Carrick and Berba the best players so far. Robinho has been invisible so far; Rafael has been more of an attacking threat so far.
This has been the most enjoyable half of football from us this season imho. Carrick has also had his best match. Berbatov has made all the difference as well. Rafael has done well too, he must have nerves of steel to be playing in these big games without a hint of any nervousness.
lol... a liverpool supporter talking about ugly goals. That's worth more than a few laughs. Anyway... At the half we've had a pretty good performance bar scoring. Could have been 3 up comfortably and we need to stick 2 more in early in the 2nd half to put this to bed. Everyone's done well really, bar Ronaldo and Rooney who've been uninvolved and lacking sharpness respectively thus far. Special mention to Rio and Vidic who've been fantastic, Vidic with several good clearances and Rio has made it so that they've called Benjani's name about 4 times the entire half. Quick question, where the hell is Vassell playing? He only seems to show up fouling someone in CM.
As I said this game would be tactical. In this game, it's Hughes who bottled it so far by fielding that midfield, with Vassell, completely incapable of retaining possession and when Hamann is responsible for destroying AND being the link-up man to attack, it's easier for United. I was pleased with the starting lineup and pleased with the way we're playing so far, and the players are actually up for it. Park, Evra, and Rooney have been fantastic hussling and playing it smart and Carrick's retention has been far better than in the last two matches. Ronaldo has probably been our weakest link, being involved the least but it lends to the rest of our players stepping up. We still need to create more chances for the possession we have. Ronaldo needs to step it up and join Berbatov and Rooney upfront.
Ronaldo hasn't been involved all that much but he and Evra are just tearing up the left side when together.
we need a strong second half. i think we'll continue where we left off. a quick goal by Berbatov earlier on would be nice...
I dunno what it is about big games, but Ronaldo always seems to be isolated on a flank. I can't remember seeing him far off his flank today and i haven't seen him make a run on the other wing all match. It's either Fergie's doing or his own.
I also think we're comfortable enough with Fletcher, Park, and Carrick in midfield and would prefer if Ronaldo moves further up. Rooney and Berbatov have a great understanding but still too isolated because they drop deep so often. We could create twice as many chances with more support.
Thing is, Ronaldo is not a winger, and although he can play amazing outwide, he does -much- better when he roams a bit more behind our strikers and even ahead of them. His runs into the box without the ball are better than any other front man that we have and he is also are most dynamic finisher. He always does better when playing in and around the 18 yard box