After celebrating his 1499th game at Old Trafford last week, Utd fans had one final opportunity to witness Sir Alex’s Reds in action away to West Brom yesterday. Personally, I didn’t want the game to ever go ahead. I didn’t want to witness the moment where the whistle blew, signalling the end of the game, a game that has been 39 years long, completely unique and utterly special. Unrepeatable. Irreplaceable. But the team bus drew up to the Hawthorns, the teams ran out, and the last 90 minutes of Sir Alex’s career were played out. And what a crazy 90 minutes they were.

Sir Alex had already pointed out changes, so a teamsheet of Lindegaard, Valencia, Jones, Evans, Buttner, Cleverley, Carrick, Anderson, Kagawa, Van Persie and Hernandez came as no surprise. No place for Rooney, the striker continuing his sit-out after his transfer request and picking up several hundred thousand for the privilege. Veterans, Giggs, Scholes, Ferdinand, Evra, Vidic, all made the bench, accompanied with De Gea, and Januzaj (yes, I spelt that correctly). The game began in quick fashion, the Utd players looking like they had heard the message to show their abilities in the send-off to the greatest ever manager. In just the sixth minute, the ball was worked forward from the back in delightful style. An ambitious curling-forward ball seemed to be going out, but Hernandez, who was fantastic throughout, chased it down, got his head up, and delivered the ball in. He supplied a better ball than most of the wingers have provided in many hours, and Kagawa didn’t have to do much to nod it home for 1-0.

One became two very quickly. The man from Japan, Kagawa if you’re not awake, threaded the ball out to the wing to reach the marauding Valencia (decent game by his season standard). He smashed it across the box for defender Olsson to stick out a foot and equalise in terms of goals scored each, but sadly at the wrong end for the Swede. Ex-Red keeper Ben Foster couldn’t do anything about that and 2-0 it was. The Reds continued forward, giving West Brom little to nibble at, putting them firmly on a diet in terms of possession. Another deflection from Olsson could have gone in on a different day and a different prevailing wind, while Hernandez made a general nuisance of himself as he does so well, but was lacking a finishing touch. A Carrick cross found his head, but the Mexican supplied less correct direction than contained in the response of a drunken man asked for a heading.

However, the pressure told once again on the half hour. Some good work on the edge of the box involving Carrick and Hernandez saw Cleverley feed the flying wing-back Buttner. Previously a goalscorer on his debut against Wigan, the young Dutchman thumped in a diagonal shot that would have taken the keeper’s hand off, so perhaps it was just as well he was nowhere near it. 3-0 with the Red Devils rampant, and West Brom performing at complete odds to their excellent season.

Hernandez was having a bit of a shocker in terms of the finishing part of his game, another example coming as Anderson and Valencia combined to supply him. In that vein, Hernandez was fulfilling a gratuitous dual role as Utd’s main forward driver and West Brom’s best defender at this point. 4-0 did not arrive, but 3-1 did, the Baggies taking full advantage of a rare forward foray. A cross from Dorrans met Morrison who got the ball goalwards and past a rather flat-footed Lindegaard, who would come to grow thoroughly disenchanted with the game in the second half. 3-1, with the final chance before the break coming from Hernandez, whose effort was saved easily but diverted back towards the net by McAuley. Foster reacted quick enough to stop another own goal. An important tackle from Evans, after a loss of concentration from Jones, stopped a 3-2 half time score with Long looking as though he was surely in.

Romelu Lukaku, who has been superb for the Brom on loan from Chelsea, was the half-time substitution as WBA looked to wake up. Arise they did, with the powerful young Belgian placing a soft, but accurate, curler around Lindegaard. The Dane got a hand to it, but only helped it in, in what was to many eyes, a situation where he could have done better. However, it didn’t initially look too harmful, as Valencia bombed down the flank to create another Utd opening. Anderson had the first shot, with the move reworked and ending up with Van Persie, who thudded it home for 4-2. That was his 26th league goal, 30th in all, and just made extra sure he got this season’s Golden Boot. A very special player.

Giggs was always likely to make an appearance in Fergie’s finale, and after a block from McAuley at one end and Valencia at the other, he entered the fray and almost immediately made a telling contribution. A free-flowing move saw Kagawa place it into the path of the Welsh wizard, whose cross was kept low and perfectly placed for Chicharito to finally get his name on the scoresheet, capping an excellent performance from the Little Pea, and proving that he can be just as useful starting as a substitute. 5-2 and surely the end of the game as a competition?

However, West Brom had not received any script, and one could not be put together quick enough to stop them revving up as the game ticked on. Aside from Buttner hitting the bar, the attacking momentum began to swing towards the striped players who, despite the deficit and perhaps helped by it, were now playing much more freely. Utd allowed them to, and the defence’s combined brains were proved to be already supping a cocktail of choice on some Caribbean beach, as they were totally at sea for the last ten minutes. In the 80th, a Rosenberg ball was picked up by Lukaku, the Belgian strolling through at a canter and slotting a low shot under Lindegaard for 5-3. The game restarted and less than a minute later, in West Brom’s very next attack, a fourth was bagged for the Baggies as Mulumbu was waved through as swiftly as celebrities at airport customs to tap home a ball from Jones (their Jones, not our Jones – like watching Welsh rugby at times). 5-4 was a bit of a joke, and Utd fans were treated to another, as Scholes picked up a yellow in his final outing. Very fitting. However, Fergie, determined to go out on a win, was not so impressed with affairs and introduced Ferdinand to try and patch up a defence with more leaks than Westminster.

Late goals are a bit of a Utd speciality, but this burst from the Brom, two in a minute, was something else. It was topped off five minutes later with the incredible, a goal-line scramble, with Lindegaard totally averse to putting hands near the ball, with Lukaku just joining the jumble and poking home for his hattrick and West Brom’s fifth. And that was how it ended: 5-5. The first 5-5 draw in the Premiership, so as mentioned in the title and final record, and a crazy ending to Sir Alex’s career.

