Back in the hunt

I should say I am still trying to catch my breath. What a weekend it has been. It seems the footballing Gods were smiling at United all weekend. An injury-time derby win, Chelsea's loss at Tottehnam and Arsenal sinking at Wigan - not even the most ardent United fan would have foreseen such a favourable set of events unfolding this weekend!

Truth be told, it didn't seem to be going very well for United at the Eastlands for most of the derby. United were up against a City team that had scored goals in heaps in the past few games. But after the opening whistle, Mancini seemed to be playing more for a draw than a win and City were hence difficult to break down. United on the other hand were playing a determined game - after all they needed nothing less than a victory to get back in the title hunt. But given that the game was a cagey affair for most part and that United were playing only a half-fit Rooney upfront, it seemed we had a tall order to climb. Though we created the best of the few chances the game saw, it seemed we were heading for another goalless draw that could put the title beyond us. But United showed why they are the most resilient side in world football. With just 10 seconds to go on the clock, Patrice Evra delivered a pin-point cross to the Paul Scholes who had advanced into the City penalty box without anybody picking him. The unassuming legend coolly headed the ball into the corner of the net and United had won another derby in the injury time this season (the Spirit of '99 lives on!). Suddenly, we were back in the title race. You had to watch the victory celebrations to understand what that goal meant - everybody, including Sir Alex, was dancing in delight. I did my share of dancing too for the "noisy neighbours" had been silenced again and a 4th consecutive title was a possibility again!

I am sure Chelsea players' morale would have been dented after watching United win that way at Eastlands. Add to that they were playing Tottenham who were flying high after a landmark victory against their own neighbours Arsenal . John Terry was lucky he wasn't penalised for a handball against Bolton in the mid-week. But it was a case of "what goes around comes around" when he was punished just for that (though a soft one I should say) at the Lane and Tottenham were ahead pretty early-on. Gareth Bale then finished them off with a goal any striker would be proud of. Chelsea just couldn't find the answers, especially after they lost Terry who saw a Red card. Though the game ended 2-1, I was actually disappointed Spurs didn't score more (goal-difference could still decide the title!). They failed to convert at least 2 chances that could only be called sitters! But then, I am more than happy with them returning the favour United provided them by beating City.

Arsenal would have felt they were back in it after Chelsea lost in North London but I discovered they blew a 2 goal advantage against Wigan in the last 10 minutes. They are definitely, now, out of the race. I couldn't help thinking this was a divine week for United. Just everything going for us and against our title contenders. But it also shows how every week could be a turning point this stage of the season. United are still a point adrift and we still have to hope Chelsea drop points for us to have a chance. And the 3 remaining games are not easy by any stretch of one's imagination. The title race has been the most topsy-turvy one this season and I believe it's going to be that way all the way to the finish. I just hope all the turns the race is going to take will be in our favour!

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