Authors: Doron, Nik, Bricki, Herzog’s Child, Stretford End and Rob

Follow Doron, Nik, Bricki, Herzog’s Child, Stretford End and Rob on Twitter

With the season nearly over (the Reserves will compete in the Manchester Senior Cup final at the Etihad tomorrow) we reflect on the highs and the lows. Each contributor to the blog shares their thoughts and hopes…

Nik

Thoughts on the season now it’s done:

Disappointing to end it with no silverware, and a woeful run in Europe (this, largely down to the tactical evolution we are seeing), but the season pretty much went according to plan: start slowly prior to Xmas (we always do), hit the New Year with aplomb and amass the points; watch City falter after initial adrenaline rush. Thus allowing City the two important wins from the four encounters was both demoralising and idiotic in equal measure. Draw the game at the Etihad and we win the league by a comfortable 6 points. It didn’t happen (they were better!), we move on, we strengthen… we go again.

Player of the season:

I’m really pleased for Carrick because he has had an immense season, but in terms of his productivity, it has only been a marginal improvement on last season where he adopted a more defensive role in the team. It’s got to be Jonny Evans, who has been imperious in Vidic’s absence from start to finish, re-kindling his early career form. Suffered dog’s abuse from the vast majority of fans and journalists, leading Fergie to vent his ire in the match-day programme, in what was a rare showing of public anger.

Goal of the season:

Scholes’ first goal since his comeback against Bolton was a moment to savour; not just the goal itself, but the movement off the ball, the historic exquisite timing, and the fact that he was ‘back’, and with gargantuan desire and his mojo re-discovered to boot.

Performance of the season (team):

The first half mauling of City in the FA Cup, showing us fans that the players had really hurt post ‘the 1-6’. Fergie instructed the team to press with intensity, went with Welbeck up top and Rooney dropping deep – a formula that worked quite well actually (ahem).

Breakthrough star:

Welbeck. Proved that his season at Sunderland was no fluke. Welcome home Danny.

Moment of the season:

Both Evra’s and de Gea’s second half of the season. Doffs hat to both chaps.

Biggest disappointment of the season:

Going with the unfit Park (who did well for half an hour on Toure!) ahead of Welbeck, who was re-discovering a bit of form at the time, was a decision that will haunt me forever. Fergie gambled on the draw, but it was definitely a strange and timid decision in hindsight.

Summer hopes/expectations:

With Gibson gone, Berbatov on his way, and Park, Anderson and Macheda likely to follow it is essential that we invest wisely this summer. A creative central midfielder was required last season (we were snubbed), and is our first priority this; Rooney can’t continue to perform a duel role. I’d also add a fullback/centre half and a forward in the mould of Benzema (I said the mould of Benzema!). A replacement for Fletcher would be necessary if the worst materialises.

Stretford End

Thoughts on the season now it’s done:

United should have had it wrapped up following City’s defeat to Arsenal. The defeat to Wigan (who were fighting for their lives and played extremely well) was disappointing, but there was a still a five point gap. Throwing away a two goal lead in the space of eight minutes is very unlike Manchester United – so although United fought back after it looked like City would win mid-season – United couldn’t last the pace. Having said that, drawing level on points with the best Manchester City side ever is nothing to be ashamed about! It’s just frustrating that it could – and probably should have – been twenty league titles for United.

The European Cup exit was extremely disappointing, considering United had done well to reach the final the previous May. However, I do think that this is still a developing side (that will need additions) and the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Danny Welbeck, David De Gea and Tom Cleverley will have an additional year experience going into the new campaign. On the field – the future is still bright, but the squad must be strengthened.

Player of the season:

Antonio Valencia for me. Very difficult when Wayne Rooney has 34 goals, Paul Scholes’ return to the fold made such an impact and Michael Carrick has had his best season in a United shirt. I’ve opted for Valencia as I think he is the best winger in the league. Pace, delivery and as he showed against Blackburn Rovers, he is capable of brilliance in front of goal. I blogged a couple of months ago about Antonio Valencia’s impact in the side and the obvious comparisons with Andrei Kanchelskis.

Goal of the season:

Danny Welbeck’s goal against Everton. I thought it showed fantastic technique and skill.

Performance of the season (team):

Might not seem the obvious choice, but I’ll go for Chelsea away – the 3-3 draw. To be three goals down against the European Cup finalists – should mean three points lost. But United fought back and were unlucky not to win the match. David De Gea also showed his quality with an unbelievable stop from Juan Mata’s freekick late on.

Breakthrough star:

Danny Welbeck. I think he has had a great season. I’d like to see Fergie challenge him to hit twenty goals next season (got 12 in all competitions this season – 9 in the league) as he did with Ronaldo as he was developing. I also remember that Fergie said of Ronaldo “We knew he’d develop his physique as he has done, but we didn’t know how deadly he’d be in front of goal” – if Welbeck can improve his goal return, he will be one of the best forwards in England. Great movement, closes fullbacks down so they rush their play – a good season.

Moment of the season:

Paul Scholes’ return to the playing squad. A player like that should only retire when he physically can’t walk anymore. The 8-2 victory over Arsenal was also pretty special.

Biggest disappointment of the season:

Other than the obvious final day madness, the 6-1 defeat to City and the European Cup exit in the group stages were particularly disappointing. But losing the league on goal difference, ironic considering the attacking philosophy and approach that United through the years have promoted, is the biggest disappointment.

Summer hopes/expectations:

United have tied up Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs for another year, but this doesn’t change the fact that United need to add a top class attacking midfielder to the ranks. Fergie went for Sneijder and Nasri last season, but opting to either stay where they were or move to another club – this time around I hope that Fergie will tie up a deal early, however – with Euro 2012 on the horizon – we might not see anything until after the tournament. I’d also like to see some of the younger players integrated within the first team squad as they look to push on and step up a level.

Bricki

Thoughts on the season now it’s done:

Not the disaster many have suggested – losing a title on goal difference with the highest points ever to not win isn’t failure. Plenty to build on.

Player of the season:

Michael Carrick – the calm in the storm of midfield.

Goal of the season:

Welbeck vs Everton – his coming of age goal.

Performance of the season (team):

Chelsea away – the last 30 minutes reignited our title race.

Breakthrough star:

Jonny Evans – cemented his place in the back four asking big questions of Rio and a returning Vidic long term. (Honorable mention to Carrick and Scholes – he’ll be a star in years to come…!)

Moment of the season:

The David De Gea save from Mata’s freekick – the moment he arrived as the United goalkeeper. Still convinced that no other keeper in the league has the movement or anticipation to make that save.

Biggest disappointment of the season:

The wasted chances to take the title and the injuries to Cleverley that restricted his chances after promising preseason.

Summer hopes/expectations:

A creative midfielder and some more strength in there too; a left back to challenge Evra and United to flex whatever muscles they have in the market to show we are not going to go away quietly.

Rob

Thoughts on the season now it’s done:

More ups and downs than a drug addict on a bungee cord. That we got 89 league points shouldn’t obscure major deficiencies in our team, our embarrassing dependence on Giggs and Scholes, and the genuine threat of City dominating for years. Our late-season bottle job shouldn’t make us forget a tremendous run from January to April, and the promise shown by our young players. With one or two adjustments, the starting XI from the 8-2 will be our starting XI in coming seasons. Forget the past 1.5 months and the future doesn’t look quite so bleak.

Player of the season:

Michael Carrick. Steadied the team after the 6-1, carried Giggsy on his back at times, and rekindled his great partnership with Scholesy. Seems to have won over a lot of skeptics, not an easy thing.

Goal of the season:

Rooney and Welbeck’s impression of Yorke and Cole against Everton. We’ve had a lot of excellent team goals this season.

