill switch to the collective brains in the defensive third, selecting the most inopportune times to reek havoc on this ground.

The own-goal aside, we’ve witnessed Rafael getting caught in possession or beaten unnecessarily, a continued failure to cover short corners, poor clearances, or marks getting picked to allow an easy opportunities. Both Cottager goals involved poor concentration and communication.

THIS is precisely what cost United the title and must infuriate gaffer, as at times the Reds look as solid as a rock, then boom: brains off. How do you coach that? We'll see.

Last, the club’s strength lies in attack, with RVP and Kagawa added, it’s a real embarrassment of riches when Berba’s relegated to Carling Cup matches.

However, this apparent potency is not certain, on the contrary, there are two possible problems involving egos and playing time.

You could easily argue that the 1999 squad had a rare combination up front, as both Sheringham and Solskjaer kept brilliant form almost regardless of playing time, the rarest of traits from strikers.

Currently, Chicharito seems like the only true candidate for super-sub, but one look at his face on the bench these days indicates otherwise.

Hernandez needs some consistent starts to empower his super-sub role, as his form dipped in correlation to Welbeck’s increased playing time would indicate.  Add Kagawa along with RVP and Chicharito seems destined to a Berba role up front. All other forwards, plus Kagawa, need minutes primarily at only two positions.

Which leads to my final thoughts about egos and chemistry.

When Rooney came in, he immediately pointed to van Persie that it was HE who would lead the front line, assuredly with Sir Alex’s blessing, with some added body language emphasis. Hmmm...

Although we didn’t see much Wazza, he still seemed labored until he left the match in injury time on a stretcher with a nasty gash above his right knee. With his fitness/from already in question, this is the last thing United need at the moment.

Or, is it?

Maybe 3-4 weeks out could provide the ideal window to help van Persie and Kagawa gel with the squad, without the distraction of the number ten.

But, how do you think Rooney would deal with a United succeeding without him? How would he deal with RVP overshadowing him?

We will always remember Rooney’s flirtations with life beyond Old Trafford. Would he try to pull the ripcord again, if things don’t go his way?

We will also wonder if Wazza will keep in immaculate shape like Giggs or Scholes as he ages, given his holiday celebrations with Gibson last term. 

Getting RVP might just be the ideal tonic to motivate Wayne or it could simply beget more frustration leading to England-Rooney showing up more consistently in a United shirt. Only time will tell.

As always, we trust alchemist Alex’s superb man-management skills, especially this term with two 30-goal scorers vying to lead the line. 

But now, we also need Fergie’s master electrician skills to finally disable that infuriating kill switch, especially with Europe looming in the not-too-distant future. Otherwise, it won't be pretty yet again.

Edgeless United Fall

Where do you start after this performance?

Surly for the neutral observer, the match was well worth the time invested. Fast. Hard-fought. Intense. And, that’s just in the Gwladys Street Stand stand.

[Queue rim shot]

Ah, but serious folks, this blog, like you dear reader, are a United fan, eager as ever to start the season with a new, fresh start to the looonng campaign.

New faces couple new expectations. It’s been waaaay too long. Game on.

So, why does this loss feel like last April or early May?

Maybe it’s because Red Devils lacked sharpness around goal. Maybe it’s because key central halves were injured and defense creaked. Maybe it’s because United carry a big target on their back at every away ground, as fans delight in Red’s misery.

At first blush, the match wouldn’t seem like a groundhog day remake, with United’s 4-3-3 formation provided some cover for the Carrick-Valencia partnership along the right defense, as it allowed Scholes and Cleverly to take turns pushing forward, play compact in front of the back four, and allow the wingers to fall back, as needed, should United loose possession.

The starting eleven correctly matched the weaknesses as well as strengths of the situation, plus the added delight of watching Kagawa, Cleverly, and Scholes play combinations together.

So, why do we get sooo much prancing around the top of the box and such predictable wing play?

Yes, you’ve simply got to love the technical skill of Rooney, Nani, Kagawa, Cleverly, and Scholes playing short, one-touch possession football. Yes, United did get players wide for crossing. Yes, there were some chances.

