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.
-----------------------------
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.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Stuffed and Bagged
Who knew Fox Soccer’s newly touted “Goals on Sunday” program would be encapsulated within a single match. United were absolutely breathtaking, while Arsenal looked like a shadow of themselves from this past decade.
The big question for Arsenal is “Are you City in disguise?”
Maybe it’s because I count several Arsenal supporters amongst my friends. Maybe I’ve got a lower tolerance for human suffering. Or, maybe my rational mind cannot comprehend what’s just happened.
Amidst all the joy with United’s brilliance, there’s at least a twinge of sadness for Arsene Wenger’s Theater of Horrors. Watching Piers Morgan slaughter the nutty professor in the post-game show brings to the fore the real possibility that Wenger’s days could be numbered. After such a loss, nothing’s out of the realm of possibility, including mass defections by around Christmas time.
It’s a pity, as well, because the Arsenal manager has been a colorful character capable of putting together some extremely attractive, attacking sides. You’d be missed, Arsene.
Ah, but Champaign football certainly reigned supreme today at Old Trafford. The only blemish on an otherwise splendid day occurred involved Danny Welbeck injuring his hamstring. Get well, Danny-boy.
Here are five things we’ve learned from this match.
First, Arsenal lack a spine in more ways than one. There’s sooo much wrong with the Gunners at the moment, with key players leaving, poor defending, shabby tactics, and a tight-wad management, one stubbornly refusing to pay semi-inflated prices for glaring holes in his side.
Despite these massive problems, yet, Arsenal appear to lack THE quality required in the Premiere League: heart. Case in point, after United’s fourth goal, Arshavin can be seen laughing with Rooney. Are you kidding me?! Somebody should deck that elf, many a Gunner must have thought. What certain North London fans wouldn’t give to return to “One-nil to the Arsenal” days.
Second, it’s clear that Sir Alex’s strategy relies more on overall attacking pace, from every angle possible, than on expensive-and-creative midfield magicians.
Given the form thus far, we’d be utterly shocked to see a certain Inter center-half arrive at Old Trafford by midweek. United could certainly use another world-class center midfielder, but those players remain difficult to land and involve risky sums of cash. Better to give Anderson and Cleverley more time and space to grow and mature right now.
Third, you simply keep repeating it to yourself, don’t you… the average age is 23 years old… they’re just kids… Just look at the class, pace, and hunger within this side. It’s absolutely astounding.
Today’s well-deserved 8-2 score line came against an Arsenal squad sans key players, but a Gunner side nonetheless. This wasn’t QPR after being decimated by injury, for the love of God. No, it’s still THE Arsenal, thank you very much.
Fourth, Wayne Rooney certainly looks comfortable being THE man on the United squad, one well worth of the prestigious number ten.
Today’s hat trick symbolizes his alpha status within the squad and reminds us all what’s he’s capable of after a largely disappointing year much of the last campaign. Wazza’s recovered his form and hairdo while putting to bed the moniker The Boy Wayne. From today forward, it’s THE Man Wayne, thank you very much indeed.
And finally, albeit based on a small sample size, United and City look equally impressive, both with stunning attaching options and depth within each squad.
Money can’t buy you love or happiness, but it certainly can help build a formidable football side. The primary difference between the blue and red halves of Manchester now comes down to age and philosophy, one where United still hold dear a real psychological advantage over The Middle Eastlands.
There truly is a United “way” of doing things, one where no member of the squad is bigger than the club nor the manager. You will never say that about City’s high-priced, mercenary talent.
Thus, we take delight in knowing our kids are more than all right, especially after a serious taxidermy job done to a major rival.
-----
Back at you after the Bolton match. Cheers to you during the international break.
The big question for Arsenal is “Are you City in disguise?”
Maybe it’s because I count several Arsenal supporters amongst my friends. Maybe I’ve got a lower tolerance for human suffering. Or, maybe my rational mind cannot comprehend what’s just happened.
Amidst all the joy with United’s brilliance, there’s at least a twinge of sadness for Arsene Wenger’s Theater of Horrors. Watching Piers Morgan slaughter the nutty professor in the post-game show brings to the fore the real possibility that Wenger’s days could be numbered. After such a loss, nothing’s out of the realm of possibility, including mass defections by around Christmas time.
It’s a pity, as well, because the Arsenal manager has been a colorful character capable of putting together some extremely attractive, attacking sides. You’d be missed, Arsene.
Ah, but Champaign football certainly reigned supreme today at Old Trafford. The only blemish on an otherwise splendid day occurred involved Danny Welbeck injuring his hamstring. Get well, Danny-boy.
