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Seeing Fergie smiling and joking on the touchline is a sight rarer than a tackle from Carrick. Yet there he was after 86 minutes against Schalke, grinning at Mike Phelan through chewed gum knowing that he had just presided over a virtually immaculate performance. Champion’s League semi-finals are supposed to be tense, nervy high-pressure affairs. I have particular memories of the tie against Barcelona in 2008 when me and my Dad exchanged almost no words at all during the two matches, such was the apprehension.
Considering Schalke scored five in the San Siro, it is, I am afraid, still too early to book tickets for Wembley. However, the memories of Bayern, and Borrusia Dortmund in particular, still remain clear and this is a moment to cherish.
In the mid-nineties we played Juventus seemingly every season and it was several years before we got a result against them. At the time it looked very much a case of men against boys. Ten years prior to that and we were losing to the likes of Bournemouth in the FA Cup. It really is wonderful to see the side on the verge of making its third European Cup Final in four years.
The nature of being a fan of this team is that even when they are completely outclassing the opposition, you still expect them to concede imminently. This was hardly helped by Manuel Neuer putting in one of the best first-half goalie displays I’ve seen in my life. For a moment or two there I thought; “Are we Newcastle? Is this 1996?”
The man who was, and has been for ages, rolling back the years is Ryan Giggs. Although there was a little bit of disappointment that he missed his chance early in the second half, the way he combined with Rooney for the opener was sublime.
But there were heroes across the pitch. It isn’t just the players who concentrate more in Europe; it’s us fans too. Personally I feel like I can’t take my eyes off the action. You notice more when you watch games that way and I feel remiss in not mentioning before how superb Valencia’s first touch is. Even more cheering is that Fabio, our third choice right-back, looked like a duck on a pond in this fixture. The future could be just a rosy as the present if we manage these players properly.
Supervising the next three fixtures is going to be tricky to say the least. The return leg of this tie is sandwiched between league matches against Arsenal and Chelsea and the destiny of the Premier League title. With an aging manager on the verge of a European Cup Final at Wembley, thanks to a performance from an old-stager, it’s just possible that destiny is on our side.
Thanks to ESPN's worldwide coverage Mark's blog has been nominated for a People's Choice Award in a far-flung land. Please click here and vote for 'Manchester United Correspondent - Mark Payne'. Don't forget to press DONE when you are finished to make your vote count.
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Comments
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Posted by wai on 04/27/2011
Ha ha. I watched the game during one of my Lab Session in College. We dominate the whole game. It could have been 5-0 if we didn't miss lots of one on one chances.
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Posted by Red on 04/27/2011
Well, a win is a win, although it is good to not conceded a goal in all UCL away games, but 2 goals is not enough. Well, SAF can prepare for Arsenal this Sunday.
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Posted by Vishnu on 04/27/2011
Voted for you Mark. Love reading this blog regularly.
Whom would want in the finals? Jose & Ronaldo reunion with us or Barca revenge?
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Posted by detoy117 on 04/27/2011
SAF pls just feed in ur strongest side against arsenal we can relax now
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Posted by Tapiwa Mubonderi on 04/27/2011
As they say "Form is temporary and class is permanent" The difference between this season is Fergie strengthened the team effectively. What undid us last year in Europe was relying on a single goal scorer Wazza, but this season Berba and Chicarito are killing them. The league was lost by the defensive crisis and not beating Chelski, which will not recur. For us to do a clean sweep the other squad players like Gibbson, Obertan and Bebe will have to step up their game, next season. Its no use dismissing players before their time to improve is up.
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Posted by Somnath Mallick on 04/27/2011
Hi Mark, Nice to read your blogs! I was just a kid or maybe not even born when MU were losing to the likes of Bournemouth. But I was watching MU play Juventus on a regular basis in the 90's. There's a lot to take from yesterday's performance. The sublime game played and really caught Schalke off guard and were in tatters when the first few shots came in. Neuer, what can i say except... WOW! At times it felt that his saves made us feel like we have to play the ball into the net rather than shooting, that made us make a few errors in judgement! But that's just how good Neuer was! If you do talk with Fergie from time to time, I would urge you to persuade him to sign this guy! :)
I though Fabio was a LB not a RB. Maybe i was wrong. But he is a bit rash at times! But that would go away with experience. But the twins are a wonderful asset to the club! Very eager for the weekend against Arsenal and then we have Chelsea! Winning the 19th would be the best thing. But winning the UCL... AWESOME!
