POST MATCH REACTION THREAD: Manchester United 2-0 Stoke City
by Sweet science on Jan 31, 2012 10:14 PM GMT
in Manchester United: Premier League
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That was as dominating a game gets without the scoreline looking stupid. In what is a massive win for United, with City losing tonight at Everton, the title race is wide open with the Manchester teams level on points.
Micheal Carrick and Paul Scholes were nigh on untouchable. Both racked up over 100 passes each and they, along with the quite magnificent Antonio Valencia were the standout performers.
Stoke started quite well. Kenwyne Jones caused a few problems with his bulldozer approach however United soon took control and the Stoke defense seemed forever camped out in line with the penalty box as the United wave of attacks pounded them. Their rearguard stood strong until a lazy challenge brought down Ji Sung Park in the box. Chicarito went low and hard to the right of the keeper, sending him the wrong way. It wouldn't have mattered if he went the right way to be honest.
Half Time 1 - 0
The second half began as the first had ended. United still dominating possesion. And another Penalty was forthcoming when Jonathon Walters tugged back the Valencia as he stormed into the box. Up stepped Dimitar Berbatov, who had played quite well. He went the opposite way. Despite the Thomas Sorenson guessing correct, he had no chance.
A third penalty should have been awarded, but the ref seemed hesitant to give a three in one night. And on the day United lost a precious talent in Ravel Morrison, another took to the field. Paul Pogba was quite fantastic when he came on, forever looking for the ball, popping up in and around the box, and playing with confidence. His smile and pleasure at playing was a joy to behold too. Please Fergie, give the man a contract!!
The full time whistle came with no drama's. Manchester United were in cruise control. Ben Amos aquitted himself well in goal, and Rio slotted back into the defense with ease.
To the blue half of Liverpool, where Everton entertained Manchester City. Former Red Devil Darren Gibson slammed home the winner in the second half, delighting his former clubs supporters. What a crucial goal that could prove to be in the title race.
Manchester United are next in action at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea drew 1-1 at Swansea tonight, and Antonio Valencia will be loving the fact Ashley Cole got sent off. He is suspended for the weekend clash.
Share your thoughts on tonight's action. Who most pleased you? How about the fact we actually got through a match with no injuries? All in all, a fantastic nights work. Cheers
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Scholes' signing
it’s like we signed Xavi during the recent transfer window
Editor-in-Chief for The Busby Babe | SB Nation Soccer Contributor
http://twitter.com/#!/GeneUmTBB
* Scholes' return
Editor-in-Chief for The Busby Babe | SB Nation Soccer Contributor
http://twitter.com/#!/GeneUmTBB
It really is pretty unbelievable how well he has played
He was recently quoted on how much he missed it? Another season maybe?
by Sweet science on Jan 31, 2012 10:49 PM GMT up reply actions
I saw him for 2 years here in Seattle
he’s done.
Editor-in-Chief for The Busby Babe | SB Nation Soccer Contributor
http://twitter.com/#!/GeneUmTBB
he looked very good indeed
Granted, the game was in control but he looked confident and he showed good technical ability and athleticism.
Editor-in-Chief for The Busby Babe | SB Nation Soccer Contributor
http://twitter.com/#!/GeneUmTBB
The dummy was great.
It highlighted his confidence. His crosses were incisive as well (apart from the overhit one just prior to the PK no call).
MOTM..
its between Scholes and Valencia to me. Scholes dominated the midfield, just like at Liverpool. Valencia, as someone said in the live thread, is UNPLAYABLE right now. The ESPN commentators made the comment that Valencia may be in better form than anyone else in the Premiership, and that might not just be hyperbole. Valencia looks to have locked down that right side, maybe this means, when Nani ishealthy, Nani can go back to his natural position on the left.
And I’ve got to say something about Pogba…..me likey. The best thing about him playing was that he didn’t seem hesitant or scared to play. Although Stoke may not have scared anyone today haha. Pogba looked like he belonged though, and thats what you want from a young player with talent.