Here are five things we’ve learned from this match.
First, Arsenal lack a spine in more ways than one. There’s sooo much wrong with the Gunners at the moment, with key players leaving, poor defending, shabby tactics, and a tight-wad management, one stubbornly refusing to pay semi-inflated prices for glaring holes in his side.
Despite these massive problems, yet, Arsenal appear to lack THE quality required in the Premiere League: heart. Case in point, after United’s fourth goal, Arshavin can be seen laughing with Rooney. Are you kidding me?! Somebody should deck that elf, many a Gunner must have thought. What certain North London fans wouldn’t give to return to “One-nil to the Arsenal” days.
Second, it’s clear that Sir Alex’s strategy relies more on overall attacking pace, from every angle possible, than on expensive-and-creative midfield magicians.
Given the form thus far, we’d be utterly shocked to see a certain Inter center-half arrive at Old Trafford by midweek. United could certainly use another world-class center midfielder, but those players remain difficult to land and involve risky sums of cash. Better to give Anderson and Cleverley more time and space to grow and mature right now.
Third, you simply keep repeating it to yourself, don’t you… the average age is 23 years old… they’re just kids… Just look at the class, pace, and hunger within this side. It’s absolutely astounding.
Today’s well-deserved 8-2 score line came against an Arsenal squad sans key players, but a Gunner side nonetheless. This wasn’t QPR after being decimated by injury, for the love of God. No, it’s still THE Arsenal, thank you very much.
Fourth, Wayne Rooney certainly looks comfortable being THE man on the United squad, one well worth of the prestigious number ten.
Today’s hat trick symbolizes his alpha status within the squad and reminds us all what’s he’s capable of after a largely disappointing year much of the last campaign. Wazza’s recovered his form and hairdo while putting to bed the moniker The Boy Wayne. From today forward, it’s THE Man Wayne, thank you very much indeed.
And finally, albeit based on a small sample size, United and City look equally impressive, both with stunning attaching options and depth within each squad.
Money can’t buy you love or happiness, but it certainly can help build a formidable football side. The primary difference between the blue and red halves of Manchester now comes down to age and philosophy, one where United still hold dear a real psychological advantage over The Middle Eastlands.
There truly is a United “way” of doing things, one where no member of the squad is bigger than the club nor the manager. You will never say that about City’s high-priced, mercenary talent.
Thus, we take delight in knowing our kids are more than all right, especially after a serious taxidermy job done to a major rival.
-----
Back at you after the Bolton match. Cheers to you during the international break.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Color Me Impressed
Well, well, well, listen to the pundits purr about United’s youngsters now when all they too often questioned Sir Alex for relying on too heavily on evergreen twosome for the past two or three campaigns.
After today’s performance, the future couldn’t look brighter, unless Fergie finds his own personal fountain of youth to roll back father time.
Scratch that, I think SAF has found his own age-defying elixir: the task of reshaping this United squad for infinity and beyond.
How cool and confident did Fergie look on the sidelines today – completely at ease watching his new fledglings demonstrate their class right before our eyes.
We all know that United’s youth, at some point, will cost the Red Devils in a tight match somewhere, somehow this season.
But, you’d be hard pressed to find any knowledgeable football fan today without some bit of astonishment at the relentless excellence on display.
In the words of the wonderful Replacement’s song: Color Me Impressed
.
What if someone told you last June that United would start Cleverly, De Gea, Evans, Jones, Smalling, and Welbeck at home to Spurs. What score would you have predicted?
Despite Spurs’ dreadful record versus United, especially at Old Trafford, you’d be tempted to think that every dog has it’s day and maybe ‘Arry’s men could scratch out a point away, or perhaps even a victory.
Not a chance. Old United gives way to New United, thank you very much.
Oh, to have been at Old Trafford when Phil Jones, my MOTM, nearly went full field on a marauding run with the ball – you could hear 75,000+ simultaneously gasp and buzz with delight. If my memory serves me correctly, the lad didn’t put a foot in wrong against an extremely gifted Spurs side.
Oh, to have been at Old Trafford when De Gea picked up his first clean sheet, including a drag-back with van der Vaart closing in and fouling the lad. Confidence? Certainly. Stupidity? Absolutely. It’s all part of the learning curve for the youngster.
Oh, to have been at Old Trafford when Anderson and Welback picked open the Spurs defense to see Ander-son-son-son score and break out into the electric boogie, Crouchie-style. Brilliant, that is.