Performance of the season (team):

Can’t see past the 8-2. Arsenal put out a young side, but so did we. A display of unforgettable verve and beauty.

Breakthrough star:

Danny Welbeck. I love everything about him, down to his ludicrous haircuts. He improved so much at Sunderland, and has come on even more this season at United. So exciting.

Moment of the season:

Valencia’s goal at Blackburn. It settled a tense and extremely difficult game, and it genuinely felt like a ‘Macheda moment.’ It’s a shame that we threw the league away after it, but the pure, visceral joy that goal evoked – that was Manchester United at its very best. Giggsy’s winner at Norwich runs a close second, for similar reasons.

Biggest disappointment of the season:

Losing the league wasn’t a huge disappointment, but the way it happened was utterly devastating. The final 10 minutes against Everton will haunt me all summer. City’s comeback against QPR will haunt me for the rest of my life. Hope is poison.

Summer hopes/expectations:

See above. I hope none of our players get injured at the Euros, we bid farewell to Park and Owen, find a good home for Berba, and settle the Pogba situation. Most of all, I hope Darren Fletcher makes a full recovery from his illness, regardless of what it means for his playing career. Expectations, you say? I expect Malcolm Glazer’s children to continue making me regret studying economics.

Herzog’s Child

Thoughts on the season now it’s done:

I couldn’t possibly put my discontent into words. I think I’ll leave it to ‘Museum girl’ in Woody Allen’s Play It Again Sam – who, when surveying a Jackson Pollock painting, offers an insight that mirrors every red’s end of season thoughts: ‘It restates the negativeness of the universe. The hideous lonely emptiness of existence. Nothingness. The predicament of Man forced to live in a barren, Godless eternity like a tiny flame flickering in an immense void with nothing but waste, horror and degradation, forming a useless bleak straitjacket in a black absurd cosmos.’ That’ll do…

Player of the season:

Michael Carrick.

Goal of the season:

Nani’s first in the Community shield.

Performance of the season (team):

That I had to think long and hard about this tells its own story. I could giddily choose the early-season Arsenal slaughter-spree, but that was merely a freak day. 0-5 away to Fulham, a place where we tend to struggle, was probably the most convincing performance of a largely turgid campaign. Sealed wonderfully by what was probably Berbatov’s last moment of genius in the red of United.

Breakthrough star:

Danny Welbeck. I said early in the season that whatever happened between then and May, this campaign heralded at least one success: the arrival of a local, and potentially outstanding, striker. His rise has been a shaft of light in an otherwise dark season.

Moment of the season:

The blitzing of Arsenal offered much hilarity. Giggs popping up at the death at Norwich ignited hope, but it was Valencia’s thunderous opener at Blackburn that had the heart scurrying up the throat. A brilliant moment from an exceptional man.

Biggest disappointment of the season:

Away from the obvious off-field cancer, the loss of the United way, the necessity of Paul Scholes’ return and the reversion to negative tactics when the title was within reach were highly lamentable moments. I could go on, but I’ll stop there…

Summer hopes/expectations:

Ideally, for the majority of our fickle support to finally realise the horrors of the Glazer model. On the pitch: some character, some quality. A return to the United of old, where fluidity, not functionality, prevailed and we had a go at every team.

Doron

Thoughts on the season now it’s done:

The most un-United of campaigns in that we had it and we threw it away. Our inability and City’s ability to fight marked a role reversal; and yet despite that, our injury depleted troops lost a league on goal difference alone. A really hard one to fathom and accept but on the whole we were probably rarely consistently good enough so there are few complaints from my end.

Player of the season:

Carrick. United’s quiet man has been immense – whether it was shielding the back four and helping to stem the leak of goals or his exquisite and incisive use of the ball high up the pitch, he was the consistently good player. It’s also worth point out that his form helped Scholes to settle on his return rather than the other way around as many journalists like to think.

Goal of the season:

Nani’s first in the Charity Shield.

Performance of the season (team):

Fulham away. Traditionally we’ve not always played well there but from front to back United were outstanding and the quality of some of the goals scored was excellent.

Breakthrough star:

Welbeck. At long last, we’ve nearly produced another Mancunian striking star. Special mention to Michael Keane who won Reserves player of the year too – made his first team debut and has been outstanding at centre back for the second string.

Moment of the season:

So many to choose from: De Gea’s save at Chelsea; Giggs at Norwich; Carrick’s goal at QPR… the two I’d pick are Welbeck moments – his winner at Arsenal felt big at the time; and his goal at home to Spurs – the Cleverley-Welbeck link-up that so many hoped would become the fulcrum for our season.

Biggest disappointment of the season:

Europe; losing Morrison (although it seemed inevitable) and maybe Pogba; the start of Evra’s decline as a defender; but most galling of all, the lack of fight and sheer un-Unitedness of the end of season capitulation.

Summer hopes/expectations:

That the money we do have is spent wisely. I expect and I’d accept United not to win the league next year in the hope that a young squad continues to develop and learn – have faith in our youth but add a star on top. Will be interesting to see what the Glazers do, talk of a flotation in the Far East may produce cash – where that goes and how it’s used will be hugely important.

Authors: Doron and Phil

Follow Doron, Phil and BTP on Twitter

Beyond The Pitch and Stretford-End.com have come together once again to record another podcast, the seventh in the series. We assess the club’s ownership and discuss various transfer rumours; round up the Reserves and Academy news; and answer a whole host of listener questions.

To listen to the podcast, click on this link. It is available to listen to or download on iTunes at this link.

Topics covered:

Swansea and the penultimate weekend

Last weekend was an odd one with City winning before United played – at Old Trafford, the players and crowd were a bit flat. Can City hold their nerve going into the final game?

The Fergie cull

Can Rafael survive long term having been dropped in the past few games? Berbatov is likely to leave the club but can we see anyone else leaving?

Signings and the midfield

What type of midfielder should we sign? Having decided that we look at who United are linked to and how realistic any rumours are. In particular, we discuss Kwadwo Asamoah from Udinese. Do we think Scholes will sign for another season and should he?

Hernandez’s second season

Why has he struggled this season and is his future at United in any doubt?

The Glazers

Is it realistic to think that we could spend big this summer? Phil alludes to Fergie’s buying habits in the past when giving his response and points out how signings should work. It’s important to remember that even in success, the Glazers are still in charge – anger towards them can’t be isolated to just when United aren’t winning trophies. We also point out that United don’t even need a cash-rich owner, just someone who can run the club. When talking about City’s finances, Phil uses this quote: “there’s a big difference between buying success and having success bought for you”.

Reserves and Academy

One listener wanted to know if we thought that United have handled the Pogba situation badly – we give our opinions on that. The Academy season is over and in their last two league games there was a big boost: the return of Tom Lawrence.
We have a few questions including which players should be moving up to the Reserves and which players from the Reserves should go out on loan or be sold? Another question answered is why aren’t we bringing more players through to the first team?

Your questions

We’ve answered a lot of your questions from Facebook and Twitter on a whole variety of topics – keep them coming in for next week so we can give you a shout-out and answer a few more.

Once again, to listen to the podcast, click on this link. It is available to listen to or download on iTunes at this link.

To listen to the first six podcasts, click here.

Author: Doron

Follow Doron on Twitter

Coming to terms with United’s finish to the season and ultimately, the capitulation that’ll almost certainly see the title move across the city has been difficult. It’s also thrown up various theories as to why United have managed to mess up a relatively straight forward situation. Here, I asses a few of them and attempt to give a realistic stance on our situation.

The players and their injuries

The idea of ‘quality’ has cropped up numerous times this season, particularly when referring to the heart of the side – central midfield. On paper, United might seem well stocked in that area with Fletcher, Cleverley, Anderson, Carrick, Giggs, and at one time or another Gibson, Scholes and Pogba. However, as the saying goes, it’s quality not quantity – well, actually it’s a mix of the two if you’re a top football club.

