Mar 30
Man Utd 4-0 Aston Villa: Just Six Games to Glory?
As much as it’s tempting to say that it is United’s title to lose, a nagging feeling of attempting to tempt fate, in the process, stops one just short. Arsenal’s come from behind against Bolton keeps them within touching distance and Chelsea today could cut our lead to five. But nothing, or no one, could argue against us being thoroughly deserving of retaining the title at this stage.
Aston Villa are having a torrid time playing us, it would seem, from recent history, and yesterday was no different. Another four-goal rout this season against Villa is sure to set Martin O’Neill counting the number of people he may have wronged in life.
Sir Alex picked a side that seemed very reasonable to me; especially the front two. The Villa game, last time, really saw the Tevez-Rooney partnership explode on the world stage, and with defence not necessarily being Villa’s strong point, such a pair was not too bad a choice. However, it must be said, with our vastly thin forward line there really was no other choice but to play the best two. Otherwise, it was the same side that took us to the title last season — apart from the absence of EVDS, whose groin has become rather irksome lately. The formation had the all important element of experience and Fergie knew more than anyone else, how important it was to go about with the one-game-at-a-time routine. Sure, he might have had one eye on Europe and the Romans, but not at the cost of throwing away something that’s already within United’s grasp — the Premier League.
While United’s thumping of the ‘dippers last week was overshadowed by the sending off of an insanely high Mascherano, the football was not boring in the slightest. Yesterday, however, they kicked it up a few notches and the 4-0 scoreline was an understatement to the chances the players created. The most telling, and hence encouraging, aspect of our performance was the maturity and desire the lads showed to win. Much has been made of the youth of the Gunners, but our side is no AC Milan either; there is little average age difference between us and Le Arse.
And at the forefront of the desire to succeed was our flag bearer of the season, a player who has assumed talismanic status in United’s ranks. Cristiano Ronaldo bagged goal number 26 in the Premier League and goal number 35 for the season. But much more than the record was the goal itself which took the cake. A deft back heel, side-on in the midst of a crowded area was as audacious as it was exquisite. But it also needed a level of composure — and crucially, the confidence — to attempt it.
Another flick later on took everyone by surprise and on that video evidence, no decent defence could have done much. There were questions if he actually meant that but, at the moment, Ronaldo is playing like a man possessed, and even his good friend Rooney could only smile when the question — on his flick-on — was put to him by the BBC reporter. May Ronaldo continue to bring joy to our hearts.
Now, now, it’s a team game and it would be unfair to end this with another encomium to Ronaldo. And, I assure you, there were other players, worthy of praise, in the side yesterday. One of them was Rooney. Now he’s been frustrating in front of goal in the second half of this season and, if you think about it, he’s had a broken foot, and a training equipment inflicted stress fracture to get back from. However, his finishing in front of goal has made a lot of people question his selection in the team. Your humble reporter being the eternal optimist (and perhaps, a fool to some eyes) had an element of faith in him and today was a day to feel happy. Sure, he did miss a couple of straightforward chances, and hence was frustrating, but United is so much better off with Rooney on the pitch than off it and the sooner we realise that the better it is for us to appreciate him. Now a target man, he may not be, and he could work on his finishing, but he could still be looking at his best years ahead of him. Great show from him today and the brace (and perhaps, his composure or positioning notwithstanding, he could have bagged a hat-trick) was well deserved. The relief on his face after bagging his first, and the players’ reaction to his goal was heartening to see.
And our midfield had another day to revel in. Scholes and Carrick had another day to just knock the ball around. Carrick is having an exceedingly good second half to the season and it’s not just the odd good game he’s had. We have been playing very well with him on the pitch. I think the purchase of Hargreaves and the surprise package, in the form of Anderson, may have initially rattled him. But it’s this precise competition for places in midfield that has kicked him out of his comfort zone and has got him to turn in performances that are in line with his repertoire.
While Sir Alex conceded, after the match, that niggles had forced his hand in his substitutions — along with the soggy pitch conditions — he conceded that, hopefully, the players should all be fit for Roma; the withdrawal of personnel being more precautionary.
Anderson did come on as a sub and demonstrated the energy and depth within the squad. As Ahmed pointed out in the comments, if he does work on his shooting and have a little more composure on the ball, we may have stumbled across a powerhouse of a midfielder.