But, alas, today’s match was brought to yours truly via TiVo, after work on a beautiful evening in Minneapolis where I sat inside after undergoing the usual media blackout in the afternoon.
As a Red Devil, we’ve come to expect greatness, thanks to Sir Alex Ferguson.
Like you, I’ve been caught up in United’s wonderful diversion from the rest of the world’s cares, one where it never ceases to amaze these many-odd years on how the Red’s relentless success still finds ways to surprise and delight you, much like Mr. Jones’ foray up field earlier this evening or Welbeck’s clever back-heeled pass.
Besides, name another club that can net a £40m sponsorship for their domestic training kit? Yes, training kit, a remarkable bit of business.
Thus, the kids and the global brand will be all right indeed.
----------------
Back at you after the Arsenal match. Cheers.
After today’s performance, the future couldn’t look brighter, unless Fergie finds his own personal fountain of youth to roll back father time.
Scratch that, I think SAF has found his own age-defying elixir: the task of reshaping this United squad for infinity and beyond.
How cool and confident did Fergie look on the sidelines today – completely at ease watching his new fledglings demonstrate their class right before our eyes.
We all know that United’s youth, at some point, will cost the Red Devils in a tight match somewhere, somehow this season.
But, you’d be hard pressed to find any knowledgeable football fan today without some bit of astonishment at the relentless excellence on display.
In the words of the wonderful Replacement’s song: Color Me Impressed
.What if someone told you last June that United would start Cleverly, De Gea, Evans, Jones, Smalling, and Welbeck at home to Spurs. What score would you have predicted?
Despite Spurs’ dreadful record versus United, especially at Old Trafford, you’d be tempted to think that every dog has it’s day and maybe ‘Arry’s men could scratch out a point away, or perhaps even a victory.
Not a chance. Old United gives way to New United, thank you very much.
Oh, to have been at Old Trafford when Phil Jones, my MOTM, nearly went full field on a marauding run with the ball – you could hear 75,000+ simultaneously gasp and buzz with delight. If my memory serves me correctly, the lad didn’t put a foot in wrong against an extremely gifted Spurs side.
Oh, to have been at Old Trafford when De Gea picked up his first clean sheet, including a drag-back with van der Vaart closing in and fouling the lad. Confidence? Certainly. Stupidity? Absolutely. It’s all part of the learning curve for the youngster.
Oh, to have been at Old Trafford when Anderson and Welback picked open the Spurs defense to see Ander-son-son-son score and break out into the electric boogie, Crouchie-style. Brilliant, that is.
But, alas, today’s match was brought to yours truly via TiVo, after work on a beautiful evening in Minneapolis where I sat inside after undergoing the usual media blackout in the afternoon.
As a Red Devil, we’ve come to expect greatness, thanks to Sir Alex Ferguson.
Like you, I’ve been caught up in United’s wonderful diversion from the rest of the world’s cares, one where it never ceases to amaze these many-odd years on how the Red’s relentless success still finds ways to surprise and delight you, much like Mr. Jones’ foray up field earlier this evening or Welbeck’s clever back-heeled pass.
Besides, name another club that can net a £40m sponsorship for their domestic training kit? Yes, training kit, a remarkable bit of business.
Thus, the kids and the global brand will be all right indeed.
----------------
Back at you after the Arsenal match. Cheers.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Job Done
It wasn’t pretty at times, but it’s three points on the road nonetheless. And it all started so well, too, with United clearly bossing play in the first twenty-odd minutes of the match until the moment that will hound the Red Devils new number one.
You just need to keep reminding yourself that it’s early days, yet this feels like a festering issue, one that could possibly derail another Reds keeper.
Watching the match at the pub, THE stat discussed ahead of kickoff was that De Gea allowed the most goals in La Liga from outside the penalty box. Not a good omen. And already, the United faithful feared another keeper draught such as the one that followed Peter Schmeichel.
Yet today’s howler came from well within the box, with the keeper taking the right angle but inexplicably failing to get down on what now-pundit Gary Neville called a “routine save.”
How long can Sir Alex go with De Gea, when clearly today, his mistake and failure to command his air space unnerved his backline?
Normally, you’d give young players time to adjust to their new surroundings. And, all things – er, prices – being equal, it appeared Lindegaard outplayed De Gea during United’s summer tour. Advantage Lindegaard.
Right now, Fergie faces an unenviable dilemma.
Pull the keeper and risk a blow to confidence. Play the keeper and risk more mistakes when he clearly isn’t comfortable with Premier League air space let alone long range efforts on goal.