Identifying what it actually is that United lack in the middle is down to the individual. Some believe the club lacks an enforcer and leader, and has done ever since Keane left. Others will suggest that United need more creativity, a player who can unlock even the most stubborn of defences. Some, the greedy bunch(!), believe that actually United need both.

However, when looking back upon this season one will inevitably have to look at the squad and the injuries. It’s not an excuse to highlight that United have had more injuries than any other club this season whilst their main rivals, Man City, have had the fewest number of injuries (REF: Physioroom and injury league). Injuries are inevitable part of football but that kind of polar difference is lucky in Man City’s favour. For most of this season, United have been without their captain, Vidic, and a key influential midfielder, Fletcher. Other players have had a series of knocks which have forced Fergie to use Zeki Fryers, a young Reserve player as well as start with Rafael and Park in central midfield at home to Blackburn.

Now, you have to ask yourself: how, given the injuries that United and City have had, are United level on points and likely to lose the league on goal difference only?

There isn’t one correct answer but I’d like to think that on some level, a lot of our squad is good enough. After all, Fergie knows best that it’s as much your ‘second XI’ that wins you the league as opposed to the first choice players. In that respect, the signings the past few years have been fine – Fergie’s been adding to the squad and those players have been positively contributing: Smalling, Valencia, Young, Jones, Hernandez etc. It’s the gloss on top that’s required now, a star player or two who can not only boost the morale amongst the players and fans, but importantly, scare opponents.

The Manager and the mind games

Criticising Fergie tends to be something that splits fans – there are plenty who are uncomfortable with the idea of suggesting that the grand old master can do anything wrong; others treat him like any other manager and point out his errors only too happily.

As far as I’m concerned, he’s made his errors this season, particularly, and bizarrely, in the past month. Dare I say it, (this won’t go down well with everyone) but the old man is starting to go a tiny bit senile. One tweeter nailed it: “Only Fergie could have put that team out last Monday (City), but only Fergie could have brought this squad so close to winning the league” – the incredible thing is only a few years ago, there’s no way Fergie would have got the team selection against City so utterly wrong; nor would he have failed to protect a 4-2 lead with ten minutes to spare.

Sadly, tactical ineptness and odd team selections are a common sight now. The past few years, Fergie has often got it wrong in big games against managers who tactically like to try something different. More to the point, Fergie’s tactics are all too predictable now and other managers are able to comfortably work out how to play against United. Fergie has in the past been very good at keeping ahead of footballing trends but United are one of the last clubs to revert to a 4-2-3-1 with a fluid front four. That’s not necessarily a bad thing presuming you have the players to play a different system well, but if you don’t a 4-2-3-1 will cause a 4-4-2 problems every time.

It’s often argued that tactics aren’t all that important in football, it’s the players that count. The players, as good as they may be are only human and are affected by non-footballing issues. One tactic used to disrupt their mental state is mind games, something that upon reflection, Fergie has been beaten at by Mancini.

Playing the media is an important skill for any manager to have these days and Fergie has usually been able to manipulate them in one way or another to his and United’s advantage. However, with United storming into a lead in the league this season, Mancini played a wild-card and declared the title race over. Since then, his side played care-free as if they had nothing to lose and won games with ease. United meanwhile stiffened up, got nervous and took four points from five games. The pendulum swung back in City’s favour. Deny it if you will but Mancini’s words got to Fergie, United’s players and importantly positively impacted his own players. I thought Mancini was a fool at the time but actually, he’s a bit of a genius.

The Owners and the finances

As has been common practice recently, any non-success is blamed on the Glazers and their ownership of the club. How convenient! Their leeching of our club exists and impacts our club even when we’re successful so any sudden outcry against them is somewhat fickle unless you are a regular criticiser of theirs. On this topic, I strongly recommend reading @herzogschild’s piece for The Huffington Post (only after reading this of course!)

If we’re talking about owners and finances though, it’s worth pointing out that United have had £500m drained out of the club by their American owners (who’ve not put a penny in). City meanwhile have had £930m pumped in by their Arab owners. I’ve no complaints with that, it’s true that to compete at the top you have to spend big – the frustrating thing is that United would at least have the option to compete if the Glazers weren’t there. The club make enough money themselves to be self sufficient without a wealthy owner.

One could argue that the effects of ‘Glazernomics’ are now being felt for the first time. Many fans believe that our failure to buy a good central midfielder in the past few years is because we’re unable to compete on transfer fee and wages in particular. If this is true, then suffering this season because of a lack of quality in the middle can be somewhat loosely tied to the inability to compete and sign the best players. However, the issue of the owners and our finances is not a new problem and shouldn’t just rear its head when the team fails – do read the piece I recommended, it contains everything that I’m not putting in here.

The life sucked out of the club

This for me is the most galling aspect of the title run-in and ultimately will be what I remember this season for whether we win the title or not.

For no obvious reason and apparent reason, United seem to have lost their fight, their spirit, and their ruthlessness. In the last six weeks of a season, something you wouldn’t really associate with the Fergie reign is complacency; and yet a 4-2 lead was thrown away at home to Everton. All the errors earlier in the season that had gone before became irrelevant as the inexplicable collapse took place and fortress Old Trafford became nothing more than a bouncy castle for away fans.

When not being complacent, United aren’t being ruthless. Beating QPR 2-0 at home is a prime example – they had ten men for a lot of the game and to just put two past them was incredibly generous. It was a similar story for Fulham at home and other games. In fact, United have been more than adequate away from home this season, it’s in front of their own fans that there have been very non-United issues.

It’s even visible amongst the fans too. The cleansing of supporters via high pricing and more corporate seats has created eerie and flat atmospheres; it’s now even being felt away from home with club sponsors being given away allocations ahead of fans. It’s probably not just a United thing to be honest, football in general continues to be globalised for the worst.

City

Realistically, they shouldn’t slip up at home to QPR and will deserve the title – whoever finishes first always deserves to be there. I find it hard to agree that City have been that much better than United though. They have played some fancy football but they’ve also had their slip ups and considering the cost of their squad and their lack of injuries, there’s something quite odd about only being able to win a league on goal difference (presuming United beat Sunderland).

The real difference between United and City though is that ruthlessness referred to before – City have gone and smashed teams when they’ve had the chance, including us, and that will be the exact reason why they are likely to win this title.

What next?

Even if United somehow win the league on the final weekend, there cannot be any papering over our cracks. The first XI needs strengthening, not the squad – the players and the fans need a star signing, a spark to rejuvenate everyone. As ever, it’s encouraging that we have talented younger players who are forcing their way into squads but it would be naive to think we can rely solely on them.

City will strengthen again and raise the bar; every club will need to respond to them, not just United. However, that challenge, and its challenges that Fergie relishes, could well provide the Scot with his last hurrah. His spell as United manager is edging ever closer to a finale and just like he was able to rebuild and respond to Chelsea, reacting and attempting to gazump City, win or lose this title, will probably be his final act.

So, believe the doom and don’t hide away from or try to make excuses for our deficiencies. As someone who is usually an optimist, facing up to the reality of this season is tough. A high points total and a lot of goals scored almost contradict the fact that it makes no sense to be criticising United given what’s gone against us. Even more so given that we had no right to challenge City’s lead and then overtake them; but that failure to hold on and the subsequent wobble and crash is a stark reminder that sometimes you have to look beyond the numbers and the competitors, and realise that a lot of United this season, on and off the pitch, from the owners to the fans, has been uncharacteristically (or not in the case of the owners) poor.

Authors: Doron and Phil

Follow Doron, Phil and BTP on Twitter

Beyond The Pitch and Stretford-End.com have come together once again to record another podcast, the sixh in the series. We look back at the disappointing result against City; discuss where the club needs to go from here; round up the Reserves and Academy news; as well wonder whether Newcastle will do us any favours.

