Will Everyone See Red?

Published: 27th Jan 12 6:56 am
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Alan Dymock
Alan Dymock
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Rafael Suanes-US PRESSWIRE

What a difference a year makes.

This time twelve months ago Man United were gathering pace and Sir Alex was trying to ensnare title number nineteen. Meanwhile, sworn enemies Liverpool were attempting to recover from an awful start to the season. Roy Hodgeson was sacked in early January and talismanic figure Kenny Dalglish was taken from his roles in the academy and as an ambassador and installed as caretaker manager.

Since this point some things have changed. Dalglish has smashed open the piggy bank and signed several players. He captured a dead-ball specialist in Charlie Adam. He lured Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez to Merseyside. He smartly snatched left-back Jose Enrique from Newcastle. He gambled on English professionals Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson and big Andy Carroll.

Some of these have paid off and some have not. Yet the most significant move within the squad, at least in the last few months, has been that of reintroducing the newly fit and freshly invigorated Steven Gerrard.

One would never think that the dynamic, box-to-box midfielder had ever been out with injury the way he has shot into attacking positions and rifled in goals. He looks sharp, but most importantly he has formed instinctive ties with the likes of Enrique, Adam and a returning Craig Bellamy. Some even think he holds the key to helping an out of sorts lummox like Andy Carroll to snap out of his malaise and rediscover the form that once saw him valued at a mind juddering £35m.

Those at Old Trafford may not hint at any jealousy, but my how they must covet a midfield general that ties play together. This season Michael Carrick has had to hold on to that midfield with his fingernails as the likes of Anderson and Ji-Sung Park haven’t been present enough to make consistent impact, Giggs looks slightly uncomfortable with the amount of touches and Tom Cleverley is out with injury. Darren Fletcher won’t be seen again this term and Nani has no interests other than getting to the byline.

It is no wonder Ferguson has called on Paul Scholes to come out of retirement. Giggs and he can share the responsibilities, but despite popular rhetoric neither has the legs to wage full box-to-box campaigns. They both need a worker.

Around such a core Man United have great options. They have wingers and deep-lying attackers that can conduct play of breathtaking quality, but there is a missing link between the defense and that attack. Carrick has ended up with the responsibility because Giggs has not demanded it, and neither has put their hand up for a run of games. They have drifted in and out.

The pressure mounts for Fergie.

It will still rancor that the Red Devils have tumbled out of the Champions League and into the Europa League. There are still those added games, those long trips and a shrill cry to achieve but the heart may not be in it. Furthermore, the league is becoming more intense than anyone at Old Trafford would care to concede.

City are going through a minor blip, but they have the squad to turn it around. Spurs are nipping at United’s heals and Chelsea, despite looking to have no cohesion or solid game plan, can still play a part in the destiny of the title.

Liverpool, on the other hand, have lined up a Carling Cup final and are striving to become more consistent in the league, looking to usurp Arsenal in a European spot. They could perhaps mount a challenge for another trophy, too.

This Saturday both teams meet in the FA Cup. The game means so much to so many. The two Scottish managers definitely hate each other and will be glad for a chance to show up their nemesis. The fans already hate each other but the Liverpool crowd may also turn specifically on Patrice Evra after he, rightly, pointed out a racial slur by Liverpool’s Suarez in a past game that saw him banned. Fans rarely see sense or consider decency when loyalty is brought up, though. The stadium should be a seething cauldron of vitriol and sweat.

Can all parties keep their heads and play the game?

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