I’m typically not one to overreact, especially with decisions at the helm of the United ship, but why not start the Dane and let De Gea ease into things more as a Red Devil?
Lindegaard commanded his backline while on tour in the States and appeared in great form. I know De Gea’s an excellent close-range shot stopper. I know De Gea’s is incredibly young, needing time and space to grow.
But should that learning curve come immediately against the likes of Spurs, Arsenal, and Liverpool?
I’d argue: absolutely not.
The English press will be merciless with the lad, as the more he makes mistakes, the more pressure will build on him, his team and his manager. Surly, there will be a new knick-name a la “Calamity James” in the offering soon, with “De Gaffe” the early bookies favorite, to greet the United squad in the papers throughout the campaign, and dare I say, his English career.
Which is an entirely unfortunate talking point, as there was plenty to like in this match.
First, SAF handed the pairing of Anderson and Cleverly starts. Both played well, earning their manager’s confidence, with young Thomas demonstrating maturity beyond his years as well as the wisdom behind his call-up in the England squad this past week. He certainly looks the part.
Second, United’s ability to come out strong and dictate the pace of the match to West Brom impressed, especially given the Red Devils road woes of the last campaign. Without the mistake in goal, you could easily see the Reds running out a 2-0 or 3-0 convincing victory today. The old adage “one goal changes everything” came to fruition, with West Brom gaining a huge lift from drawing level.
Last and most important, Fergie’s men found a way to win, unlike the other Top 6 contenders thus far, despite Rafael and Evra out from the start, plus Rio and Vidic leaving the match early with new injuries.
Newcomer Phil Jones never looked so good in United Red, with Rafael out over two months and Rio gone now for six weeks.
All in all, United find a way to win, or in the words of another new addition, Ashley Young talking to Sky Sports:
"It's the first game of season, we knew it was going to be tough coming to the Hawthorns but we have a never-say-die attitude and work to final whistle, and we got our rewards in the end."
Amazing how quickly Ashley’s already indoctrinated into United’s culture. But, should that really surprise us?
Earlier this week, Sir Bobby Charlton said in a new book '19' all credit for the United’s success lay at the feet of Sir Alex Ferguson.
"The record of 19 League titles goes down purely to Alex Ferguson, it would not have been possible without Alex Ferguson, that's for sure.
He is the epitome of everything that is good about Manchester United and the ethos of this club. He knows the game inside out. The reason everybody performs to their best is that he is in control, not just of his staff and the first team, but the whole of the club, and as a result it operates in unison.
There is no point suggesting anybody else to be manager of Manchester United, there is no one around who can fill his boots. I hope he can carry on for a long time yet.”
Here's to a job well done for many years to come. Cheers.
---------------
Back at you after the Spurs match.
You just need to keep reminding yourself that it’s early days, yet this feels like a festering issue, one that could possibly derail another Reds keeper.
Watching the match at the pub, THE stat discussed ahead of kickoff was that De Gea allowed the most goals in La Liga from outside the penalty box. Not a good omen. And already, the United faithful feared another keeper draught such as the one that followed Peter Schmeichel.
Yet today’s howler came from well within the box, with the keeper taking the right angle but inexplicably failing to get down on what now-pundit Gary Neville called a “routine save.”
How long can Sir Alex go with De Gea, when clearly today, his mistake and failure to command his air space unnerved his backline?
Normally, you’d give young players time to adjust to their new surroundings. And, all things – er, prices – being equal, it appeared Lindegaard outplayed De Gea during United’s summer tour. Advantage Lindegaard.
Right now, Fergie faces an unenviable dilemma.
Pull the keeper and risk a blow to confidence. Play the keeper and risk more mistakes when he clearly isn’t comfortable with Premier League air space let alone long range efforts on goal.
I’m typically not one to overreact, especially with decisions at the helm of the United ship, but why not start the Dane and let De Gea ease into things more as a Red Devil?
Lindegaard commanded his backline while on tour in the States and appeared in great form. I know De Gea’s an excellent close-range shot stopper. I know De Gea’s is incredibly young, needing time and space to grow.
But should that learning curve come immediately against the likes of Spurs, Arsenal, and Liverpool?
I’d argue: absolutely not.
The English press will be merciless with the lad, as the more he makes mistakes, the more pressure will build on him, his team and his manager. Surly, there will be a new knick-name a la “Calamity James” in the offering soon, with “De Gaffe” the early bookies favorite, to greet the United squad in the papers throughout the campaign, and dare I say, his English career.
Which is an entirely unfortunate talking point, as there was plenty to like in this match.
