Opponents are a little bit like carpets. If you (p)lay them right the first time, you can walk all over them for years. Porto must still be reeling from that 4-0 tonking we gave them in ‘97 because they were in a very strong position going into this match. Despite United being wobblier than that rope bridge from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom in recent weeks. Porto still couldn’t dominate. United controlled this match and for once, we have a performance as satisfying as the result. We also have a clean sheet for a change. Geronimo.
It makes a refreshing change to sit at the keyboard with a few positives to dwell on rather than attempting to hide the dread I have genuinely felt over the last few weeks. I do not know if we are or out of the woods yet, but the team’s display certainly calms the nerves a little.
I am extremely pleased to see Anderson back. I was beginning to wonder what had happened to the little dynamo who bossed the game at Arsenal in November 2007. Perhaps he did not own the pitch in Oporto but he made his presence felt. Those are exactly the kind of fresh legs we will be needing in the run in. This was a good match for him as he understands what makes all of those South American opponents of him tick and he did break up a lot of their attacks.
Then of course, we have Mr. Ronaldo to mention. He really seems to turn it on when we have Portugese opposition. That goal was advanced example of what quality footballers can do. Bobby Charlton would have blushed.
The thing that makes me happiest right now is Porto’s inability to even get near our goal. This means two things. The defence played well (welcome back Rio) and the midfield played well. VDS does still look a little permeable at times but the guys in front of him have started to do their jobs again.
Enjoy this moment of calm, it surely won’t last. United always, always make us suffer and there will be heart attacks again before the end of the season. Mark my words. For once though, we have had a better week than Liverpool. And that’ll do nicely.
Hurrah! Let’s enjoy this moment of truth that the reds of the merseysiders have only the league to look at, against the reds from manchester who are still in the run-ins off all 3 thropies.
Next up, Gunners! Oh my…. we’ll be facing them trice in 18 days and the best part is they’ll come to Old Trafford twice. Let’s welcome them to the teatre of dreams for devils but hell of the visitors!
As always, i agree with you….. there’ll be upcoming heart attacks and nail bitting edge of the seat moments.
But in the end….. it’s always goes like this
Glory Glory ManUtd!!
A few performances like this one wil do nicely, if we had played Liverpool, Chelsea or Barca last week I dread to think how many goals they could have battered past us!
Lets hope we can overcome a very good Everton side on Sunday and put the FA Cup on the back burner for a month or so, come on you reds!
I believe that Rooney is the player that inspires everyone. His dedication to the game and his team is impressive. This is exactly the kind of player who’ll make it to become the next United legend. Humble, hardworking and inspiring… Just look at our beloved Roy Keane, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes– None of them share the same glamour as David Beckham or Ronaldo, but certainly they place the team way above themselves. Worthy role models indeed!
But spare a thought for all the SatNav companies and the complaints they’ve had in the last few days. People keep keying in ‘Europe’ and Liverpool isn’t there.