Feeling sick after United lose to Villa

I’ve gone most of the day today moping around with a knot in my stomach, compliments of the poor performance United displayed today at Old Trafford. Having watched the early game draw between Chelsea and Everton, I was definitely pumped up going into today’s match.

After Chelsea’s draw with Everton, Man Utd were only 3 points behind Chelsea in the table, and would break even with them upon victory against Villa. While United’s defensive injuries still remain a major concern in Manchester, it was really an all around poor performance today. Unfortunately, United fans did not see any late stoppage time goals as they did last April when Macheda helped clinch the league title against Villa. Macheda today was on the injured reserve list, amongst several other teammates.

So instead of talking more about today’s matchup, I thought I’d talk about something completely different to help take my, and everyone else’s minds off the lose. Let’s play “what Manchester United player is the best at…” Remember these are my opinions and would love to hear feedback as to why I’m right or wrong. Here we go:

• Best ball control: Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs
• Best ball protection: Anderson, Evra
• Most potential: Darren Gibson, Obertan
• Most reliable: Darren Fletcher, Wayne Rooney
• Best Utility Player: John O’Shea, Darren Fletcher
• Biggest game changer: Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney

I’m sure I can think of a few more categories, and will perhaps touch on a few more in the near future. What does everyone think of my picks? If you agree or disagree, tell me why and maybe you’ll convince me!

Macheda scores against Aston Villa (April 09)

Watching today’s game against Aston Villa, I am constantly reminded of that sublime goal last season to win the league for United.  It was truly a goal that no Manchester United fan will ever forget.

United’s makeshift backline holds at West Ham

Well this week’s EPL match was definitely one for the books at Fergie’s United team traveled to London, visiting a struggling West Ham United team.  Going into the game, United found themselves 5 points behind Premier League leader, Chelsea who took the reverse traveling route up to Manchester City this week.

United started the game with a rather unusual back four consisting of Darren Fletcher, Neville, Brown, and Evra (right to left).  With several defenders on the injured/ill list including Ferdinand, Vidic, O’Shea, Fabio, Evans, and Van der Sar, this back line would be a true test of United’s strength in depth.

Five mid fielders made up the front force for United, with Wayne Rooney the lone striker. After Gary Neville pulled up with a calf injury near the end of the first half, United were forced to throw another mid fielder into the mix to represent the back line.  Michael Carrick quickly entered the match for Neville as the 7^th mid fielder to be on the pitch for United.  If West Ham ever had a chance of beating United, it was today at Upton Park in front of their home fans with a broken United back line.

With goals coming from Gibson, Scholes, Valencia and Rooney, United easily took out the Hammers with a 4–0 victory.  Goal of the match for me was without question Gibson’s 20 yard strike to make for his 3^rd goal of the week (2 goals scored midweek in the Carling Cup).

Strength in squad depth certainly was the primary contributer to United soaring passed West Ham today.  Back up in Manchester, Man City did a stellar job knocking of leaders Chelsea.  United are now only 2 points below Chelsea in the table!