1st Silverware of this season? C’mon United

United fans all over are waiting in anticipation for the reigning Carling Cup champs to reclaim their title. What stands in their way is a determined and stubborn Aston Villa side that has proven to be a thorn in United’s quest for domestic glory this season. Martin O’Neill has done a wonderful job with the players and it would be nice to see them finish at number 4. Okay, enough of the niceties. Let’s urge United on to crush them!!
They came to OT and defeated us by a solitary goal and on the return leg, United gave their all only for the game to end 1-1 with United playing a majority of the game with 10 men. It’s a winner takes all and United will be vary of their opponents. The last time United played Villa in a final was in the 1994 (League Cup) under SAF and United lost. Yes, even with the likes of Eric Cantona, Sparky and Keano, United lost 3-1. But that’s then and this is now, United take nothing for granted and will go all out to ensure when that final whistle is blown, we would have won our first title for this season. United will be without the likes Rio, Giggs and Nani. I’m hopeful Sir Alex plays Rooney, he will be tempted to rest him, but…well here’s what the lad had to say about the game and him playing, "This is why you join a club like Manchester United, to win trophies and play in cup finals. Playing at Wembley is still a great feeling. Hopefully, I’ll play Sunday and we can win the trophy." Don’t you just love this guy, all of 24 years and such an enormous hunger for success.

What will be interesting to note is the formation that United will start with 4-5-1 or 4-4-2. I think he will start with the former and stick to it till after half time and change it with 20 minutes remaining. No matter what the score line is. I personally feel he should start with Rooney and Berba up front. I am really looking forward to United trumping Villa in all departments of the game and bringing home the silverware. There have been very few moments to cherish this ‘injury laden’ season. This will just prove to be the catalyst! As always the ever hardworking moderators at MUFCM have organized a screening for all their fans. The KO is at 2030 hours IST, however come in early to watch some exciting pre-match videos and practice singing (actually shouting) out all United chants. For more details click here - http://www.orkut.co.in/Main#Community?cmm=53483970

I am predicting a 2-1 hard fought victory for the Red’s. What about you? And where will you be catching the game?

Julien Menezes
Pics Courtesy – http://www.manutd.com/ and getty images

21 games down, 17 to defend the Title?

For many of the United fans in this end of the spectrum, the form displayed by the team this season and over the past few games has got us chewing our nails off in disappointment (read as disapproval). After all the New Year is the time when United are on Top of the Table and kick on to consolidate the position. However, don’t fret, it isn’t that bad after all. Let’s not lose sight of the fact that Manchester United have been playing a majority of their games with a ‘handicapped-defence’, if I may say so.

What that has effectively done is made Fletcher and Carrick double up as defenders? Now bear in mind they are very much attack minded players (that’s the United way). How do you expect them to fair? Well they are giving their best. But the other teams in the league are mindful of the fact that if they can get to United’s defence they can score, and jolly well, that precisely what’s happening. What right has Aston Villa have to come to Old Trafford and win 1-0? For Fulham to score 3 and we don’t even respond? United have lost 5 this season, that’s 1 more that they did in 2008-09 and with barely 21 games played.

Everyone has been saying, this is the most open season of all and that any one of the Top 4 can win it (its looks a herculean task for Liverpool!). That gives Chelsea and Arsenal a real chance, but hey, United are at No. 2, a few points away from the current league leaders (Chelsea). This is the most important aspect which Sir Alex has always kept in mind. We are in touching distance of the leaders and we shouldn’t drift away. The fans and supporters alike should not go ballistic but sit back and enjoy the pressures that the game brings. After all, that is the magic of football. I have been pained to read some forums where the fans have gone berserk! Guys, it’s a season of 38 games and there are 17 more to go. It’s anybody’s game now and come end of January we should be on top of the perch.
Special praise should be kept aside for Valencia – my man of the Season already, closely followed by Rooney & Ryan Giggs. The Ecuadorian has really done well in barely 5 months of joining United. The unsung hero has been Patrice Evra, who has gone about his job without breaking a sweat in the absence of 2 stalwarts – Rio and Vidic and not to forget O’Shea!

Be patient fellow Red’s…and keep your faith in the Master tactician, the Godfather of English football. After all, Sir Alex Ferguson is the most decorated of EPL manager of all time, now; there must be something about him….right?

Julien Menezes

Pix courtesy: http://www.manutd.com/