Five Things We Learned – United vs. Everton at Old Trafford
3) The absence of Vidic did not cost United
Based on statistics, the fact that Vidic was rested for Saturday’s game may have been a point of concern for some fans. Despite the presence of Rio Ferdinand, the decision to partner him with Johnny Evans might also have added to doubts about whether United possessed a solid defensive partnership, particularly as the young Irishman has not had the most impressive of seasons, looking out of sorts at times, and being upstaged by the impressive debutant that is Chris Smalling. However, one must say that Evans looked solid at the back, looking assured and failed to give Everton much room for maneuver when looking for chances. If anything, some may have felt it was Ferdinand who looked a little off the pace, despite rarely being troubled and looking comfortable, some will feel he was lucky not to concede a penalty when challenging Anichebe.
4) Hernandez – ever reliant
One thing that the United faithful have come to expect from the young Mexican, is 100% effort whenever he plays. Throughout games this season, we have seen him constantly try to make himself a threat going forward, making runs and finding ways to create space for himself that many defenses have struggled to cope with and more often than not has led to a moment where he finds himself in the right place at the right time to put himself on the scoresheet. And once again, the “Little Pea” did just that.
Throughout the game he looked to terrorise the Merseyside club’s defenders, and even thought United’s front line was not having the most productive of afternoons, the £6 million striker never gave in, and found his efforts rewarded with a strong header, connecting with Valencia’s perfect cross, finishing at Howard’s near post and giving United the lead that had alluded them for so long. It was just another memory to add to what has been an outstanding season for the debutant, adapting to life in the Premier League faster than many had thought possible, on his way to notching up 19 goals in all competitions.
Even Sir Alex Ferguson has been taken back by United’s new star, but admitted his hard work has paid dividends “He is getting his reward for all his hard work. He is first in for training at nine o’clock and last to leave.” On the subject of hard work, it should be worth mentioning Valencia’s own work ethic. On a day that was not his best, he also displayed a never say die attitude, refusing to be knocked back by some play that was not up to his own high standards and persevering to the end, and enjoying the fruits of his labour with an assist.
5) 7 points to win the title
It was understandable that Ferguson would have wanted to rotate his squad for the game against Everton. With a schedule that reads Schalke, Arsenal, Schalke and Chelsea, then one could see why injuries and fatigue are issues that the United manager will have been keen to avoid. The game at Old Trafford was drawn out more than he would have hoped for as well, despite United’s dominance throughout, the front line was wasteful, failing to capitalise on plenty of opportunities to seal the 3 points far earlier than they did.
Of course, this will have mattered little past the fact that United notched up the win, and now go into the next week’s game with Arsenal knowing that 7 points is what is needed to bring the title back up North. With Chelsea having discovered form of late, the importance of maintaining the 6 point advantage at the top of the table will have done plenty to help Ferguson’s team feel more assured in keeping the title within their grasp and that the next 2 weeks could make or break their season. Such is the belief that the title has already been won, that some bookmakers have started paying out on bets made for United, but the more cautious of United fans will not feel safe until everything is mathematically sealed, such has been the unpredictability of this season.
So with the season reaching a nail-biting climax, many fans will be eagerly anticipating the weeks to come. With the next two weeks possibly being of the most importance in deciding United’s season, fans will hope that the squad stays strong and are able to see off the threats to their success.
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If Utd stick with Owen in City match at Wembley, the chance of treble will still in hand today. I didn’t know why Fergie still left owen at bench. Nani is one os the most greediest footballer in EPL. Sell Nani and stick with Owen for next season 20th EPL title.
Utd should brave to sell Nani and Berbatov and try to replace them with Modric and someone with left-foot striker
Are you serious? What stats or facts are you using? Owen! Even a Stoke fan will laugh at this. But anyway it’s your opinion.
Nice article. Can I also point out the Performance by Anderson was outstanding. Making sharp passes, running in attack and tackling.
However Gibson and O’shea are VERY DISAPPOINTING. Esp Gibson was a spectator only to kick the ball wide when he got the chance.
I pity Nani, and am very afraid if he’s played at the left being substitued in many games, he will want to walk away from the club, mark my words.
Giggs Vintage. Evra Super. Rooney should one day play midfield with either Ando or Fletcher. And now we are seeing the Real Fabio. Valencia is back with the runs and great crosses.
Chicharito, I have no words for him. BEST.
Indeed, I agree with your points completely. Anderson was superb and I should have mentioned something about him. Hopefully Nani can be put to better effect because the standard he set this season has been brilliant.
i am intersted with all manche players
i want to be one of the best supporter of manchester united club
Manchester united is my lovely club. So i like it so much.
Well done chicharito well done man u my lovely club
ZJ, you may be right but the 2 most obvious points learnt ( actually reconfirmed yet again ) were not mentioned by you. 1. Just how bad are Gibson and Evans? Clearly beyond all imagination. Exactly why they are still Utd squad is beyond me and millions others. 2. This win has been hailed as a vidication but I truly hope this “win” does not come back to haunt Utd. Utd should have gone in with the best team and scored a few goals. In the unlikely even Utd lose to Chelski and Arse, they will actually lose the title beacuse of goal difference, now only at +2. SAF is aware?
Good points. However, I actually thought Evans, whilst not brilliant, certainly held his own on Saturday, and though it is true Gibson was probably the weakest player, to once again be critical and question their position in the squad would take away from the point of the “five things we learned” aspect, because I would just be regurgitating previous sentiments.
Your point about the goal difference is true, and with Chelsea now seemingly on a run of form, United will have to be careful in maintaining a healthy lead over them, whilst Arsenal’s challenge seems to have diminished somewhat.
I am sorry Ezra but Owen should have been brought on at Wembley against City as he is far more likely to get you a goal than Fabio who he did bring on. Personally I think Fergie’s treatment of Owen has been very questionable. For me Fergie clearly did not want Owen so why keep him why didn’t he let him join Villa? I am so suspicious of Fergie’s motives that although Owen only requires one more appearance to qualify for a Premiership medal I firmly believe he will not get one. As I do not believe Fergie would allow that one appearance even if the title is all sewn up by the Blackpool match such is Fergie’s animosity towards Owen.
Not sure I agree regarding Fergusons motives. I think Owen has simply been too injury prone for him to be considered often. Particularly with the pitch at wembley causing problems before I think one needs to be selective about how to play him.
Zayd I fully accept that you have to be selective in how to use Owen but Fergie is not being selective is he? He is completely excluding him. He never considers him for a starting place and only ever brings him on if one of the other strikers is unavailable. Fergie also will not even include Owen in the squad for Champions League games. Fergie has not been fair with Owen at all he clearly does not want him yet he has not even had the decency to tell him so. Bearing in mind that Owen has been a total professional since he has been at United surely he deserves that courtesy.
Indeed, but at the same time one has to weigh up the risks and also who is ahead in the line up right now, Hernandez Rooney and Berbatov. Unfortunately, as ferguson says, team selection has no room for sympathy, he needs to select his strongest squad and while Owen probably deserved more chances particularly last year, at the moment we can’t see him getting in the side ahead of the others.