First, SAF handed the pairing of Anderson and Cleverly starts. Both played well, earning their manager’s confidence, with young Thomas demonstrating maturity beyond his years as well as the wisdom behind his call-up in the England squad this past week. He certainly looks the part.
Second, United’s ability to come out strong and dictate the pace of the match to West Brom impressed, especially given the Red Devils road woes of the last campaign. Without the mistake in goal, you could easily see the Reds running out a 2-0 or 3-0 convincing victory today. The old adage “one goal changes everything” came to fruition, with West Brom gaining a huge lift from drawing level.
Last and most important, Fergie’s men found a way to win, unlike the other Top 6 contenders thus far, despite Rafael and Evra out from the start, plus Rio and Vidic leaving the match early with new injuries.
Newcomer Phil Jones never looked so good in United Red, with Rafael out over two months and Rio gone now for six weeks.
All in all, United find a way to win, or in the words of another new addition, Ashley Young talking to Sky Sports:
"It's the first game of season, we knew it was going to be tough coming to the Hawthorns but we have a never-say-die attitude and work to final whistle, and we got our rewards in the end."
Amazing how quickly Ashley’s already indoctrinated into United’s culture. But, should that really surprise us?
Earlier this week, Sir Bobby Charlton said in a new book '19' all credit for the United’s success lay at the feet of Sir Alex Ferguson.
"The record of 19 League titles goes down purely to Alex Ferguson, it would not have been possible without Alex Ferguson, that's for sure.
He is the epitome of everything that is good about Manchester United and the ethos of this club. He knows the game inside out. The reason everybody performs to their best is that he is in control, not just of his staff and the first team, but the whole of the club, and as a result it operates in unison.
There is no point suggesting anybody else to be manager of Manchester United, there is no one around who can fill his boots. I hope he can carry on for a long time yet.”
Here's to a job well done for many years to come. Cheers.
---------------
Back at you after the Spurs match.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Lesson Delivered
Well, could you write a better script for demoralizing The Middle Eastlands?
What a stunning last-gasp victory for United and punishing defeat for City. Oh the joy in footballing lessons delivered, eh Wazza, when City are made to watch Vidic lift the Community Shield. “Brilliant, that is!”, says The Boy Wayne.
First, let me digress for a moment with a true confession.
I watched the match on tape delay after spending the weekend at a beautiful cabin on a lake in central Minnesota. Our summers are short and we simply couldn’t give up the opportunity to truly get away. Private lake. No motorized boats. Ah, peace and quiet with good friends. And besides, I’ll have to duck-out on future weekends for much more meaningful fixtures during the EPL campaign.
Thus, watching in the evening, knowing the result’s bagged hours ago only adds another strange temptation into the mix, especially when City go ahead 2-0 without playing particularly well.
Part of me wants to fast forward through another repeat of last year’s FA Cup semi-final. Part of me can’t stand to miss a minute, as football hath finally started.
Thank God the Red Devils didn’t try to fast forward their way through this “meaningless” match.
Yes, you can use six subs in the FA Community Shield.
Yes, it’s the pretense to something much bigger and better to come.
Yes, it’s a one-off, "friendly" Cup, if you will.
Yet, it’s City for the love of God, and you just can’t imagine the noisy neighbors gaining any sort of confidence from this game. No way. No how.
Thus, it’s with much delight that I report I caught the match; including watching another page turned in United’s storied history books.
With the substitution of Carrick, Rio, Vidic , and later Evra, the average age of the United squad was reported at 21 or 22 years old. Remarkable. Today’s young squad outplayed the current version, hands down.
And all the more incredible, Tom Cleverly appears to hold part of the answer to United’s central midfield questions.
Today he impressed yet again with abundant energy, purpose, and creativity moving forward, after his very own MOTM performance against Barcelona’s albeit reserves.
Sometimes the best moves in football can be non-transfers, where the manager provides the time and space for youngsters to take the mantle.
Cleverly helped Rooney dictate play in the second half during a real derby match, which make this accomplishment all the more impressive. It’s still early days, but Fergie appears to have caught lightening in a bottle at the most opportune of moments, immediately after Scholes’ retirement, with this lad.
Speaking of electricity, we must give Nani his due, after his two goals clearly and rightly earned him MOTM honors.
Nani’s performance bodes well for the up-coming campaign precisely because he has taken the challenge presented to him by the addition of Ashley Young. No pouting at all from the gerry curled one. Only commitment.
Nani can be as mesmerizing as anyone on the planet out wide with the ball at his feat, but this isn’t new news, as consistency of decision-making robs this player of opportunities.
