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- Here’s Rooney
Fingernails are overrated anyway. This was terrifying stuff for most of the afternoon. Both of our nearest rivals had managed to score four and even as we reorganised ourselves into a 1-1-8 formation we seemed unlikely to get a winner. Again. There are times when I allow myself to slip  into a “it’s one of those days” mindset. I should not play these tricks on myself when it comes to United.
Make no mistake, this was an extremely jittery 90 minutes, at times it was like watching the Shining, so tense was it. Our opponents can smell blood at the moment and Sunderland, who have been playing like a cabbage patch of late, tried their hand and went for us. If they continue to play like that then they will not go down.ÂÂ
It would be easy to focus on the players who aren’t delivering at the moment (I know none of you have enrolled at the local college for Bulgarian classes for example) but I have decided to get behind the team so I shall focus on the positives. (What? Head in sand? Me? No?). We have Wayne Rooney.
He is still only 23 Wayne, and although he hasn’t yet developed a way to control his inner serial killer he is turning into the man of the team. In terms of effort, skill, fortitude and sheer passion for the cause he is the season’s outstanding performer. Whilst those in Fleet Street are waiting desperately for their “United have shot their bolt”, “United have confidence issues through the team” predictions to come true, Rooney is the man holding back the tide. He started uncomplainingly on the left here in Sunderland and was by far our most effective player for most of the match. If the team is wobbling collectively, Rooney at least is standing up to be counted.
Another important count we have to do involves Mr. Macheda. Two goals in two games, 46 seconds and counting tick tick tock, first touch. I don’t care who you are, those are good numbers. How could he possibly ever live up to last week? I thought. The best answer, of course, was to do exactly the same thing again. I don’t think he had been on the pitch for 60 seconds before he scored and that means something very important now surrounds this guy. Hope. In the past if things weren’t going our way and we saw Solskjaer warming up we all knew we had a chance of winning. The sight of his number flashing on the substitution board had the effect of galvanising the team late in games. This, I believe, is largely why we won so many matches at the death whilst he was playing. A week ain’t much in terms of human history but when I see Federico step onto the field, from here on in, I will believe we can do it.
You may well have seen this match live. I had to listen to it on the radio. Never has the well-worn phrase “they make us suffer” been more true. But it’s another 3 points and a step closer to the title.
Of course they aren’t playing well. Of course the Roonster and his “inner serial killer” instincts are a huge bonus (excellent phrase, Mr P) , of course Berbatov is not showing why they paid £30mn for him, of course Ronaldo is under-performing (while still getting two against Villa), of course Gary is faded beyond the meaning of the word “faded” to something closer to “liability”, but we’re still getting those precious three points, even against a team desperate for points and suddenly inspired by the thought that there’s a big scalp to be had.
I think they will be true to their reputation – they will make the fans suffer grievously but they will drag themselves over the line for their 18th title.
Not so sure about the Champs League though. But the Hulk vs the Roonster should make good telly.
Agree with all the points that have been made already, but one thing is certain, we still have to play Arsenal, Everton (in the cup) and Porto. If we do not shake ourselves from this slumber then we are going to get battered at some point. If we play Chelsea or (god forbid, Barca) in this kind of form we will be destroyed. I actually dread to think what would have happened if we came up against a good team last week.
So we move onto the biggest week of the season so far, one win under our belt already – lovely. Porto away will be tough but I feel we can do it, however I think Everton might turn us over in the FA Cup Semi. A cracking team, brimming with confidence and with one of the best managers in the country at the helm.
Lets take it one game at a time though eh? If we can deliver in Portugal then it may kickstart our season, the only issue is that it is on SKY, forcing me to watch it in the pub, where there is no sofa to hide behind!
Excellent points, Señor Payne. I too believe that Macheda can be so much more than it would have seemed after his amazing goal against Villa. Seeing the youngs man inject life into the squad when we need it most is inspiring. So inspiring that I got off my couch and grabbed a beer. LOL
No but seriously, the lad seems to just want the ball and make the most of it – at any chance he gets. I can start to believe that United have pulled the ace out of their sleeve and will use it when it’s needed. And being that he’s only 17 makes it that much sweeter.
As far as Roo: I, too, have been amazed at the level of play that he has demonstrated this season. He has calmed himself down so much this term and it’s showing. Sure he gets the bookings, sure he got sent off. But like you said… he’s only 23. We have to remember that he’s a youngster and that sometimes he lets his emotions get the best of him. That being said, Wayne has been amazing and a key player for us. Whether it’s striker or winger, it simply doesn’t hide the fact that he’s an excellent footballer.
(great reads btw!! ::thumbs up::)