Number Twenty

It was hardly a vintage season for the Fergie Fledglings of 2013. There did not exactly dominate games but the key for this season had been consistency. And we excelled in that to the T.

Fergie was clearly haunted by the late season league concession to our noisy neighbour last season. As a result, we emphasised on the individuals, making simple things perfect rather than going for the spectacular. As a result, the action for the season seemed rather muted.

The key signings for the season had really moved the team forward in van Persie and Kagawa. I was sure that Kagawa would be a revelation by this time next year. Now, we need a midfield force in the mild of Scholsey, but perhaps Fergie would like Rooney to step down to that position to play along Carrick. I would welcome a signing or two to beef up this area however.

Now that the season had been wrapped up, it was time to plan forward. Glory Glory Man United!

Sunday Duty

A win is still a win, even though it could have been more convincing. We were leading the Premiership by 18 points at one point before City put 4 past Newcastle the same evening. The lead remained at 15. And de Gea had not been breached for almost 600 minutes in the Premier League despite being considered as the weak link in our defence.

The return of football also brought a wanted distraction after a break for the World Cup Qualifiers. United would next be taking on Chelsea in the FA Cup replay on Easter Monday, about 48 hours after their last game. But to be fair, Chelsea was also in action last - being beaten by Southampton - which put more pressure on the already beleaguered Rafa Banitez.

As for me, in will be on call today. Always a pain to be on call on a Sunday, but somebody had to do it I supposed. One of my friend would be holding an Aqiqah on her baby later this morning. Would be trying to see if I could make it to the kenduri. Anita and the boys would be there as well. She was still not well from the flu.

Not-so-great Ending

It was a not-so-great end to a wonderful weekend. First, Dato' Lee Chong Wei appeared lethargic in what could have been his third All-England title in five years. He was clearly not in his best form, and quite rightly, was beaten by Cheng Long in straight set.

Then, I took a nap and set my alarm for then Man United-Chelsea match. It was already the second half when I woke up, and I caught Chelsea pegging United back from two goals behind. We were lucky that we did not get beat. At least there would be a return leg at Stamford Bridge. So, it could've been worst ....

Going for the Dozen

The Southampton win last night was a great result for us. But that would be meaningless if we did not capitalise on it. We must have to go for the win. Anything less would be a mini disaster. And we would not want any mini disasters at this stage of the campaign. We want to go twelve points clear.

We had been churning away results without really playing well. And with Fellaini in the side, Everton was more than capable of upsetting us. As they did last season. It was the late draw here at Old Trafford that put our title aspirations in tatters.

True enough, Uncle Giggsy just put us in front with a great team effort, marking him as they only player to have scored in every season of the Premier League since its inception. It was still early doors though. We only played 20 minutes so far, and Everton looked dangerous. I will be biting my nails through out the game.

A Draw Was A Draw

A draw was a draw. And it was still a point in the bag, but that was no consolation really. We should have put then game to bed, but from a toothless performance up front. Maybe it was the Xmas round the corner. Rooney especially was sluggish with both his passing and finishing. And even van Persie was not his usual deadly self.

Swansea played a clever game. They pressed United using a high line and compacted the midfield. At times, Carrick and Cleverley were overrun and struggled to get a hold of the game. This allowed Swansea forwards to run forward, especially Michu and get into good positions. It was also quite clear that Vidic could do with a couple more outings before getting his fitness back. His reading of the game was still there, it was just the speed.

Understandably, Swansea struggled to keep such a high energy game throughout, and was getting tired after the hour. We tried to capitalise with the introduction of Chicarito. But apart from a good chance that missed his stride, he was rather anonymous. And then, there was Valencia. He was really struggling. With United only have three wingers in the squad - then other two being Young and Nani if we discount Giggs - we would have problem playing our usual wide game going forward. Both Young and Valencia was below par in then crossing department yesterday as well.

Hopefully we would clear the cobweb before the next game on Boxing Day. The lead is now down to four points after our first draw of the season. But putting things into perspective, getting a point away to Swansea was never a bad thing. On their day, Swansea could play proper football and out any team under pressure. It was just not our day, with us hitting the bar twice and the Swansea defense putting their bodies on the line last-ditch defending. The real blow came with the news of Chelsea putting eight past the Villan. Now, that was an attacking display .......