Post by Scott on May 1, 2008 21:07:10 GMT
This has been a month with mixed fortunes for United, taking us on a rollercoaster of emotions. The month started with our 2-0 victory away to Roma, making us certain favourites to progress to the semi-finals with the away goals on our side. Rooney had ended his 6 games without a goal drought the week before with 2 against Villa, and put away the second against Roma after Ronaldo had scored our opener in the first half.
Five days later we came from behind twice to earn a point at the Riverside, with Rooney and Ronaldo both on the scoresheet again. Of course Alves would pick his match against United to find the back of the net, after hitting the woodwork against Chelsea the match previous. After the two he scored against United, he has scored just one goal since.
We had a good week that followed though, beating Roma at home courtesy of a Carlos Tevez goal, and ended Arsenal’s diminishing title hopes with a 2-1 win at Old Trafford. Going a goal behind to that lanky bastard Ade’s handballed effort, a Ronaldo penalty and perfect Hargreaves freekick gave us the three points.
The following weekend I travelled over to some small town in Burnley to witness an away day draw. Our support was fantastic, as always, with 7000+ reds taking over Ewood Park, and this was repaid with another Tevez goal at the death. On a day where we couldn’t really afford to drop points, we left grateful with collecting any, with our lead at the top dropping to just three points.
A 0-0 scoreline at the Nou Camp followed, with United playing a strong defensive game against the attacking delights of Barcelona. We were left to rue Ronaldo’s penalty miss in the opening couple of minutes, hoping that failing to leave with an away goal wouldn’t cost us.
60 hours later, we were at Stamford Bridge, and all seemed to be going to plan when Rooney put away his first one on one in ages with an hour played. However, the points were cruelly taken away from us when the linesman signalled a penalty should be awarded against Michael Carrick after a ball to hand incident. Ballack scored his second of the game, putting the blues 2nd on goal difference alone. Was this the start of a week that would make or break United’s season?
I felt sick all day on Tuesday, with the Barcelona game to be played in the evening. There is something so final and terrifying about 2nd leg matches in Europe, knowing that the team going in to the game with the advantage doesn’t always walk away victorious.
The atmosphere was electric inside Old Trafford, with Wilf McGuinness giving a rousing talk to the fans before kick off. We roared down on to the pitch in a night of truly wonderful support. There were flags and scarves aplenty, with song after song being shouted from the stands (some of which can be heard here). Paul Scholes scored a blinding goal with less than fifteen minutes played, which was the goal that saw United through to the European Cup final, the third in our history. More of this will be said later…
In the past month, a couple of new design’s have been added to the shop.
In other forum news, we had our 2nd birthday this week, which was a massive achievement. I’ve said it several times before, but when I started this forum in the close of our relatively unsuccessful 2005/2006 season, I never envisaged we’d go on to grow as much as we have. It seems we have been a good luck charm for the club too, with us winning the league and making the FA Cup final in our first full season, and now three games away from potentially achieving a league and European Cup double! Fingers crossed.
Adam had something to say on the anniversary…
Adam
28th April 2006, The Republik of Mancunia was launched. (Thanks to Scott...a round of applause for him, I'm sure you'd all agree)
During a time when Manchester United were preparing to travel to Stamford Bridge (April 29th) to try and keep the feintest of title hopes alive, United were beat resoundingly 3-0, Chelsea were crowned Champions and Mr. Wayne Rooney was stretchered off with a metatarsal injury to send the whole fuckin' country crazy.
United were a team that on the surface looked as though we were going nowhere, too soon and the atmosphere on the forum was one that was upbeat and optimistic - something which was part of keeping me here as I'd had enough of being slated for supporting Fergie, the Glazers (albeit through gritted teeth) and United's players too come good, on other forums.
A year and a day after the forum's launch United went to Goodison Park and overturned a 2-0 deficit to beat Everton and all but seal the title. Our first title in four seasons.
This despite only bringing in Kuszczak and Carrick and losing goal machine Ruud van Nistelrooy - and oh yeah, the small matter of United's usual post-World Cup England scapegoat bullshit - yes, Ronnie was still here and yes, he was proving to be one of the best players in the World.
The forum was buzzing, excitement was building and more and more members were signing up.
Signing up at Old Trafford soon after our title success were Hargreaves, Tevez, Anderson and Nani - we couldn't believe our luck!
As it stands now, we have a massive 2218 members, a strong core of members who are always knocking about (the sad bastards) and always getting involved in the community feel of the board.
A forum which has seen possibly the darkest days of United's recent history and since our creation followed United as Fergie rebuilds another all conquering side.
Now celebrating the 2nd anniversary on the eve of the biggest game of the season so far.
Beat Barca and we're going to Moscow, it's as simple as this, win our next four games and we're English and European Champions.
Who woulda thunk it, eh?
2 years ago all was doom and gloom and now we're preparing to celebrate what could be one of the most successful years in United's history - ROM's creation couldn't just be mere coincidence!
