The game last night went off script for one brief moment, one important moment that now leaves United needing a result against Benfica at Old Trafford. The result was largely disappointing because United had carefully controlled long periods of the game, showing superior technique and speed of thought than their opposition. The platform for attack was provided by a strong backline but ultimately the attack never really turned into any constant goal threat.
United had chances, most notably the penalty in the final minutes which was squandered by Saha or well saved by Boruc, depending on how you care to look at it. Earlier on in the first half it was Ronaldo whose timely run resulted in his effort being blocked by Boruc who made a smart one handed save. Later on, Rooney met a delivery from a corner cleanly on the volley but it whistled inches past the post. Ryan Giggs was then left to smile at Celtic’s fortune when his expert free-kick looked to have caught Boruc flat footed as it seemed destined to curl into the corner of the net only for a last second deflection off the top of the wall to send the ball over the bar.
United’s midfield was clever without being either cruel or clinical in supporting or making attacks. Scholes and Carrick moved the ball around with composure and craft to ensure the tempo was at United’s liking. However, Carrick and Scholes never really pushed forward far enough to force the issue, perhaps knowing that a professional performance was enough to earn the result. Perhaps knowing that others would likely do the damage for them. Saha was a handful, turning players and linking his play well with Ronaldo and Giggs. Saha should not dwell on his penalty miss too long as it is his response on Sunday and beyond that will be the measure of the player, not one chance from spot last night.
Celtic failed to offer any real threat despite a bustling display and once the jubilation has subsided its arguably Gordon Strachan’s men that will need to find a way of making more of a game than they showed last night. Nakumara’s freekick was good enough to grace any Champions League match. His special skill though may not be enough to see them go much further. Without Miller they looked toothless. Gravesen worked hard as did Lennon but graft is no match for skill. Sno drifted out of the game and looked as flaky as his name suggests when up against Scholes.
From today, Strachan and Fergie both have work to do. Ultimately, United failed last night but looking at the teams United were better player for player in every position, with Ronaldo reminding everyone of his ability to carry the ball at pace past players at will. But performance is not enough. Against Benfica the chances must be taken. United are still developing as a team in my view and need a couple of better options on the bench to change things when necessary. Solskjaer and Park would likely have been sent on ahead of O’Shea and Evra if available, the fact that Smith wasn’t will further the debate about his future. You can’t help feel that Fergie would like more options in any case. January may well see Fergie dip into the transfer market for more players but there is no need for panic buys as despite the result last night, the foundations are clearly there.
Player Ratings:
Van der Saar 6/10 – Beaten by a wonderful strike, that when seen from behind the goal shows he really had no chance.
Neville – 6/10 – Few problems in defence and supported well down the right
Ferdinand – 7/10 – Very composed and also very strong in the tackle to ensure the upper hand was United’s.
Vidic – 7/10 – Unfortunate to be penalised for the challenge that led to the goal and generally looked strong and in control, all game.
Heinze – 6/10 His best performance since returning from injury but some of his passing showed that more games are still needed.
Ronaldo – 7/10 – He was on a different level in terms of carrying the ball at speed beating numerous men at ease
Scholes – 8/10 A calming and controlling presence all evening
Carrick – 7/10 – Tidy in defensive duties and his ability to play the intelligent quick pass to feet set United off on attacks.
Giggs – 6/10 – A normally assured first touch was slightly off as was his passing on occasions.
Rooney – 6/10 – Not as his influential last night, primarily due to playing the wide role but still managed to show moments of class and vision when he eventually came into the middle
Saha – 6/10 Linked play well but missed the penalty and was too slow to react when he thought he was offside from a clever Rooney pass
United had chances, most notably the penalty in the final minutes which was squandered by Saha or well saved by Boruc, depending on how you care to look at it. Earlier on in the first half it was Ronaldo whose timely run resulted in his effort being blocked by Boruc who made a smart one handed save. Later on, Rooney met a delivery from a corner cleanly on the volley but it whistled inches past the post. Ryan Giggs was then left to smile at Celtic’s fortune when his expert free-kick looked to have caught Boruc flat footed as it seemed destined to curl into the corner of the net only for a last second deflection off the top of the wall to send the ball over the bar.
United’s midfield was clever without being either cruel or clinical in supporting or making attacks. Scholes and Carrick moved the ball around with composure and craft to ensure the tempo was at United’s liking. However, Carrick and Scholes never really pushed forward far enough to force the issue, perhaps knowing that a professional performance was enough to earn the result. Perhaps knowing that others would likely do the damage for them. Saha was a handful, turning players and linking his play well with Ronaldo and Giggs. Saha should not dwell on his penalty miss too long as it is his response on Sunday and beyond that will be the measure of the player, not one chance from spot last night.
Celtic failed to offer any real threat despite a bustling display and once the jubilation has subsided its arguably Gordon Strachan’s men that will need to find a way of making more of a game than they showed last night. Nakumara’s freekick was good enough to grace any Champions League match. His special skill though may not be enough to see them go much further. Without Miller they looked toothless. Gravesen worked hard as did Lennon but graft is no match for skill. Sno drifted out of the game and looked as flaky as his name suggests when up against Scholes.
From today, Strachan and Fergie both have work to do. Ultimately, United failed last night but looking at the teams United were better player for player in every position, with Ronaldo reminding everyone of his ability to carry the ball at pace past players at will. But performance is not enough. Against Benfica the chances must be taken. United are still developing as a team in my view and need a couple of better options on the bench to change things when necessary. Solskjaer and Park would likely have been sent on ahead of O’Shea and Evra if available, the fact that Smith wasn’t will further the debate about his future. You can’t help feel that Fergie would like more options in any case. January may well see Fergie dip into the transfer market for more players but there is no need for panic buys as despite the result last night, the foundations are clearly there.
Player Ratings:
Van der Saar 6/10 – Beaten by a wonderful strike, that when seen from behind the goal shows he really had no chance.
Neville – 6/10 – Few problems in defence and supported well down the right
Ferdinand – 7/10 – Very composed and also very strong in the tackle to ensure the upper hand was United’s.
Vidic – 7/10 – Unfortunate to be penalised for the challenge that led to the goal and generally looked strong and in control, all game.
Heinze – 6/10 His best performance since returning from injury but some of his passing showed that more games are still needed.
Ronaldo – 7/10 – He was on a different level in terms of carrying the ball at speed beating numerous men at ease
Scholes – 8/10 A calming and controlling presence all evening
Carrick – 7/10 – Tidy in defensive duties and his ability to play the intelligent quick pass to feet set United off on attacks.
Giggs – 6/10 – A normally assured first touch was slightly off as was his passing on occasions.
Rooney – 6/10 – Not as his influential last night, primarily due to playing the wide role but still managed to show moments of class and vision when he eventually came into the middle
Saha – 6/10 Linked play well but missed the penalty and was too slow to react when he thought he was offside from a clever Rooney pass
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