All said and done, the realists will still tell you that there are six more games to go. We have Boro next, and we must win that before playing Arsenal (H), Blackburn (A) and Chelsea (A). It wouldn’t occupy too much thought to work out that those three games will basically decide the title. Meanwhile we have the small issue of Roma in midweek. So let’s rejoice in what was another treat for the eye, and hope for the best.
Yes, also, watch the Match of the day link before someone takes it off. Then watch it all over again.
Life’s good, at the moment. Fingers crossed.
Related items from Red Rants:- Manchester United v Aston Villa Preview - Tougher than it looks
- Aston Villa 0-2 Manchester United: Ronaldo and Rooney complete a late win
- Aston Villa vs Man United: Preview
- PFA Players Shortlist: Where’s Anderson, Rooney and Rio
- The need for a right-back and a forward | Title race blown open
Tags: Match Reports
March 30th, 2008 at 10:34
he’s already a powerhouse, if he works on all that he’ll be lampard, kaka, gerrard, fabregas and keane all rolled into one.
….
too much? maybe a better version of vieira then
I’d like to see what Carrick has to say ahead of the Roma game - surely he’ll say his bit?
March 30th, 2008 at 10:35
Fantastic report
March 30th, 2008 at 10:42
Credit to Martin O’Neill for not bitching about the pitch, btw. He just praised the United players and accepted that they had been outplayed, and rightly pointed out that Villa missed a few chances to even the odds a bit.
I still think the Arsenal thrashing was a better in terms of domination this season - although the goals scored were probably better here.
March 30th, 2008 at 10:45
Great report, I must say!
Some stats cause of yesterday:
Tevez first goal since 1-1 v Lyon. First PL goal since 1-1 v Spurs. First goal at Old Trafford since 3-1 v Spurs in FA cup. First goal at Old Trafford in PL since 6-0 v Newcastle.
Ronaldos 2nd backheel assist of the season(Birmingham and Villa), 3rd in career for United. The other one was also against Brum, February 5th 2005, Keanes 50th goal for the club.
Rooneys first goal since 5-1 v Newcastle. His first at Old Trafford since 4-0 v Arse. First at Old Trafford in Prem since 4-1 v Middlesbrough in October.
Ronaldo 9 assists in all competitions.
Rooney 10 assists in all competitions.
Thats all for now. COME ON YOU REDS!
March 30th, 2008 at 10:46
The Arsenal game came in the FA Cup and it was brilliant to hand them one. But we would be in a tough spot to rate our best performance in the league this season. There have been plenty of candidates, the Newcastle one, Aston Villa, Sunderland but I guess we’ll leave it to the end of the season to reflect. Of course, all this would be meaningless if we choke at the last hurdle. So fingers still crossed.
March 30th, 2008 at 10:58
WoW the video almost put me into tears, now thats BEAUTIFUL football.
March 30th, 2008 at 11:05
Ive been suppoorting ManU for 25 years now and firmly believe that this present squad has the potential to the be SAFs best and possibly the best ever.
There is still work to be done in the league and still areas in the squad that could be improved, but the creative edge that players like Scholes, Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez, Anderson, Nani and Giggs display when they are on song is a treat to watch.
Add to that the incisive passing of an in form Carrick, the energy of Hargreaves and a centre back pairing to rival any other team and you would have to be optimistic for the future.
Now we should not get carried away coz good teams can still be beaten and every match from now on is a cup final, but for this team to win the league this season with a squad containing so many young future hopefuls would be a great filip and could set the tone for a very bright future.
March 30th, 2008 at 11:27
[Fred]
Not to sound nitpicky, but if you have supported United for 25 years, you may know the history associated with calling this club “ManU”. I hope that was a Freudian-slip, as they say, while typing it.
Anyway, the team can still do better, and I would love it if we replicated days like these in Europe more often. If that starts happening more often, then I would be pleased out of my wits.
March 30th, 2008 at 12:20
Great news! Roma have confirmed that Totti will miss tuesdays game. And maybe the second leg at Old Trafford too. This is great!
