Highs & Lows of 2009 – Number 5

posted on 27/12/09

Manutdtalk.com are going to look at the top 5 high and low points of the past calendar year. The events selected were voted for by our members. For the next five days, we will count down from High & Low #5 to High & Low #1.

So be sure to check back daily!

Lows

5 – FA Cup defeat to Everton on penalties

Kicking off our Top 5 Highs & Lows of the 2009 year, it’s the 5th placed low point, and it came in the shape of a defeat to Everton in the FA Cup semi-final in the 2008/2009 season at Wembley on penalties. We would have faced Chelsea in the final had we dispatched the Toffees, but some questionable refereeing decisions and poor penalties combined to leave the red side of the National stadium ruing their luck.

With the FA insisting on the FA Cup semi-finals be played at the National stadium rather then neutral venues, to the frustration of fans, United were in all honesty well backed to overcome Everton. We also saw a weakened side put out with the likes of Fabio, Gibson, Welbeck and Macheda all on from the outset.

Sheer frustration took over United’s fans and dugout as Mike Riley saw nothing wrong with Phil Jakielka’s tackle on Danny Welbeck in the box when we all expected his whistle to blow and a penalty to follow. It wasn’t to be unfortunately.

As the game went on, the nails began to wear down on both sets of fans as chances, few and far between, were wasted. Extra-time began and ended without too much drama and United were to find themselves taking penalties yet again at Wembley.

It was ‘hit and miss’ really from the spot. Cahill blew Everton’s dreams seemingly, but a blank from Rio Ferdinand and a very lazily tapped shot by Berbatov let Phil Jagielka step up and send David Moyes’ men into the final. (They were subsequently beaten by Chelsea)

Prior the game, the Treble was on as such again in United land, but just like 2007/2008, an unexpected obstacle proved too much for the Red Devils. It was gutting. Even seeing Phillip Neville stand solely on the half way line as his Everton team mates ran celebrating was enough to twinge the nerves in the United faithful.

Highs

5 – Giggs’ brilliance

The Highs begin with a true legend. What can I say about the Welshman that hasn’t already been said? He’s almost getting better it seems as he ages. Over the last year, Giggsy has proven that he can still mix it with the rest at the highest level even teaching them a thing or two.

Probably his most memorable performance to me of the year gone by would be the demolition job of Chelsea at Old Trafford when he ran the show quite simply. From pinging passes left and right, to tackling back and even the sheer audacity to try a fantastic trick with a corner. He was expected to even get a game, but when he did in the middle of the field, nobody could believe how well he performed.

From there, he went on to pick up another League medal, and appear in a third Champions League final. He also managed to keep his scoring going in every league season, with goals at West Ham and Middlesbrough, and this season too with a stunning free kick at White Hart Lane, and another at Fratton Park. Will there ever be anyone to can even compare themselves to this man?

Recently, Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger, claimed that Giggsy’s goal in that game at Villa Park in the FA Cup semi-final replay, still hurt him a lot. He’s been there and done it all, and still putting in great shifts. He has signed a one year contract extension at United a week or two ago which shows his flawless loyalty to the cause.

Its fitting to see that Ryan Giggs’ contributions to United over the last year have been noted by the fans and I’m thrilled to see him named in the list of Highs for the year. Ryan Giggs enters the list in 5th place.

Check back tomorrow for the second installment of our run down to our two number ones

Written by Keano