FA CUP FINAL: Chelsea 1 – Man Utd 0

I’m speechless, so disappointed, depressed. The Double dream has been shattered.

The goal came in at time when United were controlling the tempo, starting to create moves that is United football, and out of a sudden there was this double substitution for Giggs and Carrick. I thought Carrick was alright in the midfield, breaking up plays and produced some good long passes although he didn’t have one of his best day, and Giggs was still making play, creating spaces for himself, although he probably should’ve done better from that Rooney pass from the right wing –even with his scuffed effort, the ball was clearly over the line, and with the referee giving a goal kick to Chelsea, it was just wrong; if the referee thought Giggs’ motion might’ve pushed Cech who already was holding the ball, he should’ve given Chelsea a free kick –.

It was a final with all the high anticipation of the new Wembley stadium –which does look awesome, except for the pitch condition– and the meeting of a newly crowned Premiership champion in Manchester United and a team that look to lost it all, including their overly irritating coach, Mourinho in Chelsea. The game itself though is left to be desired as the first half was literally walking pace and both teams were cautious. The second half produced better pace, especially withArjen Robben coming in for Joe Cole, and with Man U later introducing Alan Smith, United started to get back to their flowing football. In general though, the final reminded me of the 2005 Final where United were dominating the game against a Thierry Henry-less Arsenal team, only to fail to break their defence and lost in penalties.

As sour as the season might’ve ended for United though with this FA Cup Final loss, we should be proud enough that Chelsea’s arrogance is finally broken. Winning both FA Cup and League Cup might be some sort of double for any team, but winning back the Premiership with the best attractive football is probably a much greater achievement for Manchester United, and according to Sir Alex, United has done football a favor by taking the crown back from Chelsea! Ouchh, eat it Jose!!

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!

Oh yeah!! Manchester United is the 2006/2007 Barclays English Premier League Champions!!! With Chelsea drawing 1-1 at the Emirates Stadium, United’s lead at 7 points with 2 games remaining has confirmed the end of Chelsea’s bid for a three peat. It’s the astonishing record 9th Premiership crown for Sir Alex Ferguson’s team in the last 15 years he’s taking charge at the club. No none is even near this record, and with United crowned the king again after a 4 years absence –the last Premiership title was in 2003 when they completed the three peats– signals the beginning of another golden era for Ferguson’s team with the likes of Rooney, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Vidic, Ferdinand, Carrick, O’Shea and the influential old guards as Giggsy, Scholesy, and Neville, along with van der Sar providing the vital experience for blending with the exuberance of youth. This is one of the best ever runs for the Premiership and every bit of the game that I’ve supported this season worth it. It was a magnificent season, and we truly deserve it. Congratulations to Sir Alex, every member of the Manchester United teams, to everyone associated with Manchester United, and to every fellow supporters!!! We’ve done it!!!

MAN CITY 0 – MAN UTD 1

VAN DER SAR!!!!!

No doubt it might go down as the league clinching penalty –although if you look at the replay it was never a penalty!! I guess the referee awarded it as a result of pressure from the fans and some comments on United’s penalty “rule”. The good thing though is that is there’s any sign that Mourinho will eat his own words, this will be the season. Yes, United finally was given a penalty against, but oh Mr. Jose, it still doesn’t work. We just don’t accept punishment that we don’t deserve.

The game was a typical English game, lots of tackles, and Michael Ball should be praying thanks to God for not being sent off on his cheap stamping on Ronaldo’s body early in the game. I just don’t understand why he’s shaking his head on the penalty given against him, it was an OBVIOUS ill-timed tackle on Ronaldo. Thumbs up for Ronaldo on converting the penalty flawlessly for his 50th goal for United, sending the goalie to the wrong corner and convincingly smashing the ball to the low corner.

At the end, United deserves to win, they dominated possessions, they took a lead, hang on to it, and City was never able to create any penetration thanks to a solid performance from the returning Vidic-Ferdinand partnership. We are getting so close now, and by tomorrow’s night, United might be back to where they belong if Chelsea didn’t came out of the Emirates Stadium with anything other than a win against Arsene Wenger’s team.