March 30th, 2008 at 12:50
Red Ranter, I have a confession to make regarding your first point. Yes I have been a United fan for 25 years and had the honour of attending the United Centre OF Excellence for 2 years when SAF first came to the club but I must admit that I am not fully aware of the history of the term ManU, maybe you could enlighten me and I apoligise for my ignorance in advance.
As regards to your second point I totally agree which is why I said in my previous post that the current squad has the POTENTIAL to be the best and I do believe that there is room for improvement in certain positions within the team and the overall performance.
The first improvement will be made in the transfer market or Uniteds own production line and the second will come when the team matures and learns from experience which is why it will be a great filip for the young players in this team if they can finish the job and win the premiership this season. Unfortunately the tactical nature of European football prevents the type of displays we seen yesterday happening on a regular basis in the Champions League but one or two more would not be unwelcome.
I reiterate my original point, the ingredients SAF is putting together in this current squad gives plenty of reasons to be cheerful.
March 30th, 2008 at 13:01
United fans don’t like it when their team is referred to as ManU, as thats generally what opponents and other teams fans call them, and is sometimes thought to be a shortened version of ‘Manure’.
Personally, I haven’t got a problem with it, since you should really be able to call them what you will. That said, many *many* United supporters do dislike it, and even if you disagree, its generally not a good idea to call them ManU.
March 30th, 2008 at 13:58
These are exciting times for United fans. I believe that in the future we’ll be remembering these years with pride and emotion. I’ve never seen football like this in my life, and I’m not a teenager (I’m 40). People talk about 1970’s Brazil but we’re witnessing something spectacular here. Respect to SAF.
March 30th, 2008 at 14:19
Damn it, Chelsea lead!
March 30th, 2008 at 14:27
O Feck me, I am all of nearly 24 years of age, and come from a Manchester United FANATICAL footballing family, and thought we knew everything about the club, but I don’t know the history of not using the terminology ManU????. Sorry if inadvertently I have offended someone in my usage of the term.
Evra was in several newspapers re-iterating yet again that he may leave the club next year or the year after. I am assuming this it to do with him feeling the club are shortchanging him with their new contract offer. Mmmm - another Wes situation, what do you all think?.
March 30th, 2008 at 14:38
Thanks craig mc, Im not the only one in the dark on the ManU terminology issue, maybe Red Ranter will let us off with just a yellow card
March 30th, 2008 at 14:50
LOL Fred the Red - p’haps we need the half time dunces cap too - awwww!. Well we all learn something new everyday!.
March 30th, 2008 at 14:58
Craig mc/Fred the Red: Here is some background to the term.
http://www.redcafe.net/f6/do-not-say-man-u-192480/
March 30th, 2008 at 15:01
As for Evra, he is the most improved player in our squad and a vital cog in the machine, so he should be rewarded accordingly but I remember reading somewhere that The Glazers wanted only a certain percentage of the Clubs turnover to be used to pay the wage bill so I wonder if this has any thing to do with it.
March 30th, 2008 at 15:10
Alves, how could you? I was celebrating allready!
March 30th, 2008 at 15:18
thanks for the link JB, interesting stuff, I wont use the term anymore but I wouldnt get all fussed if someone innocently did, the whole Munich, Hillsbrough and Heysel thing amongst rival fans disgusts me and I believe it is possible to be a true fan and not gloat over the deaths off peoples loved ones at the same time.
March 30th, 2008 at 15:27
Wow just saw the MOTD vid again and the football, especially fom R&R, looks better each time you watch it!! These are indeed good times to be a United fan!
I heard the commentator say if we win our next four games (which Red Ranter has pointed out are Boro, Arsenal, Blackburn and Chelski), the title is ours again. So we should really be looking to get around a minimum of 10 points from those games (and then hopefully finish the job off against either West Ham or Wigan), but methinks we should go to Chelski with the intention of beating them rather than playing for a draw. After all, records are there to be broken, and their home run can’t go on forever. How sweet would it be to wrap up the title at Stamford Bridge, and edge Roman’s puppet closer to a P45??
March 30th, 2008 at 15:55
1 thing we need to do is sign up wes rio and patrice to long term deals we need to be strong defensively before buying attacking players i think ronaldo will get another 2 year extension and tevez’s transfer can’t be far off!!
March 30th, 2008 at 16:23
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_3365435,00.html
Go on Ronny boy!! Make us all proud!
