Well two games gone, and the season is off an running as we chase No. 20! And I must admit that I am pretty excited based upon what I have see to date. More of the same please.
After the Wembley game in May, there was a real feeling of uneasiness over what the summer would hold. We had what was perceived as an ageing team, the retirements of VDS, Scholes, Neville and a midfield that was taken apart by Messi and his mates. There were the young players of course, but the gap to the first team still seemed a bit big for the guys to cross just now.
Well shows how much I know! Suddenly, and once again, SAF has transformed the squad and there is a sense of youthful, but skilled enthusiasm throughout the side. He has shown faith and the kids are repaying that in bucketloads. Now we all know that there is a long long way to go, but when you look at the experience on the bench and in the stands today you have to be happy. I would still like to see us sign an experienced midfielder to supplement the exisiting, especially on those big CL nights, but if not, then happy to go with what we have.
My thoughts on the team tonight:
David De Gea -- much better performance. Looks confident in distribution and held well for most of the game. Couple of fumbles but not unexpected and not nearly as bad as made out by Macca on ESPN. He is young, and learning well and the shutout will do him the power of good. One thing that he will need to become used to is the art of remaining completely focused when he has little to do, not something he will have experienced before.
Chris Smalling -- coped well at rightback and really didnt give Bale a chance. Strong going forward which really is a significant part of his game.
Phil Jones -- several commentators said he was a steal at 16m. They were so right. He is without doubt a future captain, and that tackle in the second half was immense. Love him already.
John Evans -- another solid performance. I do not, however, like his habit of coming out of defence with the ball and then stopping and waiting to make a pass. Draws strikers on to him and you know it will end in tears one day.
Pat Evra -- caught for pace a few times by Lennon but worked well going forward with Young.
Anderson -- say it quietly, but we might finally be beginning to see the player that we thought we had bought. Strong in midfield, went forward well and even scored! May be benefiting from finally getting a run in the team.
Tom Cleverley -- has this kid really only started twice? Already feels like he has been there for ages. Definite star and does remind me of Scholes as he comes forward. Very seldom does a pass go astray. Exciting. We need to ensure that we don't burn him out too quick, and for that reason we might still sign an experienced midfielder ......
Nani -- not one of his better performances. Would have liked to get him out in the right wing a bit more and he is going to need to be careful when Tony V is available.
Rooney -- He looks 10 years younger and has started the season on fire. All over the place. Must be the new hair!
Ashley Young -- has fitted in just great. Love his running at defences (needs to keep running into the peno box and we are going to get the awards) and his link play with Rooney etc. Great signing.
And of course the bench wasn't bad with Chico, Park, Giggs, Fabio, Berbi and Carrick all there. Of course that doesn't include those in the stands such as Rio, Vidic, Rafa, Fletcher, Owen ........
Great result and bring on the Arse on Sunday. No mercy, lets go at them from the first whistle ......
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