Last Saturday was a nervy day for me. No, it wasn't because United were playing one of the big four or something but for the simple reason that United were playing Wolves away without our prime hit-man Wayne Rooney! Things were only getting worse when United looked to be heading to a stalemate well into the second half until midfield maestro by the name of Paul Scholes popped in and cast his signature on the game, in the process completed a ton of League goals. United won 1-0 and I must say that was thanks mainly to the reunion of Rio and Vidic at the back. Going by the struggle our defense has had without the duo most of the season, the result could have been much different had it not been for them (Never mind if we were only playing Wolves!). People said Berbatov played a part in the game and did well in place of Rooney. I would beg to differ. Berbatov did do a decent job of holding up the defenders thanks to his deft touches, but he didn't create or come up with anything brilliant. In fact I thought he was way too slow to be involved in the counter attacks United thrives on. Nani was another player who looked to lack confidence. Back to good old days? I'm not really sure, because I feel the real problem is with him not playing on the right flank. If that is indeed the case, I am not sure Sir Alex would want him to switch positions with Valencia. Not for my money because the unassuming Mr Valencia has fetched us absolute gold this season on the right wing.
Now to the much talked about Milan game. One thing I realized past Wednesday night was this - one brilliant player can make your team look average or great! The last time United were knocked out of Champions league, it was that rainy day at the San Siro 3 seasons ago and it was purely because of the then best player in the world - Kaka. This time around, the tide seemed to have reversed. Wayne Rooney did a Kaka. He scored 2 more goals to add to his 2 at Siro and in the process finished the Rossoneri in no time at all. Is it any coincidence Rooney is being touted the best player in the world right now?
Personally, I was a little anxious about the game. Since Milan had just a single goal deficit and the fact that they had always defeated United over 2 legs any Red devil fan would have been a little nervous. As far as i was concerned it was about who'd score the first goal. Thankfully it was Rooney's head doing the talking again (quite early in the first half) and when he scored the second, it was curtains on Milan's hopes. Two players who stood out (and they always inherently do but aren't spoken about!) were Fletcher and Park. According to me these are the players that are the heart and soul of United set up. Your Rooneys and Ronaldos and Beckams and Cantonas will get all the praise in the world when United wins those silverwares. But these players do well because players like Fletcher and Park do the difficult and dirty work in the background. Park was entrusted with the role of marking Pirlo and everybody knows he did that perfectly. Fletcher came up with his usual hardworking best over the two legs. It is players like these who work hard so United can play true to their wisdom of beautiful, fast-paced and counter-attacking football.
While Rooney and Co were running rampage over Milan, our hero until not so long ago was shaking his head heading into the Bernabeu tunnel realizing that he will not be playing the big CL games he played with his Red pals all of last few seasons. What more, Rooney being touted the next big thing must be hurting him although I am sure they are the best of friends. Now, I am not going to be immature and start a was-Ronaldo-wrong-to-leave-United debate most people seem to like these days. Ronaldo did what his heart told him and he should stick to that. I just wonder if United would have struggled at all this season had he and Tevez stayed. But then who was going to guarantee Rooney wouldn't play on the wing anymore had Ronaldo stayed? Personally, being a big fan of Rooney, I just think Ronaldo had done a major favour to his friend by following his heart!
