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Manchester United Comment: United Have The Fight To Deny Impressive Chelsea
League leaders can be kept in sight
30-Nov-2009 5:48:57 PM
As another team bites the dust in the race for Premier League glory, only Manchester United now threaten Chelsea’s title procession.
The Blues’ 3-0 destruction job of Arsenal has narrowed the running list to just two contenders. Chelsea’s ominous turn of form has left everyone else lagging behind and Sir Alex Ferguson is being forced to concentrate every ounce of his energy on keeping pace.
A five-point gap in November will be no worry for the tenacious Scot. No man is better equipped to stop Carlo Ancelotti’s charges from playing in a league of their own, but he will be banking on a number of factors to swing the fight in his favour.
Keep the faith
The doubts swirling around Old Trafford must be dismissed to keep the title bid afloat. From Michael Owen to the latest batch of ‘Fergie’s fledglings', neither has yet presented a convincing case to the supporters.
People are quick to forget Owen’s pedigree or his ability to turn a game in an instant. There will be other moments like his derby heroics to prove his worth as a goal grabber without compare.
A month ago, Antonio Valencia was already on the scrap heap. His turn around in fortune proves the strength in Ferguson’s ability to dismiss fickleness.
Wayne’s world
Talisman | Title hope rests on Rooney
All the stops must be pulled out to keep Wayne Rooney in fighting shape. From being wrapped in cotton wool, to bathing in horse placenta, with him in the side United stand a chance of upsetting the Chelsea apple cart.
Rooney’s appetite is unparalleled, with his hat-trick against Portsmouth underscored by a selfless team ethic.
He and Didier Drogba are on collision course for the game’s individual and collective honours. When the Chelsea man disembarks for a month at the African Cup of Nations, Rooney must still be around to stoke the fires of a league challenge.
Rio’s return
Injury problems are counting down the hands of time on Rio Ferdinand’s career, but it is churlish to stop the clock on a performer of such pedigree.
A fit Ferdinand is without compare. Ferguson has confirmed a Christmas return date for his centre-back and this re-introduction will be more important than any additions in the January transfer window.
United’s success last term was built from the back, and with the World Cup on the horizon, the England man will be determined to use a trophy hunt as a springboard to success in South Africa.
Fortress Old Trafford
Home comforts | Old Trafford is impregnable
For all the furore about Stamford Bridge, no greater obstacle to an away team exists than Old Trafford.
Even during Chelsea’s unprecedented unbeaten streak at home, United collected more points from fixtures at their ground.
The backbone of any title bid will come from continuing this sort of record. With both Chelsea and Liverpool visiting before the final reckoning, valuable victories should be notched up.
Back on track
A corner has been turned in recent weeks, with Ferguson receiving a winter warmer in the improving return from his team as the nights draw in.
Teething problems at the beginning of the post-Cristiano Ronaldo era have disappeared. November saw United superior to Chelsea in defeat, dominant over Everton and resilient against Portsmouth.
Seven goals have been notched in the last two fixtures, with the rhythm and performance expected of championship winners returning. With no international distractions to talk of, United can concentrate all their energies on keeping up appearances and returning to the summit.
Matt Monaghan
Inside Goal.Com
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