Manchester United 5 – MLS All-Stars 2 : 11 Things We Learned

1 – Major League Soccer may have improved a great deal, but the first 20 minutes displayed by their All-Star team definitely didn’t demonstrate that fact. However, the All-Stars settled and, despite allowing 5 goals, played well (especially for a team that was hastily thrown together). Both of their goals were well taken and quality, and countless other opportunities went just wide, glanced off the post, or were only barely saved by United defenders. The two styles were evident, as United utilized their skill on the ball and the All-Stars showcased their heart, effort, and comfort in the sweltering Houston heat. In the end, all credit to both sides for a classy, entertaining match; an absolute joy when compared to the Kansas City and Philadelphia games.

2 – Macheda can finish… against the MLS All-Stars. His first goal (which came inside the first minute) was a major gift from the All-Stars’ defense, but it was his speech, touch, and calmness that allowed the Italian to slot home the goal. His second was equally brilliant, as he nodded a corner from Nani into the back corner. Errant marking? Absolutely. But it takes class and ability to score a goal like that, and that’s just what Macheda demonstrated with his second strike.

3 – Ryan Giggs exemplifies what it is to be a Manchester United player. That may seem quite the obvious statement, what with his numerous achievements, awards, and leadership responsibilities… but tonight it was more than that. It was a brilliant through ball that nearly allowed Macheda to net his third. Late in the second half, Giggs deftly avoided two defenders and then the 36 year old Welshman slid a ball through to Macheda, which rolled inches pact the heels of the All-Star defender. However, because he was off balance, the defender couldn’t transition quickly and Macheda would have been through were it not for a somewhat suspect offside decision. Well done Giggsy… well done.

4 – All summer we’ve heard that United need to sign a player to replace Roy Keane; perhaps we already have that player. At least, apparently Jonny Evans took those statements to heart because in the 53rd minute, he unleashed his inner Keane-O. Real Salt Lake winger Javier Morales won a 50-50 ball and appeared to be winning the subsequent footrace when Evans decided to simply “sweep the leg”. A yellow card followed and somewhere (probably Ipswich) Roy Keane smiled fondly.

5 – With Obertan going off early in the first half, my speculative man crush on Chicharito was allowed to take center take when the Mexican international subbed on for United in the 62nd minute. He came on and had an immediate impact. If by “impact” I mean “stood in the wall as David Ferreira sent a ball into the box that was neatly headed home by Houston’s own Brian Ching. Probably not Chicharito’s fault, but worth mention if only due to convenient timing.

6 – Once the entire squad is back together at United’s Carrington Training Ground, Sir Alex Ferguson might want to work on set piece defending. Not just because Brian Ching was completely wide open for his goal, but because United had difficulty dealing with them throughout the match. Indeed, were it not for some Van der Sarian heroics, the scoreline could have been dramatically different.

7 – It doesn’t matter who the announcer is, giving players pet nicknames is always annoying. I cringed when John Harkes elected to refer to Hernandez as “The Little Green Pea” (it means Little Pea) and when both commentators continually referred to Real Salt Lake/MLS All-Star goalkeeper Nick Rimando as “Nicky”. Maybe I’m nitpicking a little but I don’t care…

8 – Darron Gibson can strike a ball. After a run by Chicharito earned a foul, Gibson calmly dispatched a screamer to the top corner (just pass the outstretched fingers of “Nicky” Rimando). A gorgeous goal and one that, dare I say, harkened back to another United legend: Mr. David Beckham. Now if only Gibson can find time to marry an annoying pop star who’s composed of 60% plastic and 15% silicone, then we’ll be in business.

9 – Tom Cleverly will probably tell his grandchildren about that July night in Houston. The young midfielder (who will probably find himself loaned out at the end of the tour) scored a lovely goal as he collected a deft chip from Darren Fletcher, flicked it over his defender, and then coolly slide the ball into the back corner to give United a 4-1 lead. Some brilliant bits of skill from both Fletcher and Cleverly, but it’s the latter who will probably remember that one.

10 – Rafael da Silva is awesome. Period. 100% hustle and effort 100% of the time. It didn’t matter that it was against a group of All-Stars or that it was a preseason friendly. The young Brazilian worked for every 50-50 ball, got into the attack countless times, and always looked legitimately pissed when the calls went against him. If he and his brother Fabio continue to get match experience, I find myself smiling with delight as I picture opposing defenders being overrun by curly headed Brazilians.

11 – It was a debatable topic until the 84th minute, but Chicharito may have officially overtaken Obertan as the recipient of my man-crush. The new striker “timed” his run perfectly, and a lovely ball over the top saw Hernandez go one on one with a charging Nick Rimando. Hernandez didn’t disappoint, as he sent a lovely chip over the lunging keeper and into the back corner. A beautiful finish. A beautiful debut. A beautiful man… Okay… that may be a bit much, but you get what I’m saying…

Some Related Man United Posts:

Category: Manchester United