Reign Supreme: Man U Kings of Europe

Rain and blood poured in Moscow as Manchester United and Chelsea once more faced each other in an epic battle to prove who were the true title owners. Both teams were evenly matched and it took penalty kicks to decide the winner. As much as it hurts me to utter the following words, I believe that overall Manchester United deserved to win the Champions League. They are the best team in the World this season and their focus, determination and team spirit represent what is good in football. They also have been bolstered by the stunning display of their defensive players Ferdinand and Vidic as well as the best player in the World this season Cristiano Ronaldo. There determination to win was evident throughout the season. The team refused to lose matches. It was a normal image to see players with blood running from their bodies as the fought on throughout the season. When they were down a goal instead of giving up the pushed on to at least earn a point. The coaching staff of Manchester United lead by Sir Alex Ferguson made a decision to create a team capable of challenging on the European shores and they have succeeded. The main problem in the past was depth and Ferguson decided to strengthen his team by retaining the core of his team while strengthening it with shrewd transfer signings.

Their summer transfers complimented the more seasoned players. Young players such as Nani and Anderson came into the team with zeal to gain acceptance. Anderson was forced into the starting line up due to injuries and soon made center defensive midfield role his own as dismantled opponents attacks with his tackles. Nani also made his contribution with awe inspiring dribbles and a number of impressive goals. His only weakness being his lack of mental maturity, that earned him a red card and constant attention from referees and opponents. The other two signings that were made in the summer turned out to be just as impressive. The loan deal for Carlos Tevez was a profound move by the team. The Argentine striker already had a winning spirit after winning in the Brazilian league with then top side Corinthians. Bringing him over from West Ham proved priceless as the striker managed to save Man U from losing full points on more than three occasions thanks to his late goals. He fit in seamlessly in the attack front complimenting the movements of his partners Rooney and Ronaldo. He became the teams second highest goal scorer for the season with 19 goals. Owen Hargreaves was the final piece to the transfer puzzle. Man U was determined to add this player to their roster. After failing to sign in him in the previous season they once again pursued the case and were successful. This defensive midfielder provided protection to the backline with precision tackles. He also proved himself to be multi dimensional as Ferguson utilized him as a right back and centre back due to injuries. Hargreaves also managed to find himself on the scoring sheet with a cunning free kick.

Beside the transfer targets Man U recieved much needed boost from their seasoned young starting duo Rooney and Ronaldo. This season both players began to play a new role. Ronaldo became more of a forward while Rooney spent more time in midfield to cater to the runs of Ronaldo. Anyone who has watched football this season cannot deny the growth of Cristiano Ronaldo this season. The young Portuguese received a red card during one of earlier matches of the season. He was forced to watch on the bench as his team struggled to score goals. This agitation seemed to fuel a desire in him to perform throughout the rest of the season and he achieved this by scoring 42 magnificent goals. This season he emerged into the perfect attacking machine, scoring with both feet and his head. He also seemed to have found the secret to taking free kicks. His only weakness seemed to be taking penalties. Rooney also had his trials and tribulations. He injured himself during the start of the season and had to spend time on the sidelines nursing a broken foot. When he returned he began to have short bursts of success in front of goal that would bring his final tally 18 goals for the season. He also showed his versatility and determination by fitting into the midfield and even playing defensive midfield during Ronaldo's drifting up front. Saha also when fit provided the team with attacking options and he scored 5 goals for the season despite being wrath with injuries.

Man U's success was also much to the depth of their midfield in particular. I already made mention of the three midfield summer transfers that have played their respective roles. There is Giggs and Scholes, veteran midfielders, that have provided the team with experience, leadership and goal scoring capabilities. Giggs was granted the captain role due to injuries to Neville and he accepted gracefully leading the team while scoring 8 goals. Scholes after fighting injuries saw himself starting less due to the over achievement of Anderson. He still contributed with 4 goals, including a screaming long range shot that propelled Man U into the Champions League Finals in Moscow. Carrick, Oshea, Fletcher and Ji-Sung Park stepped up and performed when they were called upon. Carrick and Fletcher controlled the midfield and contributed to 4 goals each. Oshea failed to hit the net, however bolstered the defense coming off the bench during the second half of matches. Park was injured for most of the season but regained health in the second half and put on some magnificent runs that aide the forwards in placing the ball in the goal. Ferguson also gave young midfielder Eagles a few chances to experience first team play throughout the season.

I think that defense proved to be the determining factor in Manchester United success this season. The partnership of Ferdinand and Vidic combined to only concede 22 goals in the Premiereship. They also proved integral in keeping out goals during the CL challenge. Both players put their bodies on the line to stop attacking players from scoring. Vidic recieved a head rattling injury after his face connected with Chelsea's striker Drogba's knee. Ferdinand could be seen bleeding from his foot as he shunned pain and battled on through the season while injured. Their relentless protection of the goal gave the attacking players confidence to go forward and score goals. Wes Brown fit into the right back position and held the fort effectively against some of the best attacking forces the premiereship had to offer. Evra became settled and gave assistance to the attack line up with swift runs down the wing. During the dying embers of the season veteran defender Silvestre managed to make a number of appearances giving evidence of the team's depth. Young defender Pique was also given the opportunity to fight for first team placement due to injuries. He replaced Vidic and played in both the centre back and right back roles with great ability and skill. The defensive line up would not be complete without the contribution of the most underated players on the the field, the goal keepers. First team goal keeper Edwin Van Der Sar provided protection in the box keeping out goals with long stretches across the face of goal. Second place and third place goal keeper's Kuszczak and Foster both played their role in the team's success. Kuszczak was able to shake a disappointing Carling Cup defeat to fit into the role of first team goal keeper during the second half of the season due to a Van Der Sar picking up a groin injury.

My two cents: All these elements combined with the leadership and ruthlessness of the coaching staff provided Sir Alex Ferguson with a perfect formula for success. He managed to keep his veteran player, while bringing in new players and introduces youth players into the game. His squad was then large enough to bolster through injuries to key players such as Scholes, Neville and Van De Sar. He also had a number of options to choose from during games. If he felt to apply an attacking minded team, he simply placed Nani, Anderson and Ronaldo in the midfield. If he felt that experience was needed in a game he could rely on veterans Scholes and Giggs. When he felt that the game needed to be slowed down he galvanized the midfield with Hargreaves. The mixture of young talent and expereinced veterans provided him with a team that was able to defend the premiereship in its most competitive season in years. He was also able to claim the most coveted prize the Champions League trophy and become the King of Europe. Another season has ended and I look forward for the transfer window and the new season to see how the sage continues. Congratulations Manchester United on your success in the 07/08 season.