Previous names: Dial Square, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich Arsenal
Google
 

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Blackburn will push Roonieless Manchester United all the way

By 1970’s Gooner

Every team has a player who is the driving force behind it. A player who with his drive and footballing ability energises the rest of his team mates.

Thierry Henry used to do it for Arsenal and now Cesc Fabregas seems to have taken over this role. Steven Gerrard is the heart of Liverpool who on many occasions changed the course of games and Didier Drogba and John Terry have a similar impact for Chelsea.

It is in this esteemed list of players that I would place Wayne Roonie and his undoubted contribution to the way Manchester United play their football.

He is positioned just behind the front striker and in this way is the link between the midfield and attack. And from here he has the platform to energise the rest of his team mates.

It is for this reason that I consider the absence of Wayne Roonie from Manchester United’s line up next Sunday against Blackburn a significant loss.

However for some this may be a blessing in disguise.

Ferguson may now have to play Saha, a traditional centre forward, that so many have been arguing is missing from this team.

It was missing last week against Arsenal until he was brought on to great effect.

Balance, so important in football formations, will now be restored. And I would agree with this logic.

Also Roonie’s loss and Saha’s inclusion means that Tevez will assume his role of support striker; a position he is more accustomed with. However I doubt whether he can be as effective as Roonie or as energizing.

And if he repeats his tame performance at the Emirates then United will not find it easy against Blackburn.

Ferguson may of course keep Saha on the bench and play Giggs or Ronaldo with Tevez up front. A viable combination but not as effective as the Saha option. However I doubt whether anyone of these players can effectively replace Roonie.

Rovers are enjoying a strong run of form and travel to Old Trafford on Sunday unbeaten away and only five points behind United with a game in hand.

They are one of the toughest sides to play outside of the 'big four' and head into this in fantastic form, with seven wins in their last eight.

More significantly they have gone up against three out of the big four and come out of them unbeaten and they have kept eight clean sheets in all competitions, including scoreless draws against Chelsea and more recently Liverpool.

I expect them to push Roonieless United all the way.


Manchester United are running scared and Liverpool are lacking in quality

Arsenal pursuing the next Tony Adams but so are Manchester United!

Arsenal’s Formula One Car Cannot Run With The Handbreak On. A Critique

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am a Manchester United fan and I would like to point out that even without Roonie we are well capable of thrashing Blackburn for 5. Our squad is far better and has more depth than Arsenal's to cope with the loss of a key player like Roonie.
I wonder how you will cope with Fabregas out of the team.

Anonymous said...

The above comment shows why ManUre are hated around the land! The arrogance is unbelievable and Blackburn are no mug team. I see our point at Ewood Park as a good one(although due to Jens error) The good thing in Arsenal's view is that Roonie misses a month, the same as Arsenal miss Toure and Eboue in the ANC. So Utd's advantage is hopefully now wiped out. What do u think 1970's? Wrighty7

Anonymous said...

Mind u, another point. How long until the whining Manc's dont stop going on about Roonies absence? Apparently they have a far better squad and strength in depth to deal with this, and by all rights will hammer Blackburn by 5! Lets see how long this attitude lasts! I give it till Blackburn have ground out a nil nil and Utd miss loads of chances which Roonie would have scored! Wrighty7

Anonymous said...

A typically manure arrogant comment expecting all teams to bow down and succumb. I doubt if they will be able to cope without Roonies energy. This might be a crucial month for them.

Anonymous said...

I think that Hughes will want to put one over Ferguson as all aspiring man u managers want to do. 0-2 to Blackburn

Anonymous said...

According to statistics, which can be found here:

http://www.soccerway.com/match/premiership/manchester-united/blackburn-rovers-football-club/366166/

and Rovers late form, they have a decent chance, I agree with 1970's. My prediction (don't bet your life on it though) is a draw 2-2. United have struggled at the start of the season when Rooney was injured. He's as important to ManU as is Robin van Persie to us. It'd be nice to go on international break still on top of the league.

Anonymous said...

I dont know if boris prediction will come true but for sure united will struggle

Anonymous said...

I am a Manchester United fan and i would like to let you know that you are all dreaming or come to think of it you are all "wishful thinking". This is the only way that you will get on top of us. There is only one team in the land and you know it!