Now, I’ve been quite even-handed above, but I feel the need to be a little more critical. There are many reasons not to do this, last game of the season, title won, no points incentive, exotic holidays coming up. Mitigating this is the fact that Sir Alex deserved a fitting send-off. He has always supported youth, and made that statement with leaving out the old hands in the defence. While things were going sublimely for the first half hour, I feel that, ultimately, the Reds let Sir Alex down a bit, and the defence quite a lot. Scoring five, terrific, exactly what was called for. Conceding five, handing back a 5-2 to exchange it for a draw? Ludicrous insanity. I was willing the defence in the end to just sort themselves out into a basic structure, just for ten minutes, but they were gone, utterly gone. Taking nothing away from Lukaku, of course, who has shown how advantageous the loan system can be if used properly, but he could at least have been challenged. As for Lindegaard, who has been heavily criticised in the post-match analysis by the media, and who was only present as part of a promise to take him to ten appearances (which was the old target for a medal before the rules changed), his command of his penalty box was simply non-existent. He looked uncomfortable, with a habit of seeming to dive after the ball was in the net, as if in slow motion. At his age, despite his lack of game time, I think I would be forgiven in expecting a little bit more nous in defensive arrangement and, oh, I don’t know, getting involved when needed (5th goal). Disappointing, with Sir Alex’s departing gift a fantastic early wave that peaked far too early.

Rant over, Sir Alex’s era has ended. The picture shows his final salute to the travelling faithful. His reign now begins its journey into the picturesque sunset of Old Trafford history, with the man himself firmly placed in bronze outside the ground. He’ll still be around, but this is the end of his chapter. The next will be written by David Moyes. A chant has already emerged in the stands: “Come on David Moyes, play like Fergie’s boys.” Terrific advice, providing they aren’t referring to an end-of-the-season encounter with West Brom and more the great squads of the last 26 years. Thanks again, Sir Alex, the first and last games might have been forgettable, but the 1498 in between were what counted. What times they were:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26LVddp_NpY

I perhaps should have done this earlier, because there has been plenty of Utd-related news strolling across the bottom of Sky Sports News this week. So let’s run through some little news bites and see where we go….

First off, the Champions Parade. That took place earlier this week and was quite a spectacle. Indeed, few thought the scenes of ‘99 could ever be beaten, but with everyone turning up to celebrate the title and to show nearly 27 years of respect to Sir Alex, ‘13 either surpassed that year or came damn close. And they say Utd fans don’t live in Manchester (Ferguson’s joke, I can’t take credit). Anyway, it was great to see, if only on TV. The whole squad got a thunderous reception, save one Mr. Rooney. If you read into such things, perhaps you will make something of the fact that Rooney and Ferguson were at opposite ends of the bus. That didn’t stop members of the crowd expressing their displeasure at Rooney’s current stance over his position at Old Trafford. ‘Farewell Ferguson, Sod Off Rooney’ was one banner that seemed to sum up feeling in that direction. He sure does pick his moments for attention, his PR people must have degrees from the University of Antigua or somewhere. Current situation? Well, Ferguson, Moyes and Giggs were all photographed emerged from a hotel midweek having held a conference, mostly believed to have been around the future of Rooney. One journalist reported it as a bit ‘cloak and dagger’, which leads one to think that espionage novels have taken a slight turn since I last picked one up. Very rarely do you see spies in books peek around a street corner in a long jacket, pursuing a mysterious stranger with a briefcase, only to be followed around aforementioned corner by a crowd of paparazzi. It remains to be seen what the Rooney situation will develop into, but it’s sure to be a big news story and Moyes’ first real challenge. Does he make a huge statement and let him go (penultimate year of contract, so last chance to get money for him)? Or does he try and patch it up? I suppose this also partly depends on whether a marquee signing is made? I don’t read much into gossip about Falcao, Ronaldo and a new scientific procedure to take Pele back to 24 years of age to sign for Utd, but should a big player be signed as a statement of intent, that will undoubtedly have a bearing on the situation. Rain check on verdict at the moment, but great parade!

What else? Well, retirement, it seems, is in the water. Since Sir Alex said enough was enough, everyone apparently has been digging out pension plans. I can check out in 2056, so I’m not to be one of the latest crowd. But Sir Alex and Scholes will be joined by another Class of 92 graduate after David Beckham announced he would also be following them off the pitch at the age of 38. PSG were allegedly keen to offer a year extension, but Becks made the call to bring down the curtain on a quite amazing career. Say what you like about him, and his celebrity overtaking his football, but I always liked the guy. As a Manchester Utd player, he was exciting to watch. Did he lack pace? Yes. Could he beat a man in a one-on-one? Not very often. Can Scholes tackle? No. Is he still great? Yes. I respect the fact that Beckham made a success in four different leagues around the world. Many people saw his sojourn to America as effectively the end of his competitive career, but he continued playing for England in that time, he spent time with Milan on two occasions, the second cut short through injury but otherwise successful, and finally a last stint in France, where his salary was donated to charity. First Englishman to win honours in four different countries, I believe. He was dedicated to the game, and at least, unlike some, he used, and undoubtedly will continue to, his celebrity in the right way most of the time. Particularly with regard to the Olympics, for which he must take some credit. And if you weren’t a fan of the player, maybe you’ll miss the hairstyles.

Another retirement, of sorts, was announced by Rio Ferdinand. International retirement, not club. This news comes just before England’s friendly matches in which Ferdinand was said to have a shout of appearing. But he’s ruled himself out now, with the statement of looking to focus on his club career. Personally, I see this as only a good thing for Utd. It’ll take away any confusion over his position with England, and with a new contract likely, he can look to get the best from himself at club level. His fitness management regime, extensive that it is, is well known, and as age continues its campaign against Rio’s back, the medical staff have no worries about fitting in extra games into a planned arrangement. Utd still have plenty of representatives for England anyway, they can’t complain.

Finally, we have the final game. The 1500th. Sounds like it was arranged, doesn’t it? The perfect 1500. Well, let’s hope it is, Sir Alex can’t end on a loss. He wants to win against West Brom, he said so himself, but we can expect a bit of squad rearrangement. Lindegaard will be in goal, as part of the promise to make ten appearances. That was made before the medal requirement changed, but Sir Alex is sticking with it. Rafael is out, so there is a right-back spot to fill. Jones and Evans are to be at CB, with Rio and Vidic on the bench, a statement of the future. Sir Alex has always promoted youth, and it seems he’s going to run with that in his last game. With Jones in the centre, and Smalling out, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Valencia slot in at RB. Only news about elsewhere is that its going to be ‘younger’, so expect Cleverley and Welbeck to feature somewhere perhaps. Either way, I just hope the players do the great man justice. He can’t go off to the racecourse with anything less than three points. It wouldn’t be right.

