This is not yet a renaissance but there are plenty of positives right now for United. The form is good, the results are there and the belief is growing each week. United’s first victory at Ewood Park for over 8 seasons says plenty. The most impressive aspect to be taken from Saturday was the manner of the victory. Not all games will result in the performance and score-line seen against Bolton and it is much to United’s credit that they found away to get the 3 points on Saturday after some clear cut chances had been squandered despite good possession in poor weather conditions. Giggs’ pass to provide for Saha’s 8th goal of the season typified the single-mindedness and will to win that has seemingly returned to United’s game.
The front 6 are playing with a panache not seen so consistently for sometime. The width and pace provided by Giggs and Ronaldo is a joy to watch. Their approach play compliments the games of Rooney and Saha very effectively. With the latter doing all that is required of him this season. It was arguably the biggest ask of the player to date at club level, or, his best opportunity to show what he can do. Either way he is relishing playing each week.
Saturday’s game also showed the strengths United have in defence. Ferdinand and Vidic were commanding when called upon, with their two different styles promising a solid partnership that will do little to give Wes Brown hope of a return to the first team anytime soon – not that he has done much wrong at all. Neville and Evra also did well. Proving once again how able they are to push forward to good effect. The loss of Neville to injury was unfortunate but the good news was that O’Shea quietly took over from where Neville left off. Indeed it was O’Shea’s cross that led to the goal. It is good to see him being used as a fullback, a position he looks more comfortable in and a position where he adds value to the team rather than in midfield, where it can be argued he weakened the team. United’s backline has also been given enormous confidence from Van der Saar, who continues to perform to the standard demanded.
Looking beyond the limitations of a small squad United deserve considerable praise for their start to the season. Fergie must also take credit for his man-management of Cristiano Ronaldo. Everything good about him was on show on Saturday. Time and time again he made Lucas Neil look unsure of his own ability. But what impressed most was the wingers’ acceptance of the inevitable punishment dished out. The challenge from Tugay was a disgrace. Clearly beaten for pace he made a deliberate foul on Ronaldo’s thigh with his studs in front of an incensed Ferguson. To see Ronaldo get up and carry on was as pleasurable as seeing his wonderful low cross into the six yard box which begged for a finish from Rooney, only for the chance to be strangely squandered.
The must now is for United to take all three points against Sheffield United before facing Chelsea. Today, Fergie is able to talk of United having a chance of the title. Strengthening the squad in January with one or possibly two signing should ensure that chance becomes a better one as the games move into the business end of the season.
Player Ratings:
Van der Saar – Brave and commanding when called upon. 7/10
Neville – Failed to make it for the second half due to injury. 6/10
Ferdinand – Composed at the back and was able to read some smart turns with ease. 7/10
Vidic – Another no nonsense display with some well-timed challenges. 7/10
Evra – Got forward well and also stuck to his defensive duties well 7/10
Ronaldo – Carried the ball excellently down the wing and caused Blackburn problems all evening. 8/10
Carrick – Ticked things over effectively and is getting forward more to link attacks too. 7/10
Scholes – Clever in possession as always 7/10
Giggs – Wonderful assist and good overall play 8/10
Rooney – Wasted two glorious chances but his overall play was good. 6/10
Saha – Was a handful all night and had good earlier chances on target before finding the winner. 8/10
Man of the match:
Arguably Ronaldo, but I am going to give it to Louis Saha for a good goal and very good individual performance.
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