Oct 07
United Storm After the Lull, as Wigan Fall Victim
It’s a very nice period, this. For weeks we have seen some underwhelming – but nonetheless, assured – stuff from United. 1-0 wins were the forte, built on a strong, mean defence and, arguably, a bit of luck at times to get goals — while not playing fluent football.
It was the proverbial second (or first) gear that we were playing in. Possession was dominant in all the games with the final third disappointing. But we always hoped (or dare we say, we knew) that, with the team and players we had, this kind of ground-out wins wouldn’t last too long. Some team was going to be spanked sooner or later. Not just us, even the manager concurred.
Can Manchester United score? They always score! But will they score heavily? That was the question.
So we waited and waited. Until yesterday.
As mentioned in my preview we’ve had brilliant results against Wigan in recent times (after yesterday our record is 16-3 in aggregate!). Moreover, their away form this season has been woeful while our home record has been perfect. It, thus, gave us an ideal platform to make that move towards a better brand of football than we’ve seen so far.
However, things didn’t start that way.
United started quite well, actually. All the attacking intent was there. But things happened in the first half that, first, frustrated and then rattled the team. In the beginning, Ronaldo was barged down in the penalty area by a certain thug that went by the name of Michael Brown. It was a clear penalty that wasn’t given by the referee. Will the media say anything about this, and hence, how unfair it is to label United as winning soft penalties at home? I suppose not. It’s a shame the referee had to see Ronaldo’s reputation instead of the actual incident.
Soon after, United faced a blow; Nemanja Vidic was walking over to the sidelines and was feeling a bit off. He seemed in pain and not confident about continuing. When you see that from Vidic, you know he’s not going to play a part in the rest of the game. Reports later confirmed that he had a concussion. Anderson was brought in his place, as O’Shea moved back to central defence. But that was not the end. O’Shea was soon hopping around asking to be taken off — in what was later diagnosed as a dead leg. That called for another reshuffle, as Pique moved into the centre and Simpson into right back.
These changes caused the side to lose some momentum and for long periods in the first half, it appeared as if everyone was trying to get to terms with their formation. The promise and fluency was lost. Some chances were created but Kirkland kept the shots at bay.
Prior to all this, of course, was the unsurprising news that Saha got injured in the warm up. We shall not talk anymore about this new injury, lest it ends up sounding like another joke.
The second half didn’t start too brightly, but Anderson started off well, sending a couple of passes that very nearly got through. But until Tevez’s goal, it looked a very familiar sight — with us attacking but creating very little. However, Tevez’s goal changed all that. Anderson sent in a perfect through ball, showing great vision, and Tevez, who had made a good run, showed tremendous close control and strength to shrug off Kilbane and Bramble to move in past Kirkland and put a shot past two hapless defenders, desperately looking to clear the ball.
That did it for Wigan as soon after, in the 59th minute, Giggs’ cross after taking a short corner was first saved by Kirkland but only for the ball to find Ronaldo’s head, who promptly headed home. After that it was more of a period of endurance for Wigan as Scholes, Anderson & Co. ran rings from midfield.
The third one, once again, was through a quick burst forward with Pique sending Rooney out on the left with a perfectly weighted pass. Rooney, who spotted Ronaldo’s run into the box, crossed it for him leaving him with a simple tap in to make it 3-0. Finally, Danny Simpson, the other young defender to make an appearance apart from Pique, came to the party with a run and a cross for Rooney to head (yes, you read it right, head) the ball into goal, unmarked.
Performances
United played the United way, and we had a result that made it look like the United we know of. We are on top of the league, of course, subject to how well Arsenal play Sunderland. Unfortunately, this performance had to come before the international break – which isn’t all that good for momentum. But thankfully, none of Saha, Fletcher, Vidic, Hargreaves, O’Shea etc, have to make the trip due to their injuries. Or so, we would hope. There are enough nut jobs in this world, some of whom, are also national team coaches. So expect the likes of Domenech to call up Saha.
Wigan were anything between abject and woeful. All the varying degrees of adjectives that come in between could be plugged in just as well. They were, quite possibly, the poorest Wigan side to have visited Old Trafford.
But that is not to take anything away from the way United played. Anderson had an inspired performance today. His vision and distribution did not make us miss Carrick – with due respect. Moreover, he showed tremendous desire to want the ball, hustling and even winning the ball at times. In fact, he had won the ball and fed it to Pique in the lead up to Ronaldo’s second goal. Clearly, we realise that Anderson is a player bought to eventually replace Scholes.