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Posted by Douglas on 04/27/2011
Yes, indeed it was a fantastic display by the team. Our tactical approach in games is different from inter's own, so they can play us the way they played inter. Thanks to our attackers for a superb form and special thanks to lil pea, wazza and the oldest player to have scored a goal in champ. league.
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Posted by Newtothis on 04/27/2011
I am new to watching, following Enlish soccer. What is the difference between all of these leagues? How do you get in/out of a league? Why do teams play in fa cup and different leagues? are there playoffs? or does best team win league?
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Posted by lim on 04/27/2011
if man u can produce another performance like wat we seen at sch04 in the UCL final then i feel manu stand a gd chance winning UCL. keep it up. manu all the way....
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Posted by obinna on 04/27/2011
man u r a superb team, evrione was excelent, imagne evra repin d attack. The joy of being a united fan is that u r nt heartbroken at any time. Luv united
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Posted by Savad on 04/27/2011
Hey Mark! Great blog, I have been reading for some time and keep up the great work! Question for you, how do you rate Carrick? I know you've given him some flack in the past but how do you see him now? I think he has improved a lot since his dip in form after the loss to Barca.
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Posted by dubs on 04/27/2011
i was watching on TV and around the 66th minute the camera panned over to the sideline to see SAF, chewing gum with a twinkle in his eye and a slight smirk on his face. I'll do my best to recreate what i saw, but the jist of it is he motioned to someone (i assume Giggs) in a manner where it looked like he was pointing inside and towards the Schalke 18. After the message was confirmed, he continues chewing, nods approvingly and the cameras pan back to the pitch. All of the above was done without a word being spoken.
20 seconds later...i repeat, 20 SECONDS LATER, the ball was in the back of the net. Now i'm convinced that the gaffer is a clairvoyant, haha. At the very least, i can confirm he is on another level when it comes to tactical instincts. If you can find a replay of the game, check to see it for yourselves. It was a remarkable moment that i replayed myself a few times.
Cheers Mark, bring the people's choice award home!
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Posted by Hans on 04/27/2011
Cheers, Mark. I think the squad for next Wednesday won't be determined until we play Sunday. If we beat Arsenal I expect a stronger squad as Fergie will not be as worried about Chelski. If we lose or draw to Arsenal he may rest the likes of Vidic and Ferdinand against Schalke to be fresh for Chelski.
It's surprising how good Carrick looks when he has no defender within 10 meters of him.
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Posted by saimon sanga on 04/27/2011
Every body is talking about superb performance from our team Man United and Neur. But i think the referee did a great job. Having the likes of Martin Artinkson in EPL, It doesnt matter how good you play, they decide a game and you loose a game that you should not loose. Go United Go.
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Posted by antz on 04/27/2011
Good read Mark, but give Carrick some due credit. He was immense in the Schalke game, always probing and shielding the back four with his positioning and reading of the game!
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Posted by Zainul Haqq on 04/27/2011
I guess that was the best away performance we have had this season.... it was just amazing. However, I'm rily hoping we can sign Neuer coz he is the best man to replace VDS.The team looks good, and once again Rooney was just stunning!!!Lookin 4ward to such a performance against Arsenal!
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Posted by Oluruud on 04/27/2011
Yesterday's match was one of d best performance i av seen united do. Bravo to d coaches,players,fans and d club. United til eternity
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Posted by Kogu on 04/27/2011
When the score remained 0-0 at half time with United having their goal scoring oppurtunities saved and shot wide , I thought it will be another goalless night for them. When Hernandez puts the ball into the net , I knew the confindence was broken and told myself , if they could score one , the are definately scoring more. What a superb game by the Red Devils. Lets hope to see the same level of performance against Arsenal & Chelsea - Glory-Glory Man Utd.