March 30th, 2008 at 16:27
Just been confirmed Totti out for game against us!!!
March 30th, 2008 at 16:37
Holy balony, Newcastle are crushing Spurs 4-1!
March 30th, 2008 at 16:55
JB; Thanks for that history lesson regarding the term Man U. I have been a fan for over 25 years and must also admit ignorance over it’s meaning, while having used it myself as an abbreviation many many times. WOW! Had I known. I fee awful having not known as I have great respect for all the old guard and especially players who were lost in the Munich disaster. I have a very close friend here in Vancouver that grew up in Manchester and had the privilege of having watched many of the Busby Babes and he believes that Duncan Edwards was one of the true great talents. It’s a shame supporters from any other club would lower themselves to poke fun at the dead. Disgusting but certainly expected from Scoucers who are scum anyway. In the future I will attempt top never use the term again, although it may be difficult just because of conditioning. So anybody reading this, take no offense to it if I do sneak one in by accident once in a while.
March 30th, 2008 at 16:58
Spurs are vastly improved but they ae still woeful in goal and back on defense. Ramos will do some major overhauls in the off season and only Woodgate and Bale will survive back there I believe. Newcastle scoring 4 goals in a month is asking a lot, but for one game, it must be a freak of nature. I attribute it to global warming.
March 30th, 2008 at 17:04
Great performance. When Ronaldo is off form he scores. When Ronaldo is on form he still scores AND provides a ton of assists. Hell that cross for Tevez was so good even Tevez couldn’t miss, and as for that flick on for Rooney’s goal that was just exquisite. He was just effervescent!
Having said that Giggs and Scholes were a joy to watch as well and Carrick made some nice passes!
Roll on Roma! If we play like this against them it will be another whitewash.
March 30th, 2008 at 17:42
[Grognard]
LOL!
Who all are the goalscorers for ze barcodes??
March 30th, 2008 at 19:58
Regarding the ‘Man U’ stuff. I personally say Man U and don’t care if others say it. I’ve been a fan for years and I know that other teams have used it against us, but it’s not as though Man Utd fans use it with bad intent. It’s a shorter, easy abbreviation. But I will try to refrain from using it on this blog if it makes everyone happy.
This game for me was our best of the year. Rooney, Tevez, and Ronaldo are a lethal triad. That’s the Ronaldo I want to see more of. The Wizard. Not the poacher. 1 goal and 3 assists! That’s the kind of season ratio I would like to see from the fella! Glad to see Rooney get his scoring touch back, and good for Tevez to play his part. Wasn’t impressed with Giggs, had a few decent plays but not enough influence on the game. Maybe we should try a 4-3-3 against Roma with Tevez, Rooney, and Ronaldo up front.
March 30th, 2008 at 21:23
Can someone please post a better copy of Match of the Day or may be a download link. Thanks.
March 31st, 2008 at 0:41
Having a look at Martin O’Neil’s comments every time United beat Villa, it’s almost as though he is trying to put his hand up for the Job if Fergie decides to call it a day… He does play nice football!
I may have missed it but I haven’t read anyone mention the potential loss of our number 2 to Benfica, Could this have a destabilizing affect on our Portuguese contingent? With regard to communication?
‘Just Six Games to Glory?’ I love these run-in’s. It’s really getting exciting and so glad we have this buffer.
Also; I think Roma will be our toughest game of them all this season. Say with a bit of luck we beat them… Barca hasn’t been themselves this season… To much backroom destractons and the rest… Champs league final with Liverpool could be on the cards.
March 31st, 2008 at 0:51
All my mates down here in Australia are all Pool supporters and even they said we are playing on another planet this season… Especially after watching the pool match and then the Villa match…
We were just taking the piss last match against Villa… Some of Ronaldo’s flicks for assists and the goal were out of this world.
March 31st, 2008 at 2:55
Effervescent!!! Nice one Colver, I like it. United played well and never even had to go in to first gear. They so thoroughly controlled midfield that Villa were caught looking up to the sky and asking questions of the Great Maker. Ronaldo was an absolute joy to behold. His skills defy description and his ability to perform at varying pace is staggering. So relieved to see Rooney not only score a brace but to get more involved in the box than in the past little while. Even if I don’t feel that Tevez is the scoring partner he needs, the two do work better together than apart. Tevez was a workhorse too and was unlucky not to get two or three goals himself. The header he missed is simply just a case of not being tall enough. He’s a good header of the ball but his leaping ability can’t always over compensate his lack of height. So without further delay here is my player ratings for the game.
