The Reds Keep Marching On

The morning of July 1, 2009, saw Cristiano Ronaldo as a Real Madrid player. Soon after, 13 days to be precise, Carlos Tevez, was no longer a United player.

Ronaldo, no doubt made the biggest contributions in winning three titles on the trot, but Tevez too provided vital points with his late goals. The future looked bleak for United.

Over a month into the new season, I said to myself, "We are fine!"

Here's an interesting fact—United has had the best start to the season in three years. How? Recall 2007-08 when Ronaldo was red carded and banned for three matches early in the season. It was a horrible start. 2008-09 was again, in simple words, a bad start. Despite the two poor starts, we ended up winning the title both years.

This time around, United is second with 12 points in five games, not bad at all.

Even after the shocking defeat to newly promoted Burnley, United has performed well, beating high flying Tottenham and the new found Arsenal in the process. So, whose the Man for United? More importantly, who are the men who will need to step up soon? After all, it's a long season.

One name...Wayne Rooney. I knew he would be great this season, but this guy is simply amazing! Remember the third goal against Spurs? What sublime control! Five goals in five games, plenty of creative passes, and threatening all of the time.

To be honest, Rooney is doing more than what was expected out of him. If he continues to perform the way he is performing, knock on wood, he will win the Player of the Year award. I know, I know, too soon to call, but hey! Why not? He is a pure footballer and a pleasure to watch.

Vidic is, as usual, doing his thing, while Nani looks promising...much better than last season. Anderson is maturing and finally got his first goal for United. Fletcher has had some great games. Valencia has been involved in a lot of goals, but I feel there is a lot more to come from him. He needs a couple more games. Giggsy continues to impress, especially when he scored a beautiful free kick against Spurs. Scholes has been doing well and getting booked, as usual.

The 10 Things To Look Forward To

First up is Ben Foster, who sadly, has not been world class, except for a few reflex saves. I am sure he will prove himself very soon. Second, Rio Ferdinand's fitness. Third, finding a permanent right back and not shuffle between Fabio, Neville, O'shea and Brown. O'Shea looks like the best bet, but believe me, Fabio has played some "soothing-to-the-eye" football. Fourth, Micheal Carrick hasn't been as effective as he was last season. He tends to have a sluggish start to the season but builds up his performances as the season progresses. I am not too worried about him, he's a world class player.

Fifth, "The return of the Hargreaves." Honestly, I can't wait for him to return. I have a very strong feeling that he is going to be a beast this season. I am getting "Roy Keane like vibes" from him, and no, I don't have an explanation for that.

Sixth, Dimitar Berbatov. Oh man, this guy needs to pull his socks up. He is capable of doing so much more than he is doing right now. I think he's the most intelligent player on the team, but somehow he just isn't as effective as he should be. And folks, when he does hit his peak, damn it's going to be beautiful.

Seventh, No. 7, Micheal Owen (see what I did there?). More goals will come from him. Eighth, we haven't seen much of Macheda and Welback yet, but I am sure they will do what they are supposed to do i.e. be refreshingly awesome. Ninth, Evra could, should and will get forward more. I expect more goals form him this season. Tenth, to be honest, Darron Gibson looked promising in the preseason games; I think he will throw in some great performances. 

If Manchester United can do those 10 things, while the game is built around Rooney, I see our fourth title on the road.

Don't you worry United fans, we are in good hands, and by that I am referring to Sir Alex.

Your comments, analysis, critic, thoughts, suggestions, or just a simple "Nice!" is encouraged and more than welcome.

Until next time.