What a great day
- most importantly, going level on points with City but beyond that, a fairly dominant performance. Scholes looks as sharp — if not more — as he did at the beginning of the 2010-11 season. And seemingly, no new injuries!
- If we win the title by just a point or two over City, United may have sell Darron Gibson a winner’s medal!
- Wazza, Nani, Cleverley, Young, Jones, and Ando are all nearing returns. With the form of Carrick & Scholes at the moment and with Cleverley returning, our central-midfield doesn’t look so dire for the run-in. Looks good enough to compete in England even though it’ll need to reassessed in the summer.
- I’ll keep saying it… Valencia is UNPLAYABLE right now.
- Although he didn’t have to do much, a nice clean sheet for Ben Amos. He looked confident in his decision making and when the ball was played back to him. Not a bad thing you could say about the 19-year-old. Hopefully Anders is okay…
- I can’t stop gushing about Scholesy…. he might end up being the best signing of the January transfer window!
- If was a brief appearance and at a time when United were in cruise control, but Pogba looked terrific out there. Hopefully we can get his contract situation taken care of.
Editor-in-Chief for The Busby Babe | SB Nation Soccer Contributor
http://twitter.com/#!/GeneUmTBB
by Gene Um on Jan 31, 2012 11:36 PM GMT reply actions 1 recs
* send, not sell Gibbo a medal
More typos occur when I’m excited. Oops.
Editor-in-Chief for The Busby Babe | SB Nation Soccer Contributor
http://twitter.com/#!/GeneUmTBB
one other thing to add....
looks like Ashley Cole will be suspended for Sunday’s match. Although Valencia torched him last season anyway.
Editor-in-Chief for The Busby Babe | SB Nation Soccer Contributor
http://twitter.com/#!/GeneUmTBB
This makes the tactics for Chelsea simple.
When they played Ivanovic as a RB, United would pack the box and force the ball out wide and leave him unmarked. I would be shocked if he completed a single cross despite being given as much time as he needed on the ball.
I don’t believe this would have been the defensive tactics used on Sunday based on the personnel AVB has deployed as of late. I don’t know who will provide cover for them at LB but I could see the previously mentioned def tactics utilized on the other flank in the absence of Ash Cole now.
Gene
What do you think about letting Pogba start the Europa League game to get some first team experience? Do you think SAF would take the competition too seriously to let him start?
I think it would be ideal to get CLeverley and Anderson some playing time
Once they have got their fitness back, then yeah, for sure. He needs games to progress
by Sweet science on Feb 1, 2012 12:20 AM GMT up reply actions
I agree
With the return of so many players coming up, I’d like to use the Ajax matches as an opportunity to give some of those players a run. As Sweet science mentions, Cleverley and Ando — but also the likes of Fabio, de Gea is Anders’ injury isn’t too serious, Young, Owen, and Berba. But if either Ando or Cleverley aren’t ready, I’d love to see Pogba get a start or two versus Ajax. I’d prefer to rest the likes of Carrick, Scholes, and Giggs during those games.
The full focus now is on league in my humble opinion and February has some tough fixtures. I’d rather ride the guys now who are in good form and are fit. The returning players can supplement these players and hopefully gain some sharpness in the Europa League.
Those are just my thoughts though…. who knows what Fergie has in mind or what other injuries might pop up.
Editor-in-Chief for The Busby Babe | SB Nation Soccer Contributor
http://twitter.com/#!/GeneUmTBB
Makes sense
to let Ando and Cleverly stretch their legs in Europa.
Michael Carrick
Because Scholes get all the love.. XD
Carrick certainly was effective today
Made a good run. Should have scored. But I can’t wait untill Gene shows us the interceptions and tackles. There were a few that sticks out in my mind
by Sweet science on Feb 1, 2012 1:37 AM GMT up reply actions
I personally don't think there were any stand out players..
Most of those on the voting list had great games.. I just thought with everyone voting for Scholes, I give my man Carrick some love.. XD
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