Chelsea double and CL heartbreak!

I'm wondering why all the forces seem to be conspiring against United during this crucial phase of the season. Rooney was injured against Bayern last week where we gave away a silly goal in the injury time. Chelsea came to Old Trafford hoping to do a rare double (they had won by a controversial goal at the Bridge when United had dominated the game!) and cash-in on the absence of Wayne Rooney. Everybody knew United looked really feeble without him, at least on paper. So, it needed a really determined performance from United to get something against the Blues. But given that we were playing after the away game at Bayern in the mid-week (while Chelsea were resting!) and the fact that we had the old legs of Neville, Scholes and Giggs playing consecutive games, it really looked like a difficult proposition. Chelsea tried to exploit just that. They took the game to United straight-away with pace upfront and United were left to chase the game for a good hour's play having conceded early on. But United being United showed great resilience to make a match out of it in the second half. Though we lacked a creativity, we did pressurise Chelsea a great deal. Just when one could think there was a revival in store, the linesman gifted a crucial goal to Drogba by failing to spot a clear off-side. Though we did strike back immediately, that controversial goal seemed to have put the issue far beyond United. Add to that the inability of Berbatov to convert a couple of good chances, United seemed destined to give Chelsea the leeway in the title race. With tough fixtures still to come for both title contenders, I think there are still going to be more twists in this season's topsy-turvy title race.

Last night was an absolute heart-break. United were 3-nill up in no time at all against Bayern and that too with no real contribution from Wayne Rooney (Nani played like a man possessed!), our biggest goal-scorer, and yet we are out of the tournament by means of away-goal rule. Though it's inexplicable, I will just put that down to sheer bad luck. Young Rafael forgot that he was on a yellow already and obstructed Ribery and got a second yellow in an utterly naive way. The tackle might have warranted a yellow, but most referees would have thought twice about giving it as it was going to be the second for the youngster and given that Ribery was way away from a goal-scoring position. But pressure from the Germans meant the ref had to make the decision in their favour and with almost 30 minutes remaining, you just felt that was it for United. I am sure Bayern would have scored more if they needed to, specially with the players they had. United had already conceded a soft goal and all they needed was a solitary goal to advance. Another contributing factor yesterday was Rooney's injury. Rooney played most of yesterday limping. I don't know why he was persisted with even after we had 3 goals on the sheet. With him struggling, United barely got a move going. Perhaps a quick substitution would have brought us another goal considering the speed with which we had scored the first 3. On a night when anybody would have been forced to think United are not just a one-man army and that we were almost unbeatable when we need to force the issue at Old Trafford, United were knocked out, at the end of the day, by a silly, soft yellow card. And I find it really hard to take.

Like I said before, United still have tough games coming up in the league and we'll have to win all of them as well as hope Chelsea are going to drop points, to win the League title. In season where United didn't look a great side for most part of the season, we still fought hard and reached great positions both in Champions League and the league title race. It would be really unfair if United don't win any silverware apart from just the Carling Cup. Hopefully that will not be the case!

League status and CL hopes

United have been having a good run since that embarrassing loss to Everton at the Goodison. They must be specially feeling good about settling the scores against Liverpool at home (after defeats in the last 3 meetings!) and against Bolton away (always a tight fixture). We still have at least 3 tricky fixtures (if not more) before the end of the season, with Chelsea, City and Tottenham to be played. One doesn't need an expert to point out United has tougher list of fixtures in the run-in compared to that of Chelsea and Arsenal. In fact, looking at the list of fixtures Arsenal had, I had a strange feeling Arsenal could yet have the last laugh in the race. But with them dropping points at Birmingham, the advantage is back with United and Chelsea at this point in time.

