Temporary Leave of Absence

Hi everyone, the last couple of weeks have been ridiculously hectic and I really haven't the time nor the energy to update the blog. And from the looks of things, the schedule seems to be on track until at least early August. So in short, I wouldn't have the time to continue blogging and posting as consistantly as before. That said, I'll still be squeezing in time to catch the games and hopefully celebrate number 20 in a few weeks time.

And since I'm on, I'll do a few quick thoughts on the games that I've missed.

5th March Manchester United 1 - Real Madrid 2
This one just broke the hearts. To lose the way we did via a dubious and, quite frankly, bias decision by the referee was a hard one to swallow. The words incompetent and fixed come to mind and UEFA coming out in support for the referee was another hard pill to swallow. They could have just kept quiet but they didn't.

I wonder is Qatar's Dream League project is still on the cards. Given the way we've been treated by UEFA and the fuckwits that run the system, maybe a threat to break away with the other big boys in the other leagues might give them a wake up call, afterall we're the cashcows they've been milking for god knows how long.

Too bad United has previously come out to reject the idea outright. Might wanna reconsider it now that UEFA has shown it's ugly and filthy hand.


10th March Manchester United 2 - Chelsea 2
How we drew this one was bewildering. We raced into an early 2 goal cushion and stopped playing after that. We allowed Chelsea to come at us at will, and they did. The midweek game against Real could have played on our minds, but for a team of our stature, this was just unforgiveable, to let a two goal lead slip.

To make matters worst, we were holding on for dear lives at the end of the game.

16th March Manchester United 1 - Reading 0
Pretty much routine win, although Reading did trouble us. Holding on to a single goal lead is almost always not preferred, but our defense has been keeping clean sheets in the league.

30th March Sunderland 0 - Manchester United 1
Even more routine win. Sunderland are hopeless and I really hope this bunch of no-hopers somehow get relegated. I don't think I've seen a Martin O'Neil team play this lifelessly before. Just a shameful shameful performance by the home team.

BTW, Martin O'Neil was sacked just after the game. Sunderland just didn't deserve him. I think I'll celebrate their relegation more than us winning the league. Bunch of pussies, pun fully intended.

1st April Chealsea 1 - Manchester United 0
We didn't do the job in the first leg and were deservedly dumped by a brilliant goal from Ba. Sure we played just 48hrs before, but so did Chelsea. This was a dull, drab affair.

I think we only had 3 shots on goal, and that is really not acceptable for a team that's supposedly going to win the league. This game exposes just how poor our midfield is. The only consolation is that we're probably still going to win the league, but after last season, I'm not counting my chickens.

Out!

Jesus F Christ! We got robbed!!

What a terrible decision by a fucking useless referee. I'm shellshocked by the decision which changed the entire complexion of the game. We were a goal up, and in complete control until that mad man flashed his card at Nani. Just fucking unbelievable.

Kagawa Takes Centre Stage

Manchester United 4 - Norwich 0
Scorers
Manchester United: Kagawa (45, 76, 87), Rooney (90)

Team: De Gea, Vidic, Evans, Smalling, Evra, Carrick, Anderson (Cleveley 74), Valencia, Kagawa, Rooney, Van Persie (Welbeck 66)

We didn't play particularly well but what's important is that we got the result. And just like last week, we move 15 clear of Shitty, as the number of games start to become an issue for an unlikely come back.

We didn't pass the ball well and it seems for a good period of the entire game, the lads' focus was on the upcoming Champions League game against Real Madrid. The passing was lacklustre and there was very little energy shown on the pitch. The only thing that worked in our favour was that Norwich seems equally uninterested in the game.

The first half was practically a non-event. Come to think of it, other than the 4 goals, the entire game was a non-event. Not trying to short-change Kagawa's achievement, but the game seems like an appetizer for the main course on Wednesday. Even the crowd seemed muted.

Even the goals had a sense of nonchalance about them. For the first two goals, Kagawa wrong-footed the keeper and with the third, he lifted it easily over Bunn. Rooney's long distance shot was the icing to the result.

Hell, there's such a sense of anticipation for the Champions League game that even I'm getting restless writing this entry.

So for what it's worth, despite some really terrible football, 3 players stood out.

- Evans for having a terrible first touch that should be punished over and over again. As much as he's been called upon due to injuries, there are times, like today, he looks like a walking calamity waiting to happen.

- Kagawa for his hattrick. I wasn't his biggest fan when he arrived. I was rooting for Gotze, who in my opinion is Dortmund's best player, but I'm genuinely happy for Kagawa. Pride of Asia, I suppose.

