Forever Young: random musings from Old Trafford
Last night was a wonderful spectacle of football as United romped to a 3-0 win over Newcastle. Again Sir Alex pulled a surprise naming Patrice Evra in the starting line up and we reaped the benefits as he and Nani linked up on the left to cause havoc. Despite Evra’s inclusion in the team the night was only about one man as for the second week in a row Paul Scholes ran the show.
In his his 15th opening-day game in 15 seasons since making his debut Paul Scholes again showed his worth to the team pulling the string for United and then linking with Ryan Giggs to set up what can only be described as a golden goal. Last week he had Chelsea dancing to his tune and Newcastle didn’t fare any better as he spread the ball around at will. He even showed glimpses of the Scholes of old with unexpected bursts of pace attacking Newcastle’s goal and he was unlucky to not be awarded a penalty having broken into the Newcastle box before being fouled.
I’m pretty sure you will get annoyed with me fawning all over Scholes this season but as long as he keeps playing well, I will continue and long may the ginger prince rule!
United’s first goal was crafted by the boots of Paul Scholes but the finisher was just as important as Dimitar Berbatov opened his and United’s account for the season. His shot across the body of Steve Harper into the bottom corner and then his celebration were endemic of a confident man who is enjoying his football. He was very involved in the game today and probably could have scored more but at the moment I’m just happy to see him getting stuck into games instead of pointing out the chances he missed.
Wayne Rooney again looked a lot more active than he did at the World Cup but yet again still didn’t get onto the score sheet although he had an effort in the net only to have it unlikely ruled out for offside. He is looking like he is shaking off the rust and once he gets a goal it will massively boost his confidence especially as it is continually being highlighted that he hasn’t scored since March (oops I just did it!)
Javier Hernandez is continuing to gain fans and winning the ball back ahead of our third goal will probably gain him a couple more. Had a close offside decision go against otherwise he would have marked his PL debut with a goal. Word is his shirt is selling better than both Wayne’s and Nani’s and as he endears himself to United fans with his happy persona it’s becoming apparent why. Same age as me, same birthday too but he looks like he should be starting secondary school in September rather than playing for United!
Probably the highlight of the night was United’s 3rd as Paul Scholes swept a ball across to the left wing and Ryan Giggs coolly volleyed it across Steve Harper into the Newcastle net. As well as Scholes’ landmark appearance, Ryan Giggs extended his record having played and scored in every Premier League season.
The season is well and truly underway now United have played and although we didn’t bag 6 like Chelsea did on Saturday we will have given our rivals food for though with a good performance.
Now to overtake Blackpool and win the league!