There are numerous failings in the manc team, some of which have been mentioned by all. Whilst “those in glass houses”, etc, I can say that the mancs no longer hold their fear factor they always seemed to have. Most domestic games were won before kick off. The fact giggs was relied on last night shows how red-nose is genuinely short of trusted members.
Going back to the Moscow JT penalty – evra caused drog to go off, so the end to that evening could easily have been different. Kalou was standing behind terry – he had never missed a pen either. Terry wanted to be Mr Chelsea and win the cup. Belt the ball, he did not. I don’t believe the mancs really deserved it that year. Still, it’s history (which we don’t have).
Going back to the treble year – munich played the mancs off the park – hitting the woodwork twice and missing numerous fairly easy chances. Roll up super sub Ole on 89 and 93mins to steal an undeserved european cup.
My point is that red-nose has never set europe on fire. Never. Yes, two wins of the big-eared trophy is two more than the Chels’ have got in his 25 years, but on both occasions one could point out that they didn’t win the competition ‘Barcelona style’; they were very fortuous each time. Red-nose has an excellent record domestically – of course he does – but he’s never cracked Europe.
I honestly believe he should’ve gone after 2009 season, after winning the PL 3 years in a row – winning it back after Jose had done it twice for Chels’. What with all the glazer shit going on at that time, it would’ve been a good statement as well. His team were clearly nearing the end of their reign, and yet another rebuild was due. And he could’ve and should’ve spent more time with his horses and drinking wine.
Last season was a title that no-one seemed to want to win, so despite being fairly mediocre, the mancs ended up doing it. It was another opportunity for him to go at the end of the season – on top again. The writing was on the wall regarding City – they were only going to rub his nose in the ‘noisy neighbour’ comment.
It is a transitional period for the mancs now. Hernandes has saved his blushes on numerous occasions, just as ronaldo did. Both brilliant players. Right now there isn’t much else in the manc team that would grace the turfs of Europe’s best teams.
Just my penny’s worth.