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/
