Hungry like a Wolf

It's the second day of the Chinese New Year and most of the kopitams showing the game were closed. I had to torrent the game, but it was worth the wait to watch a good display.

We simply outclassed Wolves. Practically every player did well. I was particularly impressed with Park and Saha. Vidic was given a full debut.

There was abit of concern with the midfield especially after I saw Rio was given the central midfield role. He did really well, and was given a chance to partner Vidic when we were 3-0 up. Maybe the opponents weren't that strong, when you include a 38-year old Ince. I'd reserve my judgement on Rio as a midfielder when and if he gets a chance to perform against some sterner opposition.

We're playing really well. Let's hope this continues against a physical opponent in Blackburn on Wednesday.

Sack our scouts!

I spent 16hrs torrenting this game, only to get the Cantonese version. So it's effectively a silent movie for me.

Good result against Blackburn. Interesting statistic on our way to the finals in the MM cup, West Brom, Birmingham and Blackburn in our last 3 cup ties. All run by ex-cult heroes of yesteryear. Wonder if things would have been different if they were still playing for us, in their prime of course. Captain Marvel would certainly have made a huge difference considering we only have one midfield in Fletcher.

Couple of things about the game. Smith is not a midfielder. Period. But I'm giving him a free pass coz there's a bigger fish to fry.

Richardson was crap. But he's also getting a free pass.

Here's the culprit who's going to get the brunt of my fury. Patrice Evra. I can't fucking belief we spent a fucking 5 million pounds on this clown. He's an althete, not a footballer. Something is seriously wrong with our scouting system if this is the kind of crap we've been constantly buying. Maybe Newell and Eriksson were right. Someone must be on the take for us to even consider this piece of crap. I still can't believe we're playing this crap over Bardsley or even the utterly pathetic Silves at left back. The only saving grace with him is that it's going to take fewer good games from him to get into my good books than a certain Ronaldo.

I wonder if Martin Ferguson is still a scout with United........

Good thing bout the game is that there were some star performers. Fletcher was really good. He was everywhere and was directly involved in the second goal. Good hustle play.

Rooney was once again at the centre of everything. He brought the 'Rooney effect' today. The opponents had hard time keeping him in check. He was literally everywhere.....again.

Brown and Rio must get honourable mention as well. They were outstanding, espeically Brown. If he can stay fit for any length in time, I'm sure he'd be our version of John Terry.

On a seperate note, Ferguson reportedly wouldn't leave United in shambles when he eventually leaves. This probably means he wouldn't be leaving United anytime soon, since we ARE in shambles and eons behind Chelski. I dunno to cry or to laugh. Maybe I'd just do both until the next game against Wolves.

We stole one against the GrannyStabbers!

There is always joy in beating Liverpool. We may not be in the running for the Championship, but beating the grannystabbers always brings a smile to my face. It just brings back the 80s feeling where results against other teams were never as important as beating Liverpool. It's a special Manchester United feeling. No doubt the result and performance is just papering the cracks, it's still a special feeling.

And speaking of last night's performance, we were utterly shit. I couldn't recognise a midfield and our forwards were often left alone. Thank gawd Liverpool decided to play with ten men. Or rather, give us a 12th man in Djibril Cisse.

I was lucky to be in the company of some great friends in Ken and Mike. Rio scoring the last grasp goal was the best thing that happened in a dull match. It's been a really long time since we scored last ten min goals, let alone last min ones.

3 players stood out last night. Rooney, Rio and Brown. Rooney covered every blade of grass at OT.

Brown was outstanding in defence. He's slowly growing into one of my favourite players. In practically every game that he played in this year, he's been outstanding. He certainly puts the overpaid Rio in the shadows with some of the timely tackles. And to top it off, he looks like he's putting in effort. And he celebrates every goal scored with gusto!

I have to grudgingly give Rio props for last night's performance. He was clearly my MOTM. The goal line clearance and the last min goal were the 2 most significant instances of the game. Both were game changing moments. MOTM. I still think he's and overpaid lazy, dick though.

The biggest disappointment was not being able to see Ole anywhere. I yearn for the return of Ole to full fledge first team action. He's not going to the same Ole, but for sentimental reasons, I would still love to see him get a run in the team.

On to the second leg of the Mickey Mouse Cup on Wednesday.....

The First Goal

Wow, I've finally decided to join the attention whore community....oops, I mean blogging community. I think instead of constantly emailing my friends about my thoughts on the team we all love, Manchester United, I think it would be better for me to write a blog and put whatever thoughts I have, at anytime I wish instead of having to mail everyone everytime I have some new insight. It'll probably save me from appearing in their spam folders as well.

A special thanks to my fellow United loving mates like Lyeyong, Kentona, Hong and Mike. Spending time watching the games with you guys, either at the kopitiams around Singapore, or just spiritually thru SMSes has been a real pain and pleasure, depending on the results.