This was the first convincing performance the Red Devils have given for a long time. I don’t even know where to begin. I’m almost ready to believe that United are serious contenders for the EPL this season.
As a City fan, it’s really fun to see United’s downfall this season. For the first season since spaghetti-knows-when, they find themselves in an uncomfortable position. Out of the League and FA Cup early, there was pressure on them. Add to that the losses to West Bromwich Albion, Norwich, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at home, and you get a disastrous EPL as well.
But something truly spectacular happened last night. They looked like a team reinforced. So what exactly did Moyes get right this time?
Two words. Ryan Giggs. At 40, he still played better than a dozen of those players on the pitch. He showed he still has what it takes to perform at the highest levels, and last night was a showcase of that. We witnessed an hour and a half of sheer brilliance from the Welshman last night, begging the question: Is Giggs better than Fellaini? And will he be able to give such performances consistently?
There was another player last night who gave it his all. Be it while attacking or defending, Wayne Rooney exuberated his beastly nature. He owned that right flank. Such was his play that I doubt Rafael came in handy, barring a couple of exceptions. If England are to seriously challenge for the World Cup, here is their man.
And last, but not the least. Few would notice that United managed to conjure up a clean sheet. All thanks to this Spaniard. David de Gea looked formidable. He looked like a man on a mission. And boy, did he deliver!
A rightful successor to Edwin van der Sar, he has produced crucial saves time and time again. At 23, he has a long way to go.
My phone was barraged with WhatsApp messages from United fans this morning.
“Told ya!”
“Back in the EPL race, bro.”
“Where are the haters now?”
“#MoyesForever”
Ha. Can’t wait to see how the season unfolds for them. I can literally imagine Neil smiling in front of this screen as he reads this. Because fans like us, we know better than to get ahead of ourselves. Because Olympiacos is such a world-class team, right? ;)
-Mister GoogleHead [Follow on Twitter @Mr_GoogleHead]