What will it take for Man United to win a record 4th consecutive league title this season? The answer is very very simple: Wayne Rooney staying fit and keeping his goal-scoring form intact. And if he's going to continue scoring as many goals as he scored against Hull last night, rest assured he'll break all the existing goal scoring records! Because his score yesterday was (not 1, not 2...but) an astonishing 4! United had it relatively easy yesterday against the bottom of the table Hull. One of those games where United created so many chances, they could have had a double digit score. Spurred on by an early goal by Wayne Rooney, United looked impressive in their movement and created numerous chances. It was significant according to me because we didn't have our usual threat in the form of Valencia on the right. Instead it was Nani, perhaps playing on the right for the first time this season. For a change Micheal Owen was partnering Rooney upfront and I must say the partnership looked quite promising.
Though we didn't look really sharp for much of the second half and were fighting to hold on to the slender lead, the flood gates were opened for Wayne Rooney towards the end. The United hit-man scored 3 in the last 10 minutes to notch up a brilliant personal feat. There have been so many days when one would have felt Rooney deserved more goals for his performance. But yesterday it seemed just perfect. Even he won't be unhappy with having 4 against his name. He just looks set to go higher and higher up with his performances this season.
The most significant highlight for me from last night was Nani's performance. There has been a lot of speculation on his future the whole of this season thanks to his poor form on the flanks. Nani, to me has always looked like a talented footballer ever since he moved 3 seasons ago. But if there was one thing that he's been found wanting on, it has been his temperament. He looks a natural winger with pace and trickery but most times, specially this season, seems confused about whether to act as the provider or the shot-taker and most times comes up short in either of the ways he goes. That has been the reason behind the lack of confidence the management has shown towards him - so evident when you see the young and untested Obertan preferred to him. Luckily, Nani has looked to do the basics right in the last 2 games that he has played. He came up with a decent show against City the other night. And last night, he looked even better, putting in easily his best show this season. Perhaps he prefers playing on the right but with Valencia having cemented that position, he's had to play on the left most often than nought.
Another star last night was the evergreen Scholes. He dictated the game from the midfield pulling every string he had in his control. He has looked a little patchy of late, but last night's performance definitely showed he might be back at his passing best.
United would now be looking forward to playing Arsenal away next week. But before that, they have unfinished business in the Carling Cup return leg. So much has been spoken about the first leg - the performance and the Tevez controversy. But as far as I am concerned, United were desperately unlucky to come out second best that day. We looked so sharp and created so many chances, specially while trailing 1-2. Had it not been for that Irishman Shay Given, United would definitely have had more goals. Perhaps starting with the deficit sets the right tone for United to go for an all-out attack against their "noisy" neighbors! Can't wait for the game to start!
Link to the Highlights: http://www.footytube.com/video/manchester-united-hull-city-jan23-32208
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