Red View puts forward 10 reasons why United are Premier League
champions for the 10th time:
1. Home Rule
Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken in recent seasons about the need to
re-establish Old Trafford as a fortress. It’s safe to say that mission
has been accomplished this term. Aside from Reading’s opening day bore
draw and the horror of February’s defeat to Manchester City, United
have beaten all comers in M16, winning 17 out of 19 games.
2. Leaving It Late
Opposing teams expect to be on the rack in the closing stages of
games, and stats show that United are at their deadliest in the final
15 minutes of games. Most telling in this season’s title race were two
dramatic strikes from Carlos Tevez – a tap-in at Tottenham and a
priceless header at Blackburn in April.
3. That Boy Ronaldo
While the winger himself is ever-eager to point out that it’s not a
one-man show, United fans have been privileged to watch a genius at
work this season. Almost always at his unplayable best, Ronaldo has
plundered goal after goal, overtaking records in the same way he plays
- left, right and centre.
4. Defence
For all the plaudits lavished upon the Reds’ star-studded attack, the
platform for this season’s success has been built on a miserly
defensive record. Despite being without skipper Gary Neville all
season, United’s backline registered 20 domestic clean sheets – the
finest defensive record in the Premier League.
5. Big Game Hunters
Until April’s defeat at Stamford Bridge, United’s record against the
members of the ‘Big Four’ was almost unblemished. Ever able to raise
themselves for the big games, the Reds beat Liverpool twice, took four
points off Arsenal and beat Chelsea at OT, taking 13 points from a
possible 18.
6. New Boys
The near-instant assimilation of four summer arrivals was key to
United’s title triumph. The young Portuguese-based Anderson and Nani
proved themselves as players for now, not just the future, while the
more experienced Hargreaves and Tevez were integral to the Reds’
late-season surge.
7. Squad Depth
Last season’s bid for a second Treble was left in tatters by injuries.
Eager to avoid a repeat, Sir Alex made new signings and brought back a
host of youngsters to bolster his squad. The move worked wonders, with
every squad member contributing when injuries hit – just recall Ben
Foster’s heroics at Derby for example.
8. Experience
For all the free-spirited youthfulness of United’s play, the calmness
of some sage old heads has been an influential factor. Off the field,
Sir Alex Ferguson and his coaching staff have been there, done it
enough times to keep everybody grounded, while experienced players
like Rio Ferdinand, Edwin van der Sar, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs
brought vital know-how at fraught times.
9. Bouncing Back
The mark of champions is to respond positively to setbacks, which is
exactly what United did all season. Every time questions were posed by
a domestic defeat – Manchester City (twice), Bolton, West Ham, Chelsea
– the Reds responded with a victory.
10. Attack, Attack, Attack
Much was made of the contrast in the title chasers’ styles. Pragmatic,
robotic Chelsea doing battle with swashbuckling, easy-on-the-eye
United for the grand prize. Had the rivals finished on the same number
of points, then goal difference would have won it for the free-scoring
Reds.