However, the fullback overlaps and overall team crossing were hugely ineffective, as United sorely missed the in-form Valencia tormenting opponents down the right wing, with both starters, Welbeck and Nani playing poorly.

Couple these factors with a slow, heavy-touch Rooney and it’s abundantly clear how the Toffees won the match. One match report noted that United fans, not Blues, booed the number ten for his wastefulness as the match wore on. Imagine that at Goodison Park.

Oh, but the worst player of the match goes to Nani.

Nani was Nani, a player that can be unstoppable, but the operative word there is “can”.  When Nani’s off, he’s way off, as viewed by his petulance toward the linesman in the 2^nd minute and soon-to-follow yellow card. He seems to compound his errors until Fergie has no choice but to sub him. Seriously, how can you take that many bad corners for the love of all things United? (The MOTM, btw, was Kagawa. Bright. Creative. Sure in possession. Brilliant runs off the ball.)

Ah, but I digress. These are the earliest of days.

The tone of this post would be entirely different, had the Reds simply put two chances away. But they didn’t.

Now comes the short bus ride home for Fergie’s men knowing that they did indeed create some nice combination play and made few opportunities, but yet deep down inside, they were outplayed, as Everton simply wanted the match more.

In the US, the American “Monday Night Football” used to start with Hank Williams, Jr. shouting at the camera, “Are you ready for some football?!!” before breaking into rowdy song.

Ready?

Yes, indeed.

Are you ready for this?

No, not really. But, then again, I’m never ready to watch two midfielders play across the backline.

Five Clear, Four Remain

The juicy prospect of claiming the league crown before kickoff against City, with full honor guard action mind you, evaporated in the loss to Wigan.

Should the Blues fail at Wolves and United beat Everton, the Red Devils could collect number twenty at the City of Manchester Stadium in two weeks time. But that’s highly unlikely, given Wolves’ horrible form. Seems a long-shot prayer at best.

Which leads to commentary about the 4-0 victory over Villa.

Never should such a score line leave any supporter upset. Most EPL sides can only dream of netting four, let alone accomplishing the task while not firing on all cylinders. But such is the gulf in class between top and bottom of this league.

For a second straight match, something seems a bit labored, a bit off at the moment. Don’t get me wrong, three points are all that matter now, but there’s a noticeable dip in form of some key players.

Rooney’s touch and passing have deserted this past week, despite his two goals this afternoon. His confidence seems to have suffered from his lack of control as well.

Players misread each other’s intentions. Everything stays on the periphery. The cutting edge appears more difficult to conjure up. It’s as though United don’t trust their passing or control to play more balls to forward’s feet or turn on their man.

We miss those intricate touches and turns from everyone not names Scholes as well as scintillating play from both flanks that were so devastating earlier this term.

Ah, but we’re five points clear with four to play – that’s all that matters now.

Everton comes to Old Trafford off their bitter loss in the FA Cup Semis to Liverpool. Will Moyes’ men suffer a hangover or prove a stern opponent?

One suspects the latter given the gaffer’s track record.

United look in need of a week to train, rest, and recuperate their best form. We’re almost there, lads. Keep you nerve. This season may become Sir Alex’s crowning achievement, given the injury onslaught and squad turnover.

Can’t think of a better script ending than for either Scholes or Giggs to put United through to number twenty with the decisive goal on the City of Manchester Stadium. Champ20ns indeed.

Eight Points Clear, Eighth Strait Victory

After Shaun Derry goes off in the 13th minute and Rooney converts the penalty, bookies readjust their in-game odds for the final score. A real hammering seems likely.

However, 20 minutes into second half, the Red Devils remain ahead by a nervy 1-0 score line.

Anything can happen only up by a goal, we all know, as refereeing karma seems destined to go against United soon, given the Carrick’s challenge against Murphy and the off-side, red-card foul given today.

And guess who unlocks the defense?

He scores goals indeed. A siege squandered becomes a comfortable 2-0 victory in the end.

How often in the past three years have the evergreen twosome provided United’s get-out-of-jail-free card?