PIG 6 - Steady and reliable but never had to do a thing all afternoon. And to think Villa has as many England players as they do.
BROWN 7 - Efficient performance and he also almost scored again. Wes is showing more adventurous nature in his game as he has been moving in to the opponents box more often. An added dimension which has helped the team the past couple of games.
RIO 8 - Rio is Rio is Rio. An impenetrable rock in the center of our defense. “Thou shalt not pass”. should be his and Vidic motto.
VIDIC 8 - Read above under Rio.
EVRA 6 - Very quiet, unspectacular but steady performance by the Frenchman.
GIGGS 7 - There was a little of the old Giggsy showing out there today. Some nice ideas and bursts created space and
opportunities. When he is on his game, he is still fun to watch.
SCHOLES 7 - Steady if not spectacular. Actually really did a good job defensively but let the offensive ideas come from Giggs and especially Ronaldo on the flanks. Calm and poise always controls the game well.
CARRICK 7 - Very similar performance to Scholes. Strong defensively but somewhat subdued in the offensive zone. Controlled and executed a slower and more methodical tempo in the game along side Scholes.
RONALDO 9.5 - One of the greatest performances he has ever given without getting in to his highest gear. Scored a true wonder goal that defies imagination and guts. What really made his game was his imagination and distribution to others which showed us all that there is still a team p[layer in there when we need him most. He was just world class at every count and was sublime to watch and behold. We are so lucky to have this young man play for our side. It reminds me how spoilt I and others were when I lived in Edmonton Canada during the great years of the hockey superstar Wayne Gretzky. Ronaldo’s do not come around every year? He is DA MAN!
TEVEZ 8 - Would rate higher if hadn’t missed a few sitters. Great work rate and looked happy and rejuvenated to be teamed up with Rooney as a starter again. Expect him on the bench against Roma.
ROONEY 9 - Welcome back Wayner. I missed him scoring goals but what I missed most was his calmness and composure intaking his chances, Even when he didn’t score he looked more confident and more composed. Ronaldo’s vision to especially look for him really helped bring him out of his shell because he attacked the box like Rooney circa 2004. Great to see, can I have some more?
O’SHEA, ANDERSON, HARGREAVES 6 - Did their job but really never played long enough to make a real statement. Actually, Hargo looked like he was really on his game. I would have liked to have seen more of him.
March 31st, 2008 at 3:03
I don’t know if Queiroz leaving would hurt us or not but I do believe that he does hold a special bond and relationship with Ronaldo, Anderson and seems mostly with Nani. What would makes his ego all warm and cozy, managing a decent team in Portugal or being the #2 on the best team on the planet? I cannot see him giving up the chance to coach and guide the careers of Ronaldo, Nani and Anderson and to assist in developing them even more, because history will record that he played a real important part in their development at United.
Also, Fergie and United cannot afford to lose him so pay him what he deserves and promise him the managerial position once Fergie steps down. He has earned it and he is the best man for the job due to his knowledge of the players and the system we play as well, if they want to keep Ronny and the others at United and happy, he is a must signing. United preaches loyalty and here is their chance to show appreciation to Carlos for his years and some sacrifice because he is good enough to be the top man in most other places. Lets face it, even Capello got the sack Real Madrid, so lets not hold that failure against him. That was a den of overinflated lazy egos.
March 31st, 2008 at 3:54
I don’t think anyone apart from Real management, would have called Carlos’ time at Real a failure.
He wasn’t given money or time.
And it just shows how much Fergie and co hold him in high regard, to sign him again.
Let’s hope he doesn’t leave then, cos i do think it could destabilize the team.
March 31st, 2008 at 10:02
Grognard, I think you are being a bit unfair on Scholes, it was another great performance by him. He’s back to being the Scholes we all love to watch, and he made quite a few bursts forward, to good effect. So the midfield dilemma continues, seemingly now our best parenership is Scholes and Carrick, as they are on the best form and are a proven partnership.
