Mancehster United did the Double last season. I had started supporting & watching Manchester United since 2000, so I never knew, how did it feel, to do the Treble. I always had that regret, of not watching the 1999 season, specially the dramatic finals. Whatever United did or won after that, never seemed to satisfy me. But last season was just like a dream. United not only won the League, but also won the Champions League, that too in the 50 th year of the Munich Tragedy. Somehow it seemed like destiny, Giggs (surpassing Sir Bobby Charlton's record 759 league appearances) scoring the goal to win us the EPL, Scholes (who missed the 1999 CL Finals) scoring to take United to the CL Finals & John Terry (The Chelsea Captain) slipping when he had a chance to win it for Chelsea.
During Pre Season, I felt this void, this emptiness, as in What now ? How could this season be ever better than last season ? I wondered how SAF keeps the players motivated to keep winning. For the first time the Pre Season dint excite me, for the first time I wasn't much bothered about when the Season is going to start. I wish time could just stop here, and United would be English & European Champions forever.
But you got to move on. And so did, most of the other Teams, specially Chelsea. They have replaced Avram Grant by Luiz Philipe Scolari, the man who took Brazil to WC Glory, few years back. They brought in Portuguese playmaker Deco & his Portuguese compatriot Jose Bosingwa. The midfield looks awesome, with three match winners & proven goal scorers - Deco, Ballack & Lampard; backed up by defensive midfielders like Essien & Mikel and wingers like J Cole & Malouda. The defense has always been their strength, even their offense looks impressive with Kalou, Drogba & Anelka. With rumors of Robinho or/and Kaka coming to Chelsea they certainly have great depth in the side & would be front runners along with United to not only win the League & Champions League, but to do it by playing attractive football, something which Roman always wanted.
Chelsea were the almost team last year, they almost won the Carling Cup, almost won the League & almost won the Champions League. They certainly will be very very hungry, this season, to change the almost tag. This is what worries me the most. Will United players be as hungry as Chelsea players ? Will they be able to defend atleast one of their titles, if not both ? Will SAF outwit Scolari ?
It certainly will be the biggest test United players have faced in the last 2-3 seasons, specially as United are so close to Liverpool's league record. If United could win the League or/and Champions League again, it certainly will be one of the greatest Manchester United teams ever.
My heart says United, but head says Chelsea. Hope I am proved wrong.
Sunil Thakur
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