And so, 26 years, 6 months and 7 days after his appointment, Sir Alex Ferguson arrived at Old Trafford looking to oversee his final encounter in the stadium he has made home. A capacity crowd of 75,572 were in attendance to show their appreciation for the work of the greatest club manager the football world has ever seen. A man who took a struggling side and made them into champions, not just once, but 13 times. A man who built a side, and built another, and more still, each achieving success in their own right. A man who has become synonymous with the name, Manchester United Football Club. A man who has written an enormous chapter of the club’s history. They were there to watch him turn the last but one page, the last ever in front of his followers, the last in front of the stand that will forever bear his name. Sir Alex Ferguson. The Greatest.

Swansea, the visitors on this momentous occasion, joined the guard of honour that welcomed Sir Alex into the stadium. Every single member of the crowd had a flag and the word Champions was emblazoned across the Ferguson stand. The roar that welcomed the great man was accompanied by a sight the like of which Old Trafford has never seen, every person in attendance applauding and showing gratitude for the man simply known as ‘the Boss’. In a nice touch, Swansea’s fans flags displayed their cup victory.

The game itself was only ever going to be 3rd on the bill. For as it was Sir Alex’s farewell, fittingly the day also saw the final curtain fall on the career of one of his most special servants. Paul Scholes, the maestro, the midfield magician. After reversing his decision to retire in January 2012, and staying on another season beyond that, Scholesy hasn’t had the luckiest season with injury, but his return for this occasion was a script waiting to happen. The other men in attendance to send Sir Alex off with a win were De Gea, Jones, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Welbeck, Carrick, Kagawa, Van Persie and Hernandez.

I shall keep the game’s events as brief as possible. An early chance fell to Chicharito, the bar preventing a 5 minute lead. A Jones follow-up including some gorgeous pass-and-move play, but no finish. Swansea were all for providing solid competition, with the dangerous Pablo Hernandez registering their first major chance with a wide effort. The game, from Utd’s perspective anyway, seemed to be set up for Scholes to get forward, but while that would have made a lovely story, it was not to be. The usual delightful array of passing was present, however, and it was strange to think that unique style will not be seen again. A half-hearted penalty shout from Kagawa was the next incident, waved away by the referee. The goal itself came just before half time, a set piece from wide after a foul on Welbeck. Van Persie sent it in, defender Ashley Williams got into a poor position and saw the ball rebound off himself to the free space of the waiting Chicharito. The Mexican predator pounced, and the goal the occasion needed was provided. 1-0. The half ended with some Van Persie efforts, saved and over respectively.

It would not do his reign justice for Sir Alex to end on anything other than a positive result, but Swansea proved they had not read the script with an equaliser just after the half time break. Dyer chased a seemingly lost cause to the wing, bent in the cross, which was met by Michu with an outstretched foot for a sumptuous finish. It was a fantastic finish from the amazing buy for the Swans, and the scoreboard was level. 1-1. It nearly ran into Swansea’s favour with a break soon after, which culminated in Routledge just prodding wide. De Gea was then called into action to prevent Pablo Hernandez from an angle. At the other end, Chicharito was inches away from converting Welbeck’s cross, but the time had come for another of the day’s emotional moments.

The official’s board went up and flashed the number 22, signalling the departure of Paul Scholes. He left the field quickly, disliking fuss as he does, but the crowd acknowledged the special midfielder in thunderous fashion. Under any other circumstances, and indeed the one I would have probably predicted a week ago, this should have been just Scholes’ occasion. But with everything that has gone on this week, his own farewell lost top billing. And you get the feeling that is exactly what he would have wanted. We have been privileged to watch Scholes, who stood out amongst greats if only because he would have hiding in shadow at the back of shot, disliking the attention. Luis Figo, the Portuguese giant of the game, perhaps summed him up best: “I’m star-struck when I see Paul Scholes because you never see him. On the pitch you can’t catch him. Off the pitch he disappears.”

Scholes was joined in substitution by Welbeck, with Anderson and Valencia coming on for the pair. Anderson got straight into things with a cross for Hernandez and a very close low volley from the edge of the box that smacked the ad boards. The defence was required to keep Swansea out, and as the clocked ticked onwards in its relentless march, you couldn’t help wondering: “Someone will score. It’s what Ferguson’s teams do.” And although it wasn’t injury time, there was something appropriate about the timing of Rio Ferdinand’s finish from a poorly-marked Van Persie corner. The ball came to him through the crowd and the defender lashed home a powerful blast that raised the goal from its holdings. His first goal for around five years, but no better time to come up with it. Cue a sonic boom of noise and a satisfied smile from Sir Alex.

The clock ticked down, the watch was checked, the whistle blown bringing to a close Sir Alex’s Ferguson career at Old Trafford. Grasping hands with fans and then his players, the Boss made his way to the centre-circle, to be surrounded by the club he has transformed into a giant. From there he spoke, and when the Boss speaks, you listen:

“I’ve got absolutely no script in my mind, I’m just going to ramble on and hope I get to the core of what this football club has meant to me. First of all, it’s a thank you to Manchester United. Not just the directors, not just the medical staff, not just the coaching staff, the players or the supporters, it’s all of you. You have been the most fantastic experience of my life.
I have been very fortunate. I’ve been able to manage some of the greatest players in the country, let alone Manchester United. All these players here today have represented our club the proper way – they’ve won the championship in a fantastic fashion. Well done to the players.
My retirement doesn’t mean the end of my life with the club. I’ll be able to now enjoy watching them rather than suffer with them.
But, if you think about it, those last-minute goals, the comebacks, even the defeats, are all part of this great football club of ours. It’s been an unbelievable experience for all of us, so thank you for that.
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. Your job now is to stand by our new manager. That is important.
Before I start bubbling, I just want to pay tribute to Paul Scholes, who retires today. He’s unbelievable; one of the greatest players this club has ever had and will ever have. Paul, we wish you a good retirement and I know you’ll be around annoying me! Also I’d like to wish Darren Fletcher a speedy comeback to our club.
The players… I wish the players every success in the future. You know how good you are, you know the jersey you’re wearing, you know what it means to everyone here and don’t ever let yourself down. The expectation is always there.
I’m going home, well, I’m going inside for a while, and I want to say thank you again from all the Ferguson family. They’re all up there, 11 grandchildren – thank you.”

