Tag Archives: rooney

Euro 2012 Kicks Off

Leave a reply
Euro 2012 Kicks Off

So it’s here. 16 national teams, 31 matches; football is going to dominate my late afternoons and evenings over the next few weeks. There is certainly a lot less hype surrounding England this time. The main news about the tournament has centred around concerns about racism in the host countries and the controversy surrounding Rio Ferdinand’s omission from the squad.

I always look forward to both the Euro’s and World Cup Finals and watch virtually every game. It’s obviously much better when England have qualified. They didn’t qualify for the Euro’s in 2008 and Spain were crowned the kings of Europe and I suppose Spain must be favourites to lift the trophy again this year.

Not much is expected of England, with a newly installed manager, injury hit squad and Wayne Rooney suspended for the first two Group games. Following on from their South African World Cup debacle, expectations are at an all time low and that may not be a bad thing. I’m hoping we can progress through the Group stages, but to be honest, I’m not expecting any exciting, attacking football. Continue reading →

United We Stand

Leave a reply
Agony for Rooney and United

Yesterdays remarkable events confirmed just why I’m such a pessimist when it comes to football. Even after all United’s recent success, I never take anything for granted. I’ve supported United for a long, long time and therefore remember the years before Sir Alex, when we hardly won anything. Don’t get me wrong, those barren years were still full of fantastic memories. Supporting United, whether in the old Second Division, or winning the Treble, it’s all the same to me.

Okay, I can’t deny I was disappointed yesterday. To say the least! But we shouldn’t forget that we pushed City all the way, right to the final few kicks of the entire season. It wasn’t yesterday when we lost it. I was almost as disappointed at the Everton game. To be leading 4-2, with eight minutes to go, I more or less accepted it wasn’t going to be our year when Everton scored the equaliser to make it 4-4. Of course, I hadn’t completely given up hope but in my gut I think I knew it wasn’t to be. Continue reading →

Advantage City

Leave a reply

So it’s the morning after the night before. A night full of disappointment…of epic proportions. During most of the game I had that numb feeling and it’s the same this morning. Just feel ‘empty’. It began when I heard the team selection. I understand the arguments for picking that starting line up, but it signalled we were going to be happy scrapping for a draw, or hoping for a lucky breakaway goal to snatch a win. Many pundits were likening the selection and formation to the way we play in Europe. Enough said, considering our woeful displays this season. It may be criticised as being tactically naive but I always prefer it when we pick an attacking team, signalling our intent. Like when we beat City, at The Etihad, in the F. A. Cup, earlier this season. We started with Rooney, Welbeck, Valencia and Nani and went for the jugular. We stormed to a 3-0 half time lead and hung on in the second half to win 3-2. Continue reading →

United Restore Gap

Leave a reply
Rooney double helps sink Villa
Rooney double helps United

Manchester United have restored their lead to five points in the Premier League Title race with City. The games are fast running out with only four remaining. As I always tend to be rather pessimistic when it comes to football I was fearing the worst. Surely Villa couldn’t deny us all three points. Not another shock result like the Blackburn home defeat. I was half expecting a torturous goalless draw to be honest. Thankfully, it turned out to be anything but. It was just the result we needed; a convincing win, three points and a reduction in goal difference.

We have Everton at home next, a 12.30pm kick off next Sunday 22nd. City play later, away to Wolves. Hopefully, when they kick off their game we’ll be eight points clear. It will be interesting to see how Everton react to their FA Cup Semi-Final defeat to Liverpool. I’m expecting a tough match. Continue reading →