'Following the Trawler...' Interview Part III: ManUtd24

Interview no.3, ahead of today's away game against Wigan, is with ManUtd24...

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

No, not really. A title
winning team are expected to lose a couple; and I, personally,
didn't understand the knee-jerk reaction that accompanied our
faltering after the Wolves game. But I won't take anything for
granted. Arsenal are still a threat - although Newcastle and Joey Barton
almost certainly wouldn't concur! Chelsea are out of it,
even Ancelotti accepts it while Manchester City need things to happen
elsewhere if they are to really push United and Arsenal until May.

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?

I think we've done okay. There are
many similarities to have had with last
season; collectively, we haven't changed as much but some of our
individuals have progressed and developed at a fine and encouraging rate.

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?

Is it that teams
have improved or the contrary? It's a bit of both I think - look at Chelsea who
are obviously in some sort of decline having won the Double last season.
But, on the other side of the coin, we have the most competitive league table
we've had for years; there are three or four teams who fancy their chances for
the 3rd/4th European spot. And down the bottom, it's to close to call. And down
the table, we have pretty much the same story. It's anyone's guess how this
season will pan out. 

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

Nani. His emergence has meant we
haven't missed Antonio Valencia as much as first anticipated. Yes, he has
frustrated at times but he's been consistently excellent. Park has
also been impressive -  the so-called "unfathomable" Korean has
proved useful, shame he went to Asian Cup at a time where he was
pLaying so well. Mentions must also go to Rafael
and Nemanja Vidic. Did you ask for just one?! 

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?

You might hate me for this, but, yes,
I have. Many United fans will agree after his wonder goal against Citeh. I
think Rooney's playing quite well - he lacks a bit of composure at times
but a forward in the 21st century is not expected to just score - but create
and link up play, too. His lack of goals is a concern, I do recognise, but
let's hope his barren run can come to an end now. I'm sure he'll get a lot of
confidence from that astonishing acrobatic finish. Anyway, he signed
a five-year contract and I feel that's enough to reason to believe
he's committed to the club - and I feel that whoever plays pulls on
our shirt deserves as much respect as the next. 

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?

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