Sir Alex was emotional and he wasn’t the only one. It is amazing that someone who so few Utd fans have actually met in person can feel exactly like a beloved family member, and you care for them as such. That is pretty much what separates Manchester United from every other club. It is a family. For 26 and a half years, it has been the Ferguson family. The largest single family in the world. And seeing the patriarch addressing the home faithful for the final time was an unforgettable scene and the words used were touching. They were also deadly serious. After the departure of Busby, the transition was not smooth. There was the warning that such a thing cannot be allowed to happen now. Support OUR new manager. That is your job. Things have not always gone well, but the support saw Ferguson through. Same will go for Moyes. When the Boss speaks, you listen.

Then the message to the players: “You know how good you are, you know the jersey you’re wearing, you know what it means to everyone here and don’t ever let yourself down.” The last part of that struck in particular, with a certain elephant in the room that I have thus far avoided, the absence of Wayne Rooney. Ferguson’s later comments have shed light on the whole affair: Rooney has asked to leave and that request has been denied. The reason being that he is frustrated at being substituted a few times, but as Ferguson so rightly said, a Rooney in full form would not be substituted. As such, with that in mind, Wayne didn’t really want to play with that hanging over him. Good thing too, for this week is not about Rooney. As he watched on from his box, I wonder what he was thinking at the sight in front of him. “I want to leave.” I wanted to scream and swear at him. I wanted to draw his attention to the way Scholes ended a Utd career. I wanted him to look at the crowd and appreciate what the occasion meant to them, the ones who are not on multi-million-pound salaries, the ones who are probably not living their dream, but the ones who worship every week at the altar that is Manchester United. Finally, I wanted him to listen to the words of the greatest football manager the world has known, the one man who understands exactly what the core of Manchester Utd is, the one man who has always said a player is never bigger than the club, and has proved it time and time and time again. Who remains there at the end of the day? Sir Alex Ferguson. There he will always stand, in statue form and across the stands.

To wrap things up, Utd were presented with the Premier League trophy they have won at a canter. Sir Alex lifted his last trophy and ended on the high he so rightly deserved. Paul Scholes picked up his 11th, and final, winner’s medal. Giggs picked up his 13th. Many players picked up their first, and not just the younger ones. Van Persie looked absolutely ecstatic. His interviews showed he appreciated what he has been a part of this season, and appreciation for the manager. Perhaps Rooney should look at Van Persie. Or, as was suggested, talk to Ryan Giggs, the man who knows everything about playing for Manchester Utd, the man who understands everything about club loyalty and hard work.

But the day belonged to none of them. It belonged to Sir Alex Ferguson. His work, baring one final away game to West Brom on Sunday, is done. I have tried to do him justice above, and I know I have failed. So all I can manage is my gratitude and hope that suffices. “Thank you, Boss. For everything.”

Well, in the last few moments, the fastest moving and most important sports news story of the year has thrown us the expected, with the confirmation that David Moyes will become the new Manchester United manager. Over the last day or so, Moyes’ name had come firmly to the front of the likelihood list, and now it is a done deal. This will come into effect on July 1, with Moyes signing a SIX-year deal. With the length of the contract, it signals a very strong vote of confidence from the Utd management, with a unanimous approval from the board.

Sir Alex’s recommendation was Moyes and let’s face it, everyone was going to listen and abide by that. The other great at the top, Bobby Charlton, hadn’t come out with any particular views on Moyes prior to the appointment, but had expressed doubt over the suitability of the other main candidate, Mourinho. Statements from the board now express nothing but support for Moyes, and personally I am also going to sit in the camp of it being the right decision.

Mourinho is without doubt a fantastic manager, but Utd are in the very rare position of not requiring change, and simply needing more of the same. Mourinho would bring change, and there is a lot in the aura that surrounds him. That takes nothing away from his talent as a manager, but Moyes is built more in the style which Utd favour. Charlton said it best in his statement: “We have secured a man who is committed to the long-term and will build teams for the future as well as now. Stability breeds success.” Moyes brings that stability and with the guidance of Sir Alex just upstairs, will have all the tools he needs to do the job successfully.

In other Utd news, Rooney has been thinking again. Apparently, he isn’t sure of his place again. And if there was any time in which this announcement could bring absolutely no feeling from me, its the week of Sir Alex’s retirement.

Thoughts on the appointment of Moyes below. Is he the right man for the job?

The shock of the news of Sir Alex’s retirement this morning hit me more than any sports story I have ever read. Can I write a fitting tribute? No, I am not a good enough writer. It is a time every Utd fan knew would come one day, but like many, I did not expect it at this time, which makes it all the more difficult to compute. It was common knowledge Sir Alex would take some time to have surgery on his hip before the start of next season, but his programme notes and statements of late gave little indication his time as manager was coming to an end. He spoke of being active in the transfer market, the desire to be around to see the youth of the squad develop further, to continue to drive the team forward. But if he feels it is the right time, who are we to argue with that? How often can a manager end his career on a high note of his own choosing? I could weep, for whatever assurances are made there will be doubt over the future, simply because of the consistency that has gone before. But I could do something more. I could just say thank you, and be grateful I was around to witness some of the work of the greatest football manager in history. Regardless of club supported, give credit where it is due, and Sir Alex deserves so much credit. I cannot list his achievements at this time, because we have two more games, two more, with Fergie at the helm. Enjoy them, we will not see the like again.

I suppose the key point to make before we start is the fact that Utd have nothing left to play for, whereas Chelsea still have to do the business to get a Champions League place. They’ll be aware Arsenal and Tottenham are watching their games with interest and for a large part of yesterday, with pleasure. For Utd, after clawing back to a draw last week, the chance was there to put in a carefree performance. Instead it was as sluggish as a sluggish man caught in a particular sticky and sluggish marsh. The team lacked a cutting edge in the same way a spoon does, and it was incredibly boring to watch. But, if only in the interest of completeness, review it we shall.

