Manchester United Player Ratings Season 2012/13

Just after the Aston Villa game, when we won the league, I rated each and every member of the squad who played some role during the past season. This is the result.

1. DDG 

De Gea Has Been Excellent

At 22 years of age, this guy is already better than most Premier League goalies. Our Spaniard has improved his goalkeeping abilities and looks like he's been hitting some weights at the gym as well. David looks physically stronger than last season and has been excellent for us in goal. He's become braver and was always ready to get on with the game, even when a 7 foot donkey(Carroll) charged into him. Since Gary Neville singled him out for criticism vs Tottenham, he responded with 7 clean sheets in 10 league games. Obviously, there is still some room for improvement. This goalie will become World Class in 2 years time. Let's hope he doesn't become home sick and demand a return to Spain. That's what scares me the most. I fear he'll fuck off to Spain as soon as he reaches his peak. Excellent season. 8/10

2. Rafael

Our young Brazilian has finally matured into an excellent right back. Gone are his stupid challenges that cost United a point or two in the past. I've always seen potential in this kid and I'm glad Fergie's patience has finally paid off. Whenever he played, he's been brilliant. He delivered some good balls into the box and also scored two spectacular goals against Liverpool and QPR. He's bee excellent on the overlap, it's just a shame his right wing partner, Valencia, didn't have the best of seasons. Otherwise, I think, Rafael could have been more effective on the attack. Nevertheless, he brings youthful energy to an aging defense. This was by far his best season in a United shirt. One liability turned to an asset. Great season. 9/10

3. Patrice Evra

Whoever follows my blog knows that I have constantly criticized Evra during the past couple of years. The determination was there but he was committing too many mistakes. I thought his time was up. Thankfully, he proved me wrong this season. Apart from defending quite well, he scored 4 goals and made 6 assists. Quite impressive for a left back. He was solid all season. Perhaps the introduction of Buttner provided the challenge Evra needed to up his game. Very good season. 8/10

4. Phil Jones

Sorry, but I had to. 

Due to injury, we didn't see Jones play as much as we liked. I always smile a little whenever I see Jones in the starting line-up. His raw talent is a joy to watch. This guy will be a great if he keeps his feet firmly on the ground. The versatile defender looks the meanest when he's at the heart of our defense. Next season, baring more injuries, will be a big season for young Jones. This guy could become priceless. He's so talented. Apart from being an excellent footballer, he could always lighten up your mood with one of his facial expressions. Will become quality. 7/10

5. Ferdinand

After the England snub, Ferdinand wanted to prove to everyone that he's still got it. And, yes, he's still a relevant defender. Fergie used Ferdinand wisely and, in fact, he stayed injury free throughout the season. Our number five rolled back the years with some excellent defending. He'll be at the club for another two years, in my opinion. Our young defenders will gradually take his place in the upcoming couple of years. He played 20 odd premier league games and excelled in most of them. His composure on the ball makes him one of the finest defenders in the Premier League. It's a shame he's in his mid 30's. Very good season 8/10

6. Evans

I will have to admit it, some years ago I used to grimace at the sight of Evans in the starting line up. Last year he showed why Fergie had so much faith in him. Fergie's belief in Evans was vindicated this year as well. As a bonus, Johnny added some goals to his game. His 4 goal tally (3 PL, 1 CL) is quite impressive given the fact that he had only scored 1 goal in the previous 6 seasons. I have grown to like this guy. He's definitely not as mean and tough as Vidic but he's a much better ball player. I cannot really recall one significant mistake he's made this season. There used to be a time when he was prone to a stupid mistake every odd game. He's matured into a reliable centre back. Very good season 8/10

7. Valencia

I like the guy. He was absolutely brilliant last season but, I'm afraid, he failed to bring last season's form into this campaign. Maybe the weight of the number 7 shirt played its part. At some points he had almost become an annoyance. I consider his crosses as powerful driven shots into the box without aiming at no one in particular. Added to that, he just cannot do anything with his left foot. This season, he looked a tad slower than his usual self. Fergie still showed faith in the Ecuadorian as he played just under 30 league games this season. After he scored his first goal of the season vs West Ham, he did look a bit better. In fact, he had his best game vs. Aston Villa some five days later. Let's hope he returns to the speedy Valencia we once knew. Not a good season. 5/10