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Posted by Red Army on 04/27/2011
Helleww Mark.. Guys, I am only concerned with Evra, do you realize the error of Evra last 3 or 5 games ago, he was always doing the same mistake. because he always loses the ball and sometimes do not focus and always out of position when the opponent attacks. Luckily, he was next to Vidic, if not .. I can not imagine what will happen. Do you agree with me guys ??? ~MUFC~
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Posted by Gershon on 04/27/2011
SAF and his team, they always performing well but last night they wanted to inform they world that "THEY ARE THE BEST AMONG TOP FIVE IN THE WORLD". Credit to Var De Sar, Giggs, Rooney and SAF
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Posted by clemementaddai on 04/27/2011
Manchester should continue of what they are doing especially ROONEY an we are supporting you
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Posted by David Smith on 04/27/2011
Obviously, a really good performance in Germany, but Schalke and their unbelievable tactics made us look like the world-beaters of '99. Carrick was superb, but again, the match was played more like a Gary Neville Testimonial.
Rooney was top drawer; Chicharito continues to show why he's replaced Berba in the pecking order; Giggsy is simply a legend; Valencia and Park ran their socks off for the cause; and Fabio continues to impress while repaying his manger's faith and trust. Rio, Vidic and VDS had an easy time of it but I thought that was Evra's best match in months.
United and Barcelona in the Final at Wembley and the football gods have got this one right. The two best sides in the world and a chance for United to avenge that dismal performance in '09.
How on earth anyone can say Real Madrid is the second best side in the world is beyond me. They are absolute pants and once again, Ronaldo fails to deliver on the biggest stage.
On to Arsenal now and that 19th league title!
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Posted by Damian Garside on 04/28/2011
Hi Mark. Loved your piece, especially the reference to that match v Newcastle in 1996 when Peter Schmeicel seemed to be defying the laws of physics to keep them out.
Voted for you in the best blog competition. Hope you win. I think that if we beat Arsenal at the Emirates then everything will fall into place easily. If not, the home match v Chelsea could be a nightmare. I outraged some guys on the United Rant website by posting a comment that we would win the league by a single point -- basically secured in the very last seconds of the game at the Emirates and losing to Chelsea, who win all their games at a canter whilst we win (narrowly)our remaining two. Really hope it doesn't get anything like as close as that.
What would be your game plan for Barca in the final, given our no-show in 2009? Against SchalkeI think we simply must not concede for the first half hour. I think we will win 2-1 at home, worst case scenario a draw. No San Siro repeat.
keep up the good work
Damian
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Posted by Andy K on 04/28/2011
@Newtothis-I'd suggest you read Chuck Culpepper's "Bloody Confused". Culpepper is an American sports columnist who took a year off from the US, and spent it in the UK (following Portsmouth). The game was relatively new to him, and he spells out pretty clearly all of the different competitions in which clubs might be involved annually.
@David Smith-I bleed United red here in Michigan, but as things stand now, I've got to give Barca a slight edge if we meet at Wembley...But only oh so slight. Properly organized and motivated, Man Utd. could come out on top.
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Posted by Kartik Vashisth on 04/28/2011
Probably one of the worst Manchester United teams in last twenty years, as people put it, and still in Champions Leageue semifinal and about to be final. Barca may have the world's best player but attitude they dont have, the spirit is what they don't have. Crybabies they certainly are. Hope United win CL and they can too... btw Messi may be best striker on planet but best player, I would rate Vidic along with him. He has been one of the reasons for probably 3 CL finals in 4 years. Winning CL is difficult as Platini likes Barca and so do the refree.
BTW already voted for your blog... and those who don't like United and still read this blog may also please vote negatively for Mark Payne at the same site.
