'Following the Trawler...' Interview Part I: United-Latest

With the title race reaching squeaky bum time, I thought now would be the perfect opportunity to get the reflections and thoughts of my fellow United blogger's on all things United: the campaign so far, ending our unbeaten run at Molineux...and the enigma that is Wayne Rooney.

My first interview is with top United site United-Latest...




1. So, assuming you thought United would win the title comfortably before the Wolves defeat,
have your feelings changed at all following last weekend?

No, not at all. To be blunt – we aren’t as good as Arsenal’s
Invincibles’ of the 2003/2004 season. We were going to run out of luck at some
stage during the title run-in, and to be honest I would rather lose against
Wolves than get beaten by Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool or Arsenal. We are still
firmly in control of the title race, and taking into account that The Gunners
drew with Newcastle United and Carlo’s Blues lost against Liverpool, our result
can be put into context. City are the only ones who gained substantially from
our loss, but for me they were never in the title race to begin with; and we showed
them just that on Saturday.

2. In general what
have you made of United this season - a season where they have played
consistently average football yet have stayed at the top of the league for
months?

Well, I think anybody in their right mind would take titles
over sexy football. If you can do both, then that’s an added bonus. But the
main objective for the season was to regain the Premier League and that remains
the #1 target for us. We have done well in the League’s big games so far and
with only one loss we aren’t fairing too bad at all. I think we’ll improve
going into the latter stages of the season. It’s usually the rhythm of Sir Alex
Ferguson’s teams over the past decades.

3. On that note, what
do you think has contributed to the falling standards at the top? Why have none
of the teams at the top maintained strong, winning form?

Well, that’s down to many factors. For a start, the top half
of the Premier League is much more congested this season. I mean, before last
season I’d laugh if someone told me Tottenham Hotspur had an outside chance – a
chance at all for that matter – to win the League. Earlier this season, that
was possible. The same goes for City, who have strengthened slightly. Secondly,
Chelsea have fallen apart – as we all predicted – after their idiocy
surrounding Ray Wilkins’ sacking from The Bridge. Their off-loading of players
over the summer didn’t help either and their buying policy hasn’t worked for
them. Arsenal have been highly inconsistent this season – despite their relatively
strong position. Liverpool are Liverpool. United’s main downfall, I believe, is
not the lack of arrivals (although an issue) but Wayne Rooney and the saga
surrounding his contract. We have this season got over the loss of Crisitano
Ronaldo.  

4. Who has stood out
for you this season and why?

Despite us not playing that well, there have been a number
of players who have stood out for me this season. Chiefly, Dimitar Berbatov has
been in outstanding form. 20 goals in 28 games is a top-class return, and he’s
only 6 goals away from equalling his record whilst at Bayer Leverkusen in
2004/2005. The main reason that I’ve chosen Berba is because he has responded
clinically to his critics. The 3rd season at any club is the hardest, it’s make
or break. Already, the Bulgarian has made it. Ryan Giggs, Chicharito and
Nemanja Vidic also deserve a mention. 

5. Nearly four months
on from the Rooney going/staying saga, with the run-in gathering momentum yet
Wazza's contribution in terms of goals not, what are your feelings towards the
player? Have the fans forgiven and forgotten?

Fans can be fickle, but they’re not stupid.
Everybody has said Rooney has been more or less forgiven following his stunner
against City. That will be the case to a certain
extent, definitely for the aftermath of the Manchester Derby
victory, but I think his contract saga will not be forgotten in the long
run. Wazza has done well in terms of supply, but he’s been inconsistent to say
the least. If he wins us the title, and produces more similar to his goal
against The Blues, then he won’t be held accountable to what he did back in
November. I for one see Rooney in a different light, and probably will forever.
I still support him as much as I can - and go mad when he scores - and I think
it’s the same for the fans, but his persona and influence has taken a
major hit. It’s a luke warm feeling. At least he stayed, I suppose. 

6. Ignoring how the
teams below us fair, United cannot afford anymore slip-ups with SAF saying
about 30points in the next 13 games should win it. Marking a W, L or D next to
each game, how do you think United will do in the remaining fixtures?

City (h) W

Wigan (a) W

Chelsea (a) D

Liverpool (a) D

Bolton (h) W

West Ham (a) W

Fulham (h) W

Newcastle (a) D

Everton (h) W

Arsenal (a) D

Chelsea (h) W

Blackburn (a) W

Blackpool (h) W