Thus, you get the easiest of formats here: the top five reactions to the match.
First off, how incredibly stupid was Ronald Zubar’s tackle on Welbeck?
Daft beyond all recognition, as you put your side down to ten men with over 60 minutes of football against the reigning champions in the midst of a relegation battle. Can you say gaffer’s doghouse?
I get wanting to close down the forward, but if your timing’s off along the touchline, that type of challenge gets booked nine out of ten times, with the winger taken down and acres of space behind the play.
Second, despite the comfortable score line, it seemed like there were more goals to be had by Sir Alex’s men.
Certainly, Thursday’s match and travel took some sharpness off the effort and it’s an excellent result, but Wolves were soooo poor for much of the match. This easily could have been 6, 7, or 8 to the good.
Behind closed doors Fergie might have a sharp word or two with the squad regarding their at-times flippant passing and possession. Goal differential matters and United didn’t take full advantage of a severely wounded side here.
Third, United employed the correct formation today, with Chicharito up top, Rooney in the hole, Welbeck drifting all over the place from the left, and Valencia playing textbook right wing.
Valencia and Chicharito, in their own ways, push defenses and create ample space for Rooney, Welbeck, and Carrick to create havoc. The pressure felt on Wolves’ left flank because Valencia beat Ward repeatedly caused the usual domino effect in mismarking everybody else. Which leads me to the next point.
Fourth, welcome back Antonio Valencia!
Since the New Year, he’s been the Red Devils most consistent catalyst going forward, getting around the edge and supplying excellent service to the front line. His pace and strength creates serious problems for opponent’s left backs, which has defenses paying lop-sided attention to his flank.
His goal was simply superb, as he broke the length of the pitch, gathered Rooney’s ball over the top, and raced to goal with delightful finish one-to-one against the keeper – a brilliant, counter-attacking surge. Valencia’s definitely deserving of everyone’s Man of the Match.
And finally, I reserve my MOTM honors for the man who broke his duck and opened up United’s account off a corner in the 21st minute: Jonny Evans. Today’s award is as much about the body of work in 2012 as his usual, solid effort today.
Evans did his job with his now-usual assuredness, a trait we didn’t think we’d witness after his horrible red card against City. In fact, many advocated selling the player in the January transfer window. Thankfully, Sir Alex knows better.
It takes time and patience to develop good, young center halves, something we’re all too intimately aware of in light of United’s failings in Europe.
Thus, we salute the bit of luck due a certain Northern Irishman, one who has earned our praise and recognition for his effort and improvement this campaign. Jonny, you’ve had as much to do with United’s ascent to the top as anyone in the starting eleven. Cheers to you on your first goal and a job well done.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Fabrice Muamba, his family, and Bolton Wanderers. Be well son.
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