Ryan Giggs – Still got it

United pulled off a miracle at Old Trafford yesterday

Bryan Robson’s heroics in United’s 3-0 win over Barcelona in 1984 were replicated almost perfectly by a host of United players yesterday.

It was a night that began with wild stories of Manchester United supporters planning to tear down the “Chosen One” banner and finished with David Moyes punching the air and saluting the crowd.

Miracles do happen,it rightly proved as United went past Greek giants Olympiakos (3-2 on aggregate)

Nobody expected veteran Ryan Giggs to feature or start in a game as crucial as this and that also when he had been reportedly involved in a spat with David Moyes after United’s 3-0 loss to Liverpool.But ,the decision evidently paid off and paid off big time.

The Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney partnership clicked almost perfectly and the missing piece in the partnership turned out to be none other than the 40 year old Ryan Giggs. And the commitment with which the players stepped onto the pitch was too much to take for Michel’s men. Valencia,whose left eye had swollen like a golf ball after being involved in a tackle ,epitomized this perfectly.

The experience needed to take down a tough opponent in a game as decisive as this one.Even at the debilitating age of 40,he played a pivotal role in deciding the outcome of the game indirectly.He still possesses a unique amount of stamina and willingness to barge into opponents to get the ball and can be dubbed as a true leader for the in transition United team.

He was involved in almost every play United managed to  build up throughout the game. He competed in the full 90 minutes of the game and if not for him,United would have succumbed to the pressure Olympiakos applied in the later stages.

His balls from the left flank were still inch perfect and reached the likes of Rooney, van Persie and Welbeck quite quintessentially .

Should United drop van Persie?

RvP has looked frustrated on the pitch

The word “dilemma” is becoming ever so crucial for managers these days especially for Man United’s under fire manager David Moyes,who is struggling to get a hold on his new team.

 

“Manchester United lose” is a headline which has become widely known and prevalent these days and the players are only hoping that the sun rises again at Old Trafford. What Sir Alex Ferguson strived hard to build through the years,is being ripped apart in just a matter of weeks.

 

And when things go the opposite way for a club as big as United,selection dilemma’s are sure to crop in the minds of fans and the staff alike.And one such dilemma which has arisen mainly because of frustrating performances is between Robin van Persie and young Danny Welbeck.

 

As seen by many,Robin van Persie is growing increasingly frustrated with his form these days and there’s no wonder why we’re seeing tackles from him from all angles.He has been operating a lot deeper lately and has not been sitting behind defenders ,which has been a trademark feature of his playing style.As a result ,United have been lacking the killer instinct up front to take down opponents,even in Juan Mata’s presence.

 

While Danny Welbeck is someone who has been on song lately after enduring a tough previous season.His playing style has not changed any bit and his usual way of sprinting around in the field is still in his bag of abilities.He has been very consistent this season,especially when van Persie and Rooney were sidelined during January and has managed to put 9 away.

Can The Nifty One Do It?

 

Nor is the Englishman  dependent on Wayne Rooney or any other player,unlike van Persie. He knows how to get round defenders and with his long legs compliment his abilities of sprinting past defenders.He hardly hides behind defenders and looks out for spaces to have a go at opposing defenders.But still he is turning out to be a nifty goalscorer.

 

David Moyes should consider dropping van Persie for at least a game or two if he sticks to his newly found mentality of sitting deep.Dropping him for the West Ham game may teach him a lesson or two,if he is to improve and feature regularly for United,rather than sporadically.

“Scapegoat” on the verge of signing new deal

United edge close to agreeing new Cleverley deal

Tom Cleverley,who’s quite often blamed for United’s cloudy season,is set to put the disappointments away and sign a new contract at Old Trafford.United are set to offer the Englishman  a new £15 million deal,according to several genuine sources.

Many fans have begun to loath the very look of Clevz,but I reckon this decision to tie him down to a deal may just pay off.He’s often been labelled as a “scapegoat” for United’s poor showings this season but David Moyes is keen to consider him as a part of the rebuilding project.

People have been so harsh against the young man that they have launched a petition demanding he should not be included in England’s World Cup squad.The online petition was signed by 17,000 online detractors and his name was booed on being announced during England’s Friendly against Denmark.

Cleverley’s new deal, which will replace his current contract which expires next year, includes a pay hike to £60,000 each week. He would earn £15million if he sees it out to the end.

Injury updates and Moyes’ open letter

United face a tricky looking trip to the Hawthorns today

United outcast Javier Hernandez’s inclusion in the West Brom game has fallen into stern jeopardy after he picked up a knee injury while featuring for Mexico in midweek.Although,Chicha is doubt for the game but is highly unlikely to feature at the Hawthorns.

Winger Nani is reportedly available to play after recovering from a hamstring injury ,which had kept him out for more than a month.

Utility player Phil Jones is also a doubt for a game not taking into account the fact that he had returned to full training some days ago.Jonah has been out of action for nearly a month after suffering from concussions at the Britannia.

Moving on David Moyes’ open letter,the 50 year old Scot has issued an open letter to United fans after a series of disappointing results.

Fans have witnessed five defeats at Old Trafford since the former Everton manager took over from retiring Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer but Moyes has promised improvement.

 “While I knew that this job would be a challenge when I took it on, the difficult season we have experienced was not something that I envisaged, which I am sure is the case as well for you supporters – and my players, staff and I are desperate to compensate for that.

“You are accustomed to seeing a successful Manchester United and the backing you have given the players and me throughout the season has been incredible.

Everywhere we turn people outside the club have a lot to say about Manchester United, but we have all stuck together through some tough times this season and I firmly believe that, in the long run, we will all come out at the other end, stronger for the experiences.”David Moyes

“Away from home the travelling fans have remained the best in the country while at Old Trafford your unwavering faith has been noticeable and hugely welcomed.

“Supporting your team when they are winning is easy but much harder when things are not going as well, and the loyalty you have shown us has been magnificent.

“Everywhere we turn people outside the club have a lot to say about Manchester United, but we have all stuck together through some tough times this season and I firmly believe that, in the long run, we will all come out at the other end, stronger for the experiences.

“Everything we have been through will make us a better, stronger team and club in the future.

“Over the years you have seen great winning sides here and, in time, I have absolutely no doubt that we will see great winning sides here again.

“A big step towards that will be transforming Old Trafford back into the fortress it has long been renowned as, and we will do everything in our power to get the positive performances and results to do that, so that we can give you season ticket holders and all of our supporters something to shout about.”