- Rooney for just being United. His two assists to Kagawa was just good football and unselfish play, especially for the second goal which he could have taken himself. Instead he slid it to Kagawa for an easy pass into the net.

And if we beat Real on Wednesday, it seems likely that the treble might....might just happen. With Barcelona one foot out of the competition, our other big rival is Bayer Munich, who are very much beatable. They are so far ahead of the Bundesliga that their intensity might just not be at the peak, although the same can be said of us.

United Continues To Build Lead

QPR 0 - Manchester United 2
Scorers
Manchester United: Rafael (23), Giggs (80)

Team: De Gea, Rio, Vidic, Rafael, Evra, Carrick, Giggs, Young (Valencia 68), Nani, Hernandez (Rooney 62), Van Persie (Welbeck 41)

Kinda surreal feel to the game. Neither side played football and despite the huge gulf of points between the top team in the league and the bottom, one could hardly tell which was which. The only difference in the end was the quality of finishing that the scoreline reflected.

To say we played down to the level of competition is a sheer understatement. QPR were putrid and we didn't smell any better. Strangely for a team that packs with individual talent, QPR just cannot seem to find any teamwork, and it's no wonder based on today's performance, they deserve to be firmly rooted to the bottom of the league. I can only recall two decent shots at our goal. One was cleared off the line by Rafael, the other palmed away by De Gea. Other than those, QPR were never near to troubling De Gea.

At least we looked decent in front of goal, scoring from a screamer from Rafael in the first half and Giggs giving us the badly needed cushion when QPR looked like mounting an unlikely comeback. Our defense looked decent for once with Rio and Vidic making a rare appearance together.

The midfield, however,  was another story altogether. It looked listless and uninterested in the game. In fact the words 'casual' and 'nonchalent' come to mind. Maybe it's just me being critical, but Carrick and Giggs in the centre of the park normally spells trouble. An injection of youth is much needed and we were lucky to face an even slower midfield that had Granero and Taarabt.

As poor as we looked, we still won this one comfortably, but that's exactly what potential champions should be doing. Despite playing way below our normal standards, we are able to produce results. And I'm keeping my fingers crossed, surely we can't squander a 15 point lead.......

Nani Drive United To Next Round

Manchester United 2 - Reading 1
Scorers
Manchester United: Nani (69), Hernandez (72)
Reading: McAnuff (81)

Team: De Gea, Vidic, Smalling, Jones (Nani 42), Buttner, Cleverley, Anderson (Carrick 84), Valencia, Young (Van Persie 64), Welbeck, Hernandez

The spotlight may have been on Ronaldo in the recent week, but Nani took the opportunity, coming on early for an injured Jones, and drove home the point and focus back to his own derailed campaigned. It was a sizzling performance cupped with a goal and an assist.

A good 42 points separated the sides and it showed right from the opening minute. Had it not been for Frederici's saves, which went from good to better to spectacular, Reading would have been buried by an avalanche of goals. There were short spells in the game in which Reading kept possession, but by and large, we were the more likely scorer.

Yet for a good 69 minutes, the breakthru just wouldn't come and when it did, it came deservedly to the most productive and dangerous man on the pitch. He may have had games which he would have liked to forget, but this was one to remember. He followed that with a beautiful cross for Hernandez to head home. Nani rarely put a foot wrong. All he has to do now is to keep it up, which really is his problem. The talent has always been there, the consistency hasn't.

Reading made a game out of it with some slack defending on our part, which has been our nemesis this season. It made the ending more uncomfortable than it really should be, but we saw it through.

Apart from Nani, a special mention should be given to Reading's Australian keeper, Frederici. He single-handedly kept United at bay with a superlative performance.

With the win, we face either Boro or Chelsea in the next round.

Too Close To Call

Real Madrid 1 - Manchester United 1
Scorers
Real Madrid: Ronaldo (30)
Manchester United: Welbeck (20)

Team: De Gea, Rio, Evans, Rafael, Evra, Carrick, Jones, Kagawa (Giggs 64), Rooney (Anderson 84), Welbeck (Valencia 73), Van Persie

It was a good away result under trying circumstances. Most of key players were starstruck and coming away with a result puts the tie firmly at our advantage. More importantly, it gives players like Kagawa and Rooney time to get over their jitters with a pinch of Fergie's hairdryer treatment.

De Gea was possibly our star guy last night. After poopooing most of the season, he came good, making numerous good saves to keep the tie alive, especially in the second half.