Speaking of whom, Scholes had a great match. With Anderson moving forward, Scholes dropped back and dictated things from there. Giggs also had a very good game. He had been at the end of a lot of fans ire, and yours’ truly may have also been guilty of making disparaging remarks at times. But today, he cut out one aspect of his game that was his undoing in the past few games: he didn’t give the ball away cheaply. As long as Giggsy manages to retain the ball he may not even need his blistering pace of old to succeed. His vision and experience can do just as well.
At the end of the day, credit must go to the kids who stepped in today. Each one of them — Simpson, Pique and Anderson — were excellent and while they may find it a little rough against better teams, it gave us fans a glimpse and hope of great things to come in the future.
Here’s To the CHAMPIONS!
Extended Highlights Video of the Match [via 101greatgoals]
We’ve also updated our stats page. Have a look, and let us know if there are any changes to be made there.
Related items from Red Rants:
- United 4-0 Wigan: The Goals Are Coming!
- Lull After the Storm
- Manchester United 2-0 Wigan Athletic: Evra And Hernandez Take United Joint Top
- Community Shield Preview
- Bebe Scores A Wonder Strike For The Reserves Against Wigan
Tags: Match Reports
Opti (89)
Craig Mc (26)
Ian (18)
how the hell a player gets injured in the warm-up?
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its saha sunny, i agree with the analysi red ranter, im worried how the international break will affect us
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First off, Saha can injure himself simply by the temperature changing a few degrees. He is a total wimp and I cannot wait until we ship him off for a sack of nails and a good hammer.
I’m actually feeling quite good about United these days despite the fact they played an abysmal last 15 minuted against Roma. They were lucky to come out of that match with a win when they didn’t even deserve a draw. But that is also what I like about this year’s team. They seem to have a bit of luck when it comes to their defending. EPL teams haven’t had too many cracks at our goal but when they have, our goalkeepers have done the job and good old luck hasn’t let us down either. Against Roma we needed that luck coupled with the team’s patience. A healthy Neville should bring more balance to our back four but what is really needed to make us almost impenetrable is Hargreaves. I can’t wait until his injury problems are behind him.
As far as the Wigan match, we played well in the first half, should have had a penalty but we were still not creating enough chances. Also, we were not getting enough players into the 10 yard box in order to really cause Wigan trouble. Even the announcers agreed with me on that point. Come second half it was obvious that we kicked it up a gear and really came at them. Tevez scored a great goal that definitely opened the flood gates. In past games somebody would score a goal and then we would go into a defensive shell and show our opposition far too much respect. I think our past form against Wigan dictated that this time was going to be different.
Boy did we play well in that second half. Wave after wave of counters and some beautiful passing from Rooney, Scholes and Anderson really split open Wigan’s defense. Ronaldo will never score two easier goals. Lets put this game into proper perspective though. It was our offensive coming out party but it was after all just Wigan. A team that never even mounted an offensive attack all afternoon. At least with Paul Jewell in charge, they would have had more fight and ambition.
I still want to see what we do against both Liverpool and Arsenal. Liverpool defend well but are overrated. Arsenal are off to a great start but I believe that they are vulnerable at the back and can be exploited. And Wenger is making a major error if he thinks Almunia is better than Lehmann. He might have had a few gaffs early in the season but for me, he is a world class goalkeeper who once stole an FA Cup right out from under us.
Pray he doesn’t play against us. Arsenal will be our biggest test because it will really let us know how good our defense is. If we can stop that whirlwind from scoring or at least beating us, then nobody, not even Barcelona can beat us. Lets hope I’m right. Hows that for being positive?
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Great win and I was there to witness it! It was amazing, I was in the front row beside the goal at the Stretford End. Rooney came almost within touching distance when he hit the advertisment boards! I haven’t been to see a match in a few years and this was definately the right match to go to.
Anyway, it was a great second half, the first half was good but nothing romotely special but when Tevez scored it was a great game to watch afterwards. It was a good day for the youngsters too with Pique, Simpson and Anderson all having fine games and Ronaldo and Rooney have finally started linking up like last season and Tevez had a great game.
The thing that is bothering me is Paul Scholes. Some people may not agree but I think he is playing waaaay too negatively. Every pass from him seems to either go backwards or sidewards. It gives the other team a chance to push up and prevents the strikers from making runs. This makes for a very frustrating time.
