Another win. And that’s about everything positive that can be said about today’s game to be honest.
Obviously the 2 week long international break has taken the harmony out of our quick passing game and we surely will have to gear up some if we want to start the Champions League with a positive result.
Again, our defense stood solid, really solid, with Nemanja Vidic, who scored the winning goal in the 84th minute as best performer for ManU today.
Like in almost every other game, again we had several (read: a few) outstanding chances, the best one for Scholes, after a brilliant one-two with Tevez, but Scholes didn’t have the needed killer-instinct today and his volley went over. Tevez himself also had 2 chances, both wide-range shots, but the first time Wessels stood in the way, the second shot went narrowly over.
Ronaldo played the whole game, but was only a shadow of last year’s Player of the Season today. Ronnie surely will need some time to find his place in the new squad, but his international performances last 7 days have shown he soon will be back there. And match rhythm will do the rest.
Ronnie got booked in the 71st minute for what appeared to the ref as diving. Honestly, it was one of those typical Ronnie ‘if I’m launched and you touch me I’m out of balance’ trips and referees like Alan Wiley today are the ones who give Ronaldo a reputation.
Contrary to earlier news, Rooney wasn’t featured today, but he is likely to participate on Wednesday against Sporting Lisbon, after having trained some more days.
And to continue the injury plaque at ManU, Mikael Silvestre had to be stretched off and appears to have suffered ligament damage. The medical staff awaits the results of a scan.
Let’s forget this game ASAP, and remember the good things: 3 points and…
Only 30 minutes so far this season, but expect that to change soon!
Other news, Ahmed Bilal, who runs the great SoccerLens blog could do with some votes at the Blogger Choice Awards in the category Best Sports Blog. Just head over there, sign up and vote for SoccerLens! SL really outclasses any other blog in that category!