To listen to the podcast, click on this link. It is available to listen to or download on iTunes at this link.

Topics covered:

Looking back at City

Where did it all go wrong? The starting team arguably wasn’t right and it was met by the cautiousness of Sir Alex Ferguson. The failure to defend a simple set piece near halftime was disappointingly the difference despite how both sides set up. Perhaps Mancini got it right though, most reflected in the fact that United have only recorded four points in the last four matches whilst City have been playing carefree.

Where to now?

Questions from Facebook and Twitter all asked roughly the same thing – what should the club do now? Clearly United have been somewhat restricted by the Glazer ownership but surely the gaping midfield hole will need some attention this summer, albeit a few summers too late. As a fan, if you oppose the Glazer ownership and want to protest, what can you do?

Reserves and Academy

There’s a strong chance the Reserves could pick up four pieces of silverware this calendar year – find out which final is the latest one they’ve reached. Meanwhile, at Academy level, Andreas Pereira’s work permit has finally come through and he was able to make his debut away at Everton.

The last couple of weeks

With just two rounds of fixtures left in the league, will City hold out or might they slip up at Newcastle? There’s no doubt about the fact that relying on another team to potentially give you a chance of winning the league is a somewhat flat feeling.

Your questions

We’ve answered some of your questions from Facebook and Twitter – keep them coming in for next week so we can give you a shout-out and answer a few more.

Once again, to listen to the podcast, click on this link. It is available to listen to or download on iTunes at this link.

To listen to the first five podcasts, click here.

Author: Doron

Follow Doron on Twitter

United travelled across Manchester to face rivals, Man City in a potentially title-deciding game. A draw or win would be enough for United but a solitary goal from City captain, Vincent Kompany ensured that it would be a blue Monday. Quite incredibly, it was the first game in three years that United failed to have a shot on target whilst City only managed three in what wasn’t quite the all-action game that many had hoped for.

Here we discuss the talking points of the game and invite Man City fans to join in the discussion below.

The system

There’s little question that lining up in a 4-5-1 was the correct decision. Matching city was important, playing two men in the middle would have seen us overrun, especially given who was available. It would be both naive to think we could go and attack – other sides who’ve played well against City have played in a 4-5-1 or a variation of it; the reality is, their personnel are too strong to try and play anything else against.

Of course, lining up cautiously in big games is nothing new for United recently. Most of our rivals play a variation of a one striker system which begs two questions: 1. Why have United not conformed to current trends in having a 4-5-1 type formation as our primary set-up? 2. Why does Fergie not have faith in our 4-4-2 nor been able to sign the right players to make it work in the big games?

The dilemma, and it’s something of a null point, is that if United lose, Fergie and the formation can’t win. Set up cautiously from the start and the criticism is United are too negative; go too attacking and United have badly misjudged their opposition. That said, I’d prefer the latter – attacking football is, after all, the United way.

The personnel

Having settled on the 4-5-1 system, it needed to be populated with a team that could get a result, a draw being the minimum. Somewhat predictable, Fergie plumped for a combination of experience and tactical discipline. Evans missed out through injury and both Jones and Smalling were selected ahead of Rafael to add a physical presence at the back. The midfield missed Young and Valencia whilst Park was selected to man-mark Yaya Toure with Giggs drifting in from the left. Nani, was used as an out-ball and he’d tirelessly carry the ball into spaces to find minimal support.

It’s easy to be critical of the selection but United were 90 seconds from pulling it off. Kompany’s goal on the stroke of half time forced Fergie into having to change it but for much of that first half, United had been good for a draw – containing pressure. The problem came when in possession – United were just not good enough. Giggs, for all his experience had a passing accuracy of just 74%; Park’s was higher but what he has in accuracy he lacks in creativity; Rooney’s was lower than Giggs’ – a reflection of his isolation and thereby inability to bring others into play well enough. Of the players who started the game on either side, Scholes and Carrick had the best passing accuracy rates but that’s all well as long as there options ahead.

Upon reflection, Fergie was probably too cautious in selecting both Park and Giggs. Valencia or Welbeck should have been starting in place of one of them with potentially Rooney dropping deeper. One can forget all too quickly that Rooney is often one of our most creative players and therefore dropping him deeper and getting him on the ball more is in the interests of the side.

If forced to single out some of the better individual performers, Carrick and Ferdinand would probably be the two. Carrick as ever was reliable, forward thinking and won more tackles than any other player on the pitch – he was United’s best player on a dull night. The overriding issue though is why Fergie moved away from a consistent selection and picked players who’ve not played in so long – Park for example had his last PL start three months ago!

City all too comfy

Defeats, and defeats against City can be accepted as long as United put up a fight. Last night, United lost without fighting, there was so little of the battling spirit that United have shown in the past. Fergie was maybe the only one getting into it as he got irate and into a bust-up with Mancini on the touchline but on the pitch it was all a bit soft.

Failing to have a single shot on target is completely unacceptable – it was way too easy for Man City to be able to sit back and defend having scored. In truth, they hardly tested United either but even so, on the break, the attacked with pace, with numbers and in a direct manner. It’s difficult to pinpoint why there’s been such a lack of fight in the side lately – whether it’s complacency, morale, or just the mentality around the club at the moment, it’s not the United of old.

Mind games and form

It is truly pathetic to look at United’s form in the last four games… just four points won. In a title run-in, that’s a bottle-job. The Wigan result was fair enough – they’re fighting relegation and we were poor; it’s the Everton result that’ll stick out though. Conceding twice late on, throwing away a lead at home is unthinkable. The poor form though coincides with something else too – mind games.

It’s debatable how much mind games really matter, they make the headlines and whether players take note of them or not is somewhat unknown. However, since Mancini’s been claiming that United will win the league his team have been playing a care-free brand of football, as if the pressure was off them – four wins in a row, thirteen goals scored with one goal conceded. By comparison, over the same period, United have just one win, have scored eight, failed to score twice, conceded six with just one clean sheet. Coincidence or not, it would seem that on one hand, the pressure has got to United whilst on the other, it’s taken it off City. Maybe Mr Mancini isn’t quite as foolish as we once thought – that said, even after last night he claims United will win the league bizarrely.

Title gone?

With just two games left to play, one has to wonder if the title is over. Admittedly, United’s points total given the injuries is impressive but having been behind and then not only clawed it back but gone ahead of City on both points and goal difference, it’s sickening to see the hard work thrown away. United’s attitude this season can be summed up by the side’s happiness to accept a win rather than push for more goals – QPR at home for example – goal difference is now seemingly going to be important.

As for what’s to come, United host Swansea and travel to Sunderland – two sides with nothing to play for so it’s feasible to presume maximum points will be taken. City meanwhile travel to Newcastle who are chasing a Champions League spot and host QPR who are battling against relegation. Whilst it would be great to think that one of Newcastle or QPR could take points off City, that seems unlikely – they have momentum now and seem on course to win a first Premier League title. More to the point, relying on another team to slip up in order to win a title seems flawed.

Summary

City regained the lead at the top of the table, albeit on goal difference as a Kompany header on half time was enough for a 1-0 win. Somewhat strangely, it came from a corner – a set piece. Whether the system or the personnel were wrong becomes irrelevant really when a goal is conceded in such a manner.

United’s failure to test Joe Hart will be what most United fans remember – a lack of fight and seemingly, spirit, summed up the past few months and to some extent the past few years even. The United way is to attack and go down trying but Fergie did probably set up in the right way yesterday just with the wrong personnel. He was too conservative in that respect and the players who were selected were only good enough to contain – when United needed a goal City were able to sit back and defend with ease.