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L’pool 2-2 Spurs
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thank you spurs, also the daily mirror just made my day, they said anderson is on his way out of united, after struggling to break into the first team. did they watch ydays match
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Anderson one game good performance doesnt mean he is good enough be in the starting eleven but he really had a terrific match yesterday. Hope he can improve from yesterday’s performance and cement his spot at the starting 11
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Good work United, yesterday… Its the begining fo the end for clubs who will be playing us!!! Well, there are many players who still have something to prove to us, like Anderson. But let’s give them time, and hopefully within the time period they will do us proud!!! Visit also my blog for the fans, http://www.ManUtdFansBlog.com.
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anderson is great player.we’ve seen his passes but we are yet to see his dazzling runs.
kelly is right.scholes is being negative.we need more directness from midfield.
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After today I’m not sure who will get the sack first, Jol or Benitez? Spurs did us a great favor today and I thank them. Also, what’s the point of sacking Mourinho if Grant is going to be a coward and play the same style to ensure points. I would have had more respect for the tosser if he changed their tactics stuck to them no matter how long it takes for the squad to assimilate. I think Chelski were in better hands playing this system under Mourinho. Now all we have to do is wait for Arsenal to comeback down to earth. They are a good young side but their inexperience will eventually cost them. How will they react when they come upon their first hiccup? I think they will fold like a cheap tent.
Once United are truly healthy, I think they will trot to the the championship. Champions League is a different story though. I’m not sure they have all that is needed to win. Still, they are a better side than last season and much grittier so we should come close. Who Knows
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Simpson, Ronaldo, Rooney in the BBC team of the week
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/shared/spl/hi/football/squad_selector/team_of_the_week/html/ss_team.stm
I would choose Tevez in place of Rooney???
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Yes, an inspired ‘United’ performance.. Many positives to take out.. One thing is for sure that everybody has been harping(including me) on United needing a target man, I think we have got him and he is not Rooney or Tevez but Ronaldo. Strikers are characterized by the hunger and greed for goals and Ronaldo has that ‘greed’ in him, now he nearly spends half the time in the box looking for openings and rest he spends hugging the touchline which is indeed very very good. On the other hand, Roon feels his duty to score goals but is never really greedy for goals as to his desire of imposing himself on the game. you can see that from where these two move spontaneously after some time. So it is good for us that Ronaldo has this insatiable desire for goals( which I believe is due to his quest to be regarded as world’s best player and we all know that players who score goals are generally highlighted). On the other hand, Rooney is a great team player and is distinguished by being the best footballing brain in our side( maybe bar scholes). This adds tremendous balance to the team. Now Tevez is also starting to come into his own which can only be great for us.
Nice shift put in by the 19 year old Anderson.. there is no better sight than an elegant left-footed player bossing the field( I used to and still adore Redondo) . He is defensively sound as well, not at all lazy, and we are yet to see his piercing runs and he’s got one hell of a shot as well. It was really lovely to see a 19-year old running the midfield of the champions.
Finally Rio has been immense .. Neville is due back soon though I have heard he is going to play against Liverpool reserves
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good performance from the team.the negatives,scholes.great player but he slows the game with side and back passes.rooney.great prospect but for his potential,has failed to mature as expected.giggs.legend but as long as he continues playing regulary that poor,nani and anderson are doomed.he will forever start games and they will never get a decent chance
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@bestie
I agree with your assesment of a striker. I thought the same over the weekend.
I think Ronaldo will do quite well as a central striker. (Espescially if we play 433).
Only propblem I think is that we need his dazzling runs. If he playes center, he will have less space for his runs. Not that United desperately need it, just that I WANT it
I’m pretty sure that he can become like the other Ronaldo (no.9) in that position.
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Using Ronaldo as a striker is absolute Bollocks. Yes the lad has a great instinct for goal but he gets those cheap goals because of the play of Rooney and Tevez. Ronaldo is not a striker. Instead, he is an opportunistic winger who know when to command the touchline and when to cut inside. In that regards he is fantastic. He also scores in streaks. He might get 4 or 5 goals in 3 matches and then not score again for the next 5 or 6 matches.
Rooney for all his talent and presence on the pitch needs to start honing his skills on scoring cheap instinctive goals instead of just cracking beauties. That requires more presence in the 10 yard box. His header against Wigan was a promising sign. In that area of offensive prowess, Ronaldo has him beat. Ronaldo is also far superior in the air but his value on the touchline and running or dribbling from deeper positions is far more valuable and necessary.