And I agree about keeping Queiroz at whatever cost, he carries the future of our team with him, and we can’t just throw it all away. But Grognard he isn’t going to a ’small cosy’ Portugese club, he would be going to Benfica, and although thats nothing compared to Manchester United or Real Madrid, he may see it as a more suitable step up in his career. And you never know, if he left to Benfica, got a bit of experience and then came back to us, it wouldn’t be that bad. Oh and by the way, I think it’s quite clear that Ronaldo’s flick for Rooeny’s goal was meant for Evra, but what do I care when it leads to a goal?
March 31st, 2008 at 18:21
Conor; I don’t recall saying anything negative at all about Scholsey. I thought he played well, especially on the defensive side but that he let the offensive ideas in the game come from Ronaldo and Giggs while he and Carrick handled Villa’s schemes in the middle. It was a terrible night weather wise and so it made more sense to play the game slower. A 7 is certainly not a bad grade or nowhere near a negative one. But his lack of real offensive ambition and solid attempts on goal kept me from giving him and 8 or a 9.
And Ronaldo’s flick was meant for Evra but when you are a God you are also very lucky and so we can always assume that the pass was meant for Rooney because Ronny deemed it so. He is just a gem to watch.
As for Queiroz, he does not need any experience by going to Benfica. He is the #2 man at Manchester United and for me, that holds more prestige. Experience he already has. A bad experience at a giant like Madrid probably taught him more than any stint in Portugal will ever teach him. Working with and observing the decision making of Fergie is all he needs to follow him as United manager when the day comes and Fergie hangs it up for good.
Also, his strong technical and continental knowledge of the game, it’s players and tactics make him so much more appealing than Fergie’s previous #2’s who were still stuck with the English game tactical mindset. Finally, why would he want to leave a situation where he gets to coach and observe the development of possibly one of the great club teams in world football history. They are great now but we have so much potential to get so much better that it is absolutely scary. That should suit anyones ambition fine. It’s important though for Fergian and United to talk with him and offer him a nice new contract and some promises for the future.
March 31st, 2008 at 19:47
Oh I know you weren’t saying anything negative tpwards him, its just that I thought you weren’t really appreciating his renewed attacking threat today that he’s been missing for a large part of this year. And from your reply I guess that my instinct was right, and you didn’t think Scholes did enough in attack? Well there were 3 main occasions when he got forward to good effect which could have all resulted in goals, well two of them did anyways. One was for the Tevez goal, from which Scholes picked out Ronaldo and then made a great later run into the box (like the Scholesy of old) and if Ronaldo returned the favour and picked him out in a great position he probably would have scored. The second one was a burst forward with the ball, straight into the area and he picked out Ronaldo with a great back post cross, unfortunately the keeper saved it onto the post. And finally, either for Rooney’s first miss or for one of his goals, if memory serves me right, Scholes was heavily involved in the build up. And it was a theme of the whole game, Scholes making more runs forward in this match than in all of the games put together since his comeback from injury. Just thought I’d point that out Grognard, normally I agree almost perfectly with your player ratings
And about Queiroz, I hope he feels the same way as you, because I think it would turn out to be something of a mini-disaster if we let him go and he never came back.
March 31st, 2008 at 23:14
Conor; Scholes was fine and on attack he was fine to but lets be honest here, he and Carrick were overshadowed by a maestro-like Ronaldo and even Giggsy in this match. That doesn’t mean he didn’t play well though. On the contrary. It just seemed his role along with Carrick was to control the tempo and play outlet passes and leave the really creative stuff to them. If he played poorly he would have received a 5 and if I thought he was very ordinary or just average he would have received a 6. I get down on Scholes when he doesn’t want to move forward and when he prefers to back pass when the pressure is only average. Scholes has really come on in the last three weeks. He is rounding in to shape and getting his legs back and it has shown. Yes I was very down on him a month ago but I am fair and above all, I am happy to have been proven wrong by the old Ginger Ninja. He looks far from being finished. Thank goodness for that.
March 31st, 2008 at 23:39
But just because he was overshadowed by other players shoudn’t take away from his own performance. And I also think he played alot better than Giggs, I would’ve given him a 7.5 and Scholes an 8.