OH YEAH!!!

It’s Gettin’ Closer!!!

It was an amazing night at Goodison Park, trailing 0-2, Manchester United came back in style wrapping up the match at 4-2. As Sir Alex Ferguson indicated, perseverance is a great attribute, and that was what this United team were able to live up to. It’s Ferguson’s team, and they’re fighting ’till the end.

Trailing 0-2 going into the 51st minute, United were able to keep the composure, unlike last week when they met Middlesbrough, United kept attacking and playing the flowing United way, although with Everton putting up a solid defense before their young Scot -Iain Turner, in for the ineligible Tim Howard– dropped a Giggs’ inswinging corner, and slotted coolly by O’Shea for yet another crucial away goals from the Irishman. From then on, United looked confidence for a comeback, and not too long after Ronaldo was introduced –kept due to small knock that he was carrying– his header forced Phil Neville, a former United stalwart, to conceded an own goal, and it was 2-2!!

Rooney’s goal was marvellous, and it just showed how much talent this kid has. If he were able to put up this type of consistency that he has shown in the last couple of weeks, there’s no doubt United will be a great force in the coming years with Ronaldo partnering him. The best part is definitely Chris Eagles’ icing on the cake on the 93rd minute, as he came in for Solskjaer –his first Premiership appearance in 3 years — and bent a brilliant goal. The celebrations was wild, and with Chelsea drawing 2-2 at home to Bolton (amidst leading up 2-1 at the time when United was 0-2 down), it suggests the Russian domination is coming to an end –and more importantly, and end to non-sense talks that Mourinho kept putting up. It’s gettin’ closer, fight on lads!!!

ROOOOONEY !!!

In a night that was meant for Ronaldo and Kaka to shine, it was Rooney that rose to the occasion. Two brilliant goals, especially the match winning injury time goal, showed that amidst the inconsistency throughout the year, this kid has special talent, special determination, a battling perseverance that no other kid has. It’s no wonder that Sir Alex included him as one of the greatest players he ever had –considering Rooney has only won a League Cup with United.

Back to the game, it was a night of passion, uncertainty, and character in good spirit and fair play at the highest level from both teams. Professionals at the utmost, combined by harmony between Milanese and the Mancunian makes this affair a totally different one with that of AS Roma ties. The end result, if you were to ask me before the game started, wouldn’t be that ‘fantastic’, BUT if you were into the game from the first minute ’till the end, United fans should be singing all night long for the 3-2 win against the much-decorated and disciplined AC Milan team in this first leg of 2007 UEFA Champions’ League Semifinal. Had Gattuso, a player that United has linked with for many occasions in the past- survived his own ultra combativeness style that force the foot injury on him, I would thought that Milan might be able to break the flow of United’s midfield. Having said that though, with Scholes pushing upward and Fletcher taking over the midfield, United were able to keep pressuring Milan and created chances.

Man-of-the-Match: No doubt, Rooney was the key, his two goals turned the pressure on Milan to open up the game next week in San Siro. Fletcher deserves credit for his battling performance in the midfield during the second half, and Giggs/Scholes for their assists in each of the goal. Ronaldo, although having quite a quiet night by his own standards, deserves credit for the early header that forced Dida to concede an own goal –and it turned set the tone for the night.

Sing Manchester United fans, we’re still up for the Treble!!! Up next, Everton!!!

FA CUP Semifinal: WATFORD vs. MAN UTD

In an hour time, Manchester United will face Watford for a place in the 2007 FA Cup Final at the historic new Wembley stadium. The morale is high after a 7-1 thrashing of the Italian side Roma during the mid-week, while Watford is coming-off an impressive 4-2 victory over Portsmouth, who beat United 2-1 last week in a game where nothing was right for United.

