carlyluvsunited
29-12-2007, 09:58 AM
Harsh headlines could spur Man Utd to Double
Always beware men on a mission. Italy were driven to the 2006 World Cup by a
desire to prove calcio was about more than scandal. Liverpool's players were
incensed by premature Milanese celebrations at half-time in Istanbul in 2005.
Now Manchester United have the cause that could spur them to the Premier
League and Champions League. The Double is more than a distant dream.
Whatever transpired at a players' Christmas party where common sense was left
at the door remains a matter of conjecture. What has emerged from the Great
John Street Hotel is more fuel for the fire of United ambition. Frustration must
have filled their rivals as headline after accusatory headline assailed Sir Alex
Ferguson's players. The Scot's belief that kind headlines soften individuals while
harsh ones stir them could be confirmed again.
At the Double: criticism of his team will fire Sir Alex Ferguson
Pulling on that famous red shirt is motivation enough for most players, certainly
those determined souls traditionally chosen by Ferguson, but United's footballers
now share an additional common purpose, perhaps a grievance over the
sweeping nature of much of the condemnatory reaction.
Casting an eye over those chasing glory in an intriguing Champions League
competition that climaxes in Moscow on May 21, the conclusion must be that
United possess more potential match-winners than main threats such as Real
Madrid, Barcelona, Inter and AC Milan plus the English trio of Arsenal, Chelsea
and Liverpool.
United would probably have dealt with Milan last season if they had had Owen
Hargreaves to stifle Kaka. Now Hargreaves joins Anderson in forming one of the
best-balanced deep-lying midfields in the world, captains of industry who bolt
United together. Hargreaves, whose refusal to yield possession will make him a
favourite of Fabio Capello, was always going to impress under Ferguson when
fitness allowed.
Anderson's impact has been more surprising. Last summer, when United
introduced Carlos Tevez and Anderson to the press, all but two questions were
directed to the stocky Argentine striker with an eye for goal and reputation for
complicated paperwork. Alongside Tevez sat the silent Anderson, hair braided,
jeans ripped, with a look on his face that signalled his confidence that everyone
would soon be talking about him.
So it has proved. All those candidates vying for Footballer of the Year honours,
from Cristiano Ronaldo and Fernando Torres to David Bentley and Cesc Fabregas,
will have noted Anderson's surge into the limelight. Close inspection of the
Brazilian's game reveals few weaknesses; he wins the ball neatly and uses it
effectively. He bossed Steven Gerrard at Anfield and few do that.
Anderson's distribution under pressure, particularly when situations permit only
one touch, is an example to anyone craving a career in the game. The one
weapon missing from a prodigious armoury remains a decent goal return. But
Anderson is becoming an integral part of United's tactics, allowing the team's
creative zephyrs to weave their magic.
If Ferguson adopts a 4-2-3-1 strategy, with Ronaldo, Tevez, Wayne Rooney and
Ryan Giggs forming the attacking quartet, it is hard to see any defence
withstanding such varied and potent movement for long. Rooney certainly has
unfinished business in Moscow. The prolific Ronaldo is now up among the world's
glitterati, on a par with Barcelona's Lionel Messi if fractionally behind Kaka, the
European Footballer of the Year.
In the Premier League, Arsenal will worry about young legs fading and losing
regulars to the African Cup of Nations. Chelsea and Liverpool look a rung below
the leading pair. Ferguson's champions also boast the strong defence required
for the marathon pursuit of the English title.
Shielded by Anderson and Hargreaves, United's backline has acquired a
redoubtable look. Concerns persist in goal (and Ben Foster cannot regain fitness
soon enough) and at right-back (where a young Gary Neville, such as Rangers'
Alan Hutton, is required), but Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra are
at the peak of their game.