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Posted by Roscoe on 04/28/2011
Its been sometime since I last watched a Game with every player supporting each other. Can you imagine only waiting for a GOAL? Shalcke 04 was never a threat and other than the boring atmosphere...........It was as if we were at OLD TRAFFORD......we dominated the match from the first second. Guys, MAN UTD looks good right and they are articulating their intentions right now. GOooo Manutd:)
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Posted by Tapiwa Mubonderi on 04/28/2011
What is the missing element this season in United? The midfield is an area that some have pointed out as lack lustre, but other teams realise if they do not battle in the middle of the park they will get thrashed. Attacking wise what i see as not optimal is the low conversion of set pieces into goals that is corners and free kicks. We all saw what Barca did, this obviously makes them the favourite and we will have to show them who is who in the champions league.
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Posted by Bee on 04/28/2011
It was a brilliant performance by Man Utd. Once again they have proved to everyone that their spirit will never falter. Neuer did an excellant job denying Man Utd some wonderful chances in the first half. But with patience and perseverance, Man Utd got the 2 goals that they very much deserved. And they actually deserved more goals if it was not for Neuer's amazing goalkeeping skills. Neuer would make a great addition to the Man Utd squad when Van Der Sar leaves us. So, one leg already in the finals. As long as Man Utd does not get complacent, the finals in Wembley is definitely confirmed. And who would we meet in the finals. As Barcelona already have a 2-0 lead against Real Madrid in the 1st leg, it is almost for sure we will meet BArcelona in the finals. Even though Barcelona is favored by most officials and the teams facing them always end up with 10 players, Man Utd has to prove to the world, that the Red Devils are the best team in the world without any doubt. Glory Glory Man Utd.
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Posted by Patrice-Kigali on 04/28/2011
Mark!
Without doubt, one of the best away performance this season.
I remember SAF wishing to meet Barcelona again after the 2009 Rome humiliation. Now though his wish might be just around the corner. That Rome nightmare still appear in my mind and this is the perfect time to put things right.How to handle Barcelona? Just don't allow them to touch and pass the Ball. Fletcher and Park will run them out.
I have just finished voting for you.
If we win at Emirates, that will be a relief and will give enough time to start preparations for Barcelona.
United as always.
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Posted by chicharito on 04/28/2011
Great win! see what a good midfielder does to a side Rooney is now showing what man utd was missing in the midfield But having chco allows man u 2 play rooney in that position buying hernandez was the turning point of what would have been a trophyless season start the same side againt barca except put rafael in for his twin bro and man u will win the ucl.Oh go ahead n sell berba.
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Posted by John on 04/28/2011
A rare Carrick tackle? Perhaps, but if that's a slight on Carrick's defensive ability, it's rather disingenuous. He leads the Premier League in interceptions, and he's started all 6 of Man Utd's away games in the CL as United's holding midfielder, in which United have conceded zero goals. That's not to mention he almost always covers more ground per game than any other United player.
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Posted by johanzul on 05/01/2011
Congrat SAF, mgmt team and players! Great game but as one of United fans, lil' worry on the 'finishing part' as we were excellent on counter attacks, holding plays when necessary but to be sharp and clinical in front of goals still a doubt especially against a team like Barca, Real and such.
Imagine against the likes of these teams, they don't give you much chances and if you didn't take it first time, it will get harder and difficult after that.
Against Schalke we got seven (7) (full chance not half chance) shots that should be 100% goal and we got only two (2) instead. I'm not taking anything out here, a win is still a win but if we are not converting those chances into goals, if we keep on ignoring that fact, we got ourselves to blame for it for the remaining EPL and CL games.
These remaining games shall be difficult, hopefully our players can pull it thru "and the reds shall keep on marching on".
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Posted by Küstenpatent, on 01/17/2012
That's not to mention he almost always covers more ground per game than any other United player.
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About
Mark Payne writes about football for a variety of media outlets. He reported on the 2010 World Cup for Australia’s ABC network and worked at one of the FIFA fan sites. He has been ESPN’s Manchester United correspondent for four years. His writing attracts a worldwide following and in 2011 this blog was nominated for an award. To contact Mark for football discussion e-mail him on markpayne.editor@hotmail.com at any time. He wears lucky socks on match days.
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