Jan 07
Manchester United Half Time Report: The Attack
This is the second series of posts that will review our season so far. We ran a ‘season in review‘ series earlier.
We will look at the players and rate their performances. We will also try to give an overall report on the team performances, so far. In this post we will talk about our attackers. To make it a little clear, we are talking of our wingers as well as strikers.
Wayne Rooney
With a good summer break, many of us thought that this would be Rooney’s season. And he didn’t disappoint. After a slow start the goals started flowing. He was scoring for fun, and as is his wont when he starts he usually does go on free scoring runs. Unfortunately, a training ground injury forced him out for a few weeks that saw us drop points against Bolton. He returned for the Fulham game, and crucially against the ‘dippers. He had a hand in Tevez’s tap in; it was his shot towards goal.
His presence lifts the team and its performances. So there is little doubt about how good he’s been for us.
Rating: 8.5/10
Louis Saha:
Another injury-ridden start to a season, it is surprising the amount of trust placed on him by the club management. His mental/physical state has been a topic of debate and ridicule for many fans and he will need to really turn things around if he hopes to stay on in OT.
Rating: 5.5/10
Carlos Tevez
After the long drawn transfer wrangle Tevez did take some time settling down. The jury was still out on his ability to play with Rooney, although I always believed that they could play together. That view was vindicated as they hit it off to make it potentially our best strike pair after Yorke and Cole.
Tevez has impressed with his constant running at the defence, his work rate, his movement and telepathic understanding with Rooney. He has been an excellent buy and the ‘Argentina’ chants prove how popular he already is with the fans.
The only gripe may be his ability to finish, at times. But 9 goals half way through your first season in a new club isn’t too bad, is it?
Rating: 8/10
Nani
He was pressed into action due to injuries and suspensions. He had a decent start considering what was expected of him. Two cracking goals against Middlesbrough and Tottenham were highlights. Besides, he has an excellent ability to deliver crosses. But he tends to give the ball away far too often and tends to dilly-dally with the ball.
He should get better with time. But at the moment, he’s endured some frustrating times.
Rating: 6.5/10
Ryan Giggs
He’s been criticised during the start of the season but he’s been our best bet so far in the left wing. He has had great performances in spurts. But he’s 34 and there is only so much you can expect from an ageing winger. The problem with Giggs is the standards he’s set for himself throughout his United career. And after a while those exalted standards become difficult to live up to with age. This happens to all players. The thing with Giggsy, though, is that he’s always managed to turn it around when he’s been written off — last season was a striking example. We always think he will do it again and again. Such is the Welshman. It will be a sad day when he retires.
His lack of pace this season was telling, but he still continues to amaze us with his close control. He is on the decline, without doubt. But he still gives the ball far less than the contender for his position, Nani. And his decision making is certainly far better than him. Evra’s pace and overlap does make up for his lack of pace. Although, one would hope that Nani would ‘grow up’ enough by the end of this season to permanently take over the reins.
All in all, I think Giggs hasn’t fared too badly.
Rating: 7/10
Cristiano Ronaldo
I can’t say any more than what people have already said about him. He’s better, stronger, and we are a better team with him on the pitch. And that says enough about how much that boy has come along ever since he moved here. He looks on course to eclipse his scoring record of last season. And (touchwood) he rarely gets injured, considering the way he gets kicked around the pitch.
His pace and trickery and the cutting edge that he provided is what keeps us going. And it can be safely said that his presence (along with that of Rooney) is what makes our attack that potent. And guess what, he’s getting his free kicks over the wall more often, of late.
Rating: 9/10
Park Ji-Sung
Has made just two appearances since returning from a horrific injury. It would be unfair to comment on him on that evidence. However his performances look encouraging and augur well for the title run-in.
Rating: N/A
- Manchester United throw the last game of the season
- Man Utd 2-0 Chelsea (FT) : Tevez, Saha Score
- Manchester United players need to do better
- Rossi Scores Brace, Parma Move Towards Safety: Goal Videos
- Man Utd v Barcelona: Preview
Tags: Opinions/Columns
January 7th, 2008 at 12:14
Good ratings, absulutley agree!
BTW RR, did you get married this weekend. much speculation about that on Saturday!
January 7th, 2008 at 12:57
“The problem with Giggs is the standards he’s set for himself throughout his United career.” Spot on! His retirement day will be a sad one, indeed. So did you get married then?
January 7th, 2008 at 12:59
I have to say that I think Ronaldo deserves 9,5 - how could anyone ever get the highest mark, if he is not up there? Other than that I agree.
January 7th, 2008 at 14:28
I don’t think Ronaldo I would give a 9.5 unless he increased his assist count to mirror last season’s. However I totally understand your argument and it might even be harsh of me to judge him so strigently. He has undoubtly been superb. Congrats(maybe) to RedRanter for the ball and chain. Hope it doesn’t interfere with the Footy…lol.
January 7th, 2008 at 14:41
Were playing Spurs or Reading at Old Trafford in FA cup.
January 7th, 2008 at 15:38
Ronaldo’s fitness levels are incredible .. he is the guy I would trust to score a score in the last 10 minutes
January 7th, 2008 at 17:42
If you look at the age of this squad and think it has yet to reach it’s peak, AND fulfills it’s potential, well, all I can say it is frightening what this team could achieve.
January 7th, 2008 at 18:51
what about the rest of the team? congrats on the marriage if true.
January 7th, 2008 at 19:39
Dan this is the first of three parts, the attack, the midfield and the defence. Clearly RR is wrapped up in his personal life so there will probably be another one every 1 or 2 days.
January 7th, 2008 at 20:38
ah yes thats how he did it last time, i forgot.
January 8th, 2008 at 7:43
Any chance Capello will give the armband to Rooney for England?
Or would you say the England (C) would have to be (C) for his club first?
January 8th, 2008 at 11:14
Hey you mates, happy new year. Just gat back to work after a good holiday. Good things happening for us reds this year. On the ratings RR, I want to give rooney- a 9, cos all the 3 games we lost in the league, his abscence was telling (Even ronaldo was in the Westham game). I will then give ronaldo- a 9.5, cos the lad has single handedly won us games (Everton; Fulham). A final disagreement i have with you RR is your rating on that lad Saha. I would give him a 1.5/10 for the one/half legs he has. The lad just dosen’t contribute to the team in any way when he is on the field.
On another note, have any of u mates seen the dailies- Ramos tells defoe “you can leave the club”. Cue for SAF. The lad is the type of striker we need now (someone who can come of the bench) to score goals, and be happy in doing so. Not like Berbatov (Yeah i am a fan of the lad) who would want to start games. Berbatov should be a summer signing. We need an emergency striker as we have only two at the moment (minus 1 legged saha), to be able to rotate during the hectic fixture lists. RR what do you think. Hey WHERE IS GROGNARD.
January 9th, 2008 at 12:06
defoe would be a good prospect if he doesn’t cost more than 6 mil. however defoe has been griping about being on the bench at white hart lane, surely he wouldnt like the prospect of joining us to be stuck on the bench once again. However he would be excellent addition to the squad depth if he does join. Maybe the prospect of playing in europe or standing a chance to win league and cups would be enough to entice him.