Everybody had been looking at Chelsea's visit to Old Trafford as the title deciding fixture of the season even as early as January. That remains true even now, just a couple of days left for the game! But the Champions' League game at Munich has given us a scare, a big one at that. The fact that Rooney is injured and could miss atleast 3 league games. I had commented in one of my posts (at least 10 games ago) that Rooney staying fit would be a crucial factor in deciding whether United would win or lose the league this season. And that has taken even bigger importance with the amount of goals Rooney has scored for United this fabulous season (34 so far). I am sure Rooney not playing would be a big boost for Chelsea. Though I would say United winning this Saturday will be a difficult task, I feel United aren't in that bad a situation than they could have been. Though United's second top scorer this season has been Mr. Own Goals, the fact that Berbatov has had a successful couple of games playing all alone, filling in for Rooney, kind of alleviates the situation a bit. So, if Berbatov, Sir Alex's costliest buy, can half fill for Rooney (read provide support to midfield) and the rest of United do their job well (specially the defense of Vidic and Ferdinand), I definitely fancy United to avenge for that unfortunate defeat by a solitary goal at the Bridge).

It's pretty much the same story as far as the return leg against Bayern is concerned. How Berbatov fills in for Rooney is definitely going to be a big factor. Apart from that, United will have to exact the best out of themselves in the other departments (midfield and defense) and we can surely make it past Bayern. After all, we have a crucial away goal to our credit!

Wolves win, Milan thumping and Ronny rues

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!

Everton 3 : 1 United

There are somethings about home-advantage in football I find difficult to comprehend. It's the same pitch and ball you play with and yet some teams seem to totally get into a new Avataar when playing at home and dangerously so. Burnley have been a classic example this season (just one point away against 22 at home!). Teams like Fulham, West Ham, Aston Villa are sometimes more difficult to play away than some of the top 4. I'm sure people will readily point out it's the crowd support that makes the difference. But is it that difficult for modern-day professional footballers (who I am sure get enough training on staying mentally tough) to negate the influence of opposite teams' crowd support on their games? Or am I undermining the strength of the proverbial twelfth man in football?

Everton are not a team to be left behind in this debate because they are always a tough team to play in their backyard. And how well they vindicated that fact yesterday!

Fresh from defeating Chelsea less than 2 weeks ago and smarting from a narrow derby loss, Everton was not the best place to visit around this time. Specially for United who were coming off a hard earned victory at Milan. It was a little surprising Sir Alex went into this one with a 4-4-2 and not the time tested 4-5-1 that has been so productive this season in terms of results. You could see the effects straight-away - Everton seemed to enjoy bullying United midfield as the game got into its stride. The flip side though was that United went ahead through a nicely taken goal by Berbatov, a player who wouldn't have featured if United had gone with a lone striker! Everton shot right back through Bilyaletdinov's stunning goal, a thunder-bolt really! All this within the first 20 minutes and it seemed that we could be up for a goal fest! Rooney could easily have scored United's second had it not been for that one touch he took after rounding off Tim Howard that was wee bit heavy. Overall, first half was mostly an end-to-end affair with some really exciting football to watch.

Second half looked a bit cagey unlike the first for a good 15 minutes. But after that it was all Everton. The second string United defense of Browne and Evans looked more and more shaky.

Everton began to boss the proceedings and eventually resulted in their second goal. United pushed hard for the equalizer but seemed to lack the sting, specially with Rooney having an off day at his old club. Everton finally finished off United in the 90th minute through a brilliant solo effort from teenager Jack Rodwell.

The game was mainly lost in the midfield, I would say. I am quite sure a 5 man United mid-field would have definitely dented Everton's game. But then, United also looked tired as a unit and you can't play the aging Scholes week-in week-out! Browne and Evans struggled to say the least and I feel that was the clinching factor as far as this game was concerned.

So, it's 6 losses so far this season and we still have about 11 games to go! My initial assessment at the start of the season was that United would struggle due to the lack of goals after Ronaldo's departure. But I now realize that United's defense is more crucial to their prospects than their frontline. Last season, United came up with one of the least goal tallies to win the title (oh yeah, Ronaldo was still with us!) and that was largely due to the exploits of the Vidic and Ferdinand's partnership along with that of Van der Saar. United always score goals because of the way they play their game (and we must be so thankful for that!) But this season has been an absolute testament to the fact that United's defense is perhaps more vital to their title aspirations than their frontline.

Obviously, the season is not over yet and how we should be happy about that. Any other season and 6 defeats would have meant good-bye to the title! Yet this season, freak as it is, a couple of slip-ups by Chelsea and United could still sneak away with the title. Can't wait for Chelsea to come to Old Trafford!

