United – season so far…

The much awaited and eagerly anticipated EPL season 2009/10 kicked off in August with most of the EPL fans believing that this would be the start of United’s downfall. United side had a different look – with the departure of Ronaldo to Real Madrid and with Carlos Tevez’s move to City (Blame Berbatov) and the arrival of the old war horse Michael Owen, untested Gabriel Obertan and Antonio Valenica from Wigan. All pundits had written off United by now- even before a single ball was kicked. Pre-Season predictions pointed to Liverpool winning the league with Chelsea coming a close second and United a distant third or even fourth for that matter.

As always predictions by the so called pundits of BBC and Sky were horribly wrong. Injuries to Torres and Gerrard ensured Liverpool lost more matches than they won in the first few months. Chelsea started very strong and they were looking dangerous under the new coach Carlo Ancelotti. Manchester City started very well and then drew string of matches- eventually their coach Mark Hughes was given the boot. Arsenal as usual were in the elements as well.


So what was happening to United then? Loss at Turf Moor to Burnely was a shocker. Losses to Chelsea, Liverpool, Fulham and Villa ensured that they had lost five matches by year end. No team which has lost five matches by Christmas has gone on to win the league since its inception. But Chelsea ensured that they kept United within touching distance as they lost to the likes of Wigan, Villa and Everton.

United’s main man was Rooney- whopping 28 goals so far with another 10-15 matches to go in the season. He has been exceptional and has been driving United. Valencia’s contribution has been commendable as well. United’ problems lay bare in defence where the first choice defence playing together only four times this season. Add to that Berbatov’s barren run in front of goal. Embarrasing to note ‘Own goals’ is the second top scorer after Rooney.The old warhorses Giggs and Scholes have again kept the side together and their contributions have been priceless. Sir Alex has once again proved everybody wrong with his brilliant squad selection and superb tactics.

Nevertheless, United has given some memorable and fabulous moments this season—Owen’s injury time winner against city, performance against Arsenal in EPL, the superb show in San Siro aand now the CARLING CUP CHAMPIONS. United are very much in contention for the EPL title with just one point behind Chelsea at this stage of the season and Chelsea are yet to visit Old Trafford. With mouthwatering Champions league ties ahead we are in for exciting finish of what has been a stop start season for United so far.