The team? Change at the back, Lindegaard in between the sticks. Largely anticipated, because of the quota of 10 games to get a winner’s medal (Lindegaard on 8), but in actual fact there has been a quiet rule change – which means only 5 games are needed now. Anyway, he was on the field. Rafael, Evans, Vidic and Evra in front of him – was expecting Buttner on the left myself. A rare rest for Carrick in midfield, as Valencia, Jones, Anderson and Cleverley were listed, with Giggs and Van Persie completing the 11. In other news, Scholes made the bench, but was joined with first team names – not the fringe players we’ve been expecting. I thought Nick Powell might be around at least. Hernandez, given his record against Chelsea, should have started.

Right then, the game. Anderson looked to be bustling around in the early exchanges, showing a bit of promise, but with no powerful, barging runs that we know he can do. Chelsea got the better of it through target man Ba, who generated a loose header and was hindered by a Rafael intervention. The Brazilian was one of the better exponents of attacking play down the right, trying to tease in the cross. A chance was squandered by Cleverley before Chelsea threatened a goal for the first serious time. Evra lost possession in the opposition half, Lampard got Oscar away, with the little man deciding to go alone with a smack that Lindegaard didn’t catch. It came awkwardly off his hands low to the right and onto the post. Blocked, but not comfortably.

It was fairly open, but as has been mentioned elsewhere, it wasn’t dangerous play. Giggs, Moses, Ba, Lampard and Van Persie all got into good positions, and not a single thing of interest happened in them. With the snooker on the BBC, I was tempted to flick over to watch a game being played at greater pace. However, I persevered with Sky Sports to witness Cleverley practicing rugby conversions as if disappointed he didn’t make the Lions squad, and Giggs’ searching ball that found Van Persie; the Dutchman guiding it first-time wide to the left. Looked good and promising, but wasn’t actually that close. Final chances of the half fell to Giggs, charging in for an outside-of-the-boot left-footed volley, and Van Persie on his head. 0-0 at half time.

Giggs got into a muddle on the edge of the area early in the second half. Calls for a penalty were voiced, but it was firmly outside the box. However, it was Giggs controversy, which he doesn’t really do on the pitch. Proper controversy was to come later. In the meantime, Jones continued to prove midfield and forward-play isn’t his thing with a wasted ball from wide. Chelsea were definitely having the better of it, despite lacking a bit of energy themselves, excusable given the number of games they’ve played. Substitutions were surely just minutes away, and sure enough Rooney and Buttner replaced Anderson and Cleverley. Ando looked ok in spells, a bit like the weather, but nothing too endearing. Cleverley contributed little, but on the day that didn’t mean he stood out negatively from the crowd.

Valencia, largely redundant, tried to get Wazza involved and although the cross found his head, it was never going on-target. Chelsea got a succession of corners for their superior (not difficult) attacking play, but for now they were kept out. Rafael tried to bustle forward in one of the later Utd moves, and Ivanovic’s backwards deflection looked more awkward than it probably was.

Then, after 87 minutes of very dull play, came the winner and it was almost a relief. Ramires muscled out Rooney (calls for a foul went unheard but in my opinion, it was actually a good challenge: foot got to the ball), and the resulting play initially looked like being overplayed but Mata was found on the left and his angled shot across goal clipped Jones and went under Lindegaard. Mata credited for the goal, with Lindegaard left beating his fists upon the ground in frustration. The goal was annoying to see, but also in a cruel way, good to see, because Utd were poor. Chelsea weren’t brilliant either, but they looked more interested.

Then came the controversy. Rafael and Luiz were tangling down the wing, both with hands on the other, trying to get the ball, Luiz to shield, Rafael to press forward. In frustration, Rafael sent a kick into the back of Luiz’s legs right in front of the lineswoman who immediately flagged for a foul. A few in blue gestured with their hands for a card, which sent Giggs into a rare fit of anger, which got everyone mulling around for a good argument and a bit of pushing. In the end, Rafael was given a red, the first one for Utd this season in the league, and off he went. However, alternative camera angles saw Luiz go down, and as we all do in agony, smile like a clown. Clearly acting, this was enough to perhaps convince the referee of increased seriousness, and a possible upgrade from yellow to red. It wasn’t professional, and was actually quite painful to see. I know that footballers are generally perceived as a pretty dim species, but to see confirmation of it is always a bit upsetting. It made me feel like I did when Bosingwa was pictured having a chortle as he left the pitch with confirmation of QPR’s relegation (an incident later defended, which I don’t buy completely). All in all, it was just a bad end to a very bad game.

Analysis? Meaningless, because the game didn’t matter. Utd were poor. I didn’t expect a win, nor high levels of energy, but I did think it might be a slightly better tempo than it was. Sir Alex has been talking this week about summer squad updates not necessarily being in midfield. Shame, that’s where we are light of quality, as the presence of Jones in it testifies.

Utd return on Sunday against Swansea, where I expect a similarly poor performance. Irrelevant of course in terms of points, but until then. I am worked on a squad review, which is taking a while. I will split it into positions. Keeper analysis coming first. They will be longer posts and I hope they can generate a few more comments than usual from some new contributors. If you are out there, get in touch.

Utd fans have had their excitement for this week already, so in the interests of natural balance, it could be said that the match against Arsenal was always going to be a bit more in the ilk of a middle-of-the-table clash. Many things tried beforehand to point to the contrary. Yes, the Reds may have enjoyed a cold beverage or six during the week, but there was the record points haul on offer? It’s all about records, right, to be the best of the best? Beside that, there was the Arsenal guard of honour, classily organised, but understandably not adhered to by some Gunners fans, with their players effectively applauding ex-main man RVP on getting some silverware that they haven’t got. In nautical terms, a bit like the captain leaving the boat first (Hey, you’re the big man – get back here!). That would be enough to get Arsenal riled up enough to get a good performance out of them, and by association, Utd. So perhaps not a damp squib?

