The start of the new league season is upon us and traditionally, the Community Shield fixture gets things underway. This time it's Portsmouth and not Chelsea that United will face in the Community Shield curtain raiser at Wembley. United have already beaten Portsmouth in pre-season,2-1 in Nigeria, but that was a completely different game from the one we expect on Sunday afternoon. Harry Redknap's maiden managerial achievement so far remains the FA Cup success last season- so he will be looking to add to that and also get another over Manchester United. The two teams meet again in the second week of the League-meaning they will play each other thrice in the space of 29 days-a hatrick of victories should go a long way in nursing the wounds they left us with after that unfortunate FA Cup quarterfinal. The manager, in his press conference on Friday assured us of the availability of captain Gary Neville, and Michael Carrick(who was suffering from the same virus that hit Rooney), and Nani who I feel should play since he will have a fortnight off when the season starts. Hargo, Ronaldo and Park as well as Foster remain sidelined. It was a joy watching EVDS keep out all Chelsea penalties in last season's Shield fixture and then saving the vital kick that won the European Cup for United. Whilst I will not commit suicide if we fail to match last season's standards, I would love to see United pick up every odd piece of silverware they can. The Community Shield, Super Cup, World Club Cup and maybe an FA Cup(it's been long) will do for me this time. It's certainly not a bad quadruple. But again there is no harm if we win all! COME ON UNITED!
Labels: PRE-VIEWS