All isn’t quite lost yet, with two games to go there could yet be another twist although that seems unlikely. A first trophyless season in eight years is likely to be around the corner – hopefully it’ll be followed by a summer of rebuilding and a couple of signings. City meanwhile have a good team and will no doubt strengthen and further set the pace for other sides to match. The manner of defeat yesterday and recent performances will linger long in the minds of United fans as they wonder what could have been.

Authors: Doron, Nik and Rob

Follow Doron, Nik and Rob on Twitter

For United the situation is simple. Avoid defeat (i.e. they have two potential chances, draw or win the match), and the prospect of a 20^th title is looking very tasty indeed. By default, City must chase the game (and seek to control it) in search of the three points required to re-position themselves at the top of the league before a tricky trip to Newcastle. The key question for both managers on Monday seems to be whether to play two or three central midfielders.

City approach

Barry and Toure seem certain to start, and a rejuvenated De Jong is back in favour after a period of isolation. The Dutchman then is fighting it out with Nasri and the seemingly ever-present (against United), James Milner, for a place in the starting line-up. A three-man centre would allow Toure to take the initiative further up the field, and also allow Barry to drift laterally; Milner could be used to track Valencia, and support City’s wide attacks; the option of Nasri would add a creative flair which has often been the sole duty of Silva this term (with fatigue as a consequence), and also pose United a threat from a central-left position, perhaps targeting the often, ever so slightly, erratic Rafael (don’t remind him of the penalty decision given by Dean two seasons ago).

United approach

Looking back at the last few seasons, United have actually played 4-5-1 very often against City. Since mid-2009, the only times we haven’t started with a 4-5-1 were in the 2010 4-3 and the 1-6 last November. Using 4-5-1 with Dimitar Berbatov as the forward didn’t quite work – he was the lone striker in the dour 2010 league game (0-0) and the following year’s FA Cup semi (0-1). But it works emphatically with Rooney there – the 2010 Carling Cup semi (1-2, 3-1), 2010 away in the league (1-0) and 2011 at home in the league (2-1).

Of course, playing a third central midfielder would mean a shift from the 4-4-1-1 that’s been our default formation since last February. And playing 4-4-1-1 in each Manchester derby this season, we’ve conceded 2, 6 and 2 goals.  It is a tough call for Ferguson, because ultimately it goes against his nature to not seek to win the game. Taking away the doubts that surround Nani’s and Evans’ inclusion, the key decision seems to be whether to start Welbeck or Giggs, with the Welshman able to sit adjacent to Carrick in a fairly rigid central role akin to that he purveyed in last season’s Champions League tie with Chelsea.

Giggs offers more experience in crucial games such as these, and can often pop up with a fantastic bit of skill to sway the game – his assists for Hernandez on the last two occasions at the Bridge spring to mind. Welbeck on the other hand, despite the occasional lax finishing, offers a burst of youthful exuberance; a wily attacking brain; superb link-up play between the lines and the ability to drop deep and form a bank of five. Below we look at what United must consider ahead of the game.

Probable teams/ formations

Pressing Issues and learning the lessons from ‘1-6’

Despite all City’s talent, our main danger against them in this derby isn’t one single player, they have too many dangermen to isolate just one. It’s actually a collective tactic: pressing. When intensely applied, pressing has been our undoing against Barcelona (2009, 2011), Athletic Bilbao, Chelsea (2^nd half of the league game at Stamford Bridge, 2011), and against City in the 2^nd half of the 2011 FA Cup semi. Even against less fancied sides – Wolves 2011, Wigan 2012 – we’ve looked very uncomfortable maintaining the ball when the opponent has got in our faces to harass and try to win the ball back.

Pressing certainly was not how City won in November – that day, they defended deep and hit us swiftly and incisively on the break. But with a midfield that will have powerful operators like Yaya, Milner and (maybe) de Jong, they’re certainly capable of playing that way if they’re on the front foot. As Rob wrote in late 2010, Carrick occasionally has a problem against teams that press intensely – although the occasional wastefulness of Giggs and Sir Alex’s insistence on 4-4-1-1 are often to blame as well. Further, Fergie will want to ensure Silva isn’t given time on the ball in his usual playmaking role from a left side starting position, and this is where Rafael’s tenacity and Valencia’s defensive acumen should come to the fore. United were far too swashbuckling at Old Trafford, often forgetting defensive duties entirely.

Focus on the United way

Calm possession of the football, direct wing-play, ambitious fullbacks – everything United need on Monday, and more.  Carrick and Scholes look certain to start. Carrick’s metronome will have to be in working order, and hopefully a week of rest and training will allow Scholesy to recover his fitness after he looked exhausted against Everton. They will try to get on the ball and dictate the tempo – with quick, direct passing out to the wide areas when City look vulnerable, and slower, more intricate interchanges among themselves to cool it down when City seek to be the aggressors. If they can manage both tasks successfully, we’ll be in with a big shout.

Carrick has been getting forward more these days, but I think we’ll see him curtail that instinct and sit much deeper in the midfield, monitoring the runs of Yaya Touré through the middle and Agüero or Tevez when they come deep. He’s done a great job of this before – the 0-0 at the Etihad in late 2010 was one of his finest games defensively, especially in the second half.

Open up the centre

City have played somewhat of a 4-2-2-2 system this season, which essentially means that they have yet to find the desired application in the attacking third, as discussed earlier on in the season. This system offers City a lot of control, and certainly the centre of the park will be a key area with Toure, De Jong/Milner and Barry likely to see a lot of the ball on the night. What this does mean however is that United will have little option but to use the wings to their advantage. By sitting deep, inviting the pressure then ensuring quick transitions from the defence to midfield, (Scholes and Carrick crucial here), United should be able to use the flanks to great effect, giving Valencia and Young (or Nani) the chance to get in behind the fullbacks. City’s congested middle actually requires Clichy and Richards to be a tad more adventurous, and although their link play with Toure and Tevez in particular will be something United will have to watch, this does offer the perfect opportunity to exploit the vacated space.

There is of course a real opportunity for United to stifle City here. Scholes and Carrick in the middle aren’t just reliable but are good at following orders. If they get the ball out wide as quickly as possible they can disrupt City’s own plan – dragging players such as Aguero and Tevez out wide when they’d much prefer to remain centrally. Should possession change hands with Aguero and/or Tevez wide, the chances are that United will be in a much comfier position to repel any City attack.

Take advantage of fluid front four approach

The variety and quality of play we get from our wide men is on par with any other team in the world, and no matter who City put out as their fullbacks, our wingers will fancy their chances. Clichy and Richards did very well against our wide players in November, but couldn’t deal with them in January’s FA Cup tie (a pivotal moment for Fergie’s men). It is essential that United use the ball well once in possession out wide. City will be aware of the danger United pose when Rooney is attacking from deep and the wide players are inverting their approach close to the penalty area. With Rafael and Evra are two of the finest exponents of attacking fullback play, and the prospect of Welbeck drifting laterally, United should seek to gain the numerical advantage on the counter. The ‘fluid front four’ was something we pre-empted Fergie might try this season as early as the Community Shield, and at times, the results have been devastating.

Despite a recent blip (and the fact that opposing teams are taking extra care to double up on him) Valencia should start on the right, and he can give Clichy nightmares with his directness. The Ecuadorian has become more dangerous in the final third this season, often choosing the narrower route to goal, providing a great many of his assists from closer to the penalty area, despite his excellent crossing ability. He is better able to link the play between the midfield and forward lines, and works tremendously hard in defensive transitions, which could be key with Silva likely to drift inside from a left starting position.

On the left-hand side, Young doesn’t have the unpredictable genius of Nani, but he offers better defensive protection – which is important when City might try to overload that flank. In addition, his link-up play with Evra is remarkably good, combining fantastically with the United captain at every opportunity. Evra’s bursts from the halfway line, (and high interceptions) are crucial to United’s attacks in that zone, and often, at the very least, act as a decoy for Young’s movement and creativity inside. If Richards plays ahead of the more positionally aware Zabaleta, expect this duel to be key.

