Alex Ferguson is not ready to hand over the reins. At age 65, he is revitalized by the youth and energy in his team. Gushing at the attacking prowess of his players, he hailed the current squad as the strongest ever in over two decades of his tenure.
His 21st anniversary at United barely over, and his proteges reward him with another convincing victory to savor. This time it is Blackburn Rovers who were brought to their knees and United leapfrogged over Arsenal (at least for a few hours) to the top of the Premiership.
United started the match without the inspirational Rooney who will miss the actions for four weeks due to a freak ankle injury. Including Paul Scholes, that is two attacking lynchpins down already. Fortunately, two first half goals from Cristiano Ronaldo made light of the issue.
The compelling victory underlined the depth of the squad Ferguson has assembled. He is confident more trophies are headed their way. He said: “This is a good young team, they want to win something and I think they have a good chance of doing that.”
Following the midweek 4-0 win over Dynamo Kiev, this result should appease Ferguson who was enraged over the loss of three points at the Emirates Stadium from Arsenal’s last gasp equalizer. His vitriolic abuses at Wenger, Arsenal, the stadium security and match officials were petty and did not win him many sympathizers.
I give Ronaldo a strong vote of confidence. What is impressive about Ronaldo is that he has not peaked yet. He is constantly improving on his technical abilities. While last season he was a brilliant midfielder with fanciful footwork, he has now developed enough sharpness and poacher’s instinct to step into the role of a striker effortlessly.
Indeed, Blackburn found him too hot to handle. Heading in a Ryan Giggs corner and then, barely a minute later, fastened on to a Carlos Tevez pass to double United’s lead, he put the result beyond any doubt.
The victory also allows Ferguson a chance to trumpet the fact that United is in safe hands - meaning his hands, and any thought of successors should be banished. The rumor mill suggesting Hughes as his potential successor must have grated on his ears.
He said: “Every time we play against an opponent managed by one of my old players, this crops all the time. It’s unfair on whoever is being discussed at the time. Also, it’s trying to shove me out the door quicker than I want to go! I’m fit and healthy and as long as that continues, I want to go on.”
Hughes was let down by two defensive lapses and a second half dismissal for Dunn virtually killed off their chances of forcing a draw. Against a scintillating Ronaldo and United’s quick counter-attack, he was put in his place. But do not write off Sparky though, he will not take this defeat lying down.
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