There's a paradigm shift in the way Manchester United are going about football business nowadays. The record English champions won its first away game of the season at the Emirates last Sunday and on Saturday, they play host to the tigers from Hull and the man that captained the red army to its first EPL title, Steve Bruce. The all action ex-centre back was one of the main guys in the 92-93 triumph. Now, he is a foe and this is not the first time.
Steve once hit 19 goals in all competitions from the back for Manchester United (in the double capturing 92-93 season) and is a club legend but all that will be put aside when hostilities resume on Saturday afternoon. The red devils who sit in fourth place, thirteen points behind leaders Chelsea, have won their last nine straight games v the tigers, including six in the league. On paper, they are heavy favourites to take all the points. However, Swansea hadn't won at the Theatre in 81 years until three months ago when that record was broken with consummate ease.
LVG will be happy to welcome Radamel Falcao back to the fold. Ander Herrera and Jonny Evans returned to the team on Tuesday evening when the reserves (U-21) hit five past Blackburn. The Northern Irishman returns after three months on the sidelines to shore up a defence that has seen at least eight different pairings since the start of the season. Those that have come in have shown a lot of courage and maturity. Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair were colossal in North London last time and may get the nod v Hull City. Robin Vsn Persie played a peripheral role at his old stomping ground and his form, confidence and dedication have all come under scrutiny since the beginning of the season. He has become a complete opposite of the ruthless predator whose excellent finishes led the club to its 20th title two seasons ago. Nevertheless, he is still a threat and will continue to start until LVG decides that enough is enough. There is James Wilson whose pace and directness can cause havoc anytime.
For Hull, they possess some quality footballers. Hatem Ben Arfa, Gaston Ramirez, Momo Diame, Abel Hernandez, Tom Huddlestone, Livermore, etc are top players who can turn the tide with their abilities. Momo Diame has been the star of the season but their form has dipped in the last five or six weeks. To regain the spark they had at the start of the season, they have to upend the hosts. Steve Bruce has had a difficult time trying to get one over his former side. A win tomorrow will be the perfect result for the former Birmingham City and Sunderland manager.
Wayne Rooney has found form again and when he does, he is devastatingly merciless. The England and Manchester United captain scored a beauty at Arsenal and has a fantastic record v the tigers, once scoring four past them in a sensational display four years ago. His selflessness on the field of play is a plus for any team. He's the band leader of the United orchestra. The head of the corner. Another thirty strikes and he leapfrogs SIR BOBBY CHARLTON into first place in the ,club's all time highest goal scorers hierarchy.
LVG has brought a lot since he took over the reins. The Dutch tactical genius is getting better each match day and will hope to continue the good run of form v HULL CITY on Saturday. The likes of Juan Mata, Ander Herrera and Adnan Januzaj will be looking to return to the starting eleven after being left out in recent weeks. Ander and Juan especially. Belgian teenager, Adnan has been given opportunities which he has failed to take. He bossed the reserves game v Blackburn on Tuesday. Let's hope he can bring that form to Saturday's encounter.
Ohireime P Eboreime
@ohiskaka1990
No comments:
Post a Comment