The prospect of Nani coming off the bench to add verve to our attack is a big positive wth tired legs after 60-65 minutes. Last season Nani hit double figures for both goals and assists, but his output has been disrupted by injury this time around. Nani seems sharp and fresh of late, and it will be a pity if he has picked up a knock in training; he can be a real threat coming inside on either foot, and he has added a greater finesse to his play from a central position.

The most fascinating aspect of all of United’s attacking movement is what it might mean for City. Rooney and Welbeck’s interchanging of positions will mean that Lescott and Kompany have to be wary about not getting dragged out of position – a lot of emphasis will have to be placed on Barry most likely to sit even deeper. Meanwhile, both fullbacks will have to have done their homework – Valencia has been creating more overlapping opportunities for Rafael than ever before whilst on the other side, both Nani and Young can go both in or out. However, arguably the most important players to watch are Scholes and Carrick, both of whom have started to make more late runs into the penalty area (City won’t have forgotten Scholes’ late unmarked run in April ’10!). It’s feasible to imagine and believe that United can seriously unsettle a usually untested City defence.

Any room for a United selection surprise?

In short, no, probably not. However, if Fergie fancies a surprise it’s likely to come in the middle. Yes, there are unresolved issues in terms of Nani or Young; Smalling or Rafael but they’re not necessarily game-changers. If United want to go defensive and try to keep the game tight until an hour’s gone then Fergie may go for a 4-5-1, sacrificing most likely Welbeck in favour of another midfielder. Jones is an option, playing in front of Carrick and Scholes as something of a box-to-box physical destroyer – yet, his lack of form, dodgy ball control and passing should surely make this unlikely in a game where possession is paramount. Cleverley and Giggs are somewhat safer options although the former may not be fit enough and the latter has been wasteful lately. The final option is Park. He’s hardly been used lately and may well leave this summer but in the big games, he’s often been picked. His tactical discipline, work-rate, and ability to pop up in the right places to score are all factors that could see him selected. The flip-side would be that United would lose a bit of quality in attack. Don’t expect a surprise but the options for Fergie are certainly there.

Conclusion

It is likely that United will play a familiar blend of 4-4-1-1 and 4-2-3-1, meaning that Rooney is asked to adopt the ‘number 10’ (or advanced ‘8’) role, and dropping deeper than would be expected in order to stifle City’s attacks from deep. Far from being a negative tactic however, 4-5-1 has allowed us to control the midfield and attack City in every game we’ve used it in. Played in its strictest sense (with a three-man centre), it brings the best out of Rooney: He scores lots of goals from the lone striker or “false nine” position, while managing as always to get involved in attacking approach work as well as the defensive side of play. With so much space in front of him – and no strike partners to crowd the space ahead – it’s the best outlet for his high-energy style.

With Silva, Barry and Toure all certainties to start, Mancini will have to select one from De Jong, Milner and Nasri, with Agüero and Tevez likely to be the preferred partnership up front once again (with Balotelli from the bench). Both Argentines like to drop off from forward positions, and United will have to be extra vigilant in between defence and midfield. With Milner, it is arguably City’s best mix of passing, energy and trickery, and the midfield battle is probably the key battle of the game.

Key questions:

Can Rooney perform in a deeper role as he did the last time at Eastlands?

Will United be able to cope with the high press?

Can United take advantage in wide scenarios?

Will Fergie stick to his principles and start the effervescent Welbeck in a 4-4-1-1 or will he call upon his trusty talisman Giggs, who has not started three consecutive games from the bench since August?

Will Mancini choose industry over invention?

Will either Nasri or Balotelli feature?

What type of game will we see? An adventurous approach from both managers and a thriller like the 4-3? Or a tight affair and 4-5-1? (Scholesy header, 0-1 anyone?)

Predictions:

Nik: 0-1 (Nani 78)

Rob: 1-2 (Nani 26, Agüero 45+1, Rooney 90+4)

Doron: 2-2 (Welbeck 17, Aguero 56, Tevez 61, Giggs 84)

Man in the middle: Andre Marriner

Marriner has a calm and methodical approach, with excellent application of law and control of a game. One of a number of referees who (rightly) gives penalties as a last resort (clear and obvious infringement). Suffered a minor embarrassment earlier in the season when he failed to spot an infringement from a Blackburn Rovers corner routine, but has since responded in kind with some excellent performances at home and in Europe. Left Pulis perplexed, and Neville grinning, by failing to show a second yellow card to Sky’s best pundit at the Britannia Stadium last season.

Authors: Doron and Phil

Follow Doron, Phil and BTP on Twitter

Beyond The Pitch and Stretford-End.com have come together once again to record another podcast, the fifth in the series. We look back at the Everton result; ahead to City; and debate what might happen up with the strikers this summer. You can also hear Fergie’s thoughts on the Everton collapse.

To listen to the podcast, click on this link. It is available to listen to or download on iTunes at this link.

Topics covered:

Looking back at Everton

What went on against Everton?! In terms of offensive football, it was good but have Everton proved to opposition teams that there’s most definitely a way to play against United at Old Trafford. Fellaini was important for Everton but were any United defenders guilty of playing below par? On the flip-side, our strikers and Nani in particular appear to be hitting form at the perfect time. As hinted in our post-match talking points, did Fergie get some subs wrong?

City next week

The biggest derby match. How should we approach it and with what team? City’s inexperience at being in a title race at this point of the season may be important, or will it?

Rafael & Fabio

Despite Rafael making some errors, we make a case for him being the long-term first choice right back. Meanwhile, Fabio’s been linked with a loan move abroad – what might the future hold for him? Could we have twins at both full back spot by the start of the 2013/14 season?

Strikers

Arguably a club needs three and a half strikers(!) so what might United do this summer with Berbatov going? Could Owen even stay or might one of the younger players step up to the first team squad?

Midfield transfer rumour round-up

As the heading suggests…!

Reserves and Academy

A very quick look back at the Academy’s exit from the Youth Cup and the Reserves league success; as well as potential new deals for two young players.

Player of the year

Both Phil and I name our United player of the year! (Although we may well revisit this next week.)

Once again, to listen to the podcast, click on this link. It is available to listen to or download on iTunes at this link.

To listen to the first four podcasts, click here.

Author: Bricki

Follow Bricki on Twitter

The weekend saw United travel to the Midlands to take on the Wolves and I was one of the lucky few able to get a ticket and support the team. As a way to spend the time on the coach constructively (well more constructively than reading the Sunday papers) I decided to pen a little diary of the day…

I was originally unsuccessful in the ballot for the game (like most games this season) until I got a phone call Wednesday teatime saying they had got some returns and was I still interested in going?

Well the Pope is a Catholic and I’m sure bears still crap in the woods so of course I was still interested. The only catch was that I had to pick up my ticket from the Old Trafford before 1pm on Saturday.

Working and living on the other side of Manchester during the week meant the only time I would be able to pick up the ticket would be Saturday morning before I went to referee my usual youth football.

As I arrived at Old Trafford on the Saturday morning I saw the words that strike the fear of God into any self respecting human being…

‘X FACTOR CONTESTANTS – THIS WAY’

In a scene reminiscent of Jurassic Park, as I approached the ground the water bottle in my car started to shake as the beats of the music rocked the ground and the car.

In a perfect example of Glazernomics the car park was charging the contestants £10 each to park up, this made me smile. Due to the vibrations on the floor that the heavy bass of some popular music was creating I was in and out of Old Trafford as quickly as possible. On leaving I could hear the MC trying to gee up the crowd for some shots they were filming by saying ‘Manchester is the best place we’ve been!’ (How long before we get the stadium announcer trying this on a matchday?)

