It’s rarely the case for a blog to be prompted so rapidly in the wake of a comment on another, but “The reds” raised an interesting poser ahead of tonight’s Champions League game in Germany – what kind of scenarios where some of the clubs greatest players thrown into for their debut match and is there any link between the direness of the situation and the ability of the player?
Stretford-End.com launched a mini investigation.
An injury hit Manchester United travel to northern Germany tomorrow night aiming to clinch top spot over their German rivals – even though some reds are worried about United finished second in the group. Ferguson has a task to get out one natural defender, let alone four at the back. There is talk of Michael Carrick deputising at centre half again (which I have no doubt he will do), talk of the chief executive son getting a run out and Fergie opting for three at the back. I remind any Red, who is disgusted by the situation we find ourselves in, of 1996 when we had to rely on Juventus beating Fenerbahçe on the final day of the group stages! What I would have given to have qualified two matches before!
It was a battle between two injury ravaged United’s at Upton Park as both sides’ concerns grew with more names to add to the wounded list, but in terms of the football, there was only one team in it – four goals, each beautifully constructed in their own way, scored by Manchester United.
There were the expected changes after the Carling Cup win over Spurs but Darron Gibson clearly did enough to keep his place in the team – however, the opening exchanges hinted that West Ham would give United a run for their money. Giggs misplaced a pass that Hines collected – his cross shot across the face of goal was almost converted by Collison who was snuffed out by the backtracking Giggs – this early chance was really the closest the Hammers came to notching a goal in the first half.
Clashes betweeen the United’s of Manchester and West Ham have a reputation for being feisty – whether it was ill blood from the Ince sale or the fact that the East Londoners have more than once thrown spanners in the works of various trophy pushes. Stretford-End.com looks back at 5 of the most memorable (in our opinion) Premier League encounters at Upton Park.
I’ve made some horrible predictions in the past. (1) Cesc Fabregas would never become as good a player as Edgar Davids, (2) Cristiano Ronaldo would spurn the lures of Real Madrid and (3) I would one day lift the European Cup for Manchester United in the Bernabeu having finished top scorer in the European Cup. Sadly, not all predictions come true (although technically one is still possible – you know where I am Fergie) but I am putting my neck out on this one – Federico Macheda, in three years time, will be one of the most feared strikers in the Premier League.
In a repeat of the final from last season there was a familiar result as Manchester United overcame Tottenham Hotspur. Darron Gibson scored two fantastic long range goals to secure a semi final spot for the Red Devils in a tie that was more straightforward than they could ever have hoped for.
Rarely will Sir Alex have been so delighted at the speed of another occasion to throw in his latest set of fledglings as he will be tonight – after they were roundly criticised for not winning against Besiktas despite battering them, the Carling Cup tie against last years finalists Tottenham provides him with a glorious opportunity to test their character.
