Reflecting on a remarkable season for MUFC

Friday, 30 May 08, 01:20 PM

For a club of United's stature, it was always disappointing to see that they only had 2 European titles under their name. However, they've made it 3 this season along with closing in on the top spot on the Premiership table. Sir Alex Ferguson has created an unbelievable squad with the perfect balance of youth and experience and they are destined to bring much more silverware to Old Trafford over the coming years. United is on the brink of soon emulating the success of the class of 1999 (yes, when it comes to the question of comparing the two, I do not believe that this season in any way trumps the treble victory of 1999, nor is it just as glorious). In saying so, I do not mean to undermine the achievements of 2008, which has been a truly terrific season for the club. I just want to reflect on this season, look back on some of my favorite moments and give my take on the players' performances and some of the reasons as to why this season has been so remarkable. First off, older players, the likes of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs may not have started that many games, but in big fixtures, their maturity and experience is what made all the difference. It was fitting and some might even say, fate, given his disappointment on missing out on the 1999 final, that it was Scholesy's screamer against Barcelona that sealed United's spot in the Champions League Final at Moscow. One of the most obvious and widely discussed reasons behind United's success this season is of course Cristiano Ronaldo, who, with his 42 goals and sensational form this season has not only silenced any critics that still believed that he is overrated, but also established himself as the best footballer in the world today. I look forward to seeing how the next season plays out for him, and I have no doubts that he will still continue to improve and impress just as he has done over the past seasons at United. I believe that we have yet to see the best of Ronaldo, he has the potential to surpass all footballing legends (Yes, I love the man). So long as he stays at United, I think it is very likely that he will soon be ranked as one of, if not the best Footballer in history. The goals are a great part of his game but not as important as the pace and creativity that he brings to the midfield. Ronaldo's free kick against Portsmouth was an absolute stunner and is definitely one of, if not the best goal of the season in the premier league. My personal favorite (aside from Ronaldo) in the midfield this season has been Owen Hargreaves. He has been an absolute revelation for United. My Hargeaves' moment of the season is without a doubt his free kick winner against Arsenal. United's unsung heroes for me are John O-Shea, who's versatility has always been impressive, and Darren Fletcher who when called upon delivers exceptionally for United. Rooney has had another fantastic season, the boy never disappoints. The goals may not have come for him as often as he may have wanted, but his hard work does not go unnoticed and to say that he gives 101% every time that he is on the pitch is undeniable. For me, the wazza is, the hardest working player on the pitch. Tevez has to be the new love for United fans, he fills the hole in our hearts that was left by the departure of Van Nistelrooy (well, that is at least the case for me). To see how quickly and the ease with which he settled into Old Trafford is truly amazing and as a United fan a real relief in some sense too. Let's keep him at Old Traford shall we? On another note, it is such a pity that Louis Saha spent another season out with injury, I would really love to see him back on the pitch on a regular basis. Goals this season have come in so many different ways for United from a wide array of players. We have seen goals from almost everyone, even the likes of Ferdinand and Vidic have, along with keeping it tight in the back also found the back of the net. That is what is so great about United's football, whether you are a fan or not, their attacking mindset makes them so attractive and entertaining to watch. And finally the biggest reason I believe, for this spectacular season has to be the partnership between Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand. The entire United defense (with a special mention for Patrice Evra who I feel is extremely underrated) has in fact been extraordinary. To have conceded only 22 goals in the Premier League is a fantastic achievement, and it is what would have made the difference between winning and losing the title when the season came down to the wire and Chelsea threatened United's lead. However, fortunately the title was not decided based on goal difference, but if it had come down to it, United's phenomenal difference of 58 could not be touched. Last but most definitely not the least, I feel the need to say: God Bless Edwin Van Der Saar. United fans will forever and a day remember the moment when he saved Anelka's penalty shot as the greatest of this season. The moment when Manchester United's 9-year long wait for European glory finally came to an end. The moment, which sealed a very special double for the club and its fans. The moment, which has made this season a truly GLORIOUS one.

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Posted by gloriousunited | Comments (2)

2 Comments

Natasha
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Natasha Wrote: | 20.53PDT | May 29, 2008

Ahh you said it all! Every single reason I love United and want to watch them play over and over again. Wow I kinda wanna watch that final over and over again - I wonder what this summer has in store in terms of transfers...

Joel
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Joel Wrote: | 22.34PDT | Jun 1, 2008

I am the biggest Man U fan. I am delighted that they won 2 trophys this year. I hope they win 3 trophys next year.

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