Milan Destroyed

Being a Manchester United fan is a rewarding experience because we are a top team, and we win often. But it is nights like these when the glory is truly resounding and heartfelt, and on so many fronts.

I say this again and again and so much to the point where my friends often tell me to shut up, but there really is Only One Wayne Rooney. Being my far and out favorite player in the world, there may be some bias there, but I truly believe that there isn’t, and has never been a striker as dynamic, unique, and devastating. As if he needed to, he proved his pedigree once again tonight, hitting yet another trademark header, and tapping in a brilliant pass from Nani. There really isn’t much more to say except that – we should all be counting our great luck that we have a player of this immense talent who remains loyal to Old Trafford.

My man of the match, and the choice that most United fans agree on tonight, is Ji Sung Park. Moved to a center role, he played a box-to-box role, where he effectively reduced Andrea Pirlo to shreds on one end (quite comical, really), and stormed up to score on another. Park’s reknown industry has been used on the wing during most of his time at United, but Sir Alex made a decision to use him differently during these Milan games, and it is a decision that may redefine Park’s role in the team. He looked very comfortable, stealing the ball, moving forward, spraying it to the wing, or giving it back to Scholes for wider distribution. And the goal itself was a great individual effort as his positioning and movement allowed Scholes to produce a simple pass forward. When Nani fell while trying to cross towards the end, Park picked it up, turned the defender, and left it for Rafael to cross it unmarked. In essence, Park was heavily involved in defense and offense tonight, and based on the numerous plaudits, his immense performance, surely one of his best, has garnered unanimous praise already.

Regarding the above two heroes, Sir Alex commented: “It was a continuation of his form over the last two or three months, it’s just sensational,” said Ferguson. “I think he has improved is his movement in the penalty box.” He was pleased, too, for another scorer. “The key for us was Park Ji-Sung and Rooney,” he added. “Park Ji-Sung played with a sacrifice, an intelligence and a discipline.” (www.soccernet.com)

Other special mentions go to Fletcher, a typical lung-busting, industrious performance tonight, as well as Gary Neville, who decided that he would not Ronaldinho take over the left side again. Age is detrimental to a footballer, but class remains in certain players.

I loved watching Beckham trying to hold back the tears, the fans chanting for him, and his walk back down to the locker rooms with a Newton Heath banner strapped around his neck. He is such a great professional, and a red devil through and through. I’m sure the night was as special for him as it was for us United fans who remember the great moments of his time with us. I’m sure I speak for many of us when I say Becks is welcome back to Old Trafford any time. I am so drained of emotion, I think this was United’s performance of the season. Everyone performed well, and we made one of Europe’s best teams look like amateurs. Forza, Viva, and Allez United – lets win this thing.