Last night’s Champions League semi final first leg in The Veltins-Arena, saw Schalke take on the in form Manchester United. Schalke would have gone into this game high on confidence, after their 6-2 demolition of current CL holders, Inter Milan, in the quarter final. But for a few reasons they did not seem to turn up. Manchester United were undoubtably the favourites to go through, but I don’t think they thought it would have been such a smooth ride last night.
After watching Schalke destroy Inter, Fergie had to show some concern in his approach. This was evident through his selection of two more industrious wide men rather than Nani, arguably their player of the season so far. This decision, which saw Man United set out with a 4 5 1 come 4 2 1 3 formation, Rooney taking up a floating role to deadly affect, was a major foundation in the direction of the game.
It’s not often that you hear that a German side are tactically out maneuvered. But yesterday evening it was a tactical master class.
Schalke started off with a 4 4 2 and from the kick off they struggled to get to grips, while out of possession, with the movement of Carrick, Giggs and Rooney. These 3 were picking up the ball and distributing it wisely. While Schalke’s midfield, seemed to always be second to knockdowns and limited on options.
Man United took this advantage and absolutely ran with it. Creating chance after chance, with Hernandez unfortunate not to have a first brace. The slickness of some of the passing and interchanging amongst the United players was a joy to watch.
Hernandez was spinning in behind the centre halves, penetrating the back line. This stretched Schalke allowing the United defence and midfield to take up a more advanced starting position. Dictating the game with ease.
Half time came and to everyone’s surprise it was still 0-0 thanks to Neuer, who was my man of the match.
The second offered more of the same. Man United dominating possession with precise passing and movement. It was a true collective performance with United players executing their role superbly.
It was only a matter of time before it came and it was a sweet move indeed. Rooney with the subtle slide rule pass and Giggs with the finish, giving United the vital away goal. One nil and now Schalke were forced to push in search of equaliser.
This only made things worse. Leaving gaping gaps for United to exploit, which they did to great effect for the second goal. A flying Valencia to Hernandez, who tees up Rooney for a side foot finish.
The game was now out of touch and Man United controlled possession and broke at will with the introduction of Nani, Scholes and Anderson.
As the final whistle was blown many would be surprised to look back and admit that there was not a true individual stand out performer on the night, but more so a superb team performance. Something which best describes Man United’s season.
It’s still early to say, but Manchester United has now taken a giant step into the CL finals in May.
Looking at United’s squad before the seaon started many had written their CL chances off. As a Man United fan, I must admit, I too did not think they had a chance of winning the CL nor the PL. But I must say they have really shown great character, hunger and ruthlessness.
The stars, Rooney, Giggs, Ferdinand, Scholes have been quietly impressive. Nani and Berbatov probably being the pick of the squad.
But for me the star this season has been Alex Ferguson. The man has managed to galvanise a team that has probably been their less threating team, on paper that is, for the last few years.
This type of achievement has really put an irreplaceable aura around Sir Alex Ferguson.
Do I hear talk of retirement slowly being muted in the Ferguson household?!
Well for United’s sake I hope so.
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