Watford’s best player, their Man Utd’s on-loan goalie, Ben Foster will miss this game due to Premiership rule that doesn’t allow a player to play against his parent club — a rule that I supported wholly especially when looking at what Fernando Morientes did to his own club, Real Madrid while he was on loan at Monaco. United themselves, will be again without Saha –who’s still not yet fit for this match, Gary Neville –who faces another week on the sidelines, and the latest injury victim, John O’Shea who picked up a calf knock early in the second half on the game against Roma.

Man Utd will likely play with 4-4-2 or rather more of 4-2-3-1 with Giggs in a withdrawn role to support Alan Smith upfront and with Rooney lurking in slightly from the left side of the field. Scholes is expected to start, mainly due to his enermous exprience in the FA Cup –although Fletcher’s performance in midweek might suggest differently. Evra will most likely come in for O’Shea at right-back, while Heinze, Brown, and Ferdinand will continue their defensive partnership.

MINDCUBES’ CORNERKICK: Although Watford might try to produce the biggest headline story this year, I thought they might just end up putting too much pressure on themselves. If Man Utd managed to get a goal in the first 20 minutes, it’s all over for Watford, BUT if Watford can pull one in in the first quarter of the game, I think they might have a good chance of making the history –by disrupting United’s flowing rhythm. The confidence though is very high for United, and I just don’t believe they will let this slip-up. Alan Smith will get another chance for another headline, and he will surely take it. WATFORD 0 – MANCHESTER UNITED 4

I Sette Magnifici

The picture says it all … the magnificent seven!!

It’s been a few days since the magnificent seven goals “best-ever” European performance that Sir Alex’s team has ever produces –according to the man himself — and I’m still feeling the euphoria, this awesome feeling knowing that this team has character, this team is hungry, this team has the togetherness that when everything just seems not right for whatever reason, we’re all standing together, re-group, and pull one back –a big one that make everyone else looking at us in great awe –with respect.

4 assists from captain marvel Giggs, two amazing goals from Carrick, the determination and relentless performance from Alan Smith –his first European starts since his horrified broken leg injury more than year ago — that ignites the stadium, the scintillating performance from Cristiano Ronaldo, a compose and confidence back-line inspired by the energetic Heinze, and the list could go on and on … this was truly the best ever performance that I’ve seen from all the United teams that I’ve watched growing up.

Brilliant lads!!  … and Old Trafford was singing and dancing all night long !!

A Team with Great Belief in Themselves

The title was part of the commentator’s tribute to Manchester United’s shortly after their third goal against the Blackburn Rovers, after going down 1-0 at halftime and losing their key defender for the season early in the first half. I couldn’t agree more with him, this is a team worthy of champions, a team that’s hungry for success, and a team whose togetherness has brought them pretty far this season. Character is one of the key point on this team, so ready to de-throne Chelsea from their arrogance that has lasted for nearly 3 years.

The man of the match could go either Scholes or Carrick, although if I were to pick, Scholes would be my pick. His equalizer is the key to the game, especially with the way he danced through almost 4 defenders before putting the ball into the net with great composure. His goal, and the timing of the goal gave plenty of time for United to keep pressuring Rovers’ defence while at the same time getting rid of their frustration as chances built-up have been denied by either poor finishing or Fridel’s brilliance –as he showed twice denying Rooney from point blanks.

It was a great result for United, the second successive 4-1 (after last week’s result against Bolton). The way United pressed, passed, and controlled the game during the second half is virtually second to none, not even Barcelona matched that performance. Ronaldo, again proved to be the flair and the creative genius on the wings coupled with composure off Scholes and Carrick in the middle, and the tireless Park supporting and fighting the ball everywhere.

