"It's good that we are making chances though, somebody is going to suffer"
Those were some of the words uttered by Sir Alex after watching his guns create firing opportunities but spurn all as United let Arsenal off the hook last Saturday. In truth, Manchester United has traditionally thrashed at least one team heavily each season they have played under Sir Alex and one can therefore understand the fiery Scott's confidence in the fact that United have been creating a lot of chances. I have been critical of the team recently for letting teams off the hook so easily this term but yesterday, United did not give Stoke a break. A 5-o scoreline is what many fans wanted as an 'apology' for what happened last week and it's exactly what they got--in some style too.
MATCH REPORT
Every time Cristiano Ronaldo stands over a free-kick, the majority of the Stretford End drop their shoulders. Ideally, we are used to the passing success of David Beckham so much so that we expect the lad to at least test the goalkeeper. This season though, the ball has come off the wall more times than the goalkeepers' gloves. So many could have been forgiven for taking off 5 seconds to look at their neighbours for the first time in the match instead of waiting for Ronaldo to let fly(for just 10 yards). The thing with the lad's free kicks is that when he gets them right, they are hard to stop--an inevitable goal at that. And wouldn't you just know it, Ronaldo scored his first goal for United from a free-kick and his 100th came from a free-kick. It was probably the perfect way to score it as it took the entire OT(including Stoke fans) by surprise. The Potters must be cursing their luck as to why Ronaldo got it right on two occasions against them. It was also good to see the Madeira magician re-ignite his goal-celebration zeal that many claim he had lost.
Many might not have noticed but Michael Carrick is certainly getting the feel of finding the back of the net. He has netted twice in the 3 games he's played since his injury. I've always admired an attacking midfielder who can create as well as score himself. If he keeps this up, then we shall reap big from another goal scoring threat on pitch. A well taken goal that, that won us the game before the break and made sure we came out from the locker room with other things in mind rather than a Stoke come-back.
Berba showed great composure and quickness to tuck a pass from Tevez away under pressure from a defender. It certainly does take a little pressure off him as many have questioned his failure to find the net regularly--as if there is anything wrong with creating goals.
It was wonderful to see Manucho make his Premier League debut alongside Danny Welbeck. And what a way to announce your arrival at the big stage--Danny Welbeck is certainly a class act. I've seen this guy and Campbell play and if they can share the goalscoring burden down the years for United, then we shall have Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke re-born! (And I'm not exaggerating). Ronaldo rounded off a memorable evening with goal number 101 to finally give United fans a scoreline they have waited for all season--5 without reply! Long may that ruthlessness continue! It will certainly take us places this season(as if Japan isn't far enough).
FLOM Man of the Match is Cristiano Ronaldo--the channel through which most of our attack was based, and of course for getting his free-kicks right twice in 90 minutes!
