The age old adage, football is a game of two halves couldn’t have been more apt.
For the first half of tonight’s game, Danny Welbeck wasn’t enjoying his best football.
Although making no glaring mistakes he appeared slightly disjointed but the 15 minute break appears to have done him the world of good as in the second half it seemed as if he had got the message as of what was required of him.
Tom Cleverley has done well having been given his chance this season but he had to share the spotlight with a young rear guard in Smalling, Jones and Evans who were being tasked with keeping Spurs at bay but Cleverley gave a quick reminder as to why all eyes were on him as he and Welbeck linked up to give United the lead.
A inviting ball from the right from Cleverley was headed in by Welbeck and from then on United were on top.
Welbeck grew in confidence and went close with an overhead kick forcing a save from Brad Friedel but United would extend their lead and Welbeck would again be at the center of the play as United again gave us a glimpse of the fast and fancy interchange of passes that we showed against City.
Anderson played Welbeck in advancing on Spurs’ goal and Welbeck returned the favour with a cheeky backheeled lay off which the Brazilian rammed home to extend United’s lead.
Welbeck was subbed off to rapturous applause from Old Trafford but Spurs’ problems weren’t over as United grabbed a third.
In his 22nd season, Ryan Giggs showed no signs of deterioration as he crossed the ball for Rooney to head home United’s 3rd.
A good three points against a solid side, Javier Hernandez made a late cameo and a clean sheet with a young defence (all of whom looked good) and more importantly for David De Gea who looked a lot more confident in goal.
Next up Spurs’ north London rivals Arsenal visit Old Trafford on Sunday and we should go into it in high spirits with their situations and our good form.
Andersons goal looks like a warning to Barca. I know how niave that sounds but.. Cant help the feeling.
Phil Jones tonight….. immense. Honestly think Rio might struggle for regular football now with jones, smalling and evans playing as they are
agree. Jones was merciless. Getting stuck in. loved it.
I have to say, this year’s team is really passing the ball better and moving at what seems to be a quicker pace. Have to think not starting carrick and berbatov in the side has alot to do with it, no?
good match, good win, and good vibes ahead of arsenal match on sunday.
We can’t get carried away with the performance last night as Spurs were our match for long periods.
However it was hard not to smile at the performances of so many young players. In particular Smalling and Jones look wise beyond their years. I love the way they carry the ball forward rather than knock it long.
I must admit though that I still think CM is an area to improve on. Kagawa or Goetze fit the bill.
Take dat Wenger,dat’s a young team brimming wit talent,heart & experience
Totally agree with most of the above… think Welbeck was frustrating in the 1st half,almost trying to do too much at times. The second was excellent, his enthusiasum is admirable & exactly what United fans love. A great header and fantastic vision for Anderson’s well taken goal topped off a sky sports MOM performance. However, although he got all the plaudits it was Phil Jones that I was most pleased with…not a wonder Fergie wanted him from November. OK, so he was up against pretty much 1 upfront but that 1 player is Jermaine Defoe, a proven PL goalscorer…thought Jones was flawless throughout, won headers, made committed tackles and his passing when on the ball was international class (it wont be long)! Exciting times, even if Spurs were understrength…i guess the first test will be Chelsea in a fortnight. Would still like that Snjeider deal to happen, a marquee signing like them lot up the road would have all teams quaking and bring us closer to Barca (although credit must be given to Cleverly & a born again Ando).
P.S. Not a great admirer but well done Johnny Evans.