Week of Weeks

     United are moving though a week that will most likely prove to be the most important of the campaign. However, starting that week out with a defeat at Arsenal was not a good start. Frankly I felt like Fergie's side was holding back on purpose. Arsenal didn't play particularly well. The Reds just seemed to sit back and defend until Ramsey scored. The Referee played an important role in this one by missing two clear penalties. One for each side. Vida's hand ball in the box could have been difficult to spot but Owen going down Arsenal's area should not have been missed. Overall, United did not loHe ok great. I am not sure why Sir Alex started Anderson. He has the clever pass or though ball here and there but he lacks energy and never puts the ball in the net. His lack of energy is a real problem for me. I think it causes big problems for United. Players like Fletcher and Park bring that energy to the center midfield. It is very obvious when that aspect is absent from the United side. I felt Fabio was one of our best players. He provided that energy on the right side and in the defense. I have not made up my mind about which twin is better but I am leaning toward Fabio at the moment. They both have discipline problems, often making rash and impulsive tackles. Regardless, they are both extremely talented and should mature over time. 

        The Champions League match at Old Trafford Wednesday should not be too difficult to win but then again you never know. Schalke have a decent side regardless of their performance in the previous leg. United should take nothing for granted and not put out a weaker side. According to the papers, it sounds like Rooney could be rested. It would be nice to see Berbatov get a game. He has had a great season and doesn't seem to be getting the credit and games he deserves. It is Manchester United though and they have quite a few talented strikers at the moment. Chicharito has turned out to be the purchase of the season. All I can say is: Legend. His goal against Everton was pure class. Has anyone checked to make sure Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still in Norway and hasn't died? This kid seems to be Ole reincarnated! His attitude a nose for goals are so familiar of the Norwegian striker I had to ask.  I hope he plans to stay for awhile! 

     If the Reds do make it to the final at Wembley, it should be a tough match. Both Barca and Real are good sides. Barca look to be the obvious favorite but anything can happen in that tie. Barca's assets are obvious. Their midfield is second to none. Their defense is not so shabby either with Pique at center back (Say Thank you to Fergie!) Either way The Reds face the best attacking player in the world ( Messi or Ronaldo). The difference is Messi probably has a better squad backing him. It would be strange to play against Cristiano. He has not been gone so long and I still have dreams about him coming back (as well as nightmares about him leaving!). It looks like a Barcelona Manchester United final though. Lets hope that the Reds perform better than last time. 

    Finally, Fergie's side have Chelsea at home during the weekend. This is a match United Should win hands down. They are the better side hands down. This match will not be easy though. Chelsea will be gunning to overtake United to win the title. I am sure Sir Alex has it under control. Still this match deserves our strongest side and Ill be interested to see who he plays. Depending who he plays during the week I would do it one of two ways. Van Der Saar, Fabio, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Valencia/Nani, Fletcher, Park, Giggs, Rooney, Hernandez or Same back four, Valencia/ Nani, Fletcher, Scholes, Giggs, Park, Rooney ( in a 4, 5,1 formation). Im sure Sir Alex has his own plans though. Unfortunately, I will not be watching this match because of work. So I will have to be there in spirit. I would have to miss one of the biggest games of the season. Still, I'm sure United will come out on top as long as they come out strong and keep their energy up.