Quite often, thank you very much, which speaks volumes about the players and Sir Alex Ferguson, who had the foresight to keep both players around as long as possible.

Moving away from the obvious praise for United’s possession and ultimate outcome, for me, the talking points are twofold: a predictable attack and horrible officiating.

United’s attach hath become too one-dimensional these past few games. Certainly, you want to involve Valencia as much as possible, but now opponent’s double- and occasionally triple-team Antonio much more effectively.

Both relegation strugglers demonstrated that for large stretches inferior teams can sit back and defend against United, even against very gaudy 75/25 possession, while hoping for the draw or a smash-and-grab job.

The Reds need to mix it up, for the love of God, and play early balls to forwards making runs off center halves’ shoulders, occasionally try to beat their man straight up, and take more shots from distance, if that’s what’s given.

Yes, use width by all means, but don’t ONLY use width and don’t ONLY go right.

United are almost in danger of standing around and waiting for Valencia to do something spectacular, much like the criticism during the Ronaldo.

The Red’s lateral passing outside and around the edge nullified the extra player advantage. QPR simply kept everyone in front of them and marked-up. The compact tortoise-shell defense worked brilliantly much of the afternoon, much to Red Devil angst.

Did you notice that as soon as Giggs came on – bless his heart – he starting hitting direct balls over the top to Welbeck to mix things up? It’s typically-brilliant Giggsy, as he provides a what’s missing straight away from the bench.

Lately, United seemed to emulate Arsenal’s fatal flaw, over-relying on passing the ball into the net, as cries of “Shoot!” echoed from the Stretford End too many times to count. Finally, Scholes obliged and the Old Trafford faithful head home with three points.

What would have happened if the linesman hadn’t fallen asleep or if Lee Mason kept his red card in his pocket?

We’ll never know.

The old adage that players win games, managers loose them, and referees ruin them certainly held today. Lee Mason killed this match on top of dreadful decisions at Stamford Bridge yesterday.

Predictably, all attention will fall upon a linesman and referee for the second day running for horrible mistakes. It’s a pity because Sir Alex’s men deserve praise, not derisive comments about poor calls at Old Trafford.

THE talking point should be how United have gone eight points clear after winning their eighth straight game in just over a month. Remarkable stuff from arguably the best-managed team in football this past quarter-century. We’re all blessed to follow United.

United Waste Wolves 5-0

When Jonny Evans scores his first goal in 119 games, that doesn’t bode well for the opposition, as the football gods must be smiling down upon United. Or, perhaps it was leftover St. Patrick’s Day fortune for the lad. Regardless, it spelt doom for Wolves.

There’s really very little energy over here to blog about this match, such was the comfortable how-hum nature of the proceedings.

Thus, you get the easiest of formats here: the top five reactions to the match.

First off, how incredibly stupid was Ronald Zubar’s tackle on Welbeck?

Daft beyond all recognition, as you put your side down to ten men with over 60 minutes of football against the reigning champions in the midst of a relegation battle. Can you say gaffer’s doghouse?

I get wanting to close down the forward, but if your timing’s off along the touchline, that type of challenge gets booked nine out of ten times, with the winger taken down and acres of space behind the play.

Second, despite the comfortable score line, it seemed like there were more goals to be had by Sir Alex’s men.

Certainly, Thursday’s match and travel took some sharpness off the effort and it’s an excellent result, but Wolves were soooo poor for much of the match. This easily could have been 6, 7, or 8 to the good.

Behind closed doors Fergie might have a sharp word or two with the squad regarding their at-times flippant passing and possession. Goal differential matters and United didn’t take full advantage of a severely wounded side here.

Third, United employed the correct formation today, with Chicharito up top, Rooney in the hole, Welbeck drifting all over the place from the left, and Valencia playing textbook right wing.

Valencia and Chicharito, in their own ways, push defenses and create ample space for Rooney, Welbeck, and Carrick to create havoc. The pressure felt on Wolves’ left flank because Valencia beat Ward repeatedly caused the usual domino effect in mismarking everybody else. Which leads me to the next point.

