Manchester United booked themselves a place in Sunday's CWC final after seeing off J-League outfit Gamba Osaka this afternoon(well it was late in the evening in Japan).
Goals by Vidic, Ronaldo, Rooney, and Fletcher put us into the final against Ecuador's LDU Quito.
Firstly, I was impressed with our attacking play. I think Tevez was a handful for them and I'm beginning to rate this lad even higher than Wayne Rooney! Yes I said it! His turns and passing were top notch today and I'm beginning to wonder where we would be now if his pre-season form was given a chance to continue into the new league season. He had a goal incorrectly disallowed and it was his brilliance upfront that created for us many of our goalscoring opportunities.
It was nice to see Vida score again this season--that's 4 now and you would think that is already enough a contribution for a season from a centre-back.
In almost similar circumstances, Ronaldo got us a second just before halftime and as it has been all season, when the game looked won, United went for a passing vacation. We let them back in the game and although we scored three more afterwards, Gamba were again let in when it seemed we were finally there. It was a shame to concede cheap goals after defending so well in the first half. I'll excuse that to the departure of Vidic. Neville certainly had his best match for the club since returning from injury but he was twice guilty of handling in the box. Luckily for us, only one went punished.
I think that Anderson does merit a starting berth in our team. He certainly does hold the midfield better than Scholes or Fletcher. So the veteran should stick to the pass and the young lad can do the tackling--besides, he does know how to spread the ball forward. Anderson has the ability and experience (can you believe) to get the job done!
EVDS did well yet again. He certainly saved us from Modric and Bently over the weekend and today, he pulled off a couple of outstanding saves that kept us in command of the game. He is certainly worth a new contract!
Now then, what in the Far East was Wayne thinking kicking at an opposing player in a tussle for a 50=50 ball? Sometimes you lose your sympathy for this guy. I mean it's one thing being fast and furious back in England but why travel half-way across the globe to kick the hell out of....?
I mean we were well and truly in a comfortable position so there was no need to show such emotions. He was lucky not to get sent off and Fergie has his hands full as far as calming the temper of England's only star.
And just as I'm about to pen-off, news breaks that Real Madrid have 'landed' Cristiano Ronaldo. Isn't there something else that journalists can feed on or are they just anticipating Friday's CL draw that will pit United against Real?
