Diego Forlan, the ex-United washout, proved yet again last night that he CAN perform in the big games as he scored both of Atletico Madrid goals as the under performing La Liga side won the Europa League. His winning goal came at the death of extra time to end Roy Hodgson’s side’s quest for history.
Forlan was a constant threat throughout. His movement not just in the box, but in supporting areas was second to none and he always seemed to be in the right position at the right time – his first goal proving just that. A miss hit Sergio Aguero shot fell to Forlan who was there to divert the ball expertly past Mark Schwarzer. His winner came four minutes from the end of extra time. Great work down the left from Aguero gave Forlan the chance to flick the ball into the far corner via a deflection from the unlucky Brede Hangeland. This was the second time the Uruguayan had struck to defeat an English team in the competition after he scored another extra time, away winning goal to knock Liverpool out of Europe at the semi-final stage, consequently summing the Merseyside club to a torrid season.
The ex-red, who scored only 17 goals in 95 appearances at United, has now demonstrated what a good striker he really is, and has proven why Sir Alex Ferguson paid nearly 7million pounds for him back in 2002. His domestic form says it all, 35 goals last season, 32 coming in the league-decisively La Liga’s top scorer. Not to forget, that’s taking into consideration the other ‘world class’ strikers that were on show: Samuel Eto’o, David Villa, Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Thierry Henry to name a few.
He’s scored 18 goals this season and is a vastly improved player than the one we signed in 2002. Along with his young striking partner Sergio Aguero, I expect him to move on to better things next season and who says he won’t return for a second spell in the Premier League?
Whatever the case, I think we can all now see why Fergie’s decided to sign what was the promising Uruguayan forward. Unfortunately his spell at the club was not a roaring success however eight years on, Diego Forlan has sure proved what a top European striker he really is.
The guy was never given a chance oh how we could have done with him or ruud. in the closing stages of the season.Bring diego home.
We have a worrying tendency to bring in strikers and turn them into team players: Forlan, Berba, Tevez and Rooney until this season. Why is that?
He was given a chance Mark, if we missed a player this season it was Saha!
I was very sorry when Fergie sold him. Despite everything he was never a flop at United. Have a look at this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWtBiDuLbXk
I love Forlan since the day one arrive at Old Trafford, He was given full chance to play with Manchester United played 95 games and scored 17 goals, He had to leave United to be able to click some where else in United he was having bad luck, It happens to some players, Wish him a best and good luck my Idol Forlan.
xyth..17 goals in 95 games isn’t great at all for a striker that was brought in to score goals. So I have to disagree he was a failure at United, but certainly isnt now!!! Bring him back! lol
Good for him and I’m glad that he’s always been positive towards United in spite of his tenure not being very successful.
He was given more than enough time to prove himself, but it didn’t work and I don’t think there are any regrets in letting him go. Whether it was a different football culture in England, or simply that he needed to play with a less high-profile team to ease his nerves, he just needed a change of scenery.
“95 games”…anyone knows on how many games he was a starter??? Of the 95 games he might have started on 10 if lucky…His goal per minute played average was great…remeber who was starting at ManU at the time, no chances for him.
When he left to be a regular his class emerged
Just to clarify Diego started 37 games he played 3 non competitive games but those were not included in the figure.
Wish Fergie had kept him for one more season, I reckon he would have come good for us. If only he had worn the right studs!!