Gunners gunned down at the Emirates 3-1

When Nani came to Old Trafford 2 seasons ago , he was handed quite a few few league starts for somebody so new to England. Yet, he was one of the stand-out performers in those early games when Rooney and Ronaldo were being missed immensely and United had a rather slow start to their season. One of those performances involved a stunning long range goal and we all thought that Nani would be a permanent on the United wings. But things didn't turn out as scripted. As time progressed, Nani was in and out of the starting eleven. His performances since last season have been particularly patchy. Until a couple of weeks ago, most people thought he'd leave United sooner or later. But if yesterday's performance is anything to go by, Nani is going to be a certainty on the United wings. Because last night, Nani almost single handedly demolished the Gunners through sheer pace and trickery!

Until last weekend, the title race was clearly a 3-way tussle. United and Arsenal have been hot on Chelsea's heels for a few weeks now. And despite Arsenal's goalless draw away at Villa, United were not going to take them lightly, specially when Arsene Wenger seemed to suggest that his young side had grown up since their Champions League semi-final defeat to United last season. Hence it came as no surprise that we started with the conservative 4-5-1 with only Rooney upfront. I was surprised to see Nani play on the right instead of the ever-reliant Valencia, who instead started on the bench. Nani's recent performances surely seemed to have impressed Sir Alex.

United began very well, I thought, gaining good possession in the initial 10-15 minutes and even giving a couple of scares to Almunia. Arsenal didn't seem to hold back and they reciprocated in kind. Andre Arshavin, who was playing upfront in the absence of key strikers, seemed to be giving a tough time to Browne, who himself has been a make-shift Center-half for United. Arshavin had 2-3 chances to outwit Browne and score the first goal but his decision making didn't seem to at its best! Instead, it was United who took the lead and it came courtesy of a brilliant piece of play by Nani. He outwitted about three defenders, cut in and popped out what seemed to be a supply for the incoming Park which Almunia inexplicably finger-tipped into his own net! United's second came almost immediately after that and in the form of a stunning counter attack. Rooney and Nani played a delightful one-two from the edge of their own penalty box into Arsenal's to score probably one of the best goals you'd see on a counter attack. Arsenal seemed shell shocked to know what was happening let alone conjure up a response. It ended that way into the break, though United could have gone in 3-0 had Nani scored when presented with a golden chance.

United only seemed to carry on that way into the second half. As Arsenal began to press for a goal, United found another opportunity to counter and this time it was Park who found himself through and came up with a clinical finish to put United 3-nil up with almost an half to go. The game seemingly put to bed in a hurry! Though it's too risky to rule out Arsenal out of games whatever the situation is, United went about the job of slowing the pace of the game through better possession. Though the Gunners looked a little threatening after getting a goal around 80th minute, it only proved to be a consolation. United deservedly came on top on what was an amazing display of how to play Arsenal at the Emirates.

Overall it was a brilliant game for United who only seemed to be carrying on from where they left in the Carling cup semi-final. Nani was undoubtedly the man of the moment for United. Rooney was not to be left behind. He got his 20th league goal, his best tally so far, and could have had more! Hats off to Sir Alex for playing the tactical game so shrewdly. The midfield trio of Scholes, Fletcher and Carrick were just brilliant. Initially Scholes was found a little wanting on the pace front and hence wasn't able to catch up with Arsenal's key man Fabregas. But once that role was taken up by Carrick, everything seemed to fall in place as the Red Devils controlled the midfield.

With this game, Arsenal could well be out of the title race, though I must say this season has been the riskiest for putting your title bets on! Chelsea still are effectively 4 points ahead. United will have to carry the momentum forward if they are to stay in the hunt. Title hopes aside, what a game for us United supporters. Easily the best game of our season!

United 4 : 0 Hull

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

Hull 1 : 3 United

What a relief it was to see United secure a victory yesterday. After the twin set-backs against Villa and Fulham (if you take away the gift from Wolves!), I was wondering if United will have it easy at all anymore even if it was against a team like Hull who have perpetually been locked in the relegation battle. The worry was vindicated to a large extent yesterday. United barely looked at their best yet came away with 3 valuable points in the bag!