Next morning I arrived at Old Trafford at 9:45am ready to board the coach for a 10:00am departure. The last coach I had taken to an away game was to Norwich which left at 6:00am so I should be refreshed and ready to go for this trip in comparison. This was not the case however, as I had been unable to sleep and stayed up all night watching Red Dwarf.

As I sat on the coach the remnants of the previous days X Factor visitors were still around. This got me thinking as to what songs United players would audition with…

Tom Cleverley with a Johnny Cash version of ‘Hurt’?

Nani in a Michael Jackson tribute of ‘Bad’ to fit in with his recent form?

At this point I regained my common sense and thought this was something that is a twitter # tag, not something for me to be contemplating on less than 3 hours sleep!

Whereas the Norwich coach was packed and I ended up sat next to a guy that can only be described as suffering from personal hygiene issues, this time the coach was only two thirds full leaving me to acquire the whole back row for myself (school habits never die).

It seems these coaches pull in an interesting mix of fans that are going to the games. You get the clear regulars who seem to do this trip frequently; these can be seen in the way they act as if they own the coach, the younger fans usually making their first trips away and the more ‘sensible’ fans that are not part of a supporters club.

As I go to away games on my own and am not really into the matchday culture of having a drink etc I like getting these coaches as you can easily keep yourself to yourself.

The discussions that people were having as we set off were dominated by the back pages, Muamba, Rooney and Glasgow Celtic moving south.

One ‘fan’ on the coach was very clearly a ‘Top Red’ – in his late 40s and decked out head to toe in the finest MUFC merchandise. From his ‘Champions 19’ home shirt with Champions League badges on the arms, to his club tracksuit and baseball cap covered in badges. He was the pinnacle of what every true Man United fan aspires to be. He seemed to be in charge of starting the topics of discussion for the front half of the coach who seemed to enjoy nothing better than sucking the life out of football by analysing it to the Nth degree (copyright @Herzogschild for that line).

The first discussion was a simple starter for ten – who do you think will start today?

‘Top Red’ was first with his team, he couldn’t see Young and Nani not starting today along with Rooney and Berbatov up front to compete against the strong Wolves backline. In midfield he wanted Cleverley and Scholes as he doesn’t rate Carrick and Jones at RB. Like I said… ‘Top Red’

Sat a few rows behind ‘Top Red’ were two guys who I christened Statler and Waldorf, they were a very pessimistic pair who seemed to find a problem with every United player mentioned (unfortunately I was unable to find out their Twitter names). They also got into discussion about Wigan and Bolton’s problems and reckoned they needed young managers like Brendan Rogers to improve them. I wanted to mention that Owen Coyle and Roberto Martinez were not exactly collecting their pensions yet but thought better of it.

The other notable person on the coach was a lad sat in front of me who appeared to be only 16/17 years old and travelling to his first away game (the phone calls to his parents every 15 minutes gave this away) He seemed to have taken the Dom Joly, loud person on the phone shtick to new levels as he was the loudest person on the phone I’ve ever seen. The pinnacle of his conversations came with a discussion about an incident he’d witnessed at an Ice Hockey game the previous night, apparently the Plexiglas around the rink had smashed in a collision and part of it had been embedded in a lad’s leg. The detail he then gave on the blood and gore was not what was required whilst I was trying to eat.

We arrived at the ground not long after midday and got off the coach for a pre-game wander. Molineux is currently undergoing redevelopment and this is reflected in the amount of construction and mess around the ground. With not that much to see outside (other than the Asda next door) I decided to get into the ground and see where I would be sat/stood.

Normally you get the away fans tucked into a corner or generally plonked somewhere no one else would want to sit; however, I’m not sure if it was to do with one stand being half finished, but we had the whole bottom tier of the Steve Bull stand (is this like Old Trafford having a Ruud Van Nistelrooy stand?). Having the away fans right next to the pitch seems to allow the away team to hear its support better so is detrimental to the home team, no?

Anyway I had a tremendous seat on the halfway line giving a top view of both goals and as the players came out to warm up they jogged towards us in a manner you could only describe as ‘casual’. The player who stands out by a mile is the beast of a man Antonio Valencia, as he faced us I gave a shout towards him, and, in a shrieking female boyband fan kinda way, I waved at him. He looked up and gave a small wave in my general direction, causing me to make a sound so high pitched I never thought I was capable of! It’s fair to say that this acknowledgement from Tony V made me swoon and I needed to sit down for a minute or two.

The United lads filled up our stand and the game kicked off with Anton Ferdinand stood behind me (apparently watches Rio any chance he can). A few songs were sung and a couple of United fans behind me insisted on calling Rooney a ‘fat scouse bastard’, you’re never totally forgiven, Wayne. Rafael provided the highlight of the half with a sliding tackle that resulted in his left short leg basically ending up stuck-up his arse in a ‘Short Shorts’ style. His reluctance to sort this wardrobe malfunction out ended up with the United fans singing ‘Rafa, Rafa sort your shorts’. When he finally did sort them out he proceeded to have his worst patch of the game… related?

Half time was over and with the game all but decided due to the quick fire double before the break, the second half was more about winding up the Wolves fans and vice versa. Chants of ‘Just like watching Bilbao/West Brom’ were exchanged and the sight of the Wolves fans trying to start a Mexican Wave summed up the feelings of the home fans. Amusingly, United were mocked for only scoring 5 goals as well! The feelings of anger towards the Wolves board was clear to see and hear; however, from a personal point of view I don’t see how chanting like this really helps the home team.

The final whistle went and the United players clapped the fans and we clapped back, a very efficient performance against poor opposition. We made the short walk back to the coach and I reclaimed my back row for some much needed sleep (up all night watching Red Dwarf, if you remember). As the lad in front of me boarded the coach you would think we’d just won the league, same could be said for ‘Top Red’ who claimed he’d got the team right and it was always going to be a big score.

I asked him but he declined to tell me which United blog he wrote for…

On the way back I struggled to get much sleep as the lad in front was phoning every number on his phone to say how good a day it had been. I love how football can still make people feel this way and ‘Top Red’ was giving running commentary on the Liverpool v Stoke game he was listening to. He was convinced that Stoke would win… then Liverpool scored the winner. The highlight of the trip back to Old Trafford though was the conversation between Statler and Waldorf as we passed a lorry with a picture of cheese on toast across the side. They started to discuss what the right way to have cheese on toast was. Waldorf was convinced that you shred the cheese and place it under the grill to melt whilst Statler enjoyed the cheese unmelted on the toast. The young lad piped up at this time and agreed that you couldn’t melt the cheese, he’d tried this with Dairylea and it just doesn’t work.

Luckily at this point the coach pulled into Old Trafford and I was able to get to my car, making the drive home to sleep.

I didn’t go straight to sleep however; thanks to Statler and Waldorf I had some cheese on toast. It was melted into the image of the day’s messiah… Antonio Valencia.

With just nine games left in the season and one point separating United and City, we take a quick look at the remaining league games and identify where, if at all, United will slip up. It is indeed ‘squeaky bum time’ as United close in on a unprecedented twentieth league title win. We welcome you to put your title run in predictions in the comments section.

To get Manchester United tickets for these matches you can try TicketBis for some deals.

Fulham (h) – 26/3/12

Fulham come to Old Trafford with the joint worst away record in the league. As the only side not to have hit double figures in terms of goals scored on their travels this season, this should be something of a formality for United. History’s on United’s side and as they chase another title, it would be a surprise if maximum points aren’t taken. Fulham aren’t mathematically safe yet but a mid-table finish seems likely – their current form though suggests they’re likely to slide down rather than climb up the table.

