It was a wonderful performance by Sunderland in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford. Plain and simple Manchester United was played off the park. Sunderland won all the battles in every area of the pitch including the score line for most of the game.
With almost no memorable shot on goal in the first half and down 1-0, the thought of Manchester United losing this game without a fight didn’t really sit comfortably in the mind just because they have proven over and over again to know how to squeeze the out results when you least expect it especially against ‘not so even quality’ sides. So it was more of a ‘reputation’ fear than the quality of the side fear that Steve Bruce’s side would just miss out on that elusive win at Old Trafford once again.
Sunderland showed what some of us have known for a while and that this Manchester United team is overrated.
Yes, yes they have individual talents with the likes of Rooney, Berbatov, Giggs, Nani etc., etc, but the form of United as a team is not comparable to the Manchester United of years past. Two major reasons with: Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez. The departure of these two players and the failure of adequate replacements makes the champions just another ordinary team.
Having Ronaldo in a Manchester United line up does something to the psyche of most defenders potentially forcing defensive errors to the advantage of United which ultimately leads to free kicks and we know who’s specialty that is. There’s a faster United team on the pitch with quick play and passes to the midfield speedster Ronaldo, which frees up space for Rooney and Berbatov and the likes.
Having Tevez guarantees resilience and an unbelievable work ethic – that ‘never say die attitude’ – until the final minute.
Valencia was brought in as a ‘replacement’ for Ronaldo but is yet to show what part of Ronaldo’s game he possesses, while no player has exhibited Tevez’s model of play. Berbatov is expected to step up but his style is different and cannot be an effective striker without the right support. This is proven by his classy and superb equalizer. Therefore the ‘new’ look United cannot build plays around Berbatov like they did Ronaldo with the same style of play.
Wayne Rooney has been in great form for the champions but has that temper of his and with the right defensive play; you’re guaranteed to experience the seemingly tamed anger in expressive forms ultimately affecting his game. Having Paul Scholes in the midfield is like walking on egg shells due to his lack of tackling abilities and his susceptibility to getting red carded. Ryan Giggs: invaluable but not young anymore so cannot start every game.
Defensively, Ferdinand has spent more time on the injury bench than he has on the field. His apt replacement Evans means Vidic has to stay back for most of the game and his sojourning to the opposition eighteen is curtailed. And with Van der Sar, out injured for another few weeks, the United goals is all for grabs.
What Sunderland did on Saturday was to expose the lack of creativity and out of shape Manchester United team to the rest of the Premiership teams. They also exposed the fact that with the right level of concentration till the whistle blows your lead is guaranteed and ensures Manchester United fails to equalize.
Without effective replacements or substitutes for the departed players especially Ronaldo and without the adoption of a new style of play, United will remain the ordinary team they are now and very beatable for all to enjoy.
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