Game Analysis (Premiership, Old Trafford, MANCHESTER UTD 4 – BLACKBURN ROVERS 1)

• Blackburn’s 1st goal: Panic, simply the result of panic after Vidic was injured and United’s hurriedly trying to get their first goal
• United’s 1st goal: absolutely brilliant, one of Scholes’ best goal of all time
• United’s 2nd goal: amazing composure from Carrick, the goal is crowded, but the shot selection is just perfect
• United’s 3rd goal: Park again showed positioning is important, slotting in the rebound into the opposite corner
• United’s 4th goal: Ole, Ole, Ole!!! This is an amazing guy, his confidence and minutes to goals ratio this season is unbelievable (when you think of his age and him being out for nearly 2 seasons)

Brilliant game, excellent result, although Vidic’s broken collarbone will sideline him for the rest of the season. It’s a blow for United considering his contribution on defense (and attacks) this season, although looking at the bright side, this is an opportunity for Brown to get good run of matches in the central defence (and probably make his cases with England), and with Gary Neville out of three weeks, O’Shea will prove to be an important of this squad, now plying his trade at right-back position. Alan Smith is showing nice touches as well, and I just thought Sir Alex might just be right on his confidence and trust on this squad.

Fight on, lads!! Next, Roma!!

UEFA Champions’ League Last 16: UNITED at LILLE

In a few hours, United will be playing their first UEFA Champions’ League last 16 matches in 2 years, yes, it’s not a typo, they’ve been out in the group stages in the last two years.  One of the opposition that caused them to fail last year is none other than Lille, the team they’ll be playing tonight.

United will be at full strength, with no one out of injury –a rare occasion at United, and Sir Alex is expected to field a full strength team as followed: Neville and Evra at both flanks, Vidic to partner Ferdinand in the middle of the defence, Scholes and Carrick to control the tempo from the midfield, supported by Ronaldo and Giggs from the wings.  On the front, Rooney is expected to explode with Larsson forging a great partnership along with him so far.  The only position that Sir Alex might ponder is goalie with Kuszcak playing pretty good during van der Sar’s absence.  My guess is that van der Sar will start.

mindcubes’ longtail:  It’ll be a difficult game for United as Lille a team that works hard, nevertheless, Evra and Neville will prove as the keys tonight as the width of the football field will make a little difference to the outcome of the game.  LILLE 0 – UNITED 2

It’s 9 ahead of Chelsea

Yes!!! 3-1 victory over Manchester City in the just an-hour-passed derby ensured Manchester United of a 9 points clear of Chelsea, the biggest lead they’ve had since their last crown in 2001.  Chelsea, though with two games on hand, will be playing Arsenal tomorrow at Stamford Bridge in a game where two teams badly needed a win.

United started the game brightly where Rooney’s first touch is a goal, courtesy of a delightful cross from Ronaldo, helped by deflection from Distin provided Rooney the golden touch that kept United in control from the very beginning, exactly as what they’d like to do.  It was an entertaining derby where City did provide a number of half-chances although United clearly were the better side with flowing football, anchored mainly by Scholes and Carrick in the middle of the park with another dazzling display by Ronaldo.  Another defensive mistake at the stroke of the half, where pressure from Heinze and Giggs provided Heinze to shot the ball from the edge of the area towards Saha who converted it from close range to bring United to a comfortable 2-0 lead at the half.

The second half started in the same manner as the first half, although City this time provided more possessions and a first fantastic strike from Ireland, which was parried away brilliantly by van der Sar.  United should have gone 3 goals up had not it for Isaksson (who came in for the injured Weaver) to absolutely brilliantly save from Rooney’s flick from a very close range.  Midway through the second half, O’Shea came in for Saha, although it was rather interesting why Fletcher, with his good form lately, did not make the call instead.  Nevertheless, the idea was to put an extra man to curb the extra man that City put in the midfield.  The tactic though seems to backfired as United sit back a little and conceded a goal from a superb strike from Trabelsi, which put a nervy end to the game where City could’ve scored the equiliser had it not for a fully concentrated United team, especially Vidic and van der Sar to keep the game in check, before Ronaldo break an offside to ensure a crucial derby win for United in the 84th minute.

It was an entertaining derby with United showed why teams playing them couldn’t afford to make any defensive errors.  Efficient and clinical.  UNITED 3 – CITY 1.  Watch out Chelsea!!