In-Form Reds March On

How many times this season have you heard people say, “United aren’t playing well but are still top of the table?" I think it’s time to debunk that myth. United haven’t lost a Premier League game for nearly 10 months. That is a remarkable achievement.

It simply doesn’t stack up to claim that United have rarely played well during this run. Take a look at the team's home record this season. Played 12, won 11 and drawn one. The Reds have scored 34 goals in those 12 games, so they virtually fire in three goals a game. Does that sound remotely like a team who have basically been going through the motions?

Arsenal have scored nine less goals at home this season and have lost three times and yet they are continually lauded for their football. United have scored 10 more home goals than Chelsea and an incredible 16 more than City – Old Trafford is the place to be for entertainment in this campaign.

Some of United’s football on Saturday was spellbinding. Rooney’s link-up play was a joy to behold, Nani looked a huge threat on the right wing and the ageless Giggs just keeps on going and scored one of the season’s great goals (I must try yoga!). And then there’s Berba. We all know that he’s had his ups and downs in a United shirt but he now looks the complete package. 18 goals and three hat-tricks before the end of January is some record. He quietly slipped out of Old Trafford after the game and left without doing any post-match interviews. He just doesn’t like any fuss. If I’d bagged a hat-trick of hat-tricks, I’d still be in the tunnel now telling any TV crew who would listen how great I was. But that’s just not his style.

So let’s not have anymore of this nonsense about United not playing particularly well. Indeed, if we hadn’t conceded desperately late goals at Fulham, Everton and Birmingham then the title race would surely be all over already. Sadly it isn’t but what a position United are in.

Next up, the Reds play one of their games in hand at Blackpool. I think three points are a must. It would put clear daylight between United and Arsenal and take the Reds further away from City. It will be some night at Bloomfield Road and will definitely bring back memories for my co-commentator Paddy Crerand. When United last played a top flight game there 40 years ago, Paddy was sent off and got into a bit of a dust-up in the tunnel! Here’s to another three points and no red cards on Tuesday.