Van Persie, who has been our star for most of the season failed to add to his already glowing United reputation with a double miss in quick succession. The first he struck the crossbar, and uncharacteristically mishit his volley, only for Alonso to clear as it threatened to trickle past the line.

But the night belonged to the two goalscorers. Welbeck put United into the lead, directing Rooney's corner into the net while Ronaldo did likewise at the other end. Ronaldo's refusal to celebrate will be duely noted by the Old Trafford crowd when the teams meet again on the 5th of March to settle the tie.

I noticed a few tactical changes that were made from the transition of the first half to the second. In the first half, we stuck really close to the Madrid front players, not allowing them space. However it didn't seem to work very well. The likes of Ozil, Di Maria and Ronaldo were just too skillful and mobile. Alittle jink, a little feint and they were away. Rafael in particular was caught out more than once and we were left scrambling to provide extra cover.

The strategy in the second half was to give the opponent more space but that in turn resulted in more long range shots, especially from Di Maria, who had an outstanding game. I supposed neither strategy actually worked well and it would be interesting to see how Ferguson adjusts, if he is able to.

That said, it was a brilliant move to put Jones on Ronaldo. He did an immaculate job keeping the prolific Portugese honest.

United Wildens Gap On Top

Manchester United 2 - Everton 0
Scorers
Manchester United: Giggs (12), Van Persie (45)

Team: De Gea, Vidic, Evans (Smalling 81), Rafael, Evra, Cleverley, Jones (Carrick 56), Giggs, Valencia, Rooney, Van Persie

We took advantage of Shitty's slip up and pushed the gap at the top to 12 points at the top. While I'm quitely optimistic of the title, I constantly remind myself that a mere 10 months ago, we let an 8 point gap slip with 6 games to go. Nothing can be taken for granted and until it is a proven mathematical impossibility for Shitty to catch up, then can the real celebrations start.

After the painful lessons of last season, the lads were taking nothing for granted and produced a fine first half of clinical finishing and a finer second half of steel and determination to keep a rare clean sheet. Not even a mouthwatering game in midweek against one of Europe's most decorated clubs, Real Madrid, could distract the lads from doing what was the immediate task ahead.

Giggs took first blood and maintained his record of scoring in every single Premier League season with a precision strike that came off the post after good work from Van Persie. Everton rarely mounted a decisive attack in the half and were further punished what Rafael set Van Persie loose to run the keeper and score.

What United showed in attacking class in the first half was replicated with equally hard steel in defence in the second. Knowing that Everton is built with the same determined never-say-die attitude, United stifled the midfield and reduced the Toffees attacking verve. Bodies were thrown in the way and balls were cleared with increased frequency. Carrick, who came on in place of Jones in the second half, was possibly one of the better performers. It was one of the rare times Carrick actually put on his Superman suit and excelled.

Eventually we put out the Everton fire and desire and cruised to a 2-0 victory, at the same time tightening the noose on Shitty's title challenge.

Red Hot Rooney Puts United 10 Points Up

Fulham 0 - Manchester United 1
Scorer
Manchester United: Rooney (79)

Team: De Gea, Rio, Evans, Rafael, Evra, Carrick, Cleverley (Giggs 75), Valencia (Hernandez 66), Nani (Welbeck 84), Rooney, Van Persie

Wayne Rooney just can't stop scoring. That's Rooney for you. He always goes on a scoring streak and today he added another to the current streak he's on with a good goal, capitalising on a Fulham mistake.

As expected, Fulham was a far different side from a week ago. Both teams started brightly with both sets of woodwork working really hard to keep the ball out. Both sets of keepers were worked hard too. Despite the amount of action, neither side could find a breakthru.

A floodlight failure temporarily paused the action, but it resumed in the second half and it wasn't until the 79th minute before Rooney found the goal to break the deadlock.

Fulham threw the kitchen sink at us and it make an already pulsating game even more nail-biting in the last 10 minutes. The action was end to end; Fulham throwing numbers and United defending for their lives. There were off the line clearances from United and brilliant saves from Fulham. There was alot of desperate defending from both sides and the action never ceased until the final whistle.

It was a great spectacle, one which was made sweeter with a victory.

United Hangs On For Win

Manchester United 2 - Southampton 1
Scorers
Manchester United: Rooney (8, 27)
Southampton: Rodriguez (2)

Team: De Gea, Vidic, Smalling (Rio 63), Jones, Evra, Carrick, Anderson (Rafael 68), Kagawa (Nani 73), Welbeck, Rooney, Van Persie

Been a busy weekend, wildly celebrating a by-election result, and as a result really didn't catch the Fulham game. Did catch the second half of it and thought we were really really good, bar one defensive lapse.