8. Anderson

If Fergie selected his team on the basis of who's the funniest player, then he'd be in the starting XI week in week out. Whenever he starts a game, he seems to tire out by the hour mark. He's got potential but I don't think he'll fulfill it at United. While I don't mind if he stays at United, for I believe he's a decent squad player, I don't think he'll be a United player next season.  Not an impressive season. 5/10

10. Rooney (note: I had written this before I knew Rooney asked to be transferred) 

Rooney didn't have the best of seasons but he was effective nonetheless. People will look at his 16 goal tally and think that a player of his ability should notch more goals. However, he has been constantly played out of his favorite position and, in my opinion, he has delivered on most of the times. Rooney has matured into a player who'd give his limb for the team. Our game at the Etihad this season was a prime example of his importance to the team. He scored two goals and was helping our defenders in the final minutes of the game. That's what you get from Rooney, 100% determination. He wasn't our best player this season but I still believe he is our best player. While I'd love to see some glimpses of the old Rooney, you know, the one who'd try the outrageous, I still highly value the updated version of Wayne. Unfortunately, it seems like something is brewing behind the scenes at Old Trafford. Some journalists have reported that Roo will make way this summer. I hope not. He's a player who could score, spray Scholesesque passes and help in midfield. I hope he stays at Old Trafford. The acquisition of another striker will probably bring more goals to the club but I doubt whether there are strikers out there who are ready to help the team as Wayne does. He's priceless. Let's hope he stays at OT. 7/10

Edit: Apparently the guy has asked for a transfer...again. It was a heart breaking feeling when he did it the first time but not now. If he wants to move on, then so be it. I obviously would want him to stay because he is quality but I won't be losing much sleep if he leaves. In 2010 he wanted to leave because he said there weren't any quality players in our squad. We bought a world class player and now he wants to leave because Fergie didn't play him in some games. Quite difficult to understand Wayne. We'll wait and see how the story unfolds. 

11. Giggs

During a season when our wingers couldn't deliver a decent ball in the box, Giggs has constantly shown our other wingers how things should be done. He's waning, definitely, but he's still got a role to play in this team. Without really setting any houses on fire, he was probably our best winger this season. To have a 40 year old on top of the wingers' list speaks heaps of the input our widemen have put this season. He's not indispensable to our club but he's a good energy to have around. Wouldn't mind him staying another year but, for the love of God, I don't want him to start another "big" game. I don't mind him starting against the so called inferior clubs but I don't want to see him start in a midfield berth in a massive game again.  His 13 Premier League win record will never be overtaken.  His stamina, technique, cunning and elusiveness still make him important while his leadership makes him irreplaceable. 7/10

12. Smalling

This defender is quite reliable. He's a good squad player to have and he'll surely become a more important member of the squad in the near future. He's only 23 and will therefore improve. He performed well in most games he played this season. He forms part of a young trio of defenders who will become the defensive foundation of the future Manchester United. 6.5/10

13. Lindegaard

Had a run of games early on in the season but has lost his place permanently to the excellent de Gea. Lindegaard is a very good second goaler. He's probably the best goalie cover we've had for quite some time. Whenever called to the team, he's done quite well. 6/10

14. Chicharito

His goals per game ratio is impressive. He's averaged a goal every two games this season. He's most influential whenever he starts on the subs bench and gets thrown into the action 20 minutes before the final whistle, when the opposing defenders start to tire. I also think our little pea has added more to his game. Whenever he played this year, he looked more involved in the team's build ups. His first touch has definitely improved. He won us games vs Chelsea, Newcastle and Aston Villa. A very good striker to have. 7/10

15. Vidic

Our captain fell victim to a couple of niggling injuries during the year but whenever he was in the team he was immense. Our team was leaking goals for fun in the first part of the season but, upon Vidic's return from injury, we recorded some clean sheets. I don't think that was a coincidence. He's still our best defender. Let's hope his excellence brushes on to our youngsters. Fergie used him sensibly and, as a result, Vida managed to play just under 20 premier league games. He only managed 6 PL games the previous season. The days of him playing 30 odd premier league games are something of the past now. If Fergie uses him intelligently, he'll still prove to be a valuable player for us. He had a good season culminating in his immense performance vs West Ham at Upton Park. 7.5/10

16. Carrick

7 seasons in our midfield, 5 PL titles.