As has been called for by all of us here at the Offside, all four of us – what power, Sir Alex has said fringe players will get their chance in the final games. One in particular is Nani, who did indeed come into the lineup. Joined in the middle by Valencia, Carrick and Jones, supporting Rooney and Van Persie. Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans and Evra protecting De Gea. Not as much squad shuffling as I was expecting, I certainly thought Anderson might be involved in the middle instead of Jones, or perhaps Cleverley. Anyway, off we went, with the guard of honour first. Mixed responses for Van Persie as expected, and while he looked cool, even with his greying hair (he’s only 29), it may have contributed to his mindset a little, for an early mistake let Arsenal in, and onto the scoresheet. A long pass across the middle wasn’t even in the right postcode, so it was dutifully picked up by Arsenal. Rosicky slipped it through to wing-man Walcott, who bore goalwards and notched it past De Gea, who could do more than give it a pat as it went past. The flag for offside should have gone up, but you play the linesman, not always the play, and awarded it was. 1-0 to the home side.

Somewhat familiar this season to shipping the early goal, as if trying to introduce a handicap rule, I didn’t think Utd would be all that surprised with the situation. But Arsenal took their fortune well; they pressed better, were far more awake on the ball and passed it around with decisiveness and care. Utd meanwhile were still in bed, twenty miles away from the ground, waiting for an alarm clock. The midfield in particular was very much in the land of nod – dreaming sweet dreams of Premier League titles. As much as waking up would have been nice for the fans to see, sluggishness seemed the order of the day as Utd played the game two steps behind Arsenal, misplaced enough tackles to earn the most disciplined side in the league four yellow cards in the first half hour. I thought for a moment the clock had been wound back ten years and we were watching the Utd-Arsenal games of old. One nostalgic fellow immediately got dialling for a pizza.

A glimpse of hope was spotted as Jones’ forward move involved Van Persie, in a rare moment on the ball. His cross was met by Jones too early and wide it went. A decent chance in the scheme of things. Arsenal, meanwhile, threatened through German ace Podolski, his bullet type shot waking up De Gea at his post. As the clock marched resolutely towards half time, Utd stirred a little, and in one particular stretch, Nani nearly notched an assist as his cross was diverted into the face of Szczesny by Van Persie. Another headed chance then fell to Jones, with similar results to earlier.

A mistake by Sagna two minutes before the break saw Van Persie run towards goal. Life at last, with Sagna always struggling to catch back up. He did so at the expense of giving away a penalty, taking out both man and ball. Van Persie stepped up to the spot, and much to the despair of the Gunners, dispatched a sweetly-hit penalty to the high right. The pressure was on, but the Dutchman was equal to it, using all the practice that Arsenal gave him in the first place. No celebration from the man himself, but Sir Alex was pleased to get his side in on level terms, because in performance terms, Arsenal were the superior.

The second half contained less of the good level of play from Arsenal, and a bit of an improvement from Utd, effectively cancelling each other out with a draw becoming seen as increasingly likely. A blazed Rafael effort was no danger and Rooney’s header could have been caught even without the benefit of opposable thumbs. Substitutions were made to see things out with Wilshere, PFA player of the year Gervinho (jokes guys, jokes), and Oxlade Chamberlain on for the home side, and Anderson, Giggs and Hernandez for the away. A breakthrough winner never came, despite Cazorla’s efforts at the one end and a flowing move that saw Giggs just fumble his first touch a bit, only to recover and see a right-footed curler, on target, diverted away and out. And there it ended: 1-1.

Post match analysis seems to have awarded the contest to Utd on points, but although it could be argued with a little more clinical play Utd could have seen it out, so could have Arsenal with far more dominant play in Utd’s sleepy first period performance. In the end, a draw was probably fair, meaning the record points haul record is no longer on offer. Personally, I am of the opinion that this is just as well. Given Chelsea to come as well, I didn’t believe Utd could maintain levels enough to achieve four final wins, and the fact that target has expired earlier rather than later can ensure attention moves to other matters. Namely, the presence of fringe players. Nani was effectively the only one against Arsenal, and hopefully now a few more can be introduced. Perhaps a start for Anderson, a little game time for the likes of Buttner, a chance for Welbeck to actually score, but I think a farewell to Scholes might just not be happening now. As you may be aware, Scholes’ last performance to date was a routine 4-1 win against Fulham in January, I believe, and since then he has been struggling with a painful knee injury. It’s been washed out and the like, but whether he manages a reappearance in the final stages of this season remains to be seen. Note was made of this because Scholes wasn’t present on the field for the title celebrations, but he’s not that kind of man anyway. Notice has been given that whatever his decision, to retire or to do one more, he’ll be around Utd’s training ground somewhere anyway. Personally, if he can shake this knee thingy, I’d like to see him sign again, even if only for just emergency situations, as he did last season, only to find he was actually quite important. Either way, let us finish the season with development opportunities to lay the base for next season.

Comments appreciated as usual please.

20 times a league winner. A record 20 times a league winner. Utd’s title winning machine rumbled on and over its target, with four games to spare, to clinch the Premier League Trophy last night as Aston Villa came to town for the celebrations. Realistically, there was only going to be one winner here because this was a special occasion under the lights of Old Trafford and everyone inside it was willing it to happen. Willpower doesn’t win football games, but the support inside the ground was brilliant, and fittingly, Utd produced a similarly great display to wrap things up. Here’s what happened:

De Gea, Rafael, Jones, Evans, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Giggs, Kagawa, Rooney and Van Persie were sent out to do the job against relegation-threatened Villa. They did just that and it took just over a minute (81s to be precise) for a goal. Rooney, again in the midfield with the supporting role up front going to Kagawa, produced a fantastic cross-field ball to Valencia. The Ecuadorian lay it off for Rafael, who dug into the ball to deliver a high and deep ball into the danger zone. It found Giggs who took it with a velvet touch that sent it across the box and towards the waiting boots of Van Persie. Easy. 1-0. Terrific move.