Any thoughts of the same ease of victory today against a relegation-threatened Soton were quickly dismissed as early as the second minute of the game. In two moments of sheer madness, the first from Carrick's utterly unbelievable give-away and the second from De Gea's subsequent insanity, allowed Rodriguez a free run at goal and he only had the open goal to pass the ball into.

Thankfully by now we would have already gotten used to playing from behind and it was par for the course. We responded positively and surged forward, spending much of the first half camped inside the Saints' half. Good play from Kagawa released Rooney and the lead only lasted slightly more than 5 minutes.

Rooney tried to return the favour moments later but Kagawa's shot only hit the upright. With the way United were playing, it was just a matter of time before we scored another and we didn't have to wait long. Van Persie's freekick was headed across the box by Evra and Rooney was left with the job of poking the ball from less than a metre out. It was just deserves for the enterprising level of football we were playing.

A hiding had looked on the cards but Southampton came out in the second half a completely changed team. The role reversal here was stunning. We couldn't get a sniff of the ball, and in the rare event that we did, we couldn't keep it for more than 2 passes the entire half.

It gotten so bad at one stage that Ferguson had to send on Rio and Rafael to complete the first choice back 4. Carrick was putrid and De Gea did nothing to improve his already shattering reputation. It was only by sheer dumb luck that Southampton were unable to profit. Yet somehow, we scrapped out a victory and could breathe slightly easier when the final whistle blew.

The level of complacency in this team is really high. We were clearly the better team in the first half, but were completely out-worked by a Saints team that were hungrier. If we bring this attitude to Craven Cottage on the weekend, Fulham, especially after the smarting they got in the FA Cup, will tear us to shreds. While on paper looks like an easy game, it smells of a potential banana skin.

Some Random Thoughts
Looks like we signed Zaha from Palace. Frankly, I'm not a huge fan. At 20, he's young but not exactly a spring chicken either. By 20, you would expect him to be more polished, but he's still very raw. From the few clips I've seen of him, it doesn't excite me. Let's just say, it has alot of Ashley Young written all over him. Not to say it's bad, just not terribly exciting either.

Best wishes to Fletcher. I know it's been some time ago since he's had his operation, but better late than never. Hopefully he can resume his career at some point.

I'm sure there are a couple of things I left out. I'll get back to them at a later stage if my memory doesn't fail me then.

Dempsey Holds United

Tottenham 1 - Manchester United 1
Scorers
Tottenham: Dempsey (90)
Manchester United: Van Persie (25)

Team: De Gea, Rio, Vidic, Rafael, Evra, Carrick, Jones, Cleverley (Valencia 65), Kagawa (Rooney 62), Welbeck, Van Persie

So that's how it feels like when the opponents snatches a late late goal. It was an utterly disappointing way to end the night, especially knowing how the teams below us have faired. At the same time, I can't really say that it was a surprise. We looked abit too comfortable for our own good and maybe this will be a kick up our arse. The gap is still significant and it's still our title to lose, but performances have to improve and the defense needs to be stronger and tighter.

First off, gotta say that I missed the FA Cup replay. 4am games are getting sightly more difficult to catch. While the mind is willing, the body is finding it increasingly difficult as I age. I just hope I can find the energy when Real Madrid comes along. On paper, those are games worthy for the finals.

I thought we did reasonably well against Spurs in the first half. Not that we contained them particularly well, but we did give as good as we got. That wonderful goal from Van Persie helped alot in that line of thinking as well.

It was yet another superb Van Persie goal, this time heading in Cleverley's cross into the near post. It was a goal worthy to win any game. Sadly this is the first time this season that Van Persie scores and we didn't win a league game. The record looked like continuing until Dempsey showed up.

Probably because of the lead, we were contented to sit tight in the second half and allowed Spurs alot more space and they dominated most of the half. Heroics from De Gea kept the lead intact. Our counter-attacking game just wasn't crisp enough and we simply weren't able to get the crucial cushion we needed to see off the game.

And 2 minutes into injury time, we paid the price.

