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