Well that's it for the season. We had a run at it. In the end Barcelona truly showed their class and we were not able to overcome it. I truly agree that this Barca side could be one of the greatest in history. Their line up, their positioning and the way they play is so simple and perfect that its almost unbeatable. Overall I think we were better than the last meeting. I expected more from Hernandez and thought Valencia was quiet. However, neither played badly. Wayne Rooney was absolutely briliant. When he opened up for the first time on the left side, I really thought the magic was about to happen. Alas, we went down to a fantastic side. I am happy with this season though. I never expected United to do as well as they did and I am grateful to have our trophy back.
Champions League final aside United were great during a season full of adversity. It was an interesting season to say the least. That is something that makes the 19th title even more savory. I envy those boys that took the banner to Anfield. That was a riot. The EPL is becoming more and more interesting. United overtook Liverpool in titles, City finally won a trophy and Wenger continues to pout about another trophyless season. I guess not too many things are changing! However, next season looks to be another tough one. But that's good! Competion sparks magic. Espeacially at Manchester United! Sadly one of the most interesting teams of the season has been relegated. I was thrilled to watch Blackpool this season. They were a quality side that I really would have loved to see again next season. Their relegation may also lead to their complete undoing with player departures (i.e. Charlie Adams). Good luck to them next year in the Championship.
United have some work to do over the summer. While i am not suggesting a spending spree, it would behoove Fergie to go out and purchase some quality players. Obviously United will be looking for the Van der Saar replacement. All the papers were saying that De Gae was on his way. Now they are stating the opposite. De Gae seems to have many of the qualities desired of a first class keeper. His age does bring some questions to light though. We shall see how that pans out. Ashley Young is another name that has littered the papers. The press are adamantly pointing towards a move to Old Trafford. Personally I have not been overly impressed with Aston Villa winger. He is a solid player but I wouldnt be willing to shell out the cash it would take tobring him to the Reds. Also, I think the side is set as far as wide players go. The center of the pitch is where I would look to make improvements. We need some investment in a center midfielder. With Scholes most likely on the way out, United need a play maker. They should also be looking to fill that deep space behind the MF and in front of the Defense. This was a major problem during the final. I expected Sir Alex to play a 4-5-1 to help to remedy this problem but that didn't turn out to be the case. I think it would made a difference in the midfield which was over run by Barca. Fletcher gets into that defensive gap some and can be effective but he is not a strictly defensive midfielder by nature. As he was not on the pitch on Saturday it didn't matter. It is definitely an area in which United can improve and definitely where I would look before the Wings!
Regardless it was a great season and the team did well! Time to look forward to another season full of trophies for the Reds !!!!
My player Ratings for this Season:
Van Der Sar - 9 - Was pure class all season as always. Barely put a foot wrong(or hand for that matter). Cool and collected he was the epitomy of consistency as he always has been! He will be missed next season.
Kuszczak -5- Not too many appearences for the Pole who will probably be gone over the summer. He has not impressed over the last two season and his shaky performance at Blackburn at the end of the season left much to be wanted.
Vidic - 10 - An extremely elegant and consistant display from the Captain this season. He was the anchor at the back and led the team with consistancy and strength. Best Center Back in the world.
Ferdinand - 8 - Continuing his injury problems this season. But when fit was almost always quality. Hopefully he will stay fit next season!
Evra - 6 - A little less consistant than the Evra of last season. Still showed glimses of magic but nowhere near his wonderful display of last season.
Rafael- 7- Overall a good display from the young Brazilian. Still seems to have trouble with impulsive tackles and keeping his cool but looks to be one of United's future talents. Did well to play on the opposite wing from his brother in Fergie's surprise line up against the Gunners.
Fabio - 8- Not much time in the first half of the season but put forth an excelent display in the second half when playing on the right or left. Has shown himself to be the better brother. He was arguably our best player against Arsenal at the beginning of May. Sure to continue to improve and become a starting eleven player.
Evans - 6- Did not produce the collected and consistant displays as previously seen but was not bad over all. Smalling seemed to take precedent
Smalling - 8- Turned out to be a great purchase. Put out quite a few elegant displays for his age. looks like he could become a great replacement for Rio.
Brown - 7 - As always not as much time as deserves whether it be due to injury or other players. still a quality defender and true red.
Giggs - 9 - The old master did again with impressive displays of experience and creativity as soon as he steps on to the pitch. Does not have to be directly involved to come on and change a game. check out the stats on goals and wins after giggs was subbed on. He truly is a player of this generation and should go down as one of the greats. looking forward to another season with the welsh wizard.
Scholes - 7- Had a great start to season and was crucial to the team. struggled with injuries later on and didnt get as much time in the second half of the season. still a great player but looks like this may be his last season.
Anderson -6- Still not convinced by the brazilian midfielder. didnt seem to find his form untill the tail end of the season. if this form continues maybe things will change.
Carrick - 7- Just barely got a 7. has struggled since 09 and hasnt been able to find the form of his first season. this has made him more of a squad player recently untill the second half of this season where he seemed to pick up his form a bit. had a few world class displays against chelsea etc. hopefully this burst in form continues.
Fletcher -8- Keep reading about how he has not done well this season. Not really sure where people are getting this idea from. although he has been absent for quite a bit more recently. that absence has been extremely visible as his energy and movement provide so much for our side. when he has played he puts for the same diligent, determined and selfless displays as always.
Valencia- 8- unlucky to get injured severely so early in the season. But came back with a bang and sttarted back where he left off. good to have him back and consistant on the right.
Nani-8- Best season so far. Really worked hard with Berbatov at the beggining of the season sometimes being the only creative spark in the team. although seemed to fizzle out at the end of the season after Valencia returned to fitness. still his best display of yet. hopefully will continue to improve.
Park - 9- The man with three lungs continues to impress me with his work and determination. This season may be his best yet. Park was a crucial part of the Reds' side especially in big matches. He tirelessly roams over the entire field every match breaking up play, winning balls and making important passes. Lets hope he keeps it up next season!
O'shea-8 - still as consistent as ever. one of our best squad players. strong, dependable and versatile! Keep it up!
Gibson-6 - Expected a bit more from this one considering his form in winter 09. not too many opportunities on the pitch but for the most part did not impress. played well against Schalke but will have to do better next season!
Rooney-8- interesting season for Rooney with all the drama in October. But thats all behind us now. Rooney returned to spectacular form after christmas with his goal against City and never looked back. Good to see him back and on form. lets hope it continues on
Owen-7- not many opportunities but shows quality on the pitch. still as clever as ever. still struggles with injuries.
Berbatov-9- one of our best players this season. Carried the team the first half of the season while Rooney's form dipped. Deserves much more credit than he gets. small injury spell during the second half of the season then unable to usurp a spot on the field from chicharito. Hopefully the Bulgarian will be around next season even though rumors are spreading about a move away. Still, he was world class and deserves quite a bit of credit!
Hernandez-9- The best signing of the season for sure. Seems to be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reincarnated but faster. He got started out not getting many starts but ended up being a first choice for Fergie. Lets hope he keeps up his affinity for goals. A huge talent with loads of potential. Should be exciting to watch this players career develop.
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