VIEW: United vs Valencia (a). 1-0

After a
long and tortuously dull game at the Mestalla that saw little chances created
by either side, far less by the away team, it was left to young Hernandez and
(even younger Macheda) to come on and win us the game.

Chicharito’s
second meaningful contribution of the game, after hitting the post soon after coming
on in the 77th minute, was to latch onto Kiko’s clever pass, cut
inside the Valencia defence and bury it into the far corner. What a goal, but
also, what a brilliant, innovative piece of management by Fergie.

All the pressing
issues regarding team selection occurred before the game. No Giggs, Scholes
and, most notably, Rooney. How were United to cope while three of our most
influential players were still back in Manchester?
Against the team top of La Liga?

Even before
the potentially desperate, final-roll-of-the-dice decisions were made to
replace Anderson and Berbatov with Hernandez and Macheda respectively, SAF
showed his typical blend of bravery and intelligence; starting Anderson alongside Carrick. These are two
midfielders who have been out injured (with Anderson missing most of last season)
and have both made only one substitute appearance in the League this season,
yet both showed equal levels of competence and confidence last night. The ball,
it must be said, was lost a tad too carelessly in midfield at times, yet once
on the ball, both players passed and distributed the ball brilliantly. I
thought Ando’s positioning as well in the first half was class: playing just
off Berbatov to give him support (who clearly needed it) and allowing the play
to progress swiftly up the field. That said, our attacking display clearly
lacked a certain edge and overall level of fluency that saw us happily go in at
half-time with a 0-0 draw.

So with
little being done by either side to influence the score-line, and with time
ticking, it was time for Fergie to make the changes. Anderson, as much as he needs games, still
needs to be eased, so off he comes. Along with Berbatov, who clearly cannot
function – or simply doesn’t want to function – as a lone striker (a shame that
after such incredible recent performances he can still allow his laziness to
overpower his game). So who comes on to replace them? Who do we have on that bench
that can win us the game?

I, and my
fellow reds, should be under no illusions. Our strength in depth is not what it
used to be…hence why we all gasped in disarray when we heard that those three highly
pivotal personnel were absent. And had we drawn, or even lost (a strong
possibility at times), Ferguson’s
decision to bring on two unproven and inexperienced youths to win the game (average
age of 20.5. That’s right. I did the maths!) would have been ridiculed and probably
used as a representation of United’s current state and weakening resources.

But as it
was, the kids did alright. With Nani’s silky run starting the move (a player
who is constantly ‘proving’ himself as the real deal) feeding in sub no.1), Macheda, who looked up to see sub no.2) waiting to receive. A great move,
started and finished with youth, potential and, more importantly three perfect examples
of why nobody should ever doubt Sir Alex. The faith and belief he shows in his
staff is undeniable, and almost as world class as the talent he finds.

The win
yesterday had its element of luck about it. But more so, it portrayed the strong, ever-present elements of ability and raw talent that are emerging in this side. Talent that will hopefully be nurtured and perfected in the Ferguson way.