United Downs Liverpool

Manchester United 2 - Liverpool 1
Scorers
Manchester United: Van Persie (19), Vidic (55)
Liverpool: Sturridge (57)

Team: De Gea, Vidic (Smalling 80), Rio, Evra, Rafael, Carrick, Cleverley, Kagawa (Jones 77), Young (Valencia 46), Welbeck, Van Persie

For most of the game we were clearly the better side. We created the clearer chances but were left to endure sustained Liverpool pressure in the final 15 or so minutes when Ferguson decided to play to our weakness instead of our strengths. We made two defensive substitutions and decided to park the bus to see out the victory. Despite some disorder, we managed to just see out the win and collect 3 points to move 10 points clear in the table.

The first half wasn't a classic, but we were pretty much comfortable keeping possession, stroking the ball around, while Liverpool were just content to allow us the freedom. While lulling Liverpool to sleep, Van Persie scored one of the most casual goals you'd ever come across. Evra's blind cross was turned in nonchalantly by the Dutch supremo.

He could have had a second but a combinaton of defender and keeper kept the ball out and Kagawa could only crash into Reina while trying to put the rebound in.

Welbeck had a slew of chances to put us two up, but for all his hardwork, could not find the target. As mentioned before, he does everything on the pitch so well, but his finishing is just atrocious. If only we can combine Hernandez's finishing with Welbeck's all round play, we would have the perfect striker on our hands. But then again, we already have on in Van Persie.

We got the cushion in the second half when Vidic and Evra combined to put Van Persie's freekick into the Liverpool net a second time. It was nothing more than we deserved for putting pressure on the Liverpool goal. Up till then, I can't remember Liverpool even having a shot at our goal.

As if reading my mind, we lost the ball in our half and Gerrard fired a low shot which De Gea barely kept out, only for Sturridge to tap the rebound home. We were caught napping and paid the price. The goal gave the opponents confidence that they could get back into the game, and the game became a more even contest. Even then, we were still clearly the better team, until the final 15 minutes.

Ferguson withdrew Kagawa and Vidic with defensive players in the form of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling. The idea was simple, to hold on to the win at all costs. We nearly paid the price a second time. Instead of piling on the pressure and playing to the strength of our attack, we sat back and invited Liverpool to come at us. Our solution of pumping long balls from defense kept allowing Liverpool possession from which they used as a launchpad to attack us with.

To our credit, we carried out the gameplan to perfection. It wasn't ideal in my book, but Ferguson's faith in his players gave us a win against a bitter rival.

3 In 1 Post

Been a terribly busy couple of weeks and haven't really found the time to post my thoughts on the games that have been played. Hence I'll squeeze in the last 3 games into one post.

WBA 0 - Manchester United 2
Game of two halves. Water and oil, chalk and cheese. We probably play our best football in the first half, with plenty of pressure and missing loads of good opportunities, but somehow only managed to score one goal. And it was an own goal after good work from Young.

I missed about 20 minutes of the second half, but by the time I managed to get to a television set, what greeted me was some appalling football. We were absolutely getting murdered by WBA and there was nothing we could do about it. Total contrast from the football we played in the first half. The midfield was pushed back and the counter was never on with the midfield sinking so deep to protect an over-worked defence.

Only a brilliant individual goal from Van Persie brought sighs of relief.

Wigan 0 - Manchester United 4
This was probably the most controlled we've played all season. A very impressive display, especially from midfield, whom I've been very down on. We completely controlled the tempo of the game. It was a perfectly played game in the sense that we controlled every aspect. We threw people forward at the correct moments and held back when it looked like Wigan could counter. In short, it was almost a perfectly played game.

Of course doubles from Hernandez and Van Persie helped immensely to seal the victory.

West Ham 2 - Manchester United 2
I'm stating the obvious here, but Van Persie is god. We should have been sent packing from the FA Cup, but Van Persie single-handedly kept it alive.

We took the early lead but never really looked comfortable in the game. James Collins saw our goal and doubled it.

We struggled to make any impact after trailing. And as things looked pretty glum, Van Persie scored an incredible goal in injury time to make sure the teams meet again 10 days time.

As far as the season goes, it's increasingly looking likely that we're going to go as far as Van Persie is able to carry us. Ferguson pulled a rabbit out the hat with this transfer. We completely fleeced Arsenal.

United Steals Thriller

Manchester United 4 - Newcastle 3
Scorers
Manchester United: Evans (25), Evra (58), Van Persie (71), Hernandez (90)
Newcastle: Perch (4), Evans (og 28), Cisse (68)

Team: De Gea, Rio, Evans, Smalling, Evra, Carrick, Scholes (Cleverley 69), Giggs, Valencia, Van Persie, Hernandez (Fletcher 90)

Just as it looked like we were heading for a second successive draw, Carrick's cross caught the Newcastle defence square and Hernandez reacted quickest to prod the ball beyond the on rushing Krul to steal the points for United.