Fourth, welcome back Antonio Valencia!

Since the New Year, he’s been the Red Devils most consistent catalyst going forward, getting around the edge and supplying excellent service to the front line. His pace and strength creates serious problems for opponent’s left backs, which has defenses paying lop-sided attention to his flank.

His goal was simply superb, as he broke the length of the pitch, gathered Rooney’s ball over the top, and raced to goal with delightful finish one-to-one against the keeper – a brilliant, counter-attacking surge. Valencia’s definitely deserving of everyone’s Man of the Match.

And finally, I reserve my MOTM honors for the man who broke his duck and opened up United’s account off a corner in the 21st minute: Jonny Evans. Today’s award is as much about the body of work in 2012 as his usual, solid effort today.

Evans did his job with his now-usual assuredness, a trait we didn’t think we’d witness after his horrible red card against City. In fact, many advocated selling the player in the January transfer window. Thankfully, Sir Alex knows better.

It takes time and patience to develop good, young center halves, something we’re all too intimately aware of in light of United’s failings in Europe.

Thus, we salute the bit of luck due a certain Northern Irishman, one who has earned our praise and recognition for his effort and improvement this campaign. Jonny, you’ve had as much to do with United’s ascent to the top as anyone in the starting eleven. Cheers to you on your first goal and a job well done.

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Also, our thoughts and prayers go out to Fabrice Muamba, his family, and Bolton Wanderers. Be well son.

Top of the Table to You

The murmuring around Old Trafford provided a strange buzz that required no explanation: City just fell behind late. The predictable singing aimed at the Blues rolled around the ground.

United sit on top, one point over City, with ten games left after United’s 2-0 defeat of West Brom and City’s 1-0 loss at Swansea.

This lead looms large, as Red Devils also possess an easier run-in, with the Middle Eastlands needing to play Chelsea, Arsenal, as well as United. Sir Alex’s side could sit four points clear before the Blues kickoff next weekend, piling pressure on his Italian counterpart.

And it's beginning to show.

Mancini played the role of devastated manager, in a very Wenger-like performance, mystified by the result, unnerved, and seemingly unable to conjure up anything to help his side move forward.

Contrast the City gaffer to Fergie’s focused attention in his post-match comments, including, at no extra charge, free translations from Sir Alex Ferguson’s The Art of War, Premiership Edition:

"The City defeat was a bonus I didn't expect (A horrible blunder; how could you loose THAT game?!) but I am happy to be top (as in you can’t handle it) because only a few weeks ago we were seven points behind them (United’s brilliant ascendency; the Blues’ massive collapse).

"That is credit to the players and the resilience of the squad (against all odds) because as everyone knows, we have had a lot of injuries (If you can’t stay ahead of us when we’re injured, you stand no chance now, as we approach fitness.).''

The media portray Roberto Mancini as a tactician, one who is a bit aloof from his players, which doesn’t bode well for the title run-in.

Teams in City’s position need to reframe the media conversations around the side, with comments like “We’re disappointed with the result today, but there’s still over a quarter of the season to play. It’s a long race that will go to the wire. We accept that. Yet, we play United at home and view that as a major advantage. We like our chances.”

Nothing of the kind will come from this cool Italian. So, if the manager won’t lift City, who will?

Some suggest it could be Carlos Tevez.

THAT man from Argentina doesn’t deserve a second chance, with Carlito’s Way difficult for all to comprehend, as he’s brilliantly determined striker, one capable of carrying a team for a spell.

On the other hand, as we’ve witnessed, he’s unprofessional, petty, and childish to the extreme – a high-risk, high-reward gamble that can turn cancerous. Oh, and what added pressure Tevez’ return could place on Mancini, who once stated he’d never again play for the club.

We all know in life, until you’ve accomplished something, it is human nature to doubt, if only on occasion, until you finally accomplish a penultimate goal as difficult as winning the Premier League.

World-class footballers possess a rare confidence, a sheer force of will it takes to beat incredible odds to reach the pinnacle of the beautiful game. One blog writer smack-dab in the middle of North America is no expert about sports psychology, without question.

