Five Things We Learned – Survival Sunday
3) Paul Scholes ought to prolong his career for another year
Naturally, the doubts regarding a player as experienced as Scholes are clear, with some saying he is not capable of performing as he used to and trying to earmark dates at which he should retire. However, it can also be argued that with age, like Giggs, he has been able to mould his game to suit his advanced playing years. Although perhaps not able to run the midfield as much as he once did, he has found himself instead hanging back slightly, still getting forward sometimes but being even more effective in acting as playmaker, delivering pin point passes to set up attacks. This has been used to great effect, and it is understood that doubts have been raised as to whether he will continue for another season.
Although it is likely he will have a bit part role, it may be wise to keep him within the squad for another season. A player of his calibre sets an exemplary example for the younger players coming through and it is evident that he still makes vital contributions when it mattered. For example, when trailing by a goal at Blackburn the previous week, he was brought on in the second half and effectively controlled the game, providing more assurance to the midfield and making United’s forward play more effective. If he can be convinced to do so, another year of Paul Scholes is sure to be welcomed.
4) Owen Hargreaves United career is at an end
Just before the game it was confirmed that Owen Hargreaves’ injury plagued career at Old Trafford was at an end. Having made merely 39 appearances since his £17 million transfer 4 years ago, it was clear that Ferguson had finally given up hope of ever seeing him take on a consistent run of games. It was a shame that a player of such skill was brought down so spectacularly by his injury problems and it was decided that perhaps it is best for him to move on, maybe even finding a new club and a new start. However, with his track record, a pay as you play deal is the most likely prospect for the England midfielder, and if not then it may be likely that he will draw a close on his playing days.
Undoubtedly all United fans will wish him well in his endeavours, it may be considered a little disappointing that he was not able to say goodbye in amongst all the celebrations in Manchester. On another note, if Michael Owen’s career at Old Trafford is also drawing to a close, then certainly he will have ended it on a very high note, having gained a Premier League medal and provided a goal on the final day of the season. Plenty has been said about Van Der Sar’s own retirement, and little remains to be said apart from the ample gratitude that all associated with the club have for him and the best of luck for the new opportunities that may arise for him in the future. A career truly ended on a high.
5) 9 Points clear with a “bad” team?
Much has been made of the quality of United’s side this season. Many have claimed they have been poor at times and lacking the true quality that great squads produced by Ferguson in the past. And with a percentage of points being gained at home as opposed to away being the highest in over 80 years for a title winning side, the away form has been left wanting. However, having finished 9 points clear at the top of the table, it must be conceded by even the staunchest of United’s critics that they produced the quality when it mattered, and worked hard as a squad in getting the results they needed.
The winning mentality was never lost, even when it looked as though defeat was inevitable and over a 38 game season, to come out clear Champion’s is simply not a fact to be written off. The fact that United now face Barcelona in the final at Wembley only emphasises the fact that there must be a certain level of quality within the side. It could be argued that there has not been one standout player like there had been with Rooney last season, and Ronaldo before that, but then there have been individuals who have produced truly world class performances over the course of the season. Ryan Giggs has been ever present in producing consistently and provided performances far beyond the expectations of a player in the twilight of his career.
Javier Hernandez defied all the expectations of even the coaching staff themselves, popping up with important goals at various stages of the season and cementing his place within the starting eleven. Antonio Valencia returned from injury to play a pivotal part in terrorising defences on the right wing, pushing Nani to a place on the bench in the process and Vidic relished with the role of captain throughout the campaign.
Man Of The Match: Paul Scholes
And so the curtain has fallen on what may well be one of the most exciting Premier League seasons in recent memory, with tense times at both the top and bottom of the table that culminated in a 5 way tussle for survival on the final day. For United, another success has been registered, with all eyes now being set firmly to the Champion’s League final with Barcelona. One game left, for the perfect end to the season and indeed some United careers.
ZJ, I usually raed your blogs and most times tend to agree. But this time I beg to differ on 2 counts: Scholes is not the MOM and he should quit now. His energy is gone and more stray passes than accurate ones lat night. Caught is possession on many occasions. No point he drags himself thru’ the mud ( like Gary N almost did but thankfully quit )next season. He was a fabulous player but the Prem Lge is the most unforgiving. And 2nd point ( which actually you seem to have missed or decided to overlook ). Just how bad is J Evans? Infinitely. Only SAF can say why he’s in the squad let alone in the team. Blackpool’s below-average players made him look like an utter fool. He took a free kick deep in Utd’s half, kicked straight to a ‘Pool player and later in the same phase of play, a goal against us resulted. I am sorry but there must be no place for the likes of Evans, Gibson, O’Shea, Bebe, Obertan et el in Utd’s color.
The reason I felt Scholes should stay for another year is because I do think he has something to contribute, although naturally I can imagine it being a contentious issue.
Admittedly if he were to stay another year then he will not be starting so often, but even as a bit part player I still believe he can make a worthy contribution. On his performance yesterday, perhaps he struggled for the full 90 minutes, but as there was not a single performance that truly stood out, I felt that he would be my man of the match. Perhaps Park and Vidic would also be up there but I do not think anybody was outstanding yesterday.
On the subject of Jonny Evans, I would agree that he has not been up to standard, particularly given the contribution of Chris Smalling. The reason I left chastising anyone in particular is simply because it’s the end of the season and wanted to make points about departures as well as other aspects. O’Shea is someone I feel should be kept, simply because when asked he will do a job for you, maybe not brilliantly, but he will make a valid contribution. He may not have one particular attribute but it is always worthwhile having someone like him in the squad.