After missing numerous chances in the game, Hernandez must have felt a huge weight lifted off his shoulders when the ball went into the net. Carrick, too, made amends for his error which resulted in Newcastle's opener. He lost the ball in midfield and Ba lashed out a shot that De Gea could only parry onto the path of James Perch. It was a familiar sight, and once again we had to orchestrate another come-from-behind win.

Evans equalised when he reacted quickest to Hernandez's cross-cum shot from a set-piece, but his joy was shortlived. Three minutes later, Evans once again found himself on the scoresheet, but this time on the wrong end of the pitch. There was a bit of controversy as Cisse was offside, but Evans did get to the ball first. The referee first disallowed the goal, before allowing it. It was a decision that was hard on United but probably the right one according to the letter of the law. Thankfully it didn't alter the final result.

In the second half, Evra brought the teams level again with a sweet left foot shot. He's recently been having an Indian summer and scoring goals for fun. As we pushed for the winner, Newcastle once again pegged us back with a sweet volley from Cisse after good work from Obertan. Didn't remember him doing that well on the flanks for us.

This time round, we were quick to answer. Van Persie found his name on the scoresheet after his first volley was not cleared by Krul. With the scores level and around 20 minutes to go, United threw the kitchen sink at Newcastle but found the Geordies hard to break down. It was only until the final minutes in injury time that Hernandez scored to take a home victory.

Ferguson nearly paid the price for playing both Scholes and Giggs together in midfield. For a good two thirds of the game, we allowed Newcastle too much time and spare in midfield, It wasn't until Scholes was replaced by Cleverley that the passing become quicker and more incisive. During this festive period, the games come fast and furious and I understand the need to rotate players, however, playing both Scholes and Giggs is a recipe for disaster. As it stands, we're already handicapped with Carrick as the default starter, at least today he made good in the final minutes.

United Drops Points With First Draw

Swansea 1 - Manchester United 1
Scorers
Swansea: Michu (29)
Manchester United: Evra (16)

Team: De Gea, Vidic, Evans, Jones, Evra, Carrick, Cleverley (Scholes 85), Valencia (Hernandez 62), Young, Rooney (Giggs 78), Van Persie

Gotta admit this result is somewhat disappointing. Given how we're markedly improved our play in the last few weeks, this one pales in comparison. Credit should also be given to Swansea, who never panicked. Even under intense pressure in the second half, they insisted on playing their way out of trouble and if you're a neutral, are a delight to watch. Unfortunately, they did it against us.

What was more disappointing was the fact that we didn't have any impact substitutes. When it mattered most, we could only rely on Scholes and Giggs as our trump cards off the bench. And when the inevitable substitutions came, we ended up more stiffled instead of pressing the issue. It was a shame. We didn't really look too bad, and it did seem like a matter of time before we clinched the winner too.

Evra put us infront from a corner early in the game, but Michu continued his irresistable goalscoring form and pulled Swansea level. In truth, Swansea did look the better team in the first half, exploiting holes in our porous defense from the counter attack.

We came out with more impetus in the second half and for good parts really made Vorm work for his money. On the other side, De Gea too had his hands full taking out the threat provided by Michu and his speedy wingers.

United, on the other hand, offered little in terms of flank play and it was a matter of time before Valencia was taken out to be replaced by Hernandez.

Rooney found himself in the referee's book and sensing a red mist rising, Ferguson took no chances and replaced him with Giggs. The downside to that decision was that the ineffective Young remained on the pitch.

The game was nearly brought into disrepute when AshleyWilliams slammed the ball into Van Persie's header after the whistle had blown. It was a low blow and the Dutchman reacted, nearly bringing on a free for all. Luckily cooler heads ruled the day and order was maintained. The two players involved were booked for their troubles.

United, perhaps spurred on by the incident, really poured on the pressure. Swansea held on resolutely and eventually were happy, and perhaps relieved, to play the time out.

We really missed Kagawa, Anderson and Nani. They could have come on and made a difference. Right now, there is no competition on the wings, and when neither Young nor Valencia made an impact, we have no one to bring on to change things up. As good as Giggs and Scholes are, they are spot players. Both would be tremendous players to bring on to see a game out with their vast experience, but to chase a game, neither has the speed to shake things up.

