One Man Team Win 4-0 Without Their One Man

Well that was almost the perfect evening. Through to the next round of the Cup, won 4-0, managed to rest several players, and played the second half almost at walking pace in preparation to our massive week ahead, playing Inter Milan and Liverpool. The only downside of course are the injuries to Rio Ferdinand and John O’Shea. Whilst we would probably opt for Darren Fletcher and Jonny Evans as their able replacements, it would be nice to have the options of a fuller squad. Let’s wait and see!

The biggest talking point before kick-off though was the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who didn’t even have a place on the bench.

Did we struggle? Did we fuck. In fact, we actually did better with Ronaldo. Whilst the 4-0 scoreline suggests a total battering, that wasn’t really the case. I don’t think United played too much better than they have done for most of the season, but we were just far more effective in front of goal. This was all with Schwarzer having a good game and Rooney seeing a sitter come back off the woodwork too!

Our attacking football was more free-flowing than it has been though, with the ball getting to the danger men more quickly. Fulham didn’t even play too badly and given we were playing against away to a team who has the best home record in the league, after United, 4-0 is a rather odd scoreline. Still, our goals were great, particularly Tevez’s second, and you can’t argue with our domination.

Saying that, in the first half, we looked dodgy at the back. The communication between the back four and keeper was poor, with all kinds of chances coming from what should have been manageable situations. Andy Johnson came the closest, needing Nemanja Vidic, who was outstanding again, to clear off the line, as Van der Sar scrambled back.

So, even the players who weren’t rested today will feel rested following that second half, which was played with ease.

Massive recognition has to go to our fans though, who were absolutely superb. Our away support always does the club proud, but they were spectacular today. Didn’t stop singing from start to finish and at a volume which meant the home fans didn’t even get a look in. And to think, these are the mugs who come to Old Trafford and tell us our support is fucking shit! Best away support in the league.

Ronaldo wasn’t missed, which is a good thing, considering the situation we may find ourselves in next season! Funny how some mugs still reckon we’re a one-man team though eh?

Quintuple? Who knows, I’m just happy to see our lads doing so well week in week out. Now bring on Inter and the rat munchers!