Manchester Derby: Carlos Tevez Plays His Heart Out, United Still Denied

If you were to ask any Manchester United fan just what was so special about this past Sunday, the reply would be a resounding "Tribute to the Busby Babes!"

Now, if you asked a Manchester City fan the same question the list would be a bit longer: beating Man U at Trafford 2-1, completing a double for the first time since '73, reigning victorious on the historic day, the nice "free" new scarf…oh, and the fact that everyone was “united” for that moment of silence.

Honestly, there’s a lot for City to celebrate.  

The real question is, with all the emotional magnitude of the day how did United let such a momentous occasion fall so dreadfully flat?  Perhaps the day was overshadowed by the memorializing of the Munich Air Disaster.  Perhaps it was the “new” strip.  Or the fact that Old Trafford was actually rocking for a change.  Was it Sven's tactics, or Benjani's "it was written in the stars" debut?  Or United’s shambolic play?

The first goal was an absolute disgrace defensively.  Rio, Vidic, Wes, and O'Shea were all to blame.

Edwin van der Sar made a great double save but then the lads went to sleep—of course, Rio prefers the cruise control method.  City was presented with an easy opener, scored by Dariaus "Where's the Goal" Vassel.  That wasn’t a good sign.  

The second goal gave us much of the same.  The lads nodded off, gifting Benjani his dream debut goal.  You’re going to become an instant cult hero scoring the winner against United on an occasion like this.

But it's not like only the back four are responsible for Man U’s dismal play.  Ronaldo was virtually nonexistent on field after Micah Richards ploughed through him in the 4th minute, throwing him off for the rest of the afternoon.

Nani was quiet.  

Anderson tried valiantly, but had no avenue to release the ball.

And Giggs’ approach was just too light weight for such a physical game.  In my opinion, he should have either started on the bench or been subbed off at 60 minutes to allow Hargreaves a chance to toughen up the midfield battle, which we were losing consistently.  

Scholes just didn’t seem up for the fight, though he did work pretty hard and tirelessly.

All afternoon the only Man U player with an ounce of fight in him was Tevez.  He fought tooth and nail for every scrap and tried to force a goal.  If it hadn’t been for a great stop by Hart, Tevez would have made it to the score sheet.

Most likely Man U’s disappointing defeat was a result of it all: Fergie's failed tactics (Park on for Nani?  What the heck?), players exhausted by international duty, Rooney’s absence, any number of things.  

All I ask is (this booms over the loudspeakers) if it was you who stole United players’ passion Sunday, do you think you could return it please, a.s.a.p?  See, we have a busy fall of fixtures coming up.  Thanks.

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