United have the manager, the first team and the good-quality understudies to
chase the Double. They also have the cause. www.telegraph.co.uk
Click below to join manutdtalk.com forums to read and
discuss all breaking news on all things United !!! Come talk to us….
http://manutdtalk.com/forums/register.php
Always beware men on a mission. Italy were driven to the 2006 World Cup by a
desire to prove calcio was about more than scandal. Liverpool's players were
incensed by premature Milanese celebrations at half-time in Istanbul in 2005.
Now Manchester United have the cause that could spur them to the Premier
League and Champions League. The Double is more than a distant dream.
Whatever transpired at a players' Christmas party where common sense was left
at the door remains a matter of conjecture. What has emerged from the Great
John Street Hotel is more fuel for the fire of United ambition. Frustration must
have filled their rivals as headline after accusatory headline assailed Sir Alex
Ferguson's players. The Scot's belief that kind headlines soften individuals while
harsh ones stir them could be confirmed again.
At the Double: criticism of his team will fire Sir Alex Ferguson
Pulling on that famous red shirt is motivation enough for most players, certainly
those determined souls traditionally chosen by Ferguson, but United's footballers
now share an additional common purpose, perhaps a grievance over the
sweeping nature of much of the condemnatory reaction.
Casting an eye over those chasing glory in an intriguing Champions League
competition that climaxes in Moscow on May 21, the conclusion must be that
United possess more potential match-winners than main threats such as Real
Madrid, Barcelona, Inter and AC Milan plus the English trio of Arsenal, Chelsea
and Liverpool.
United would probably have dealt with Milan last season if they had had Owen
Hargreaves to stifle Kaka. Now Hargreaves joins Anderson in forming one of the
best-balanced deep-lying midfields in the world, captains of industry who bolt
United together. Hargreaves, whose refusal to yield possession will make him a
favourite of Fabio Capello, was always going to impress under Ferguson when
fitness allowed.
Anderson's impact has been more surprising. Last summer, when United
introduced Carlos Tevez and Anderson to the press, all but two questions were
directed to the stocky Argentine striker with an eye for goal and reputation for
complicated paperwork. Alongside Tevez sat the silent Anderson, hair braided,
jeans ripped, with a look on his face that signalled his confidence that everyone
would soon be talking about him.
So it has proved. All those candidates vying for Footballer of the Year honours,
from Cristiano Ronaldo and Fernando Torres to David Bentley and Cesc Fabregas,
will have noted Anderson's surge into the limelight. Close inspection of the
Brazilian's game reveals few weaknesses; he wins the ball neatly and uses it
effectively. He bossed Steven Gerrard at Anfield and few do that.
Anderson's distribution under pressure, particularly when situations permit only
one touch, is an example to anyone craving a career in the game. The one
weapon missing from a prodigious armoury remains a decent goal return. But
Anderson is becoming an integral part of United's tactics, allowing the team's
creative zephyrs to weave their magic.
If Ferguson adopts a 4-2-3-1 strategy, with Ronaldo, Tevez, Wayne Rooney and
Ryan Giggs forming the attacking quartet, it is hard to see any defence
withstanding such varied and potent movement for long. Rooney certainly has
unfinished business in Moscow. The prolific Ronaldo is now up among the world's
glitterati, on a par with Barcelona's Lionel Messi if fractionally behind Kaka, the
European Footballer of the Year.
In the Premier League, Arsenal will worry about young legs fading and losing
regulars to the African Cup of Nations. Chelsea and Liverpool look a rung below
the leading pair. Ferguson's champions also boast the strong defence required
for the marathon pursuit of the English title.
Shielded by Anderson and Hargreaves, United's backline has acquired a
redoubtable look. Concerns persist in goal (and Ben Foster cannot regain fitness
soon enough) and at right-back (where a young Gary Neville, such as Rangers'
Alan Hutton, is required), but Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra are
at the peak of their game.
United have the manager, the first team and the good-quality understudies to
chase the Double. They also have the cause. www.telegraph.co.uk
Click below to join manutdtalk.com forums to read and
discuss all breaking news on all things United !!! Come talk to us….
http://manutdtalk.com/forums/register.php