I also truly believe that when Anderson matures, his passing and imagination will really begin to free our strikers up front for more goal scoring opportunities. I agree with busingye’s assessment of Scholes. A great player who seems to have become somewhat timid and overly cautious. Perhaps because of some of his terrible passes earlier this season. He needs to pass more aggressively instead of always slowing our breaks by making safe back passes. I understand why he’s doing it but he has killed so many counter attacks this season with this style of play. I miss his cutting through balls. At least Anderson seems intend on trying to penetrate the oppositions defense with medium risk passes.
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‘He also scores in streaks. He might get 4 or 5 goals in 3 matches and then not score again for the next 5 or 6 matches.’ That would probably be because he plays on the wing… he’s hardly going to score every game if he plays out wide…and it’s hardly ‘bollocks’, its not the first time someones came up with the idea, Sir Alex already said it was always an option if he needed it.
‘needs to start honing his skills on scoring cheap instinctive goals’ You can’t just become a regular goalscorer, you used the word ‘instinctive’, that implies that you would need to rely on instinct, therefore, you can’t be taught how to be a goalscorer, you’re born with that ‘instinct’.
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I’m sad that Vidic injured himself but he is strong boy and I hope that he will return in action soon! However, he will not help Serbia in theirs crucial EURO 2008 qualyfiers versus Armenia & Azerbaijan. FORZA SERBIA,FORZA MAN.U!
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You know Conor you have a habit of trying to misinterpret what I have to say then spin your opinion. I’m not in any disagreement with you. The fact is that Ronaldo is streaky but even I realize it’s because he is winger. The point I was making is that he is so valuable as a winger that I don’t want to see him play a central strike role. Only in a pinch, late in games. The fact that he can play there is not disputed by me.
And instinct is something you are born with. That is why there are super strikers and poor strikers. Great scorers have god given abilities. Hard work and practice can always improve one’s skills but the great players natural talent and instincts have more to do with their success than tactics or hard work. I don’t know what your personal sporting history is but I certainly know that instinct and natural gifted ability cannot be taught. Rooney has great ability but his instincts inside the box is not as strong as his many other world class skills. In contrast van Nistelrooy’s instincts were superb but his other skill (although strong) are not as good as Wayne’s. Very few players have the total package.
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@Grognard
“the lad has a great instinct for goal but he gets those cheap goals because of the play of Rooney and Tevez. Ronaldo is not a striker. Instead, he is an opportunistic winger”
Is that not what a REAL striker is all about?
I don’t see why it is such bollocks. In fact, I can see it happening.
If you look at Nani, Eagles and Park, we have wingers that can do the job. If Henry could be converted from a winger to a striker, I don’t see why not.
As amazing as his runs on the wing is, perhaps he could have more of an ‘impact’ if he does it from the front?
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It’s bollocks Karl because Ronaldo is the best winger in the world at the moment and should never be misused. You know Rooney could probably make an outstanding defensive midfielder because of his work rate, pace and tenacity. Yet, I would never consider using him, or should I say wasting him in that position. Ronaldo is more than capable of being a very solid striker, but as a winger he is WORLD CLASS. Trust me you would miss the impact he has in games from that position. He makes the plays and does a lot of creative stuff to create goals. As a striker he has to wait for others to get him the ball. This is wasting his ability. Did Argentina or Napoli ever use Maradona as striker? Did France, Juventus or Real ever use Zidane as a striker? The answer is NO. Enough said.
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Did Manchester United ever use Eric Cantona as a striker? Did Barcelona ever use Ronaldinho as a striker? Did Arsenal ever use Henry as a striker?
The answer is YES.
Nuff said.
For your information, I saw MUTV yesterday and it seems like there are thoughts (or at least serious consideration) to turn him into a striker. For the simple fact, he will achive real greatness as a striker (which is a feat he will NEVER achieve as a winger). For example, for years now, Ryan Gigs was the most feared winger iin all of Europe. Othe than for the United faithfuls, nobody will really care much in years to come. Ronaldo has ambitions.
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I always thought a 3-pronged attack of Rooney/Rossi/Ronaldo would work for us. nowadays, I believe a Rooney/Ronaldo/Tevez partnership will be amazing once it clicks. This providing the 3 forwards have ‘freedom of movement’.
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