Uninspired v. Reality (at Sunderland, 05.02.10)

Hello,

With Dan on the bench, seemingly with an injury now, I (Derek) am back with the match report. I would like to start by saying I was correct when I wrote on facebook that Rooney was fine. Sir Alex is playing mind games. We have seen this before.

For this one, I want to talk about a lot of reviews I read on this match being uninspired. I would like to give our readers a reality check. I know United fans expect a lot but we have to remember, this is the premier league. Going away in the premier may be one of the hardest tasks in sports, even to clubs in the bottom half. The Canadian club's review called the game "uninspired". I would like to back to two years ago where United seem to win every game 1-0 and wonder if they called that entire season uninspired when we won the CL and PL. I mean, 1-0 away is a good result and it is something United has gone very frequently over the last two or three years. Reality check.

Now, let's talk Berbatov. He missed three, from the fans perspective, "should have been goals". In the moment, as a fan, worried about a draw, I was upset. Moments after every miss, I felt sorry for him. Here is a world-class player who scores goals for club and Spurs in previous years, really struggling. The fans get on him real quick. Even I yelled: "walk back to Manchester" when he was benched. Upon thinking about it, I wonder whether he is not playing the position or area he was when he was scoring 20+ goals for Spurs. He is better in the rover/striker position but he seems to spend most of the time upfront with Rooney moving around. Maybe Sir Alex is not playing him to his game. Maybe. I do not know. The thing with goal scorers and great players is confidence. You lose it, you are in a world of hurt. Right now, Berbatov has lost his confidence and perhaps a vacation away from United in the summer is a good thing.

Sunderland under Bruce is a good team but needs some key spots next year if they intend to improve on their table position. They lack a balanced mid-field which, in this league and modern soccer in my opinion, wins games and trophies. That being said, they played well at home while United messed up several changes. Nani stepped up again and scored to keep United in the title chase with one game to go.

So, United plays Stoke at home while Chelsea plays Wigan at home on the last day of the season. United win, all they need is a draw or loss from Chelsea. If I was the coach of Wigan, playing at SB, I would tell my wingers to get in the box as often as possible. Chelsea defenders are not playing "great" right now and have some nerves in the box. United will win at home.

Liverpool rant coming soon in Red Rants.

Cheers and hopefully Dan will be fit for the last report of the year.

See you Sunday.

Derek