Player of the season. His passing has been brilliant all year long. He's been ridiculously under rated in the past but, finally, everyone seems to be recognizing the genius that is Michael Carrick. It's a shame that people, including a lot of Man Utd fans, had to wait until Carrick's 7th season at United to realize how good he is. I've always rated the player and I'm glad he's finally receiving the acclaim he deserves. He's defended brilliantly and played more forward balls than any other midfielder in Europe. Yes, that lists includes Iniesta and Xavi. If only he scores more goals. Excellent season, our driving force. 9.5/10

17. Nani

Whatever anyone else says, this guy is a footballer who is capable of doing big things. Unfortunately he's not really likable because of his on field antics and that's why a lot of people haven't warmed to him. Fergie trusted him vs. Real Madrid and was unjustly sent off while having a very very good game. After that game, he got injured when Fergie trusted him in a premier league game and has since failed to make the starting XI again. I don't think he'll be at United next season. It's a shame because he's our best winger. His crossing is better than Valencia's and Young's, he's got better finishing and could beat a player in a blink of an eye. He's too frustrating and inconsistent though. 5.5/10

18. Young

His season was blighted by injury but he still managed to get 20 odd games under his belt. I'm not sure whether he made any assists or not but to be a winger and not score one goal in a whole campaign is a bit disgraceful. Manchester United have had some of the best wingers who scored plenty of goals, so it's a bit of a rarity to have a winger who couldn't muster a single goal in a campaign. Let's hope he improves next year. 5/10

19. Welbeck

This kid is good. Very good. He's good on the ball and is quite fast. The problem is that when he's in the box, he tends to hesitate and lose the ball or just play the wrong pass. His effort is always a joy to watch and I just hope he adds more goals to his game. He's been played in a host of positions in which he's done well on most occasions. His finest performance was against Madrid in Spain. His determination had me smiling throughout the game. He's a Mancunian and strives to succeed at the club he has loved throughout his life. He's one of us. If he improves his decision making, he'll become an excellent player for the club. 7/10

20. van Persie

Excellent Buy

£22 million well spent? Yes. His goals have been the difference this year. He scored vs City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea. He helped us win points at Stadia where we normally score a blank. He's been pivotal at the front and the team suffered when he endured that barren run between February and April. Sometimes I wonder what else we could have won had he been in form against Real Madrid and Chelsea (in the FA Cup). He looked so happy when United were declared Champions of England. I wasn't too optimistic when he signed for United. I thought he'd struggle to get used to United but he bedded in with ease. Let's hope he keeps his form up and doesn't suffer from that dreaded second season syndrome. Excellent season. 9.5/10

22. Scholes

Scholes featured regularly in the first half of the season but was kept out of the game for quite a long time due to injury. His passing is still top notch but he's not a player who could improve Manchester United. We need to move on and prepare for life after Paul Scholes. Mind you, he's still better than Anderson. However, this was definitely his last season as a United player. It was a joy to get to see the ginger prince have a comeback. He was excellent last year. He wasn't as influential this year. 6/10

Edit : Scholes confirmed his retirement two weeks after I had written this.

23. Cleverley

Played a lot of PL games this season. A lot of people do not rate Tom but I don't think Ferguson and Hodgson can be both wrong. They both share the belief that Cleverley is a very good young footballer and I agree with them. He's still learning the trade but I can see him maturing into a good central midfielder. His crisp passing and good deliveries are some of his attributes. He's scored 4 goals as well this season. He had never scored a goal for Man Utd before. A very good squad player. Decent season as well. 6.5/10

24. Fletcher

Unfortunately, Fletcher only managed to play 10 games this campaign. His illness had the better of him and in December he had to bow out of the game for the remainder of the season. His last game was on boxing day vs Newcastle. His determination is undeniable but, I fear, we'll never see the old Fletcher again. He's been out of the game for the majority of the past couple of season. He'll find it difficult to get back in shape to play at the top level. It's a shame really because he always gives his 100% when he's on the pitch. It would be unjust to rate this player on the 4 PL games he's played. Let's hope it'll be a different story next year…but I doubt it. 