After the disappointment at Craven Cottage the onus was totally on us to do well against the struggling Hull. To me seeing Vidic and Browne on the starting sheet was such big news. In the wake of the worst injury crisis I have seen United go through, the make-shift defense was exposed against Villa and Fulham (I guess you should ask Bobby Zamora how he felt about playing against our Nth string defense. He looked like Torres' Guru in that game!) and having a traditional 4-4-2 was as if United had been gifted with an unlikely Christmas present! United players had to come to their own, still, and that's where the drubbing at Fulham seemed to be having a hangover effect. It was Scholes' misplaced pass that lead to Fulham's first goal (another one by Murphy) and at the KC Stadium misplaced passes was becoming the order of United's game. The Skysports commentators had lost count of the number of times United gave away possession just in the first half. Hull consequently had a few good chances but their not so accomplished strike force meant they couldn't really capitalize. United, on the other hand, still had a few good opportunities to take the lead luckily they could convert one, late in the first half, through Rooney. In spite of not having played their best football, United had their noses in front at the break!

A few minutes into the second half it pretty much seemed to be the continuation of United's possession-gifting game. Things got worse when Rooney's inexplicable back-pass straight into the path of Fagan lead to Hull's equalizer through a penalty. After the penalty was converted, United had about 30 minutes for redeeming the situation and any United supporter would have been feeling the nerves like I did. Rooney took that task upon himself and more than redeemed himself by being responsible for United's 2nd and 3rd goals. United's second came of a lightning counter-attack (happy to see that after a long time!), though through an own goal and the third was an easy tap-in for Berbatov created smartly by Rooney.

Finally United could boast of a comfortable victory (only going by the score-line mind you!) to somewhat bury ghosts of Fulham. Though we can always argue that the defeats to Villa and Fulham were due to the defensive injuries, United still have to get their act together in other parts of the pitch. Berbatov still doesn't seem to have settled and he is nowhere near the threat he used to be at Tottenham. I still have a feeling letting go Tevez for the Bulgarian (though it seemed to be the logical way) and it really hurts to see him score so many goals for City like they way he has been. More than the goals, I sorely miss Tevez's 'never say give up' attitude and his work rate which Berbatov undoubtedly lacks in tons (he says that's his style but I just don't agree!). Anyways it's Rooney who's doing all the hard work for United by getting on the score-sheet and long may it continue.

We are just 2 points off the top and what a blessing it has been. Chelsea, I would have thought, would have run away with the title by now but thanks to their inept form, we are still in with a big chance to win the title.

With half the season just over for us here is my take on the season so far : I had actually thought that Sir Alex was too ambitious in vying for the title without bringing in replacements for Ronny and Tevez. Though Sir Alex's strategy seems to be working (largely courtesy of others' dropping points), I still feel we need somebody who can account for about 10-15 goals for us. With Berbatov proving to be as less prolific as he has been and Owen being played as little as he has been, I am just not happy with our over-reliance on Wayne Rooney. Midfield (mostly Giggs and Valencia) have contributed some goals but how much can we rely on them to deliver? So the bottom line is that all our fortunes squarely rest on young Rooney's shoulders. Hopefully he will stay fit and keep that scoring rate for the whole of the season.

The midfield has been a mixture this season. Fletcher has emerged as our numero uno. Scholes started the season brilliantly until the game against Sunderland and his form since then has been patchy to say the least. Carrick and Anderson are yet to attain great consistency this season and Hargreaves' absence has been so sorely felt specially when we have lost to teams like Chelsea and Liverpool. Valencia seems to have found some form and I would say he has exceeded most people's expectation.

Our defense has been ultra reliable last 3 seasons. With Ferdinand left injured for most of this season, we have seen holes appear there with or without the likes of Browne and Evans to replace him. Just shows how much of an asset the Vidic-Rio partnership has been for us. To me, Vidic's presence at the back will determine if we are going to win the league or not.

I'm not very bullish about our chances in the Champions' League this season. I will be happy if we can make it past the quarter finals stage. From there on anything can happen!