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The Glenn Hamilton View - May 7 2008 (archive)

Manchester United took a big step in retaining their title on Saturday after easily defeating West Ham United at Old Trafford. On a day when United had to keep focus and composure, they did just that and finished with their final home game in style.
West Ham United has proved to be a bit of a problem side in recent matches with the Red Devils losing to the east London side in their last three matches against them. On Saturday, United strengthened their argument to be league champions with a fine display in front of the home crowd that made them proud last Tuesday.
It was good to leave the home fans with something to cheer about with a win. As many will recall, United ended last season at home with a defeat to none other then West Ham. Yes the title was already won but it was a disappointing day nonetheless. Saturday was only slightly marred by Luis Nani’s foolish red card but we will put that down to immaturity and lack of experience. Nani is no doubt an exciting player with tons of potential but he has a lot to learn and surely Sir Alex Ferguson will whip him into shape.
A high point of the match was Cristiano Ronaldo’s 39th and 40th goals of the season. The West Ham match came shortly after the wonder winger picked up the PFA Player of the Year and Football Writers Player of the Year awards. With his dead-on performance, he is ensuring that he has no intention of slowing down. Next week is Wigan and few would be betting against United grabbing their 17th league trophy.
I would be totally remiss though if I did not mention the Champion’s League here. Manchester United has finally taken a major step towards European glory after defeating Barcelona in the Champion’s League semi-final. After nine years of frustration and heart break, United finally put in a performance worthy of making it to this prestigious cup final.
What better way to book a place in Moscow then to do it in front of United’s home crowd and have Paul Scholes score the wonder strike that will take them there. Paul Scholes infamously missed the 1999 Champion’s League final due to suspension but finally got his revenge by scoring a superb strike which puts United in the final against Chelsea. One could not help but feel gratitude towards the ginger prince as this goal was just one of many outstanding and important goals he has scored over the years. This one can give the man Ferguson calls one of his best ever players legendary status in the eyes of the Manchester United faithful.
As Barcelona signal an end to an era with their below par performance, United may be staking a claim to a new successful era not only for the club but perhaps for England as well. For me, Manchester United’s defense stood out as they kept Barcelona from scoring a single goal in two legs. Wes Brown and Patrice Evra particularly played fantastic as Barcelona struggled to even test Edwin Van der Sar’s goal. It reminds me of the old saying: offenses will bring crowds, but defenses win championships. Of course players like Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney, and Cristiano Ronlado have the capacity to decide games but United’s defense may play a crucial part in lifting the European cup.
Against Chelsea in the final I am not too worried. I know many would have liked to have seen Liverpool but there is no need to be afraid of Chelsea. On United’s day, no team can match them and I am quite confident that now that Ferguson has made it to the final (a competition that the Scot has been preaching and fuming about for nine years) he will not leave Moscow without the cup firmly in his grasp.

Glenn Hamilton

 

[These views are purely those of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of Red Devil Radio].