United 2 – Wolfsburg 1 : Comments and Highlights

By: Taylor Rockwell | October 1st, 2009

Yesterday saw yet another chapter written in the storied history book of England versus Germany, and Manchester United managed to pull out a 2-1 victory over German club VfL Wolfsburg. It had all the hallmarks of a classic encounter, including multiple goals, brilliant strategizing, and Michael Owen’s degenerating legs (a hallmark of most classic English encounters). So, here are my thoughts on the match, brought to you in the strict order of remembering them.

1) Perhaps maybe at some point this week, Fergie needs to treat the United players like 10 year olds and have a “here’s how to complete a pass” training session. For multiple stretches of the first half, both United and Wolfsburg seemed more than happy to turn the ball over to their respective opponent and rely on the counter attack. It was, to say the least tedious… although I’m sure Dzeko thoroughly enjoyed Patrice Evra pretty much saying, “Here’s a free ball 30 yards out. Have a chance.” Which reminds me…

2) It never ceases to amaze me how intimidating Sir Alex Ferguson must be in person. The fact of the matter is that United played a pretty poor 30 minutes, a decent 15, and then had a much better second half. The implication there? Ferguson had a “word” with the boys at the half.

3) My love-hate relationship with Dimitar Berbatov continues unabated. I’ve changed sides on this issue more times than a ping-pong ball, but I have to say that yesterday he was sublime. Creating chances. Causing headaches for the opposition all over the field. Sprinting 30 yards to backtackle a Wolfsburg player. The Bulgarian was the Man of the Match, in my humble opinion.

4) Ryan Giggs is good. That’s all. I’ll let the rest of the media take it from there. But yeah, he’s really good. Also old. Yeah. Old and good. Did anyone else know that?

5) If you were to ask me what Michael Carrick does on the pitch, I would give you two answers. One is that he intercepts opposition passes and two is that he occasionally unleashes a furious shot. That pretty much sums up his performance yesterday. A brilliant finish and a lot of intercepted passes, but certainly not the type of performance most would expect of an English international… wait… bad example….

So all that said, United managed to take full points from their home encounter with Wolfsburg, and my theory that Edin Dzeko will eventually don a red and black United kit remains firmly intact.

Full Match Highlights
Manchester United v VfL Wolfsburg

Wolfsburg 1 – United 0

United 1 – Wolfsburg 1

United 2 – Wolfsburg 1