25. Powell

6 appearances this season, two of them in the PL. He scored a scorcher on his debut but found it difficult to break into the first team. He's still young and has ample of potential. I hope we'll see more of him next year. Fergie rates him highly.

26. Kagawa

Started the season brightly, faded and then finished the season on a high. His passing is very good but tends to get bullied off the ball quite often. His best performance was vs Norwich when he got a hat trick. He's shown traces of why people rated him so highly at Dortmund. I believe we'll see the best of him next season. Had an OK season 6.5/10

28. Buttner

Just 12 games this season, 4 of them in the PL. He's done well when asked to play and I think he's a good left back cover. His acquisition was probably the reason why Evra had such a good season. He scored a goal on his debut and bombed forward in the few games he played. Exciting player but still doesn't have  what it takes to be a United regular.  A defender who's better when he's attacking.

Well Done Boys! 

WBA 5 - 5 United

Lindegaard

Valencia Jones Evans(Rio) Buttner

Kagawa(Scholes) Carrick Anderson Cleverley(Giggs) 

RVP Chicharito

Given that it was the final game of the season and the title has been wrapped for 3 weeks, that was one hell of a game. A game brimming with excellent attacking football and very poor defending. Although it was quite worrying to see our side let in 5 goals, I will excuse the boys and reflect on a truly entertaining game.

Hernandez, Kagawa and Valencia were excellent. It was a joy to see Chicharito play with so much enthusiasm. He deserved his goal. Kagawa's passing was terrific while Valencia made 2 assists and put in  several good balls into the box. Something our Ecuadorian hasn't done this season. Well done the trio.

Cleverley and Anderson were efficient in their play. The latter managed to play all 90 minutes and looked exhausted by the final whistle. I reckon that's the last game Anderson has played in a United shirt. That's probably the reason Ferguson gave him a full game. I like the guy but I'm not sure he's United quality. Decent squad player though. At the front, RVP was a tad quiet today but still managed to score his 30th of the season! 

Some of our players tried to be too smart on a handful of occasions and that's probably the reason we didn't get the three points today. Buttner and Carrick were the two who could have done with less tricks and more effective play. But today marks the end of a wonderful season and such play is comprehensible, especially from Carrick who seems to be overwhelmed with the recognition he's got this year.

Lindegaard had a nightmare but, to be fair, our defenders left him too exposed. If I remember correctly, WBA's final two goals came from Buttner's side. The guy has got plenty of room for improvement if he wants to become a regular at United. He's very good on the attack but his defending leaves much to be desired. Much like Rafael of two years ago.

I must mention WBA's Lukaku. The guy was terrific. Chelsea surely have got a very good player waiting to get a chance at Stamford Bridge. Let's hope they overlook him and squander more money on stars who aren't half as good as this young Belgian. 

We were cruising 5-2 but everything crumbled as soon as Scholes entered the field of play. This game is perhaps a testament to why Scholes made the right decision to call it a day(again). He could still spray passes at astonishing accuracy but he can't keep up with the speed of the games and that's perfectly understandable at his age. He's been a wonderful servant to the club and probably my favorite all-time United player. A proper legend. 

As for the great Man himself? I've sung his praises over and over again. There will never ever be someone like Sir Alex. 

So a great big THANKS goes to all Manchester United players for a wonderful season. We are fitting Champions of England. Thank you Paul Scholes for giving your absolute best for the United cause. Thank you Sir Alex for restoring Manchester United to the excellence of the Sir Matt Busby days.

(I will upload my season's player ratings in the upcoming week and then will only blog once United are active in the transfer market. There will be a lot of changes during the summer, it surely is an exciting time to be a United follower.)

"It’s not the end of Manchester United as far as winning titles is concerned. This club will win titles and win trophies."

