Title Credentials

It brings such joy to my life to write about this when in 90 minutes I went from being slightly dejected and heartbroken at the thought of losing to West Ham and losing a "must-win" game. With the 2-0 half time scoreline, I must admit, I did panic slightly, but then i did come to my senses. Then came the 20 minutes of footballing bliss as Man United did it again...They came back to win 4-2. Wayne Rooney's 14 minute hat trick inspired a victory that could well win Man United the league this season. Arsenal drew at home to Blackburn, and Chelsea were lucky to draw against a powerful Stoke side, leaving man United 7 points clear with momentum going into their next game against Fulham at home. This is a position that Man United have been in plenty times before. My heart tells me they will have enough fight for the rest of the season to win the 19th trophy.

There are the obvious credentials that come to mind like a good team spirit, a great manager that makes his player's perform and a good spine to a team . United's spine looks like this -  A good goalkeeper, without being biased (promise) Man United have the best goal keeper in the world. Van der Sar has fantastic concentration. His shot stopping is great he can kick with either foot, so he is used as a sweeper at times, and often takes pressure off  the defence as a result. he has great vision and has been involved in a couple assists for united. He also has incredible patience and communication skills. He puts his defence in front of him at ease because he is reliable. I am dreading his retirement. A good centre back, Vidic the Man United Captain, possibly one of the top 3 defenders in the world. Should Man United win the league this season, Vidic will more than likely win the Player of the Year gong ahead of the likes of Tevez, Nasri, Nani (the front runners in my opinion). His courage, determination and drive has led United to the top of the league beautifully. A good midfielder. Although our centre midfielders have changed a lot from game to game, they have been fairly consistent. Scholes has been amazing over the years and still has the ability to change the course of a game.

Man United have got goals in them this season from all over the park, but Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez has been the pick of the strikers for me. He has been consistently good and has always made an impact in games. Games that jump to mind are the comeback against Blackpool, and most recently against West Ham this weekend where he scored goals and his movement caused such trouble for defenders. He has scored important goals that have helped United in the title run in and in Europe.

Other qualities and that have landed United 7 points clear of Arsenal is the will to win, the courage, BMT, the experience and "know how" to win a league. Man United showed once again that they are going to fight to win the title all the way to the end regardless of who takes the field. Injuries have been a well publicized problem for United, but they have coped well so far. They have once again used players out of position and seemed to make it work to win the game. Against West Ham they ha to use a left back, Fabio, at right back, and when Evra went off, the ever green Ryan Giggs moved from left back, a position he has only filled on a couple occasions when our left back has been injured and there has been no other options. This match showed Man United's will to win, and to achieve their goal of getting that 19th title. Coming from behind when 2 -0 down has become an art form this year. I am so proud to say that I support this team. Their courage, determination and class has separated them from the rest of the teams in the league. They deserve the league title.

So much has been said and written about them not playing the champagne football of old, but when you consider the weekly changes, the injuries, the 4 competitions and competitive and physical league they play in, maybe winning ugly is just fine when considering they are now 7 points clear.

Coming from behind to score 4 goals in one half to win 4-2 is an unbelievable feat considering that we have so many injuries and had to juggle players and positions. That is more exciting then beautiful football and throwing away leads or not being able to score in a "must-win" game in the run in.  

Aresnal can keep their beautiful football, Chelsea their pace and power and City can keep their millions because they don't have what Man United have. Man United have heart, they have team spirit, a wonderful footballing philosophy and a future built on tradition.

Sir Alex Fergi said after the match at West Ham:

"I think we played like champions today," Sir Alex told Sky Sports. "We kept our heads up, we didn't lose faith in our ability and it was a great boost to us in that respect. It's not an easy place to come to, and they're fighting relegation, but we dominated that second half and it was a real championship performance as far as I'm concerned.". This was perfectly said if you ask me.

Club Legend Paddy Crerand wrote: 

"Bravery is perhaps not the most obvious word to use but it works. The players were brave because they kept on playing the same way despite going 2-0 down at West Ham. There was no panic, no lumping the ball forward in desperation. United played with the air of a team who had been down this road so many times and just knew that something was going to happen. The boss also showed bravery. When Patrice Evra failed to appear for the second half and Ryan Giggs went to left back, I just assumed that the Frenchman had fallen victim to United’s defensive injury curse. But no, remarkably Sir Alex decided that he wanted to play Giggs at left back as he’d offer more of an attacking threat. Can you think of any other manager who would have made such an audacious move? Bravery."

Man United's title credentials are there for everyone to see...its their guts and determination that separates a good team from a great team. Lets get our squad back and make history and win the 19th to become great.