Manchester United have gone about their pre-season job in America destroying all in their path. 18 goals in four games has so far not raised any questions about our strikers on tour---indeed the striking department comprises of more than a third of Sir Alex's squad. In the same breath, the creativity has been all too evident despite going about the tour without a 'replacement for Paul Scholes' as the press would have you believe. Regardless of the level of opposition, Manchester United have been a joy to watch in the West.
It is therefore only right and fitting that they get the opportunity to test themselves against a side that is generally believed to be sitting on the throne of World Football today. Barcelona was viewed by the coaching management as the epitome of the tasks we should face in the lead to the first competitive match of the season---next Sunday's Manchester derby.
Obviously between now and then we've got a Charity match in France, and Scholes' testimonial on Friday before the Senior Open Training Day for the Manchester Foundation Saturday a week.
Its been a fantastic tour for the lads; Anderson, Park and Rooney in particular as I thought they stood out. Anders Lindegaard can also pat himself on the chest as he has given the manager and fans something to think about as regards who starts in goal for United.
Make no mistake that the press will have a remix of a field day should United lose to Barca tonight...and make no mistake that they will rubbish a United win because it is 'pre-season' and there is no Lionel Messi. So from a distance, tonight is a lose-lose situation but for us close United die-hards, a win is just the sort of thing the players could use to take their confidence into overdrive for the season ahead----and we know how much of a role confidence plays in this sport.
Labels: PRE-VIEWS
