Finally, here we are, the start of the season. As if we didn’t have to wait long enough over these summer months, Sky Sports organise it so we have to wait until Monday night. Fancy playing the first game of the season on a Monday night. Regardless, we’re here now and I can’t wait.
The first day of the season holds so much expectation and whilst it defines nothing really, you want to start as well as you can. Particularly for teams like United, you want the press off your back for as long as possible. Play well, pick up the points, keep your head down and keep the pressure off.
Wayne Rooney has already got some weight on his shoulders, with people already counting the weeks since his last goal, but this shouldn’t hinder him. You wouldn’t bet against him scoring tonight, although I fancy Javier Hernandez to score on his home début too. He’s been scoring for fun since signing for United, against the likes of Argentina, France, Spain and Chelsea, so Newcastle could be a good starting place for him competitively. The fans are very excited about him and I’m looking forward to hearing and being a part of the cheer that his name will bring tonight. Will Rooney, who has just been named in the 12 man shortlist for UEFA Player of the Year, even start tonight? Probably, but as Ferguson is keen to remind people, we have lots of strikers at our disposal.
Darren Fletcher and Paul Scholes to start in the centre of midfield alongside Valencia and Nani. I wouldn’t rule out seeing the Da Silva boys in action tonight, with Evans and Vidic starting ahead of Van der Sar.
Newcastle are going to be up for it, no doubt, and looking at their players, they’re no mugs. People said they were too big to go down but really, they should have been too good. Kevin Nolan, Andy Carroll, Alan Smith, Obafemi Martins etc. They had a good year in the Championship though and what better place to start their Premiership campaign than Old Trafford. Unless they receive a total battering, it’s win win for them really, with nobody expecting them to get anything, so even a point would be a massive bonus, and no embarrassment if they left with nothing. The pressure is on us tonight, not them.
We’ll get to welcome back Alan Smith and Danny Simpson, as well as horrible get a laugh at that fat bastard Sol Campbell. It’s been a lovely day in Manchester weather wise, so we’ll have to fear for the worst where those naked Geordie bellies are concerned. Certainly not a sight for sore eyes. Joey Barton will get a hard time from our fans like always and he will be eager to prove his worth to the despairing Newcastle fans.
I of course fancy us to win though, with our lads enjoying a strong pre-season and clearly feeling the hunger of reclaiming our title.
So roll on 8 o’clock! Come on United!
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