(Thanks goes to Scott, Sil, Jorge and the regulars on ROM for making the forum a great place, thanks!)
Almost there…
By the time next month’s paper comes out, the season will be over, so I am looking for as many members as possible to contribute. We’ll be looking for reviews/articles on anything to do with the season. The best player, the best match, the most crucial moment, the new signings, potential transfers for the summer etc. So please, whether you’ve written before or you’re new to it, get in touch if you’re at all interested. Doesn’t have to be anything too long or time consuming, but I’ve love to hear reflections on the season from as many of you as possible.
Now let us begin:
Member of the Month
This month seems to have a rather peculiar winner of the award. Not because the winner is particularly odd (although some might disagree) but we’re going with something we haven’t before. In a month where MissUnited and myself have taken more of a backseat role in the forum, BusbyBoy and Red Yank have stepped up to the plate to keep the forum in smooth running order. That is why Jorge is winning this month’s Member of the Month, thanks to his activity and ability to keep the boards modded efficiently. So cheers Red Yank, and congrats!
Almost there…
By the time next month’s paper comes out, the season will be over, so I am looking for as many members as possible to contribute. We’ll be looking for reviews/articles on anything to do with the season. The best player, the best match, the most crucial moment, the new signings, potential transfers for the summer etc. So please, whether you’ve written before or you’re new to it, get in touch if you’re at all interested. Doesn’t have to be anything too long or time consuming, but I’ve love to hear reflections on the season from as many of you as possible.
Match of the Month
This month’s write up is by Jak.
A big thank you to Scott for once again asking me to choose Manchester United’s Match of the Month, this time for April. When Scott contacted me in mid-April, his original deadline for my submission was April 27, and I messaged him to ask if he could extend that deadline to April 29 – I couldn’t possibly leave out the upcoming Champions League second leg at Old Trafford as one of my options! Of course he obliged, and I am so glad he did! Because I have a chance to write about an exciting, dramatic, emotional and absolutely pivotal match for the Red Devils.
Perhaps if our visit to Stamford Bridge on April 26th had ended more positively, and our domestic title hopes secured that day, choosing my Match of the Month would have been more difficult, but with the Premier League title still in the balance as I write this, then I must focus on the match that opened the door to Luzhniki Stadium for us.
There were many who doubted Sir Alex’s tactics on the first leg of the semi-final tie, myself included. Supporters questioned the line-up, questioned the formation, and wondered why our offensive instincts had been muffled in the 0-0 draw. Sir Alex asked us to have faith, and assured us that the return leg would showcase United’s strengths. He also demanded that the crowd respond with all the spirit and pride they could muster. And how they responded! Even over the television, as the match began, it was a raucous, throbbing atmosphere. I can only imagine how it felt (and sounded) inside Old Trafford.
With injuries to Wayne Rooney and Nemanja Vidic, I was on edge. It is a credit to the depth and character of our squad that, even on a pivotal night such as this, the two were not missed, except for a heartfelt wish that they could both be on the pitch to share in the experience.
My heart was in my mouth when only a minute into the match, Paul Scholes brought down Lionel Messi just outside the area. It could have been a horrid opening for us, but fortunately, the officiating was astute (I thought the entire team of German officials was excellent.) Messi, to our relief, did not capitalize on the free-kick. We did not look completely confident in the opening moments. But in the 14th minute, Barcelona committed a horrendous blunder when Gianluca Zambrotta tackled Cristiano Ronaldo but then surrendered the ball to Paul Scholes. Our midfielder unleashed a thunderbolt from 30 yards out that swerved into the top corner of Valdes’ net. Pandemonium!
A Hollywood screenwriter could not imagine this script in a hundred years. The reigning champions of England on the verge of qualifying for an all-English Champions League final because of a goal scored by an Englishman!
We all remember the bittersweet sight of Paul Scholes and Roy Keane, dressed in their team suits, jointly hoisting in celebration the European Cup in 1999 – unable to play in the final at the Nou Camp because of suspension. What a joy then for Paul to score the goal that won this match for us today. (And don’t you hope Roy was watching too? – I can just imagine a glimmer of a smile on his face at the sight.) And what an absolute privilege it is that Paul is still with us after nine years, still fit, still commanding in midfield, still bold in his tackles, still explosive with that right foot.
Tonight, United's defence, particularly Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown and Patrice Evra, were outstanding as Barcelona held possession for over 65% of the match. The pressure was intense as Barca launched attack after attack from midfield. Rio, majestically captaining the side, organized the resistance; each time United lost possession, he and his fellow defenders made sure that the door was kept firmly shut. It was an amazing display of concentration, resilience and determination.
