Hello,
After watching Bayern face Fiorentina in the last round, I had some thoughts. First, Bayern's defensive line was not great. Not just one of them, all of them seemed nervous around the ball. Second, the midfield was ok, not great, just ok. They did not control the game in boths legs against the Italian team. Robben is a threat and Ribery, although coming off an injury, was a concern. Going into this game, with United on a role, I really thought United would win. I was wrong.
With Robben injured, United started off strong with Wayne Rooney scoring in the first two minutes of the game. I always get nervous when United score early. Anyone remember Liverpool last year? Something weird happens when they score really early. United played ok in the first half although you could tell Bayern wanted this game more.
In the second half, things fell a part. Bayern were all over United, dominating in the mid-field and forcing VDS into more saves than I have seen this year. Where I thought Bayern's defensive line was shaky, it was United's that proved even more shakey. Gary Neville, playing in his third straight starting role, clearly handled the ball which allowed Ribery to deflect a shot off of Rooney. The score was tied but it was Bayern clearly in control.
After a complete defensive meltdown by Evra and company, Olic applied the cool finish for Bayern's winner. The goal was celebrated but the cameras went straight to Rooney who appeared to land awkwardly on his right ankle after trying to avoid having his left foot being stomped on by Mario Gomez. Rooney limped off the pitch and needed help from the trainers. This is not a great sign for United nor England. As I write this, no word on the injury.
Besides the shocking display from the defence, one has to wonder what happened to our usual competent midfielders. Fletcher was taken out of the game which I think is the most critical part. Park was no where to be found. Nani was ok but I heard his name less and less as the game went on before being pulled. Giggs did little save a great corner kick and some nice defending in the corner. Then there is Burba who came on and really did nothing to help the attack. Rooney was left up there with little quality service. Perhaps Sir Alex has to re-think his away, Park, 4-5-1 set-up. Maybe teams have seen this too many times in the last two years. I am not saying change the whole set-up but perhaps tweak it a bit.
Although United only has to win 1-0 at Old Trafford, this game was hopefully a wake-up call for the lads. They must play better next week. They must play better because Bayern may have Robben back and United may not have Rooney.
One last thing - to the Bayern fan in the crowd today - we do not mind your celebration but smile while you can. See you next week.
Derek
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Champions League - Quarter Final Preview
Hello,
Let's see United's CL records against who is in the draw on Friday:
Arsenal:
2 games played, 2 wins, 0 draws, 0 losses , 4 goals for, 1 goals against
Bayern Munich:
7 games played, 1 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses , 7 goals for, 8 goals against
Bordeaux (never played in CL):
Barcelona:
7 games played, 1 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses , 9 goals for, 14 goals against
CSKA Moscow:
2 games played, 1 wins, 1 draws, 0 losses , 4 goals for, 3 goals against
Inter Milan:
4 games played, 2 wins, 2 draws, 0 losses , 5 goals for, 1 goals against
Lyon:
4 games played, 2 wins, 2 draws, 0 losses , 6 goals for, 4 goals against
Thoughts?
Derek
Let's see United's CL records against who is in the draw on Friday:
Arsenal:
2 games played, 2 wins, 0 draws, 0 losses , 4 goals for, 1 goals against
Bayern Munich:
7 games played, 1 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses , 7 goals for, 8 goals against
Bordeaux (never played in CL):
Barcelona:
7 games played, 1 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses , 9 goals for, 14 goals against
CSKA Moscow:
2 games played, 1 wins, 1 draws, 0 losses , 4 goals for, 3 goals against
Inter Milan:
4 games played, 2 wins, 2 draws, 0 losses , 5 goals for, 1 goals against
Lyon:
4 games played, 2 wins, 2 draws, 0 losses , 6 goals for, 4 goals against
Thoughts?
Derek
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
United Destroys AC Milan - 03.10.10
Hello,
The boss said it best after the game: "With the kind of team I’ve got, it doesn’t matter who we play next."
I have not missed one United game this year, not one. I have even watched a couple games twice. Those are games United either wins big time or loses badly. To find out what is working and what is not. This was, by far, the best all-around game United has played all season and it was in the Champions League, against AC Milan.
Where to start. Well, it has to start with Rooney. He does it all: with his head, his speed, his feet and to watch him move around the park is outstanding. He drove those Milan defenders into the ground. After the third goal, they had nothing left and that has a lot to do with Wayne Rooney. Second, I was critical of Park during the first half but he once again did his job, the job Sir Alex asked of him. Scholes and Fletcher completely dominated the midfield while Nani had a so-so game. I counted four really bad mistakes in the first half but he made up for it with the pass for Rooney's second. Gary Neville = pure class and handled what's his name? Oh yeah, Ronaldinho. I do remember even hearing his name after the 30 minute mark. What a job Park and Neville did on him.
Sir Alex said after the game that it was a "Manchester United" game.
For us in the club, it was a joy to watch. By the way, a year ago, it was just Dan, Derek, Mike and about 3-4 other fans for the round of 16 match in the CL (well, Ben and Pat were in Milan). On Wednesday, we had 24 members, our best turn out for a mid-week game ever to see United destroy AC Milan.
Brilliant.
Derek
The boss said it best after the game: "With the kind of team I’ve got, it doesn’t matter who we play next."
I have not missed one United game this year, not one. I have even watched a couple games twice. Those are games United either wins big time or loses badly. To find out what is working and what is not. This was, by far, the best all-around game United has played all season and it was in the Champions League, against AC Milan.
Where to start. Well, it has to start with Rooney. He does it all: with his head, his speed, his feet and to watch him move around the park is outstanding. He drove those Milan defenders into the ground. After the third goal, they had nothing left and that has a lot to do with Wayne Rooney. Second, I was critical of Park during the first half but he once again did his job, the job Sir Alex asked of him. Scholes and Fletcher completely dominated the midfield while Nani had a so-so game. I counted four really bad mistakes in the first half but he made up for it with the pass for Rooney's second. Gary Neville = pure class and handled what's his name? Oh yeah, Ronaldinho. I do remember even hearing his name after the 30 minute mark. What a job Park and Neville did on him.
Sir Alex said after the game that it was a "Manchester United" game.
For us in the club, it was a joy to watch. By the way, a year ago, it was just Dan, Derek, Mike and about 3-4 other fans for the round of 16 match in the CL (well, Ben and Pat were in Milan). On Wednesday, we had 24 members, our best turn out for a mid-week game ever to see United destroy AC Milan.
Brilliant.
Derek
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