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So aside from the fact that United have found their shooting boots, what else did we learn on Wednesday night? Here are my observations.
STRIKER WAYNE
This past week, Sir Alex Ferguson dispelled the suggestion that myself and many other journalist had raised: That Wayne Rooney could in fact be the ready-made replacement for Paul Scholes. Wayne and Paul, while similar in commitment and ability, were just two very different players, the boss said. But skepticism ran deep, especially when he also said young charges like Danny Welbeck and Kiko Macheda wouldn’t be going on loan again this season. This leaves United overly deep at the striker’s position; one which is difficult to keep players happy.
So on Wednesday night, Rooney took matters into his own hands ... or feet. Netting 3 clinical goals and dummying another for Park, he showed a lethal side to his game that has sorely been missed. The fact that Rooney’s goals, including a fantastic third into the top of the net, were so well struck at this early juncture of the preseason can only mean he’s chomping at the bit to get the 2011/12 season going.
So United will find another midfielder or two to take Scholes’ place. Tom Cleverly gets his shot Saturday in Chicago.
BACK AND FRONT
A second look at the scoresheet tells us two things.
First, when Sir Alex said that new goalkeeper David De Gea would have competition for the No. 1 position, he wasn’t just paying lip-service to Anders Lindegaard and Ben Amos. The pair performed admirably, even in the face of some dodgy backpasses, keeping a cleansheet against Major League Soccer’s second-best offense and arguably its most explosive player in Freddie Montero.
And they weren’t in their easy chairs doing it, either. Seattle pressed from the first whistle and after adjusting the sights on their boots, tested Lindegaard with a series of shots he was able to catch or parry. Amos, meanwhile, has shown in training that he can pull out top-drawer saves, and did exactly that after taking over in the second half. So what’s a manager to do?
"Obviously we have signed David de Gea as the main choice I would imagine," Ferguson said after the game, "but Anders Lindegaard and Ben Amos have probably said to themselves they have an opportunity with Van der Sar retiring. It is an open door for me."
So with De Gea set to start against the Chicago Fire on Saturday, Sir Alex could have a real goalkeeping fight on his hands.
But that’s not the only position up for grabs. With Chicharito on holiday following the CONCACAF Gold Cup and Dimitar Berbatov picking up a knock in training, the gates have opened for other strikers to stake their claim on a senior roster spot. The aforementioned Welbeck should return to the lineup on Saturday following positive stints with Sunderland and the England U21 squad. Mame Biram Diouf did well to gather Nani’s looped pass for his goal, and Michael Owen put away one of two clean chances, just like in New England. Add in Wayne Rooney’s hat trick after being kept off the scoresheet against the Revs, and a real battle starts to develop.
Rooney and Chicharito should be first choice when the season opens at West Brom, but who makes the subs bench? It’s certainly a wonderful problem to have.
FANTASTIC TEST
In reality, Sir Alex couldn’t have asked for more out of United’s test against Seattle. The match was reminiscent of so many away trips to lower-in-the-table teams in the Premier League who have nothing to lose against the Red Devils. So Sigi Schmidt’s side took full advantage and pressured the Reds from the first whistle. This led to several heart-in-mouth moments at the back and at one point, the hosts actually led in shots 6-0 before Owen headed in the opener.
Seattle started like a house on fire and this is exactly the kind of preparation United will need going into the 2011/12 season. The squad weathered the storm from the Sounders, knowing they couldn’t maintain such pressure for 90 minutes, and then picked their moments to attack.
This sign of composure, in the face of a heavy home crowd, bodes well heading into the season. Ashley Young showed why he may already be first choice on the left wing, interchanging flawlessly with Patrice Evra and tracking back when the Frenchman is upfield. Rafael, after a few early lapses, settled well into the game, as did Fabio after coming on in the second half. The United defense simply bided its time, waited for the Sounders players to take themselves out of position, and then struck.
#STAYONYOURFEET
Oh @RioFerdy5. The king of Twitter. If only the World Football Challenge had heard of your catchphrase. Only 2 days after Manchester City lost Yaya Toure in Vancouver, players were having a torrid time staying on their feet in Seattle. In both cases, fresh grass was laid on a surface that’s normally occupied by FieldTurf at the request of the visiting team. The problem with weather in the Pacific Northwest is, of course, that it’s very very wet. So in both cases, the new grass failed to, well, stick.
Freddy Montero was changing his boots early on and both teams built chances when opposing fullbacks couldn’t stay upright. I’m a big advocate of natural grass, but the FieldTurf these facilities normally have is not your father’s astroturf. It drains well, feels natural, and when the fixtures start piling up, is easy to maintain for teams on a limited budget. So to the WFC: Next year, leave the surface alone.
ON TO CHICAGO
With new signings De Gea, Welbeck, and Phil Jones in the mix, the Reds will surely freshen up their squad for Saturday’s match at Soldier Field. Chris Smalling could even partner his U21 counterpart at some point in defense, while Cleverly will no doubt look to score for the second year running in the States.
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