RedsUnite: a man utd blog

It’s seldom easy when Manchester United and Reading clash and today was no different. It took United 78 minutes to breakthrough, as an expertly placed pass from Carlos Tevez was flicked on by Wayne Rooney to put United up 1-0. The Reds were able to maintain their clean sheet, adding a second goal from Cristiano Ronaldo in the 90′ to seal the victory.

Just when you begin to think you’re right about something the opposite happens. The title of today’s match review was going to be, “See, I told you so,” but Wayne Rooney’s go ahead goal eliminated that headline just as quickly as it eliminated 78 minutes of positive, compelling play from Reading.

I must confess something: I like Reading. I think Steve Coppell’s men play with a positivity not exhibited by many of the smaller clubs when they face United. Many clubs are content to play a more cynical style of play, often playing one up front, congesting the midfield with five across, seldom sending their fullbacks forward into attacking positions. Reading could never be accused of such cynicism.

The Royals featured three attacking players today and fullback Nicky Shorey was constantly playing the odds, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo free to counter-attack while pressing forward. The first half saw Reading almost mimicking the tactics usually employed by Sir Alex Ferguson. This positive, attacking play found Reading the beneficiaries of many reasonable chances. One moment saw a rare lapse of judgment from goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar, whose poor clearance saw Dave Kitson play a one-time lofted shot over Van der Sar, only to be cleared by a leaping header from Rio Ferdinand. The remainder of the half saw Reading unable to capitalize on four corners, sending Manchester United to the lockers looking unsure but fortunate to be level at 0-0.

From my vantage point, a strong reason for United’s first half struggles was Wayne Rooney. The striker came into today’s game following a goalless performance in United’s 6-0 victory over Newcastle last weekend. The Newcastle match saw Rooney unable to make the most of what seemed like a dozen chances and the striker looked visibly frustrated. The first half of today’s match was more of the same for Rooney, failing to find his form early on. The commentator of today’s match was openly critical of Rooney, convinced that he was the one to be replaced when Nani came on in the 70th minute. Quizzically wondering why Rooney was struggling of late, I thought that I had been vindicated in an opinion that was roundly rejected this week.

Earlier I wrote a piece criticizing Rooney. An excerpt:

“Rooney has nine goals this year in 20 appearance, five of them in Premier League play. He has struggled to remain fit this season through a fluky injury and a virus which cost him some games. Manchester United are undefeated in all matches in which Wayne Rooney appears, with his play, seemingly, a strong catalyst to the side. What causes concern for me, however, is this: Wayne Rooney has only scored once in a match decided by one goal or less. Said another way, if Wayne Rooney had not sored at all this season only one result would be different–he was the lone goal scorer in our 1-0 victory against Roma at Old Trafford…”

“…As the weeks go by and the games become more meaningful, the microscope will be more intense. Rooney, if he fails to find his form, will continue to be haunted by his sense of entitlement, cursing at the goal like a woman who repeatedly scorns him. As a Manchester United supporter, I hope that he breaks through shortly, for our treble hopes depend on it.”

I made a similar post over at the Republik of Mancunia forum to which not one single person agreed with me. “Oh well, guess I’m an idiot,” I figured. Everyone cited Rooney’s last season form, his “talismanic” abilities, and urged patience with the lad. I figured I was just being far too critical and concluded that all these people couldn’t be wrong.

Today’s first half performance, however, had me wondering whether I was actually right about Rooney’s current form. He certainly didn’t look to be enjoying himself. His countenance bore the look of a man who has been struggling. When Rooney’s well-placed shot in the 63rd minute was deflected by Hahnemann I began to wonder if today was going to be the day he would turn it around. Furthermore, I began to wonder whether this was going to be United’s day at all.

All that changed in the 78th minute as a beautiful Carlos Tevez pass found the outstretched boot of Wayne Rooney, who expertly slotted the go-ahead goal into the right-side netting. It seemed to be the most unlikely of goals from an unlikely goal scorer given the previous 77 minutes, but this is why the class of Wayne Rooney should never be doubted. The relief was visible as Rooney celebrated, releasing screams of liberation as he punched the air. His 168 minute nightmare was over. United were ahead 1-0.

Ronaldo added the padding, benefiting from a brilliant run from Rooney that saw Rooney break across Ronaldo, drawing the defender and clearing the necessary space for Ronaldo to finish easily. At 2-0, I could finally breathe easily in a match that gave few moments of relief.

While not the brightest performance from the Reds, wins like this are just as necessary a part of championship runs as last weekend’s 6-0 thumping of Newcastle. Not every match will be easy and we can take solace in the steadfast defense United has displayed of late, registering their fourth consecutive clean sheet today. Ferdinand and Vidic have looked impenetrable of late, with only one moment of real concern in today’s match. But most importantly, today displayed the United attacks most vital attributes: Its stubborn insistence upon scoring and Alex Ferguson’s unwavering faith in his men. A lesser team may have let their frustrations get the best of them and a lesser football mind, like mine for example, may have been apt to replace Rooney with Nani at the 70th minute, moving the in-form Ronaldo up to attack. Thankfully, none of these things could accurately be said as United showed their class today, even if it took 78 minutes to present it in full.

(Aside: While I may have been wrong about Rooney, I did predict a 2-0 United win with Rooney and Ronaldo scoring so I’m not a complete fool.)

What did you make of today’s match? Let me know in comments. (I know no one else is doing it, but someone has to break the mold. Why not you?)