Five things we learned from yesterday’s derby

Before the game last night, I was excited. Not just because it promised to be a keenly contested battle between ourselves and the noisy neighbours, but because I felt it would tell us a lot about United’s season ahead.

A victory, and I would have felt certain that at the end of the season we’d be right up there with Chelsea challenging for the title. A defeat? Well, exactly the opposite. Sadly, all that initial excitement was nowhere to be seen at the final whistle, after we witnessed a 0-0 draw that won’t grace any football DVDs in the near future. Nevertheless, whilst the point left the future direction of the season still up in the air, I feel we did learn a few things from last night.

1) Just when we needed him to step up, Michael Carrick has done so. He’s had his
critics, and he’s not a fans favourite, but last night he proved just how valuable
he is to this team. He HAS to be given an extended run in the team now.

2) Isn’t it great to see Vidic and a fully fit Ferdinand as our centre halves? The
Serbian was an absolute colossus for us last night, and for all their attacking
options, City looked about as threatening as my Gran. Ferdinand’s health is key this
season.

3) Whilst the boss was disappointed with only a point, in the long run that could
become an excellent result. City’s home form has been good, and Chelsea suffered a
defeat there a few months back.

4) Rafael now HAS to be our first choice right-back. Several weeks after having the
“best player in the world ever!!!” in his back pocket against Spurs, our dynamic
Brazilian put in another fantastic performance before he was forced off with injury.
His flare up with that Argentinian chap also showed an encouraging willingness to
fight for the shirt.

5) Finally, this “power shift” every giddy City fan is shouting about felt a long
way off last night. They’ll get a Top 4 place, surely, but can they win the league
under the incredibly cautious and negative Mancini? On that evidence, no!