- Sir Alex Ferguson

United 2 - 1 Swansea

De Gea 

Jones Rio Vidic Evra

Welbeck(Valencia) Carrick Scholes(Anderson) Kagawa

RVP Chicharito(Giggs)

Today was all about Sir Alex. Up until last Wednesday, we looked forward towards this day to get back our trophy. The Premier League trophy returned to its rightful owners but, if I'm honest, all I wanted to see was Sir Alex. I can't believe I won't get another glimpse of him again in the Old Trafford dugout. It was indeed an emotional rollercoaster. It wasn't just Sir Alex we were waving goodbye to. Another club legend decided to call it a day as well. Paul Scholes made up his mind to hang up his boots for good. To be fair, Scholes' retirement has been dwarfed by Fergie's. That's probably exactly what Paul wanted. Both will be immensely missed.

Chicharito and Ferdinand made sure Swansea don't spoil the party. It was also quite fitting to score the winning goal so late in the game. That's how a lot of games were won under Sir Alex's guidance. It was a decent game of football that was sandwiched by some moving sights. The first was that of Sir Alex emerging from the tunnel to the sound of Sinatra's 'Impossible Dream'. Then there was Sir Alex's post match speech followed by the trophy presentation. Seeing Vidic and Evra present the trophy to Fergie was quite a beautiful scene. A beaming Sir Alex lifting the trophy is a sight we have seen quite often. We were indeed blessed to have such a great man manage our club. 

Today there were some players who we've probably seen for the final time at Old Trafford. One of them is Wayne Rooney who has handed in another transfer request. I was deeply saddened when he did it the first time but I cannot be arsed now. I said it time and again that on his day, he's our best player because he's an all rounder. The thing is that he either doesn't appreciate how big this club is  or he's too proud of himself not to realise that he's been dropped to the bench a couple of times because he wasn't at his best this season. Tata Wayne? Probably. If we believe we can live without Fergie, a Rooney-less United is definitely not an issue. 

It was a strange day. It was a joy to see our players celebrating and holding aloft the coveted trophy. On the other hand, whenever I saw Fergie, my eyes welled up a bit. An end of an era. Old Trafford will never see a manager of his greatness again. That said, we must support David Moyes through thick and thin. I'm convinced he's the right guy for the job. 

The occasion today made me realise how lucky I am to be born a red. This is truly a special football club. No wonder we say we're the biggest football club in the world. 

CHAMPIONS

"I'd also like to remind you that when we had bad times here, the club stood by me, all my staff stood by me, the players stood by me and your job now is to stand by your new manager."  Sir Alex

Sir Alex Ferguson Retires

On Tuesday night, Twitter was flooded with tweets linking Ferguson to the word 'retirement'. This reaction on the social networking site was triggered by a Mark Ogden report on the Telegraph. I thought the report was a load of crap. In Sunday’s match programme, Fergie said “I don't have any plans at the moment to walk away.”

Now, I have finished my dissertation on Tuesday and I planned on starting revising for my upcoming exams on Wednesday morning. So I set my alarm for 10am, which is quite early for my standards. Wednesday dawned on me and after hitting the snooze button a couple of times, I finally decided to get out of my bed and attack the day. I said to myself, “I’ll start revising Corporate Finance today.”

So I switched on my laptop to download the notes I needed for this subject.  As per usual, since my f*cked up priorities demand so, I first logged in to Facebook and Twitter to check whether the world is still revolving around the sun. And guess what? The world suddenly stopped.

One of my friends (an ardent United fan) on twitter wrote “Fucking hell...” I scrolled down and more tweets made it obvious that Fergie had made an announcement. The day I had been fearing since 2002, when I had produced enough cells in my brain to realise the excellence of Sir Alex, was finally upon us. I thought that this was just a rumour that was taken to another level, so I checked the official Manchester United website and there it was, written boldly on the front page “Sir Alex Retires”. My mouth fell open as I perceived the truth.

Online tabloids were dishing out tributes to the great man himself and some were even speculating on who will be the next Manchester United manager. Jesus, I have never ever read a report about a selection of managers who could take the Old Trafford hot seat. In my years of existence, I don’t know a footballing world without Sir Alex. It is almost impossible to digest this news.

What can I say about Fergie?

He’s a Legend in the footballing history. He’s a God in any United supporter’s books.  He hasn’t just built one successful football team after another; he has built Manchester United as we know it today. From a nation’s laughing stock, he produced teams that oozed brilliance. From a club living in the shadows of Liverpool, he produced a club that is the envy of many football fans.

