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Now that we've vanquished Roma, it's time for us to focus on the next match. Our mission isn't complete, we're in the final stretch now and every game is absolutely crucial.
Not a lot to say about the match. United did a professional job and got it done. Although, Roma did have their moments, especially that penalty (fortunately missed by de Rossi), whichcould have made things quite a bit trickier for us. But ultimately, Tevez got the killer goal and that was that.
Great performances from the 3 who came in for Rooney, Ronaldo and Scholes. Tevez did well and came up with another important goal (he seems to have a knack for those). Park was generally excellent. And last but not least, Hargreaves did himself a lot of favours with a very positive all action performance. Given the license to roam, he was very impressive pushing forwards and created many chances with some quality crossing.
It seems like that's probably the best way to play both Carrick and Hargreaves together. To get Carrick to sit and Hargreaves to roam. This way enables both to play to their strengths. Carrick is accomplished in reading of the game, positional sense, linking play back-to-front and spraying passes from deep. Sitting deep in midfield also allows him to sweep up and keep things tidy in front of the defence (which he does very well) like a midfield version of Rio.
With him there, Hargreaves is freed to roam and put his boundless energy and mobility to good use. Many times I've criticised him for running around like a headless chicken and leaving us exposed in midfield. That wouldn't be a problem with the excellent Carrick there. And he can make his presence felt at both ends by buzzing back and forth, hassling opposing players all over the pitch as well as pushing forwards in support of the attack.
Our future midfield after Scholes could be a 3 man midfield anchored by Carrick with Anderson and Hargreaves going box-to-box. That will probably be our strongest midfield. Obviously, we would still play 4-4-2 with one of the 3 rested.
It was great to see Gary back. Also nice to have Silvestre back. To see them make their comeback after long layoffs...warms the heart.
Less great was to see Fergie risk Rio in this match. I would have thought that after getting a knock at Boro, that Rio would be rested. So imagine how worried I was when I saw blood on Rio's boots. Luckily it was only a small gash and nothing serious. But really, at this stage of the season, we can't afford to be without Rio. But I suppose a little "scratch" won't stop Rio from playing against Arsenal.
A lot of people are talking about facing Barcelona, about the semi finals of the Champions League. But we aren't playing Barca next. So forget about them for the moment.
A massive showdown against Arsenal at Old Trafford is coming up this weekend. This match is basically make and break for Arsenal's season. Lose and their season is all but over. So, although they're been through a rough, perhaps demoralising patch, there's a possibility that they would come out and give this game everything they've got. It's desperation for them now. Because of that, United will have to play with all the hunger and passion that they could muster. The players have a chance to finally put Arsenal away not to mention keep Chelsea at bay.
Don't lose concentration, don't be complacent and bring it every game. The finishing line is very close now...
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