Prediction: United win

Blackburn (a) – 2/4/12

Ewood Park has never really been kind to United with only 6 wins in 17 Premier League games there. Steve Kean’s side are enjoying something of a mini-revival and are now out of the relegation zone. After their win at Old Trafford in December, Blackburn will no doubt fancy their chances. United’s away form this season has been excellent but this already feels like a tricky game. United’s ruthless away streak can’t last forever…

Prediction: Draw

QPR (h) – 8/4/12

QPR haven’t won at United for over 20 years and, as it stands, only Bolton have lost a greater percentage of their away games. Arguably, QPR’s run-in is the hardest of any side in the league and before they come to United they have tough games against Sunderland and Arsenal to contend with. They’ll need to win but at Old Trafford with a potential title just games away, United should be winning this one.

Prediction: United Win

Wigan (a) – 11/4/12

Wigan have always been a favourite team of mine – they’re ever so generous when it comes to giving United points. This fixture really should be no different – Wigan’s home form is the worst in the league with just one win and an average of less than one goal per game scored. United’s biggest ever win away to Wigan is 5-0, I have a feeling that may be bettered this year.

Prediction: United win

Aston Villa (h) – 15/4/12

It’s been a strange season for Villa. They look like they’ll be safe but are only a few places above the relegation zone. Both their home and away form has been consistently disappointing, not helped by a season-ending injury to Darren Bent. Villa’s defence has been relatively secure though with only Chelsea, City and United conceding less away from home. This feels like it could be a nervy one but, ultimately, United should come through it.

Prediction: United win

Everton (h) – 22/4/12

Fergie’s pal, Moyes, is hardly going to ruin any United title dream! Everton have found goals away from home really hard to come by this season and have been saved by a good defence. United’s home record against Everton is very good and it’s always a game that United seem to play well in. Agents Neville and Gibson will hopefully ensure that United take all three points!

Prediction: United win

Man City (a) – 30/4/12

It’s the game everyone thinks will settle the title one way or another but, given City’s tough run-in, I’m not sure it’ll actually matter all that much. My gut feeling is that United will be (at least) four points clear by the time this fixture comes around and will either win the title at the Etihad or win it a couple of weeks after. City’s home record has been flawless and despite United’s much improved away form I think City may have too much – it may well be a more important game for them than United. Nerves will play a part, particularly from the home fans and therefore I think this could be a scrappy game.

Prediction: City win or draw

Swansea (h) – 6/5/12

Swansea have been a revelation this season – they’ll be safe by the time this game comes around and will be able to enjoy their first trip to Old Trafford in nearly 30 years. The one criticism of Swansea this season has been their away form though – there’s been some naivety to their approach and they’re yet to discover the best way to play (although the recent thumping at Fulham suggests they’re learning). United’s last home game of the season will hopefully be coronation day!

Prediction: United win

Sunderland (a) 13/5/12

With the title hopefully already won, United may well change the team up a bit and give a few younger players a chance. Sunderland will be safe and won’t be challenging for a European spot so this game seems likely to be a dead-rubber.

Prediction: United win or draw

With City winning at home to Chelsea last night, the remaining Manchester United matches are all must wins. TicketBis.net have a special offer for the Fulham match next Monday, so why not check them out?

Author: Doron

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After five months sitting relatively unchallenged in second place – and I say unchallenged because despite Spurs’s best efforts, it’s not too surprising to see them dropping off – United have returned to the summit of English football with just over a quarter of the season left.

A post-match piece from the Wast Brom game would read something like this: Long spells of dominance and exciting attacking football weren’t converted into the number of goals that they should have been. Nevertheless, Rooney keeps scoring (up to 26 now this season) whilst Young has found form. By now it’ll be no surprise to read that Welbeck was fabulous; Carrick and Scholes were in control; Evans and Ferdinand are a very good pairing; and De Gea is dependable when needed. Yesterday was much of the same as we’ve seen recently but on a longer, larger scale. The 15 minutes of good football at Spurs and Norwich became 75 minutes, although the clinical taking of chances witnessed in London seemed to have been sucked out of the team.

Either way, yesterday’s big talking point was more about events in South Wales as City lost to Swansea. It wasn’t necessarily an unexpected result, as United and other teams have found, going to Swansea is tough; but it was more that City went there, played poorly, and showed a few signs of cracks appearing. Barry was angry to have been subbed off before half time, Yaya and Mario had a (possibly over-played) bust-up; and of course, one City fan couldn’t hold back the tears as Swansea scored.

It’s not that United fans should be getting giddy or even dare to dream that a title is close to being won but make no mistake about it, this was a big weekend.

Leading from the front is something United have done countless times, there are players in the squad who’ve been through this process almost every year for the past 10-20 years. Yet, it’s the players who’ve not done it as often who’re stepping up. Welbeck, De Gea, Young and Evans are peaking at an important part of the season whilst the consistent and experienced ‘old guard’ of Carrick, Ferdinand, Giggs, Evra and Scholes remain unflustered.

Look back to the start of 2012 and United, depleted by injuries, had to face Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Spurs in the league, three of those away from home. City were ahead by three points and, relative to United’s fixtures, had a series of game that should really have seen them stretch their lead over United. Instead, United ended up closing the gap and now find themselves on top looking at the final stretch, which, let’s be honest, looks pretty tasty.

Before United and City meet on the 30th April, City have to host Chelsea and travel to four very tricky away games – Stoke, Arsenal, Norwich and Wolves. There are potential banana-skins (ha ha) in almost every game they play between now and the derby. United by contrast, do have two tough away games at Wolves and Blackburn to come but Fulham, QPR, Villa and Everton at home should be relatively straightforward.

What I’m getting at, albeit somewhat cautiously, is that come the time United and City lock horns, it’s perfectly feasible to come to the conclusion that United could be further ahead and, amazingly, that game at City could be the coronation rather than the ‘decider’. It’s a long-shot and there are 21 points up for grabs by then but United seem to have league momentum behind them now whilst this is new territory for City.

Ultimately, what concerns me more than anything is the approach to Bilbao on Thursday. There’s no doubt that United should put out a strong team and go for the win that’ll see progression into the quarter finals; but, the league is just too important this year. Europe this season has been a mess, United and Fergie have been arrogant in their approach to games – avoiding humiliation in Spain is important but I wouldn’t be too disheartened to sacrifice that competition to ensure three points at Wolves on Sunday are given the best possible chance of being won.

Remember, this is supposedly a poor United squad and City have their best team ever. The league this season would be more than just a title, more than being crowned the best team in the country. It’s about keeping the neighbours quiet for another year. It seems inevitable that City will buy their way to a title at some point soon but not this year.

Despite all the injuries (yes, Match of the Day, you may want to point out City were missing their captain yesterday, but United have been without theirs for nearly 80% of the season) and despite the gamble on young players playing such a big part in the team so early in their careers, United are at the right part of the table once again. Not that you’d know it but United have lost the least amount of Premier League games this season, won the joint most and scored just one fewer goal than freescoring, ‘we’ll score when we want’ City. This could easily be Fergie’s best title win yet (**insert warning about not getting too ahead of myself**).

There are two months to go before any medals will be handed out, titles are rarely won in March but you can understand the hysteria and buzz that United fans will be feeling this morning. We’ve hit the front of the pack and with players returning, plenty in form, and with a favourable fixture list, all the signs are positive. Not to mention that this has been a season of writing off United and loving-up City; as Neville Southall said on Saturday, “the media hate Man Untied” – they’ll be hating this.

I’m very wary about going overboard now and looking stupid should City win the league, slip-ups from both teams are inevitable. However, should the Premier League trophy have red ribbons on it in May, this last weekend will have been the one fans can pin-point as being crucial – after five months of matching City’s results and sitting in their slipstream, United are top again and about to enter into the home-straight.