Manchester United last night gave a master class in how to successfully close out a league campaign. Whilst City argued amongst themselves and barely snatched a home draw at the weekend Manchester United showed inordinate patience and composure to finally unlock a spirited Blackburn defence at Ewood Park.
Even with 10 minutes remaining and a potentially damaging draw on the cards for United, the team refused to lose their collective calm and simply kept upping the energy levels until the breakthrough came. Such is the belief within the team that every United player knows 90 minutes is always enough to get a result – and a goal is just as valid in minute 1 as minute 81. Last night, as ever, they just kept plugging away ominously until the chink was found in the Blackburn armoury. It must be so depressing for United’s rivals to see the frequency with which the Red Devils hit their targets.
The overall performance was that of a highly accomplished side but it was easy to see who the stand out performers were. Whilst Wayne Rooney typically called the shots and Paul Scholes delivered the ball to his teammates’ feet with scarcely believable accuracy, it was down United’s right flank that the game was won.
Most of the plaudits for United’s victory went to a largely deserving Antonio Valencia. He is playing comfortably his best football since arriving from Wigan 3 years ago. When he came to Old Trafford he had all the raw materials required, but perhaps lacked the finesse of a top footballer. Manchester United have focused his talent and created a devastating footballer. He will never be the most skillful, trick-laden player in the world, but he knows his strengths and executes them perfectly. At this rate, Nani won’t get a look in down the right for a long time to come.
But, the top performer for me last night was Rafael Da Silva. After lots of minor injuries, and question marks over his reliability in the biggest games, Rafa has finally come through to stamp his mark on the right full back position. The true test of his progress will come in bigger games but, last night, Rafa Da Silva seemed to come of age. He had everything that you would want from your full back. Solidity in the tackle. Sure footed defensive cover. And superb thrust and accuracy going forward. While Smalling, Jones and even Valencia have covered the position at times this season, it is now Rafas for the taking. He is easily the best candidate for the position and, with focus, he can own the shirt for ten years plus.
On the evidence of last night Da Silva and Valencia offer the strongest right flank of any team in the Premier League and, at 21 and 26 respectively, they will surely make these positions their own for the next 3-5 years.
simon terungwa
Apr 3, 2012 at 2:57 pm
after becky ad philp i tink Rafa ad vanlecia wil mak history at united