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In
their first edition of 2006, United We Stand's front cover said 2005:
Annus Horribilis. Somehow, I expect the first edition of 2007 to speak
in better terms about the year just gone by. Form shows that throughout
the twelve months of 2006 we amassed more points than Chelsea and were
clearly the top side in the Premiership. However league titles,
unfortunately, aren't won in calendar years.
The
Christmas period this year gave us the best present of all; another
three point advantage over Chelsea to take the gap to six having just
entered the New Year. Chelsea's form has been poor since their draw with
Arsenal in mid-December, amassing just two victories since then, but,
unlike years gone by, United have risen to the challenge this time
round. The gap could be even larger had it not been for Nigel Reo-Croker
at Upton Park, or Bill Edgar's right boot at St James Park on New Year's
Day, but there is no sense on reflecting on the ifs and buts - the
important thing now lies in whether United can hold onto their healthy
lead by the time they line out at Stamford Bridge the week after Easter.
December began with victory at Middlesborough courtesy of Darren
Fletcher's head, with Ronaldo being accused of diving by some of his
detractors in winning the penalty for United's opener. What a difference
a month makes; by the end of December, similar sections of the media
were already talking of him as a likely winner for Player of the Year.
In
the final European game before Christmas, United were far from assured
of qualification and needed at least a point against Benfica to
progress. In true fashion, we were made to sweat in the early stages,
Ferguson's tinkering with a tried, tested and successful League system
the catalyst for a poor opening half hour. Benfica's opener sparked
United into life; Rooney pushed further forward, rather than being
isolated out on the wings, and Vidic's thumping headed equaliser ended a
fifteen minute onslaught on the Portuguese side's goal. Giggs and Saha
added to the tally with headed efforts themselves, and Celtic's defeat
meant United went from possible UEFA Cup football to top spot in the
group and with it a favourable tie against French underdogs Lille in the
next round.
There could be no such accusations of a slow start the following weekend
in the Manchester derby, with City a goal down after just six minutes,
after Rooney coolly tucked away Ronaldo's cross. Saha scrambled the
second in on the stroke of half-time, and the lead over Chelsea had been
extended. Or so we thought. Trabelsi's strike, coming after Saha's
withdrawal for the somewhat less creative John O'Shea, brought City to
within a goal and nail biting duly resumed until Ronaldo put the game
beyond doubt with six minutes left.
Upton Park has never been a friendly place for United at the best of
times, but struggling for points, and with Alan Curbishley looking for a
rousing start as new boss, the task would be doubly difficult. Ronaldo
and Rooney had the best chances of a game which could come back to haunt
United, after Nigel Reo-Croker poked home the winner fifteen minutes
from the end. Chelsea's late winner at Everton a few hours previously
had meant there was yet another twist along this long winding title
road, and a double blow for United fans and players alike.
The
slip-up in East London was soon to be amended for with three wins during
Christmas week, combined with Chelsea's two home draws, giving United
breathing space at the top with a six point lead. Ronaldo was to be the
star on all occasions, netting a brace in each of the trio of games over
the week. Scholes' strike to cap the first win, at Aston Villa, is now a
strong contender for goal of the season, as Martin O'Neill's resurgent
side were simply blown away.
Wigan were comfortably defeated 3-1 on Boxing Day in the first of two
home games, yet Reading, fresh from playing their own mini-role in the
title race with a surprise draw at Chelsea, proved somewhat of a sterner
test, United winning through by a solitary goal after the two
goalscorers on Boxing Day, Solskjaer and Ronaldo, repeated the feat to
hit another three between them.
United ended the busy Christmas period with a total of ten points out of
twelve, following the draw at Newcastle on New Year's Day. A point which
was disappointing given the inexperience of the home side, and by Saha's
groin injury which left United with Rooney as the only out and out
centre forward on show. Saha's fitness has been a concern in the past
and whilst this setback is only expected to keep him out for a few
weeks, Ferguson's move to bring in Henrik Larsson on loan could be the
best transfer deal of the season. On a more positive note, Ji-Sung
Park's involvement in the games over Christmas gives Ferguson another
card to play and makes the number of long-term injury casaulties an even
shorter list.
This
month sees a critical away game at Arsenal, undefeated at home in the
League this season, and starts off a tough run of away games between now
and May, in which we play seven of the top ten on their home turf.
Darren Fletcher's workrate and displays in centre midfield ensures us
that there are options there, but undoubtedly someone of Owen Hargreaves'
stature is badly needed to add depth in a critical area of the side, but
whether that transfer will happen this month or in June only time will
tell, although if he was to come he would uneligible for the Champions'
League and whether Bayern Munich would be willing to sell mid-season is
unlikely.
The
sole drawback with Larsson's loan deal is that it only lasts until
March, and do we have enough firepower to see us through the all
critical April and May months? It remains to be seen, and surely
Ferguson will look at other more permanent options in this department.
Players tipped to be on their way out, namely Wes Brown and Mick
Silvestre, could bring in the finances needed to sanction any such
deals, given that the Glazers are not likely to engage in a major
spending spree without recouping some of the outlay elsewhere.
Aside from the usual perils that a
trip to Arsenal brings, how long can Chelsea continue to drop points?
With Terry and Robben due to return this month, the answer is likely to
be not too much longer. Whether we can avoid a blip of our own, and keep
as lucky as we have been with injuries, will allow us to continue with
the upper hand, both in terms of points and spirit, that is without
doubt currently with the United camp. And as for our manager? Well he's
made it plainly clear who's winning the mind games now.
Until next month,
Keep the red flag
flying high,
John Monaghan |