It’s very sad to see him go but I’m happy he’s leaving the managerial post as a Champion. I always feared Sir Alex’s resignation would come after seeing his empire wane. That’s not a way I wanted this great man to bow out of the game.

He was a Champion countless time as he led Manchester United to one triumph after the other. His crowning moment probably came in 1999 when he masterminded Manchester United’s treble win. I was still an 8 year old back then but I remember fondly the euphoria that football team gave me. To be honest, Sir Alex’s boys rarely let me down ever since that day a 7 year old me watched United play for the first time (on the telly, of course). 

Surely there are great tacticians out there, some are even better than Sir Alex. But looking at things at the macro level, no one will ever come close to our manager.

I will surely miss:

• ·      the way he defended his players as if they were his own children,
• ·      the way he belittled anybody questioning his football team,
• ·      the way he instilled fear in opponents and journalists alike,
• ·      the way he introduced youth players to the senior squad and
• ·      the way he pumped his fists after a massive performance by the boys

For fans of my age, Ferguson is Manchester United. I have never seen a United match without Ferguson in the dugout. Next season will be strange, very strange, but I’m supporting anybody who decides to take on the daunting task of replacing the greatest manager of all time. Whoever replaces him knows that he’s got big shoes to fill.

Will Manchester United be the same without Fergie? 
No. But the Scot will have a say when choosing the next manager and I’m sure whoever takes on the job will be a manager capable of extending the success Ferguson achieved during the past two decades. It might take time for things to click again but Manchester United are too big a club to fail.

When Sir Matt Busby resigned from his post, he left an aging team.  That’s the reason our club crumbled afterwards. Fergie leaves us with a youthful team and the foundations required for a club to maintain its success.

So, its been 12 hours since I got the news and I still haven’t downloaded the notes to start studying. By the look of things, I’ll probably be hooked to the net until a new manager is announced. Whoever takes over will get my support because, after all, no man is bigger than the club, even if that man is the great Sir Alex Ferguson. I’ve drummed on and on again that Manchester United will never die and I’ll hold on to that belief.

Am I sad? Of course I am! But I’m glad I’ve lived to see the greatest manager of all time lead my football team to countless triumphs. This Sunday will be very emotional for the United faithful. All the best Fergie and thank you! 

(n.b. as long as Fergie chooses his successor, I don’t care who takes the Old Trafford hot seat for I know Ferguson will choose the manager who’s best suited for the club)

Some Interesting Facts

• Man Utd have won 304 of 404 Premier League home matches under Sir Alex Ferguson, a win rate of 75%.
• Sir Alex Ferguson has won 527 Premier League games, at least 161 more than any other manager
• Sir Alex Ferguson has enjoyed more wins over Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur (both 38) than any other teams (all comps).
• Alex Ferguson is one of three managers to average over two points per PL game

United 0 - 1 Chelsea

Lindegaard

Rafael(s/o) Evans Vidic Evra

Valencia Jones Cleverley(Buttner) Anderson(Rooney) Giggs

RVP

In reality this match mattered little for our team and was quite important for Chelsea. Chelsea tried harder and were eventually rewarded with a late goal. It wasn't the best of games. 

Our players didn't look motivated. The importance of Michael Carrick to our team was shown today. Cleverley and Anderson were all over the place. They just couldn't get a grip hold of the midfield area. That's an area we need to strengthen during the summer. If Carrick gets injured, we'd be in deep trouble. 

Our central defenders were probably the best performers today. On the other hand, none of the other outfield players impressed me. With the title wrapped up, Fergie must be finding it quite difficult to motivate the players. 

We'll be playing Swansea next Sunday, that's when the Premier League trophy returns home. Until then, I've got a shitload of school work to do. 

Arsenal 1 - 1 United

DDG

Rafael(Anderson) Rio Evans Evra

Valencia Carrick Jones Nani(Giggs)

RVP Rooney(Chicharito)

Guard of Honour for the Champions

Our players surely had one drink too many during the past week. They were really poor until the 30th minute. That's when things started clicking again as our players started producing some good football. The Gunners may have dictated play during the first period but United's first half chances were much more threatening than Arsenal's. Just before half time, RVP scored from the spot after he was fouled in the box. In terms of the better chances, United shaded the game but I think a draw is a fair result.

