Our Reds managed a disappointing second place to our arch-nemesis in the Champions League, Barcelona, at Wembley Stadium at the end of May. But unlike RM, our Reds didn't lose 5-0... :))
In the transfer market Sir Alex has been his usual wily self. Picking up Ashley Young from Aston Villa, Phil Jones from Blackburn, and David de Gea from Atletico Madrid.
Ashley Young, who now wears the 18 of newly-retired legend Paul Scholes, has impressed the Reds faithful already in the pre-season. His quickness and ability to read the defense has lifted the pall settling in over fans who didn't want to see Scholes retire (or think about Giggsy leaving in the near future). The calm, quiet precision in which Scholesy worked can be seen in Young's quick runs on the wing. He also has a rocket (which the former number 18 was known for), and isn't intimidated by anyone. Perhaps having experience playing next to United's English players for the National Team helped him to acclimatize quickly. He is keen to improve his skills and earn his keep!
Jones, a young defender, has featured a bit in pre-season as well, and after a few matches seemed to feel more comfortable in his position. He has big shoes to fill. Last year's signing, Chris Smalling, was called into action early on when Rio Ferdinand was injured. He didn't have time to contemplate a First Team start like many recruits who start out in the Reserves. Hopefully that won't happen to Jones, who will probably just add to the depth this year in case of injury.
David de Gea's transfer or possible transfer has been in the papers since Edwin Van der Sar announced last year that the 2010-11 season would be his last. The 40-yr-old, who has won many trophies with the Reds, decided it was time to pass the baton to a younger keeper. Many were batted around in the press as his successor, but de Gea got the call and joined the Reds while on their US Tour after playing in the Under-21 World Cup for Spain. Despite his tender age, he was the starter for Atletico Madrid last year. Anders Lindegaard, purchased last year by United, has also featured in the pre-season and did very well. It's a nice thing for a manager to have two steady keepers in case of injury. Ben Amos also played in the pre-season and did fine, but de Gea has already been assigned the number 1 kit. His only weakness at this point is his language...he is learning English!!! Eric Steele, the United keeper coach, has had to learn some Spanish to converse with his new recruit. I suppose he just has to point to the players and tell them which way the wall needs to move!!!
Speaking of the Pre-season. United went on tour to the United States and won all 5 of its games (some by 7!) against MLS teams and the MLS All-Stars, but the last match of the tour was perhaps the most-anticipated: a rematch with Barcelona. Barca didn't have a few of its stars (Messi, Puyol, etc.) but United didn't start it's usual XI either...in fact, the match was won by United's youth, with an average age of just under 23!! Barca has always relied on it's "la Masia" (youth academy) to keep the fires burning, but it wasn't enough against United youngsters like Danny Welbeck, Tom Cleverley, and Mame Diouf, who all three were loaned out last year to give them more senior experience. Obviously it worked, because after the match the United fans who've been pining for a CM like Wesley Sneijder to join the Reds were singing the praises of Cleverley, who along with Ashley Young and Anderson, ran riot over the Barca midfield.
All these kids need is a bit of confidence and they will be unstoppable...the future of United.
After returning from the US, United faced it's "noisy neighbors," Man Poo for the Community Shield at Wembley. The Reds were down two goals at the half despite dominating the match. Sir Alex knew the goals would come, as did the TV announcers, and it took just a few minutes after the half for Chris Smalling to put the Reds back in it. A clever dink from an Ashley Young cross broke the seal and a few minutes later, Nani scored a brilliant goal that was set up by just about everyone wearing a Red kit. Ping-pong, first-touch ball had Man Poo running in circles and Nani received a brilliant ball from Cleverley and slotted home from 6-yds out. 2-2. At that point there was no doubt that United were on a roll and Man Poo, as usual, were dumbstruck with no guidance from the touchline. At 90 + 4' Nani dispossessed a clueless Kompany (receiving a lobbing backpass from a teammate) and faked the keeper...BANG!!! 2-3, game over.
United came from behind in too many matches last season, and gave Man Poo and others the same old lesson...never count out United. David Beckham said it best when he confided that "even when United are down with a few minutes to go everyone still believes they can win it."
Indeed.
How thrilling to see our newbies jumping up and down with their first trophy as a Red!
GGMU!!!!!
Tom Cleverley marshals the midfield
New defender Phil Jones
Ashley Young, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, and Tom Cleverley proudly display the 2011 Community Shield...let's hope they get to do this much more this season!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment