Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Sloppy complacency, The Swiss and lazy referees

Today was just one of those days. I have not gotten this out of sorts about a United match in awhile, at least not this season. Still, these games will happen and it could be good that it happened early on rather than later on in the campaign.

A draw against FC Basel at Old Trafford is not an ideal result. The youth in our squad this season has been something United supporters have been excited about. Unfortunately today, some of that inexperience could have contributed to the reds' complacency on the pitch. The most obvious problem with the reds' game was the sloppiness of passing and defensive shape. FC Basel was provided with far too many chances and as much as I hate to admit they deserved the draw. To come to the Theater of Dreams and create so many chances, you should get to walk away with a point. The defense looked unorganized and looked out of position on several occasions. They continually provided plenty of space for the swiss side to create attempts on goal. On top of this, United's passing was not the precision passing of late. Instead the ball was simply given away on several occasions. There was a definite problem with connecting with the forwards whether it be from the wings or from the back.

 There were glimpses of brilliance. Ryan Giggs was as spectacular as always. His second assist was absolutely stunning and he continues to blow me away with his vision and creativity.  Anderson continues to become more active in the center of play as well as tracking back to defend more often. These are definite signs of maturity. I would still like to see some more magic from the kid though. Although he was involved in some of the sloppiness at the back, Phil jones did look great going forward. His aggressive surges up the field in the closing minutes of the game definitely provided important energy that contributed to United's equalizer. David de Gea did look confident in goal which was comforting. None of the goals were because of his mistakes. Although not as effective as I would have liked, Nani was fearless around the box and his cross to Ashley Young was spot on. He is shaping up to  be the player I was worried he never would be. Fortunately he continues to be world class this season.

Now Im not one to gripe about referees but i must comment on this. The Italian gentleman that refereed the match today apparently did not understand that his job also includes staying out of the run of play so that it can continue. On more than one occasion he obstructed the ball and or player. The most obtrusive of these instances came when Park was running on to a pass and the Official just stood there and completely obstructed the play. I don't believe it necessarily changed the match. I am more upset because this man is supposed to be world class if he is working in the Champions League. Today he was definitely not. In other news, Tevez is causing more problems at City. Looks like we are well shot of him for one more reason.

Glory Glory Man Utd

Chris Sandbach

Friday, September 2, 2011

The Kids Are Alright

      No matter what, I think my favorite team to beat will always be Arsenal. So let's just say that United's win on Sunday was even more exciting for me. That being said I could not help but feel bad for Arsenal's squad. Mostly because Mr. Wenger fielded an unexperienced team with almost no specific strategy to address the United side. That aside, it looks like they have gone and made some signings that should at least keep them a float. However, I dont see anything silver in their near future.
    Once again United's youth ran rampant and looked extraordinary. Anderson for one seems to finally be moving around the pitch when he doesnt have the ball. All I can say is that it is about time. Hopefully he will find new form for this season. Rooney has been absolutel magnificent and he will be paramount to the rest of this season's campaign. He looks good on the ball. He looks good off the ball and in front of goal. At the moment there is nothing he can't do. Keep it up Roo!