Turning a blind eye to the first 30 minutes, I thought our players did quite well today. Our counter attacking football was a joy to watch but unfortunately the final killer ball was missing. The stand out performer was Rio Ferdinand who oozed class throughout the game. After the turbulent first few seasons he had at our club, what a player he has turned out to be for us! He's still on top of his game even though he'll be on the wrong side of his 30's very soon. 

After the recent formation changes it was good to see some proper width in our game. I thought our wingers did quite well and both fullbacks were good on the overlap. I really can't find any fault in the way our players played. To be honest, I thought Fergie would play his fringe players today. I'm not too sure whether he was as keen on the points record as the media made him out to be but our manager doesn't settle for second best and his starting line up showed that. He's a winner and that is why our great club has been winning trophies at will under his stewardship.  

I enjoyed today's game. It's been a while since I afforded to sit back and relax while I watch United take on one of England's big guns. Obviously I wanted United to win, there's no such thing as an insignificant football game, but a draw will do. I'm glad our players showed up for the game, albeit 30 minutes late, after a week of justified celebrations. I'm glad I support these Champions.

n.b. Walcott, the goal scorer, was in an offside position. It bemuses me to see so many people, on facebook, come up with a load of conspiracies whenever United score from an offside position but no one opens up his gob whenever another team does the same. Oh well. 

United 3 - 0 Villa

DDG

Rafael Jones Evans Evra

Valencia Carrick Rooney(Welbeck) Giggs

Kagawa RVP

During the first half, United played some of the best football I've seen them play this season. Crisp passing, brilliant movement and exquisite finishing. We've been below par since that Madrid game but our win last night was a welcome reminder that our players are truly capable of stepping up and producing world class displays. We could have easily scored half a dozen goals during the first half alone. RVP got his second hat trick in a United shirt as he became England's champion for the first time. The little kid in him that had chosen United was vindicated last night. People blab about such players seeing money - it does play a part, no doubt about that - but the feeling of becoming a champion last night must've topped any pay cheque he has received since his move from Arsenal. 

Giggs rolled back the years and provided two assists. At the age of 40, he's been our best winger this year. I'm not too keen on seeing him involved in central midfield in big games but he's still a relevant player to our club. He could control a ball better than most PL players and his delivery is still top notch. Giggsy's assists sandwiched an immaculate Rooney pass to RVP. Our Dutchman scored his second and, most definitely, our goal of the season. That goal had class written all over it. From the genius of Roo's lofted pass to RVP's technique to finish home. Orgasmic stuff. 

No matter how many goals RVP scored, this is my player of the season

Roo made the central midfield berth his own. His passing was top notch. Something is definitely brewing behind the scenes though. I couldn't see why he was withdrawn with 20 minutes to go. Let's hope the constant reports of him heading to another club this summer is just rubbish talk. Fergie could easily re-invent Roo as a goal scoring midfielder next season. We badly need a goal scorer in the middle of the park. I think Roo is the solution. 

Our defenders were excellent once again. Rafa, Jones, Evans and Evra were solid. De Gea made a couple of decent stops as well. Valencia had his best game this year. That goal vs West Ham looks like it has worked wonders to restore his confidence. He was his old self yesterday. His deliveries were good and he managed to beat his man comfortably. Another player who seems to be peaking, albeit a tad too late, is Kagawa. He played part in most of our build ups. I expect him to excel next season. The language barrier as well as the physicality of the PL must have made it very difficult for our Japanese to bed in during his first season. He'll get better. 

So we have become champions again. Our number 20. Some argue that this team does not hold a candle to the teams that won us the league in the past. In reality, with four games to go, we've already amassed more points than some of our title winning campaigns. We've scored more goals than when we had the almighty Ronaldo around(we only scored 68 in 2009, 80 in 2008 and 83 in 2007). True, we didn't set any houses on fire this year. Our players just did what they had to do without being spectacular. But whoever suggests that we don't deserve to be champions needs to realise that the league table might be deceptive around the middle but it never lies at the top. We are Champions and we deserve the crown. Bring on Wilshere and Terry and their guard of honour. I will love it. 

WHAT. A. GOAL

CHAMPIONS