United vs City FA Cup Post Mortem

Picture courtesy of The Observer

From the glorious highs of defeating Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday to the crushing low of losing to City at Wembley in an FA Cup semi final on Saturday, as a famous Scottish knight of the realm once uttered, "Football, bloody hell!!.

United's treble chance ultimately became, as many suspected, an impossible dream with a disappointing defeat at Wembley. The first half was notable only for a couple of Dimitar Berbatov missed chances that if converted would have changed the whole complexion of the match. The first effort came as a result of terrific interplay between Scholes and Park who fed Berbatov only to be denied by the on-rushing Hart who smothered the Bulgarian's shot. The second, coming in the next phase of play, is harder to legislate for. Nani jinked inside Zabaletta and rolled the ball invitingly across the six yard box where a lunging Berbatov managed to scoop the ball over the bar from just a few yards out. Although a glaring miss, his stretch towards the ball was the reason it ended up over the bar in combination with the speed of impact on the ball.

The second half was dominated by City for the most part after their defence were belatedly pushed up at half time by Mancini, safe in the knowledge that pace over the top was not a viable threat until the late introduction of Hernández. The player that stepped up for the blue side of Manchester and ultimately proved the difference between the two side was Yaya Touré who broke from midfield time and time again and was on hand when a Carrick pass was anticipated and intercepted. A driving, trademark run across Vidic left him with Van Der Sar  in his sights and the Ivorian somewhat fortuitously found a gap between the Dutchman's legs to send City fans into ecstasy.  

The expected United onslaught never really materialised and their chances were compounded by the dismissal of Scholes for a high challenge on Zabaletta. The exuberance of subs Hernández and Anderson only made a minimal impact and United were left to ponder the reasons that a team can experience such a high in the same week as this depressing low.

A few talking points from the game

Rooney absence keenly felt

In the build up to the game, a lot of the talk was which of the respective side's warriors would be missed the most. Surprisingly, the loss of Rooney became one of the keys to the United loss. The main reason for this was demonstrated by the recent Champions League tie with Chelsea. With the Englishman in the side, it allowed the manager to play just Carrick and Giggs in central midfield due to Rooney's insatiable work ethic in his role off the front where he can drop in and make a three when the opposition has the ball. For all of Berbatov's wonderful qualities, defensive responsibility does not rank highly so a third central midfielder was required to match City in this department and the knock on effect from an attacking point of view was keenly felt.

Picture courtesy of The Observer

The Bulgarian became isolated from his colleagues and the attacking midfielder selected (Park) was not able to support him sufficiently to prove an effective threat. With Rooney in the team, neither De Jong or Barry would have had time on the ball and the likely inclusion of Hernández would have created space in a congested midfield as their back line would have had to drop deep to ensure the Mexican could not run in behind. This is not a criticism of Berbatov as him and Rooney are totally different players but you can certainly see the reasons why Rooney and Hernández are currently the first choice striking partnership.

Farewell to a legend?

As Paul Scholes trudged off the Wembley turf after his thigh high lunge had brought a tenth red card, my mind instantly pondered whether we were seeing the last chapter in a glittering career being played out in front of us. The wonderful, instinctive ability is still there without a doubt but with each mis-timed tackle and inevitable retribution from the referee's pocket comes a realisation in his own mind that perhaps the sands of time are catching up with him finally. When under little pressure or the game is slow, the little master can still control a game but when the pressure is applied or he begins to tire, a rash tackle is a sure sign of frustration as his ageing body struggles to stamp any authority on the game.

Given his introverted personality, when his exit from the stage is announced expect it to be without fuss and any kind of fanfare. There is talk that a testimonial is planned for August when a galaxy of stars past and present can display their appreciation for the most gifted player of his generation. Scholes is my favourite United player over the last twenty years or so and I, for one would like to see him bow out after another successful, trophy laden season rather than see him almost forced into retirement by poor performance or disciplinary problems. Replacing him will be impossible and the number 18 shirt will carry a memorable legacy. One would expect him to stay in the game, out of the limelight I would imagine, but perhaps coaching youngsters and handing down the wealth of experience gathered ever since he made his first appearance in the league cup against Port Vale back in September 1994.

How do you solve a problem like Patrice?

United fans love Patrice Evra, that is unequivocal. But there is little doubt that in the course of this season he has lost his joie de vivre. Many observers point to his role in France's calamitous World Cup campaign and subsequent suspension as a possible reason but one imagines that must be more to it. Although still a threat in attacking areas, he has frequently been caught out from a defensive point of view as the season has progressed and this week demonstrates the fact perfectly. While he was often a conspicuous threat down the left flank this week, he was at fault for Drogba's goal in midweek and several times yesterday seemed to be caught out of position or beaten too easily. A mini-break for the next two games would do him the world of good and with the effervescent Fabio an able deputy, United can cope ahead of greater challenges in the weeks ahead. There is little doubt that when on-form, he ranks in the top three left backs in world football and all players are liable to slumps in form so it is hoped that he can be nursed through the rest of the season without further mishap before a richly deserved summer break sees him back firing next season.

A midfield enforcer?

The one position I feel needs attention in the summer is that of a defensive midfielder. Unfortunately we can no longer expect a Lazarus like recovery from Owen Hargreaves so reinforcement must be sought from elsewhere. With our defence well stocked both now and for the future and safe in the knowledge that we are the top scorers this season, attack is not particularly a worry, the midfield is the area that will come under close scrutiny in the summer. The addition of an enforcer would be beneficial in the type of games where keeping it tight is essential while not diminishing any attacking intent. As mentioned earlier, Rooney's inclusion in his favoured role off the front means that when the opposition have the ball we play effectively a three in that department but a strong ball winner alongside a ball player would be a perfect balance. They would have to be a special player who buys into the team ethic quickly as his role in lesser games may well be to close out the game from the substitutes bench. Therefore, this very specific role would surely suit an experienced player who would relish a new challenge at a bigger club. As I write the name that springs to mind is Scott Parker. Stranger things have happened!

Looking forward

Although bitterly disappointing, United must re-group as the next battle looms large on the horizon on Tuesday and it takes on huge significance in a season that is rapidly heading towards its climax. Newcastle at St James' Park has been a favoured fixture for the most part over the years and it is vital that three points are accumulated as well as next Saturday against Everton. With Arsenal having tough fixtures against Liverpool (Sunday) and then the North London derby on Wednesday, the current gloom brought on by yesterday could well be blown away with the holy grail of Championship number 19 edging closer as each game passes. Team selection for Tuesday will be key of course and one would expect the return to the starting lineup of Rooney, Giggs and Hernández will prove too much for Newcastle to overcome.

Please leave any comments on my post below or contact me via Twitter. I welcome your views at any time and always do my best to reply.

As mentioned after our last defeat in the league against Liverpool, keep calm and have belief in your team and its staff. The treble was always likely to prove to be the impossible dream but the double is still on and who better to drive us towards the finishing line than the manager who has done so numerous times over the last 25 years.