Yet, step-by-step Nani’s end product progressed noticeably this past campaign and during this summer’s pre-season. It appears he's finally got it, much to our collective relief.
Thus, United appear primed for another Premier League campaign, with a new influx of youth to a title-winning side.
Surly, with youth comes mistakes, but you can really feel the power that rests within this side, as United were quicker, sharper, and more decisive than their blue counterparts.
A gulf in class still exists in Manchester. Consider it a message delivered.
----------
Back at you after the Weat Brom match. Cheers.
What a stunning last-gasp victory for United and punishing defeat for City. Oh the joy in footballing lessons delivered, eh Wazza, when City are made to watch Vidic lift the Community Shield. “Brilliant, that is!”, says The Boy Wayne.
First, let me digress for a moment with a true confession.
I watched the match on tape delay after spending the weekend at a beautiful cabin on a lake in central Minnesota. Our summers are short and we simply couldn’t give up the opportunity to truly get away. Private lake. No motorized boats. Ah, peace and quiet with good friends. And besides, I’ll have to duck-out on future weekends for much more meaningful fixtures during the EPL campaign.
Thus, watching in the evening, knowing the result’s bagged hours ago only adds another strange temptation into the mix, especially when City go ahead 2-0 without playing particularly well.
Part of me wants to fast forward through another repeat of last year’s FA Cup semi-final. Part of me can’t stand to miss a minute, as football hath finally started.
Thank God the Red Devils didn’t try to fast forward their way through this “meaningless” match.
Yes, you can use six subs in the FA Community Shield.
Yes, it’s the pretense to something much bigger and better to come.
Yes, it’s a one-off, "friendly" Cup, if you will.
Yet, it’s City for the love of God, and you just can’t imagine the noisy neighbors gaining any sort of confidence from this game. No way. No how.
Thus, it’s with much delight that I report I caught the match; including watching another page turned in United’s storied history books.
With the substitution of Carrick, Rio, Vidic , and later Evra, the average age of the United squad was reported at 21 or 22 years old. Remarkable. Today’s young squad outplayed the current version, hands down.
And all the more incredible, Tom Cleverly appears to hold part of the answer to United’s central midfield questions.
Today he impressed yet again with abundant energy, purpose, and creativity moving forward, after his very own MOTM performance against Barcelona’s albeit reserves.
Sometimes the best moves in football can be non-transfers, where the manager provides the time and space for youngsters to take the mantle.
Cleverly helped Rooney dictate play in the second half during a real derby match, which make this accomplishment all the more impressive. It’s still early days, but Fergie appears to have caught lightening in a bottle at the most opportune of moments, immediately after Scholes’ retirement, with this lad.
Speaking of electricity, we must give Nani his due, after his two goals clearly and rightly earned him MOTM honors.
Nani’s performance bodes well for the up-coming campaign precisely because he has taken the challenge presented to him by the addition of Ashley Young. No pouting at all from the gerry curled one. Only commitment.
Nani can be as mesmerizing as anyone on the planet out wide with the ball at his feat, but this isn’t new news, as consistency of decision-making robs this player of opportunities.
Yet, step-by-step Nani’s end product progressed noticeably this past campaign and during this summer’s pre-season. It appears he's finally got it, much to our collective relief.
Thus, United appear primed for another Premier League campaign, with a new influx of youth to a title-winning side.
Surly, with youth comes mistakes, but you can really feel the power that rests within this side, as United were quicker, sharper, and more decisive than their blue counterparts.
A gulf in class still exists in Manchester. Consider it a message delivered.
----------
Back at you after the Weat Brom match. Cheers.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Outclassed
What do you say? What can you say?
United lost to the best squad on the planet and, arguably, the strongest ever. Intellectually you get that.
You also can put a Pollyanna spin on things and say it was a good year and that you’re thankful for it. Intellectually you get this too.
But, now, right now in reality, it hurts. It really hurts.
Crashing expectations from a massive cup match is one thing – how many precious European Championships will you experience in your life? You never know.
But crashing expectations from seeing a gaping hole between yourself and the desired destination is something entirely different and unsettling.
Sublime Barca live light-years in front of the competition and appear to have room for another gear in the box, as we consider that Messi’s only 23 years old, for the love of God. We just sit in awe and watch His Maradonnaesqueness.
For United to reach the Catalan’s heights, it requires one or two world-class players outside of the current roster, I attest. We’re talking a minimum of one more Ronaldo, Messi, or more fittingly, Zizu, not some ordinary transfer or well-cultivated talent: something from another galaxy here. Viva Ronaldo indeed.