Barely had the cheers from the goal ended and the ‘champions’ chanting begun that Van Persie should have made it two a minute later. A deflected cross found him and so easily the lead could have been doubled. But, as we learnt in time, he was saving his volleying technique for something a little less ordinary. He then tried to turn towards assisting, but Kagawa’s short-range effort was blocked, something that didn’t hide Villa’s fragility in this fast-paced start. The game was being played in the Villa half, with Rafael trying to join in the fun with a swing of his right foot, the result clanging off the upright with Guzan beaten. Benteke was the target of a rare Villa foray, but the attempt was off-target, and Utd just went forward again.

Then came the special moment, something worthy of winning every game and most certainly the chocolate sprinkle on top of the cherry on top of the icing on the Premier League cake. Rooney, in space in the midfield, looked up and dinked a perfect, simply perfect, ball of some 40 yards distance over the top of the Villa defence looking for Van Persie. It was coming in over his right shoulder, but the angle worried the Dutchman not, for he timed it accurately, and his first time volley sailed past a helpless Guzan and into the bottom corner for 2-0. As direct a move as you can get, but Goal of the Month for certain. Likely to get Utd’s goal of the season for its mixture of pass and finish, and a contender for overall Goal of the Season. Sir Alex went further, to label it Goal of the Century, which, considering we still have 87 years left in it if the human race manages that long, might be a little premature, but it was a unique moment. 2-0 in some style. 13 minutes gone by the way, although time was mostly irrelevant in this game.

That said, Van Persie had to wait twenty minutes (that number again), a full twenty minutes, for the seemingly inevitable third. Kagawa spun in possession and released Giggs with a sublime ball past a high-line Villa defence. The Welshman struck forwards and although it would have been nice to see Utd’s best servant ever notch a goal on this night, he was unselfish and fed the man with him, Van Persie, for his hattrick. The defenders and keeper crowded the line, but Van Persie shimmied left and sunk the effort in off the post, the post redeeming itself for stopping Rafael earlier. It took a bow, whilst the cheers for the goal were lost in the cheers for a title win that looked like having been sealed quicker than anyone expected.

That made RVP the top league scorer this term so far, with 24 goals in the league, but I doubt even he was thinking of that. The salesmen, having already taken the decision to get their flags and posters done displaying twenty titles, proved their business acumen as they started to sell and wave the flags did, even before half time.

The second half didn’t live up to the first, but the job was done. Van Persie, having a game that more than made up for several poor ones of recent times, turned defender to ensure Weimann didn’t give Villa anything to shout about. However, the visitors, having adopted an attitude perhaps of things couldn’t get much worse, became a little more comfortable on the ball, leading to chances for Benteke (stopped by De Gea down low) and El Ahmadi’s dipping long range shot that forced De Gea to judge its flight accurately (it was going in) to tip it over the bar.

Van Persie satisfied with his goal haul for the night, efforts were made to try and get Rooney into the action, despite his deep role. Two attempts, including a skied side-volley, were the measure of that, before his substitution for Danny Welbeck brought his involvement to an end. It didn’t seem the night to point out that under pressure in his midfield role, he has a tendency to lose the ball more often than not, but given the space he knocks the ball around quite superbly. We’ll stick with the latter for now.

The opportunity for the fourth came knocking, but Kagawa couldn’t find the door. Valencia, a little more enlivened, got the ball into the box again to find the man from Japan, who’s body movement to lose the defender was as subtle as it was brilliant. The goal was screaming for the ball more than a man recreating Felix Baumgartner’s jump without a parachute but Kagawa struck Kevin in the stands instead.

The ten minutes were played out because a football game has ninety minutes in it. But everyone was just waiting. The whistle went and the roar went up. The bubbly was burst open and the salesmen got going like crazy. Although this title has been earned a little more by consistency than the spectacular (that being saved for the end of the quest it seems), the simple one game after another approach, it made the occasion no less special. The sensational way of having not won the title last season, of losing the handle within seconds of grasping it, was reversed in ruthless fashion, with a hand on the trophy with hours and weeks to spare. Now, it can’t let go, even if it wanted to, and that trophy is going back where it belongs – the Old Trafford Trophy room. Big place, you know.

I don’t feel like a season assessment just yet, even though everything is wrapped up. There is an interesting case of affairs though. Utd have four games remaining: Arsenal away, Chelsea and Swansea at home, finishing up with West Brom away on the 19th May. The record points haul is there, if Utd win every game. I’d like to see it happen, but it more than likely won’t. In which case, Utd have a fantastic opportunity, that no other team can have, and that is to use the four games as a squad assessment. Yes, the squad is in great shape, but there are certain individuals within who need game time and perhaps, a last chance to prove themselves. Transfer rumours for Utd usually focus more on who’s arriving than leaving, but I struggle to recall a time when there could be more potential high-level leavers than arrivals. Of course, the first frees up cash for the second. Zaha will be arriving. Let’s see what else happens. But for now, in the words of Van Persie: “It’s Arsenal next, but let us enjoy the moment.”

Most will be aware by now, but following today’s clash between Manchester City and Tottenham, 2nd placed City dropped three points as Spurs mounted a terrific comeback to run out 3-1 winners. This result means that Utd will be crowned Champions as early as tomorrow if they succeed in beating 17th-placed Aston Villa. At Old Trafford. In front of 70,000 people who want them to do just that. Villa are in decent form that may sound surprising despite their position and have lost only one of their last five matches (3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss), but even factoring in Utd’s awful performance levels of late, I fully expect title 20 to be achieved tomorrow night. On we go….

It’s not often the manager gets the blog picture. Even stranger coming in off the back of a match that had more than enough candidates. But I think it the best indication of how West Ham took their match against Utd last night, and how gutted they were not to win. A late Van Persie conversion preventing that, prompting fury from the Hammers and quotes about Utd involving such words as: “We played like Champions.” As much as I will give credit to the way Utd, yet again, came from behind, twice, to take a tough point, I also think this statement ignores the sheer effort of West Ham and overstates Utd’s performance on the night.

De Gea, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Jones, Kagawa, Van Persie and Rooney provided the Reds strength. Once again, note a lack of a definitive winger on the left. On the other side, we have Valencia, not even close to his poorest form of last season this season, but with a chance to show his worth. I will give the man his credit and say he provided his best performance in a long time, not that it was fantastic, but certainly a vast improvement, that’s with the goal aside too. Anyway, on with the game itself. West Ham, generally solid on home turf, started the better and were presented with an opportunity within five minutes. Carroll, the man to watch, wiggled himself some space on the edge of the box, turned and fired goalwards, with Nolan declared offside as he tried to reach the ball, which ultimately went untouched and wide. An early warning.