United Brushes Sunderland Aside

Manchester United 3 - Sunderland 1
Scorers
Manchester United: Van Persie (16), Cleverley (19), Rooney (59)
Sunderland: Campbell (72)

Team: De Gea, Rio (Vidic 68), Smalling, Jones, Evra, Carrick (Scholes 46), Cleverley (Giggs 73), Valencia, Young, Rooney, Van Persie

First off, just want to say that I was away and missed the last couple of games. Could and should've caught the derby but was simply too tired to make my way to the pub to catch the game.

That derby win seems to have given the lads confidence and they kept up the pressure with a good performance against a depleted Sunderland side. We scored 3 good goals and saw Vidic return to the first team. The only disappointment was that we didn't keep a clean sheet, but with the current set up, those are rare and we really should be glad not to have conceded more.

Overall it was a nice open game with both sides coming close on a number of occasions and both sets of keepers did their respective jobs. The difference between the sides was simply clinical finshing by the home team.

As much as I didn't like the amount we spent on Van Persie, he's the first name I look for when the teamsheets are released. Like it or not, he's become the single most important signing for a long long time. It's like having Ruud Van Nistelrooy back.

United Wins It In A Thrilling First Half

Reading 3 - Manchester United 4
Scorers
Reading: Robson-Kanu (8), Le Fondre (19), Morrison (23)
Manchester United: Anderson (13), Rooney (pen 16, 30), Van Persie (34)

Team: Lindegaard, Rio, Evans, Rafael (Smalling 31), Carrick, Fletcher, Anderson (Jones (45), Young, Rooney, Van Persie (74)

We won this thriller with all the goals coming in the first half. It looked like a potential banana skin, but we navigated it and sailed to a well deserved 3 points.

Chelsea had lost in the early game to West Ham and Shitty were held at home to Everton. Usually when the early contenders slip, so would we, but today we held our nerve and came back twice from behind in sensational fashion to beat a resilient Reading.

Just as the doctor ordered, we fell behind early thru a superb volley from Robson-Kanu. The goal spurred us and we levelled with a brilliant goal from Anderson after some good work with Young. Evans was then fouled in the box and Rooney put us into the lead from the spot.

Just as the early deficit invigorated us, Reading did their own revival on us. Two corners from Shorey resulted in two headered goals. We couldn't defend the corners and paid the price.

In a ridiculous to and fro battle, we punched back harder with another couple of quick goals from Rooney and Van Persie.

Van Persie could have made it 5, but his shot over the line was not seen by the linesman, despite it being way way over the line before being cleared. On the other side of the pitch, Reading were equally unlucky not to be awarded a corner despite the ball clearly coming off Evra.

Just as games of this nature are played, adjustments were made and the second half fell into a dull affair. Van Persie should have put the result beyond doubt when he robbed the Reading keeper of the ball. He put the effort wide. As a result, we barely survived a late late Reading onslaught of freekicks and corners. The defence held firm and we collected all the points in a thrilling contest.

I just have to add that this is probably one of the most thrilling first halves I've seen in a long long time.

United Beats West Ham

Manchester United 1 - West Ham United 0
Scorer
Manchester United: Van Persie (1)

Team: Lindegaarde, Evans, Smalling, Rafael, Evra, Carrick, Anderson (Jones 84), Cleverley (Young 66), Rooney (Welbeck 78), Van Persie, Hernandez

Van Persie's hugely deflected goal right from the kickoff was the difference between the two teams. We controlled much of the game but could not comfortably put the Hammers away.

There were moments where West Ham had their shot, but frankly without Noble in midfield, they looked rather toothless. Even then, Diame looked like a world-beater out there. But I really can't have many complaints. Anderson and Cleverley starting really helped speed up the game, even though it was Carrick who supplied the pass for the goal.

All in all, it was a good win. We kept a very rare clean sheet and kept up with the appearance of challenging for the title. It's looking like a two-horse race with Chelsea drawing blanks at home. Despite maintaining the top spot, we are really the underdogs. Shitty has a deeper squad and they do not have any European commitments. At least having Van Persie fit, healthy and scoring goals makes things interesting.

Another Comeback

Manchester United 3 - QPR 1
Scorers
Manchester United: Evans (64), Fletcher (68), Hernandez (71)
QPR: Mackie (52)

Team: Lindegaard, Rio, Evans, Rafael, Evra, Fletcher, Scholes (Hernandez 59), Young (Anderson 59), Welbeck (Powell 79), Rooney, Van Persie

Let's just stop wasting time and appeal to the FA to start games at 1-0 down. It seems we just cannot start playing football until we concede. To suggest this was a good victory is a terrible terrible insult. We were utter shit, that is until Mackie put the bottom team 1-0 up.