Admittedly, the Red Devils possess one master-class talent in Rooney as well as a host of brilliant players from Chicharito all the way through to Vidic.
However, the missing components involve, more precisely, pinnacle-caliber midfielder candidates – one to pull the strings, one to boss matters from box to box and shut down tikka-takka football.
Compounding matters include van der Sar’s certain retirement and the inevitable with Giggs’ and Scholes’ soon to come. In my view, this was a rebuilding year with a bonus EPL title and Champions League run.
Yet, none of that matters now in the haze of disappointment, which hangs and lingers all-too-long.
If you’ve ever read any of my blog posts, you surly anticipate and appreciate the predictable solace that will be found in trusting one Sir Alex Ferguson.
While many will debate whether or not Barca are best-of-all-time, US soccer journalists pondered if Mr. Ferguson was the best sports manager of all time. This conversation involved any sport, including baseball, basketball, hockey and American football.
The verdict?
Lombardi? Nope.
Phil Jackson? No way.
SAF is, without a doubt, the best ever. Simply tally the time and trophies. Best ever, bar none.
So, whom else would you want to be tied to on this new mountain climbing expedition? None other than Sir Alexander Chapman Ferguson, that’s who.
Every single one of us loves and trusts our own favorite Glaswegian, especially when he’s got another target on the perch.
--------
I’ll be back at you sometime this Summer, probably after watching United live in the States and preparing for the 2011-2012 season in earnest. All the best to you during the off-season. Cheers.
United lost to the best squad on the planet and, arguably, the strongest ever. Intellectually you get that.
You also can put a Pollyanna spin on things and say it was a good year and that you’re thankful for it. Intellectually you get this too.
But, now, right now in reality, it hurts. It really hurts.
Crashing expectations from a massive cup match is one thing – how many precious European Championships will you experience in your life? You never know.
But crashing expectations from seeing a gaping hole between yourself and the desired destination is something entirely different and unsettling.
Sublime Barca live light-years in front of the competition and appear to have room for another gear in the box, as we consider that Messi’s only 23 years old, for the love of God. We just sit in awe and watch His Maradonnaesqueness.
For United to reach the Catalan’s heights, it requires one or two world-class players outside of the current roster, I attest. We’re talking a minimum of one more Ronaldo, Messi, or more fittingly, Zizu, not some ordinary transfer or well-cultivated talent: something from another galaxy here. Viva Ronaldo indeed.
Admittedly, the Red Devils possess one master-class talent in Rooney as well as a host of brilliant players from Chicharito all the way through to Vidic.
However, the missing components involve, more precisely, pinnacle-caliber midfielder candidates – one to pull the strings, one to boss matters from box to box and shut down tikka-takka football.
Compounding matters include van der Sar’s certain retirement and the inevitable with Giggs’ and Scholes’ soon to come. In my view, this was a rebuilding year with a bonus EPL title and Champions League run.
Yet, none of that matters now in the haze of disappointment, which hangs and lingers all-too-long.
If you’ve ever read any of my blog posts, you surly anticipate and appreciate the predictable solace that will be found in trusting one Sir Alex Ferguson.
While many will debate whether or not Barca are best-of-all-time, US soccer journalists pondered if Mr. Ferguson was the best sports manager of all time. This conversation involved any sport, including baseball, basketball, hockey and American football.
The verdict?
Lombardi? Nope.
Phil Jackson? No way.
SAF is, without a doubt, the best ever. Simply tally the time and trophies. Best ever, bar none.
So, whom else would you want to be tied to on this new mountain climbing expedition? None other than Sir Alexander Chapman Ferguson, that’s who.
Every single one of us loves and trusts our own favorite Glaswegian, especially when he’s got another target on the perch.
--------
I’ll be back at you sometime this Summer, probably after watching United live in the States and preparing for the 2011-2012 season in earnest. All the best to you during the off-season. Cheers.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Are You Ready for Some Football?
We’re almost inside T-minus 24 hours from The Final, The Dream Matchup. THE question you’ve just gotta ask yourself is are you physically, emotionally, and mentally ready for the match?
As a public service, especially to Red Devils Stateside or the Far East, below you’ll find your pre-match checklist.
Read carefully. Get your pen and paper ready for this all-important assessment. Each yes is worth one point; please note the bonus and extra point deductions in parenthesis.
Are you ready for THE FINAL? Find out…
1. Do you have your lucky United jersey (not washed during since the beginning of the knockout rounds = one extra, bonus point), scarf, and jeans worn during past glory ready?