Carroll, in to some form of late, prompting instant discussions as to how he might fit effectively into the England set-up (for a high-ranking national side, England do seem to smack of desperation at times and the way players chances of making the squad are talking up and down all the time destabilises the whole thing in my opinion), headed over from a corner. Another warning, unheeded, as West Ham took the lead on 16 minutes. For all the notions prior to kick off that Utd would face the long ball over the top to the target man, the move West Ham conjured was anything but. The ball given away in West Ham’s half saw the very impressive Diame burst out of his own half, feeding Jarvis on the left. Ferdinand came across to meet him, Jarvis sized him up, and left him flat-footed as he struck left. The dink inwards found the head of Carroll, who got it back across the goal for Vaz Te to dive in and convert. Fully deserved, an excellent move, 1-0 to Big Sam’s boys.

Utd responded brilliantly, (”I call your bluff, sir!”). Quite right, nothing changed from Utd’s perspective. The pace didn’t pick up, and as I was listening in on radio as well, and having missed the line-ups, one could be forgiven for being completely unsure who was upfront, for they weren’t mentioned. However, more success was being found down the left flank than the right, and indeed the breakthrough came from there. Van Persie nutmegged Collins to let Kagawa drive in, and the man from Japan got his head up and the ball across to Valencia for a tap-in even he couldn’t mess up. A flash of good play for the Reds, but not much enthusiasm from Valencia, given that was his first goal of the season. Maybe he was celebrating more inwardly.

Diame, causing problems, found the netting after getting around Carrick easily, and when such an approach didn’t work, Nolan found the floor in the box, only for his penalty claim to be waved away. An unusual clash between Carroll and De Gea after a corner left the former with a yellow card and the latter with a few bruises, but the equal scoreline flashing across the board still remained harsh to the Hammers. Utd’s shots on goal level was poor, on target even more so, with the goal the only chance. 100% conversion rate perhaps, but rather woeful from a team including Van Persie and Rooney.

Jones, with the confidence of his new found miss-the-header-but-get-it-in-off-someone-else’s-back ability, tried to create a lead from Van Persie’s assist after a Rooney cross (you will perhaps note I haven’t mentioned Rooney much – more on this later). At the other end, Vidic was forced to clear before the ball found Nolan, shortly before Carroll tried his luck with a dipping long-range effort De Gea raised a preventative hand to. A sign of confidence from the home side, which was all the more merited a moment later, as Vaz Te’s skill starting a move that found Diame out wide. With the most elegant of turns, leaving Rooney in no man’s land (or Swindon – whichever you prefer), he fashioned himself space and struck a curling left footed strike that sailed around everyone and into the bottom corner. It was a truly delightful connection between ball and boot, and it put West Ham 2-1 to the good, and they were value for it.

A low-level Van Persie corner found Rooney lurking, with his scuffed effort somehow beating Jaaskelainen, but not O’Neil, who booted it off the line. Up to this point, it didn’t look like West Ham were up against the league leaders, and the substitution was overdue. Rooney departed for Giggs, with little surprise. Rooney lost the ball on many an occasion, provided little of his usually excellent passing, and generally turned in a low-energy performance. A quick poll was taken: “If Utd were offered £30-40m for Rooney, would they take it?” The response was a high-ended yes. There have been several occasions where it looked as though this event may indeed become reality, but just a few seasons ago, it would have been unthinkable that Utd were to lose their icon, especially after the departure of Ronaldo. Influential as he can be, it now seems to be the case at the moment that he is not held in such esteem as previously. I read little into the ‘left out of big matches’ debate, but overall, you would have to say the arrival of Van Persie has not produced the devastating partnership everyone hoped for. Perhaps I am wrong, but it seems to me that both struck form to the detriment of the other. That isn’t to say they haven’t played together well, they have, but its not as defence-splitting as it would look on paper. Hence Rooney has been pushed further away from goal, and although he can play there superbly, it’s not his place.

Back to the action, Valencia put in a good ball for Van Persie, only for Jaaskelainen to pull off a one-handed block. The arrival of Giggs allowed Kagawa into the middle, where he should be, and it was through him the second goal came about. His blasted effort struck the post with the keeper beaten, and its rebound found Van Persie who knocked it in from an angle. The controversy came from the fact that when Kagawa struck Van Persie was offside, but not interfering with play. However, he sprung into life to get the goal, which was certainly interfering with play. Cue the picture above, and West Ham did have a case for being disappointed after their great efforts and superior performance.

Despite Kagawa being one of the brighter sparks, Hernandez replaced him as Utd went looking for a winner. The Mexican got one on target from Carrick’s ball, but it wasn’t enough. Nor was the ball from Giggs, though of quality it didn’t reach Hernandez due to Carroll misreading his directive and acting as a centre-half. The last opportunity for the Hammers fell to the replacement Taylor, who struck something, but it wasn’t the back of the net.

So it ended, 2-2. Although superior, Wigan lost to City after spurning chances, cutting Utd’s league lead to 13. Still comfortable, especially with City to face Spurs next, while Utd get Villa at home. For this match, however, I was disappointed. West Ham put in a great display and what greater catalyst can there be to generate an equal reaction than an opponent looking dangerous? Do you just sit back and watch them (unless they are Barcelona and you have no choice)? I would say not, but Utd did not raise their game as one might expect. The equaliser was deserved, just I think, but a winner? No. It does a disservice to West Ham to suggest that. The title is still on to be claimed against Arsenal, but three points against Villa would stop this dragging out longer than it needs to be.

P.S. We had a better-than-expected response in our quest for new writers. This surprised me, for it means that people are coming across this sight, people who have not hitherto joined in here. That is fine, of course, but it takes time to generate these reports. Some discussion after them is the best I can hope for. So if you do read this, please comment below. I’m sure you will disagree with something I’ve said. If not, I’ll be forced to make more and more controversial statements to get a reaction. Such as a complete squad overall, whereby Utd cut wages by firing everyone and signing the entirety of Cardiff’s squad for a fiver.