Manchester United went back to the 2nd place of the English Premier League table after defeating visitor’s Sunderland in a boring show at Old Trafford where the club celebrated the manager’s 25 years at Manchester United and honoured him by renaming The North Stand to the “Sir Alex Ferguson Stand”.
A slow tempo by our team, the overall performance was too normal however it is very important to get three points and win games now and wait until Sir Alex Ferguson finds a clue to retain the outstanding performance we seen from the players at the beginning of the season. I am sure this will be seen after Christmas time!
We saw Wayne Rooney playing out of his preferred position upfront, he did his job perfectly but as I said after Galati game, something must happen to solve our midfield’s problems by either promoting promising young players such as Pogba and Morrison or signing new players in January.
Another good point can be taken from the game was the partnership between Vidic and Ferdinand. It was nice to see them playing together again. Although Ferdinand pace was slow, I hope they keep building on today performance and remind us of their form in 2007-2008 when we won the UEFA Champions League.
Manchester United 1 Sunderland 0
Brown’s own goal ensures Fergie’s big day doesn’t fall flat (Daily Mail): The game, which will certainly not live as long in the memory, was settled in the hosts’ favour in first-half injury time when former United man Wes Brown headed into his own net on his first return to Old Trafford. Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand started together in the United central defence for the first time since the opening day of the season, with Anders Lindegaard given a chance in goal.
Wes Brown og perfect gift for Fergie (Mirror): Sir Alex Ferguson celebrated 25 years in charge of Manchester United with victory over Sunderland thanks to a helping hand from one of his former players. The Scot, who took over at Old Trafford on November 6, 1986, walked onto the pitch through a guard of honour made up of both teams and former United defender Steve Bruce, now manager of Sunderland, before chief executive David Gill announced the north stand was being renamed in his honour.
Laboured United tame Black Cats (SKYSPORTS): As 25-year anniversary presents go a three-point haul would appease most managers but Sir Alex Ferguson will be well aware it was far from a vintage Manchester United performance that secured a 1-0 win over Sunderland.
Highlights:
Stretford End Banner for Sir Alex
Moment of SAF entering the ground
When United will play beautifully again?
I am not going to imply or veil in any way that performance was champagne football it was more flat lemonade, to be supped through a sweaty sock and endured.The point really and it was the same against Everton and the Romanians midweek was to rebuild confidence and close the backdoor, after the (unmentionable) shipping goals.
As far as that job done, three more points another tricky opponent out of the way.I also believe the lads today did not want to fail the greatest ever manager in the Premiership and arguably of all time in English football.Hence there was a hesitation and lack of gusto and nervousness in the play.Imagine how we would all be writing/thinking if it had gone foul on his big day.
Clearly the highlight was the fabulous and rightly deserved tribute to the ‘proper’ boss, lol.It was magnificent and I will not hide the fact, I had a huge smile on my face and a tear in my eye.It was a moment to live for, the North stand name lacked class, its now got a zing and some panache.My only regreton this subject you would have thought the Glazer’s could have made the effort to be there to commerate the achievement and be on the hallowed turf along with David Gill.That’s not to much to ask is it, it might even start to repair some bridges, not in my case but with some of the ‘faithfull’ that slavishly support at Old Trafford.
Finally,a few little points, Wes Browns 6th goal for United, we miss you Wes and your experience and ability to play in numerous postions.
United during the whole match had 2 completed dribbles bye Ji Sung Park, not a dig just an observation of lack of confidence.
Wayne Rooney in his ‘new role’ the Sneijder effect was an improvement on his last outing, in fact in my opinion, man of the match for United.The Sunderland goalkeeper Westwood was a bit tasty also.
A dull game, not a yawn fest, but job done for our Boss.
Big shout out for Sir Alex, one of a kind the envy of all our competitors and I hope they have the humilty to provide the plaudits to him over the next few days.The like of him we will never see again.
Orra best.Cheers,Boss.
Very Nice Blog! Cheers 😀