2. Have you over-analyzed United’s tactics and team selection in the privacy of your own thoughts throughout the past week to the point of feelin’ like a gaffer yourself?
3. Do you already know who and where you’re meeting at least 3 hours before kickoff? (Deduct an extra point if you have no plans at all.)
4. Have you already researched a ridiculous, Cliff Clavenesque amount of stats on both teams, including their history in Europe?
5. Do you find yourself completely distracted, unable to work productively today? (Add a bonus point if you avoided scheduling any client appointments today. If you took the pre-match day off as vacation, then add two bonus points.)
6. Do you find yourself fantasizing about someone putting in a Nobby Stiles-like MOTM performance tomorrow? (If you have to ask “Who is Nobby Stiles?” deduct one point.)
7. Have you worried at least a few times today about the “beautiful” Barca turning to its ugly side, diving and gaming all over the place? (If you haven’t thought about it, deduct one extra point.)
8. Have you re-watched any portion of a United Champions League match this past week in anticipation of THE Final? (Add extra points per match for the ’68, ’99, or ’08 finals. Deduct a point for your own well-being if you watched the ’09 Final.)
9. Have you read something from blogs “The Busby Way”, “The Republik of Mancunia”, “Red Rants”, or “The United Religion” within the past 48 hours? (If you’ve read something from all four, add one additional point. If you don’t know any of the four, deduct a point.)
10. Have you dreamt about United since Saturday?
If you score a Spinal Tab eleven or higher, congratulations, as you deserve tickets to the final and to have your “United, wife, kids – in that order” or “Not Arrogant. Just Better” banner autographed by Sir Alex himself!
If you totaled eight or more points, then you’re definitely ready. Your preparation is its own reward here, as everything is lining up for your BIG day. Cheers to you!
If you scored in the range between five and seven, get a hold of yourself man – you’ve got some catching up to do.
If you scored less than five, are you a City fan in disguise?
Here’s to total victory tomorrow. Oh the sweet anticipation. Cheers.
-----------------
Back at you well after the match.
As a public service, especially to Red Devils Stateside or the Far East, below you’ll find your pre-match checklist.
Read carefully. Get your pen and paper ready for this all-important assessment. Each yes is worth one point; please note the bonus and extra point deductions in parenthesis.
Are you ready for THE FINAL? Find out…
1. Do you have your lucky United jersey (not washed during since the beginning of the knockout rounds = one extra, bonus point), scarf, and jeans worn during past glory ready?
2. Have you over-analyzed United’s tactics and team selection in the privacy of your own thoughts throughout the past week to the point of feelin’ like a gaffer yourself?
3. Do you already know who and where you’re meeting at least 3 hours before kickoff? (Deduct an extra point if you have no plans at all.)
4. Have you already researched a ridiculous, Cliff Clavenesque amount of stats on both teams, including their history in Europe?
5. Do you find yourself completely distracted, unable to work productively today? (Add a bonus point if you avoided scheduling any client appointments today. If you took the pre-match day off as vacation, then add two bonus points.)
6. Do you find yourself fantasizing about someone putting in a Nobby Stiles-like MOTM performance tomorrow? (If you have to ask “Who is Nobby Stiles?” deduct one point.)
7. Have you worried at least a few times today about the “beautiful” Barca turning to its ugly side, diving and gaming all over the place? (If you haven’t thought about it, deduct one extra point.)
8. Have you re-watched any portion of a United Champions League match this past week in anticipation of THE Final? (Add extra points per match for the ’68, ’99, or ’08 finals. Deduct a point for your own well-being if you watched the ’09 Final.)
9. Have you read something from blogs “The Busby Way”, “The Republik of Mancunia”, “Red Rants”, or “The United Religion” within the past 48 hours? (If you’ve read something from all four, add one additional point. If you don’t know any of the four, deduct a point.)
10. Have you dreamt about United since Saturday?
If you score a Spinal Tab eleven or higher, congratulations, as you deserve tickets to the final and to have your “United, wife, kids – in that order” or “Not Arrogant. Just Better” banner autographed by Sir Alex himself!
If you totaled eight or more points, then you’re definitely ready. Your preparation is its own reward here, as everything is lining up for your BIG day. Cheers to you!
If you scored in the range between five and seven, get a hold of yourself man – you’ve got some catching up to do.
If you scored less than five, are you a City fan in disguise?
Here’s to total victory tomorrow. Oh the sweet anticipation. Cheers.
-----------------
Back at you well after the match.
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