Talk about Manchester United getting off to a fantastic start early in the season…! Well, it’s certainly the case now as United notched up their second consecutive premier league victory of the season with an impressive 3-0 demolition of Tottenham Hotspur. With Vidic and Ferdinand out before the game, De Gea’s uncertainty at the back was a key area for Spurs to exploit but a rather youthful defence provided adequate safety as the similarly youthful attack combined to devastation. Goals from Danny Welbeck, Anderson and Wayne Rooney sealed a glorious day for United as they marched onto second place behind Manchester City, only on goal difference. Below are the five things that were apparent from a very captivating night of football.
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#1. Danny Welbeck Will Be Berba’s Barrier
When Hernandez started scoring freely last season, it always looked certain that it was only a matter of time before Berbatov is dropped onto the bench regardless of his form, because the Little Pea’s awareness on the field suits the team. Unfortunately for Berba though, lightning seems to have struck twice this time around and the effect could be far more drastic. Danny Welbeck appears to be a breath of fresh air in United’s attack, having spent one season under the guidance of Steve Bruce last year. His goal was definitely a well-taken header and the exquisite back pass to set-up Anderson’s goal was something to remember. But he was a different threat altogether with his intelligent movement on the field. There was quite a number of impeccable touches that caused problems for Spurs’ defence and his understanding with Rooney seems to be working perfectly. If there was a reason for Berbatov to be worried, Welbeck is certainly a good bet for that.
#2. Tottenham Hotspur need a dynamic targetman
If you followed Spurs’ immensely over the last one year or so, their striker statistics wouldn’t be something for you to be proud of. Jermain Defoe is one player who seems to have never fulfilled his potential. Peter Crouch does well to infuse Van der Vaart into their style of play but in terms of goalscoring, he is not someone you can depend on. Robbie Keane was already considering about a remake of his infamous ‘Dream Move’ series while Pavlyuchenko is a perfect testament to something called ‘overtly inconsistent’. Well lets leave the sarcasm aside, none of them made any serious impact for Spurs last campaign and if the current circumstance were to be trusted, White Hart Lane better embrace for a tough season. Well, apparently the latest version of Didier Drogba has joined Spurs (Souleymane Coulibaly, not Lukaku!), while rumors also claim that a loan-deal for Adebayor is still being negotiated. Anything would do in my opinion because with the current crop of strikers, Spurs can literally forget about Champions League football.
#3. Smalling-Jones = Manchester United /England’s Future
Well ignore the title because it’s pretty direct. But nevertheless, that seems to be the unnoticed reality of today. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling were absolutely terrific against Spurs. As mentioned, with the Vidic-Ferdinand partnership missing and also a nervous goalkeeper at the back, the pressure was on Jones, Smalling, Evans and Evra to perform. The French left-back was his usual self; solid in defence and useful in attack. Evans had a good game to be fair but there are still a few doubts over his decision making. Anyhow, the other two young lads were absolutely magnificent. Considering the amount of pace and threat brought by the likes of Lennon, Van der Vaart and Bale, take away nothing from the solid showcase of defensive capabilities from those two. Almost certainly one for the future.
#4. Welbeck-Young-Rooney Combination Will Be Devastating
We often look at the three-pronged attack of Villa, Pedro and Messi in Barcelona and stare in amazement. The inter-passing between them, the awareness, the understanding. Every thinkable aspect seems to be present in them. Well, i’m not making a direct comparison but the combination of Rooney, Welbeck and Young indicates raw potential. Rooney’s new found confidence allows him to drop in deep to dictate the game, Young’s agility and intelligence on the flanks permits him to either blaze on the byline or diverge into the box while Danny Welbeck’s sheer passion and awareness causes mayhem or opposition defenders. The understanding between these three seems to have grown naturally and with time, we will see much more clear cut ideas of their true capabilities.
#5. Red Devils Will Be The Team To Beat
This has been said repeatedly over the past few years and may sound like a cliche’ but the fundamental essence of United’s continuous success is the right balance between youth and experience. Over the years, Sir Alex has built a very solid squad capable of showcasing the enthusiasm portrayed by young talents as well as the tranquility provided by the experienced players. When you have the luxury of taking off a world class player to be substituted by an equally classy one, it simply justifies all the ideas and aspirations built within the club. The young guns have been controlling proceedings for United so far but there will come a time when experience will be needed. And at that particular time, the likes of Giggs, Park and Carrick shall speak on behalf on the club. Mark my words, United will be there at the top, battling and fighting come next May.
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