Everyone contributed to the defensive display, even our striker Carlos Tevez. The Argentinian was never still, his workrate mind-boggling, delivering some key blocks and tackles. He, Nani, Park and Ronaldo set a fast pace, keeping the Barcelona defense busy with some good attempts at the net. Barcelona replied with a fine run by Messi from deep in midfield that forced an excellent save by Edwin van der Sar. Deco as well had some fine shots from distance that swung wide or over. Some of Edwin’s clearances looked stiff and pained, and I definitely think our goalkeeper is not 100% physically, but with help from Evra, Hargreaves, Ferdinand and Brown, he dealt with every assault on the box from Barcelona.
Frank Rijkaard sent in Thierry Henry after 60 minutes, but the momentum was with United and we continued to threaten a second goal. Desperate, Barcelona began to resort to long balls forward – somewhat amusing considering how critical individuals like Rijkaard and Cruyff have been in the European media in recent weeks about the perceived “English” style of playing football. Henry had a few chances – the best a header directed right at Van der Sar from Xavi’s corner. The final fifteen minutes were breathless as Barcelona tried again and again to penetrate the wall of United’s defense. Rijkaard sent on another striker, the youngster Bojan. In his interplay with Messi, we witnessed some brilliant defending by Michael Carrick and Evra as they contained the threat.
In injury time, Evra went down with a blow to his jaw; he was stretchered off, and Silvestre came on. Play resumed, but it was an agonizing few minutes as the clock ticked down. Everyone was looking at their watches, willing the referee to blow his whistle. Finally over! 1-0 for United! The team was delirious, Sir Alex was bounding about, and the crowd was going absolutely mad. What a result!
So May 21st in Moscow, we face either Chelsea or Liverpool for the first all-English final in the Champions League. Sir Alex has promised that Paul Scholes will start in the Cup final – a start that is over nine years in the making. I am delighted for Paul, and I am so proud of our team’s performance, not only in this semi-final round, but since the campaign began. In defense, we have been clinical and devastating, as impenetrable as I have ever seen in many seasons of following Manchester United. And our will to succeed is absolutely ironclad.
You do not have to be a believer in destiny or the supernatural to imagine that Sir Matt and the Babes were smiling down at Old Trafford tonight. Congratulations to Sir Alex and all the players, and on to Moscow!
Manchester United: Van der Sar, Hargreaves, Ferdinand, Brown, Evra (Silvestre 90), Park, Scholes (Fletcher 76), Carrick, Nani (Giggs 76), Ronaldo, Tevez.
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Anderson, O'Shea, Welbeck.
Booked: Carrick, Ronaldo.
Goals: Scholes 14.
Barcelona: Valdes, Zambrotta, Puyol, Milito, Abidal, Toure Yaya (Gudjohnsen 88), Messi, Xavi, Deco, Iniesta (Henry 60), Eto'o (Bojan 72).
Subs Not Used: Pinto, Edmilson, Sylvinho, Thuram.
Booked: Zambrotta, Deco, Toure Yaya.
Attendance: 75,061
Referee: Herbert Fandel (Germany).
Player of the Month
This month’s write up is by Supatrice.
My player of the month in what's been an up and down month, with a win against Arsenal, defeat at Chelsea and victory against Barcelona is the reluctant hero Paul Scholes. For no more than the majestic strike against Barcelona. It was enough for me to choose him for that alone. Technically, I probably should have gone for Rio or one of the back four, who have been brilliant this month and all season but it's my choice so, tough.
He's not a press whore and he never has and never will get the praise he deserves, but ask UTD fans and UTD players and you will understand just how good, and how important he is. Special, Like a little piece of Ginger gold.
As I'm writing this and trying to find the words to best describe the legend and failing miserably, I've just learned that he has been rewarded for his continued brilliance with a 2 year deal which will keep him at the club until he is at least 35.
“I can no longer see an end to their (Scholes and Giggs) careers. They must be the best two players I’ve ever had." - Sir Alex Ferguson.
When you remember that Sir Alex has had players like Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Ronaldo, Beckham, Nistelrooy and Forlan ect it really is the ultimate compliment. And perhaps better sums up Scholes than I ever could.
After the Chelsea match I put on Five live and listened to Tim Love joys show. A debate on whether English pride had been restored after failing to qualify by two English teams making the Champions league final started. When one caller rang in and refuted the claim that it had, siting that there were only 12 English players in the 3 teams that competed in the semi finals and the best were in defense. "why do you think the English teams went through, because of players like Drogba and Ronaldo" That made me smile. Henry, Messi, Ronaldo, Eto'o all players nominated for world player of the year, and all mega superstars. But there was one star that out shone them all when it mattered, the humble little genius from Oldham.
Michael Carrick recently said that when Scholes is in the team no matter what we feel like we have a chance to win. I feel exactly the same. THANK YOU SCHOLES #worship# You are my favourite ever UTD player and here's to two more years #beer#
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I hope you enjoyed the twenty third edition of The Paper. Any comments about it please leave in the comments thread on this board
Editor: Scott