Even then it took a while before we woke up. Evans evened the scores with a header, followed by another from Fletcher. Hernandez completed the comeback with a sweet goal. We probably just about deserved the victory solely based on desire, but at some point in the season it's just not going to be enough, just as Norwich has shown us.

You know, the entire season I've been ragging on the Scholes and Carrick pairing as the utter bomb, and just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, Ferguson threw up Scholes alongside Fletcher to bore QPR to death. The first half was simply pathetic. The only consolation was that QPR's equally pathetic....in all departments.

Only after conceding that Scholes was replaced with Anderson that the pace of the game changed slightly. Young who had a terrible game, thankfully joined Scholes. As stubborn and loyal Ferguson is, at least he's not blind.

We have a couple of winnable games before meeting Shitty in a couple of weeks. Now that we've mastered the art of coming from behind, let's take the next step of not bloody conceding.

Encouraging Loss

Galatasaray 1 - Manchester United 0
Scorer
Galatasaray: Yilmaz (53)

Team: Lindegaard, Jones, Carrick, Rafael, Buttner, Fletcher, Anderson (Young 74), Cleverley, Powell (Macheda 74), Welbeck (King 85), Hernandez

We rest a whole slew of players coming into this fixture. Having already qualified and secured the top spot in the group, we could afford to relax and rotate the squad, while keeping our focus on domestic competition.

Although we just lost this game, the signs were encouraging. If only that were true with the 'regulars'. Anderson and Welbeck were the pick of the bunch. Along side Cleverley and Powell, we passed the ball much faster and as a result were able to attack the opponents quicker before they could set their defence. Only poor finishing was our undoing on the night. Both Welbeck and Hernandez had their chances but were unable to beat the Turkish keeper.

We might have lost, but at least the game was immensely watchable, with both teams going for it. It was especially encouraging after Galatasaray took the lead. We put relentless pressure on them and was alittle disappointing not to have come away with anything.

Young Powell's performance promises alot for the future of the team. He's passes and positioning, especially positioning, was top notched. Although he delivered little in quantifiable terms, it's the intangibles that gives alot of optimism.

Of course everyone knows I love to see Cleverley and Ando playing together. They may not be the best pairing, but they speed up the game so much that it's refreshing to watch.

Carrick actually played a good game in central defence. If he doesn't get murdered at that position, he's actually a good asset. Keeping him there keeps him away from midfield.

Jones was terribly rusty. He gave the ball away a few times in dangerous areas. It will take time for him adjust and get his form back.

Welbeck was just brilliant at everyone but putting the ball in the net. I still insist that he's our Emile Heskey. He was really brilliant at everything.

I'm not feeling Hernandez at the moment. He had an okay game. It's looking increasingly like his best position is coming off the bench, ala Ole. Unless he gets an early goal, he tends to fade. I really like him, but I'm just don't think he's suited to play the entire 90 minutes.

Overall, the greatest change to the game was in midfield and it showed, even though the results showed otherwise. The ball's in Fergie's court, add Van Persie and Rooney to the mix, I'm sure we'd be churning out results week-in, week-out.

Ferguson Stinks Up Carrow Road

Norwich 1 - Manchester United 0
Scorer
Norwich: Pilkington (60)

Team: Lindegaard, Rio (Anderson 83), Smalling, Rafael, Evra, Carrick, Giggs, Young, Valencia (Scholes 69), Van Persie, Hernandez (Welbeck 69)

Just when you think it's safe to go into the water, Ferguson throws up a stinker with this one. I'm so disgusted. While Rooney not playing the link man from midfield, there were exactly two reason why we lost this one.

1. Anderson and Cleverley were on the bench. Carrick and Giggs started in midfield. After going on down, Ferguson's master plan was to send on Scholes along with Carrick and Giggs to futher slow the game down.

2. Valencia has a stinker of a game. He spent way too much time on the ball deciding what to do. Taking him out of the game was the right thing to do, but replacing him with Scholes was just another head-scratcher from Ferguson.

We truly missed Rooney in his new-found role of playing behind the frontmen. No one could make a pass and our midfield played like their age showed. Giggs and Scholes are still good impact players, but Ferguson needs to pick their spots more carefully and not throw them to the wolves.

So much for trying to make up for the goal difference last year. We're not only trailing Shitty on the table, our much prized goal difference is also inferior. Let's get things right and win the goddamn games first. No excuses, this one is solely on Ferguson.