Fierce self-reproach is one of the factors why Manchester United have improved consistently over the years under Sir Alex Ferguson. And how well did they respond!
On the face of it, Robin van Persie?s ?inner voice? that told him to snub Manchester City and join Manchester United for ?24 million at the start of the season turned out to be the most important factor in the final outcome. But that?s just half the story. Without the Dutchman?s 24 goals, United might not have silenced their ?noisy neighbours? in such spectacular fashion, but the seeds of success were sown last May when Sergio Aguero had clinched it for City with virtually the final kick of the last season.
A heartbroken unit was travelling home from Sunderland when their manager went round the young players and told them never to forget the moment. Fierce self-reproach is one of the factors why United have improved consistently over the years under Sir Alex Ferguson. And how well did they respond!
Even by Ferguson?s hugely lofty standards, this 20th League title is special. United have been dominating England for two decades now but about a year ago their superiority was under threat in their own city.
With Arab money pouring in at Etihad, City were looking indomitable. Blue moon was steadily rising in Manchester.
After taking charge of United in November 1986, Ferguson had set his sights on the Liver bird. His first target was to knock Liverpool off their perch. Job done, the Great Scot faced challenge from a suave and sophisticated Frenchman, answering to the name of Arsene Wenger. Ferguson saw off that challenge but Chelsea arrived with Roman Abramovich?s financial might.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and Roberto Mancini?s City were the latest in the list. When they won the Premier League title last year, talks of a power shift had begun. City were expected to go from strength to strength despite the fact that Ferguson had vowed to return.
As the players celebrated at Old Trafford after Van Persie?s hat-trick had sunk Aston Villa and helped the side win the title with four matches to spare, the 71-year-old stood near the touchline, bathed in glory. The message was loud and clear?never write me off, ever. It was surprising that City failed to improve on their last year?s performance. They lost the RVP battle to United and then did poorly in the transfer market. Eventually, they ended up with the likes of Javi Garcia, Jack Rodwell and Matija Nastasic. The latter turned out to be a good buy as a centre-half but overall City?s signings failed to make an impact. Also, they were as fractious as a unit as United were cohesive.
Mancini repeatedly got into trouble with his players. Mario Balotelli headed to Milan after a training ground bust-up with his manager. Both Joe Hart and captain Vincent Kompany were offended by their public criticism from Mancini. Ferguson, on the other hand, concentrated on developing his young players. No manager in the world enjoys his authority in the boardroom. But Ferguson has earned that right. Twenty-seven years at the helm, he is Mr United.
Young guns like Rafael, Danny Welbeck, Phil Jones, Javier Hernandez?all matured under their manager?s watch. David De Gea, after the early season reverses, showed character. The veterans, like Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, set examples for the youngsters on the training pitch. Wanye Rooney was selfless in his contribution to the team, Rio Ferdinand got back his mojo, Patrice Evra found his form, Nemanja Vidic returned from injury to lend solidity in defence and Michael Carrick became the new Scholes in central midfield. And then there was Van Persie.
After losing the title on goal difference, Ferguson had to ensure he didn?t fall short on goals this time. Van Persie?s inclusion guaranteed a healthy strike rate. It was befitting that United?s star signing gave the fans their ?Ooh ahh Vantona? moment as the title was won back in style.
Where does this ?Class of 2013? compare with other Ferguson?s United. The treble-winning team of 1999 or the side that won the League and Champions League in 2008 had more match-winners. The ?Class of 2007-08? played some scintillating football with Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez and Rooney forming the ?holy trinity?. This squad, however, has amazing depth. Hernandez started just three matches this season but already has 16 goals. Jones, Welbeck and Chris Smalling can play in different positions. Nick Powell and Shinji Kagawa are steadily developing.
Europe should be the next target. Ferguson has always maintained that just three European Cup titles don?t match with a club of United?s stature. They were unlucky this time, being done in by a pathetic Cuneyt Cakir?a referee from Turkey whose interpretation of a violent challenge shattered the dreams of 659 million United fans. The Reds almost had Real Madrid on the mat in that fixture. But Nani?s red card changed everything.
Nani and Anderson might be offloaded in the summer. Make no mistake, Ferguson will build his team for Champions League this time. With Rooney in his new role of a schemer, the attack is likely to be reinforced. It could be Gareth Bale, Radamel Falcao or Robert Lewandowski to pair up with Van Persie upfront. Wilfried Zaha has been signed up to provide the width. Ferguson is determined to have one more European glory before he decides to move upstairs.
