Although they are one of the biggest clubs in the world, Manchester United had never traveled to Italy and won in the San Siro against seven time World Champions AC Milan. Furthermore, former United star and England international David Beckham was in the line-up for Milan, providing the emotional story line, stacking the odds even more against United. However, this isn’t the typical Milan juggernaut futbol fans are accustomed to seeing.
The Red Devils, who have demonstrated sensational form over the last month, exploded in the second half to grab an improbable 3-2 win in the first leg of their Champions league Round of 16 match-up.
Wayne Rooney continued to show the world that there is life at United without Ballon D’Or/FIFA Player of the Year winner Cristiano Ronaldo. Rooney scored two sensational headers in the second half, and helped United bag three away goals, virtually assuring their place in the final 8.
Ronaldhino, who was electric for Milan, took a deflected Beckham free kick in the 3rd minute and smashed it home off a United defender. The oft-criticized Brazilian help to create numerous first- half chances for Milan, who to be fair, should have been leading by two goals or more at the half. Milan was left to rue these missed chances, as United found their attacking flair in the second half, and made the most of their chances. Sir Alex Ferguson showed once again why he is the ultimate ‘gaffer’, with a brilliant second half substitution that immediately translated into a United goal. United substitute Antonio Valencia, with his first touch of the game, crossed a deep ball to Rooney, who headed the ball passed Dida in the Milan goal. A few minutes later, Darren Fletcher showed his quality, with a brilliant chip right onto the head of Rooney. Clarence Seedorf scored an exquisite back heel in the 85th minute to pull the game back to 3-2, giving Milan some hope for their return leg at Old Trafford.
Two months ago United looked like a team that had no chance of winning the Carling Cup; let alone a fourth straight Premier League title, or booking their third straight trip to the Champions League final. The midfield lacked expression, Rooney was the only player who could find the net, and the defense was decimated by injuries.
Liverpool is garbage without Fernando Torres and has zero depth. Arsenal is not the same without point man Robin Van Persie. And, pre-season favorite Chelsea have underperformed recently, leaving the door open for United to claw back into the title race. Chelsea currently maintains a slim one point lead over United in league play, and may succumb to the pressure being applied by a rejuvenated United side. Furthermore, Chelsea may be sent home by their former manager Jose Mourinho and Inter Milan in the Champions League, leaving United as the class of England once again.
I am tired of people thinking that Manchester United is a bandwagon team that buys the world’s best players. I am tired of the perception that they are the New York Yankees of English soccer. United brings in young, unheralded players on the cheap, develops them into stars, and sells them to big clubs for massive profit. United has a proven system that is bigger than individual talent. United has a manager that demands effort and excellence. United has a starting XI that lacks the celebrity of Chelsea, Barcelona, and Real Madrid; but, they get results with hard work and determination.
This goes out to all Chelsea fans: this was supposed to be your year and you better get your act together quickly. After United sold Cristiano Ronaldo, all the pundits counted out United as a viable title contender. Your roster is full of players that are overpaid and play out of position. By the time your Russian owner gives up on this underachieving group and buys a new crop of overpriced stars, United will be firing on all cylinders. Sir Alex is grooming the next generation of talent with young players like Valencia, Nani, Macheda, and Obertan, who will compliment soon to be player of the year Wayne Rooney.
United banked 80 million dollars with the sale of Ronaldo, and will certainly bring in an expressive midfielder like Luka Modric this summer. This was the year to dethrone the Red Devils, but by looking at their current form, they may be the team to beat once again. It will be glorious to shut the mouths of all Blues fans.
Woodman – Man United fan, and proud of it
Filed under: Soccer Tagged: | ac milan, Champions League, clarence seedorf, darren fletcher, david beckham, Manchester United, ronaldhino, sir alex ferguson, wayne rooney