Yet, it doesn’t take any education or experience to see what’s transpiring absolutely naked right in front of us, in the gobsmacked expression on Mancini’s fate in Cardiff. Just look at the man.

Roberto will face countless questions about the Blue’s title credentials from now until season’s end, with any missteps, any miscalculated tactics – like playing two holding midfielders and taking off Silva early today, hint-hint – drawing major scrutiny. The questions and pressure take their toll.

Sir Alex will exploit this to no end, assuredly, as that’s the luxury that comes from winning the Premier League twelve times. People don’t doubt United.

We’ve witnessed this film before. We know the story. We love how it ends.

Clinical United Best Spurs and Chelsea Implodes

What must old ‘Arry be thinking now?

Concede eight goals in four halves of football. England. Dominate possession and lose to United yet again. England. What must we do to get a break? England.

You get the picture.

The Tottenham defense looked as distracted as the man most likely to lead Inger-Land into the European Championships. Spurs are in real trouble.

Ah, but must we focus so much attention on the side from North London, when the Red Devils dispatched Spurs with the customary aplomb.

These massive three points were overshadowed by events elsewhere this weekend, with a resurgent Arsenal, Andre Villas-Boas sacked, and a possible return of the Special One to the Premiership.

Thus, here’s a Cliff’s Notes analysis of United’s performance before moving on to the misery at Chelsea.

Solid job all around for United’s back five, especially Jonny Evans, who played flawlessly all afternoon and is a worthy MOTM candidate. Rio was massive as well.

Both Scholes and Giggs looked their age and United’s midfield being outplayed much of this match, while failing to keep possession comfortably until being up 3-0.

De Gea made some excellent saves early on to keep the score line nil-nil.

Rooney looked out-of-form, yet put United into the lead just before half time thanks to a pacy, pernicious corner from Ashley Young, our Man of the Match, who netted two himself, including a Goal of the Week postage stamp to emphatically kill off this match.

Young took up Valencia’s mantle just in time and on his own terms, mostly through his whipped service and ability to drift into pockets of space versus continuing to press the edge like Antonio.

The timing of Young’s excellence couldn’t be better for Sir Alex leading into the two months and change in the season.

Elsewhere in England, much focus is on the downward spiral of Chelsea, as AVB becomes the fifth manager sacked since the departure of the Special One.

And, who didn’t see this one coming million miles away?

When Andre Villas-Boas said he didn’t need the support of the locker room, as long as he had the owner’s backing, everybody knew his days were numbered, which culminated in a club statement that tried fruitlessly to thank the now-former manager:

“Andre Villas-Boas has parted company (kicked out) with Chelsea FC today. The Board would like to record our gratitude (hurl, barf, choke) for his work (crazy, highline football with an old squad) and express our disappointment (cha-ching) that the relationship has ended so early…

“Unfortunately the results and the performances of the team have not been good enough (5th place) and were showing no signs of improving at a key time (lost Champions League) in the season.”

Chelsea age gracelessly much to Red Devil delight.

C’mon, can you ever imagine Terry and Lampard accepting similar roles to those of Giggs or Scholes? (I know, I know – let’s just assume their bodies would hold up.)

Never.

Both players’ massive egos, if anything, appear to inflate over time, which doesn’t match their diminishing pace and production on the pitch.

Which speaks to everything that’s wrong with Stamford Bridge outfit the moment.

Chelsea’s dressing room has a habit of getting managers fired prematurely, as Ferguson hath reminded us on many an occasion, no one player – eh, Beckham – can get bigger than the manager nor the club. Never. All is lost otherwise.

Indeed, another title campaign’s gone, and quite possibly, a Champions League spot may be lost on an expensive, aging side with the advent of financial fair play just around the corner – the precise moment Chelsea can least afford to take a hit to revenue. Oh, the deliciously irony.

As we witness the predictable implosion of a billionaire owner’s plaything, thanks to his own meddling nonetheless, we appreciate newly the meaning of “schadenfreude.”