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The Glenn Hamilton View - May 15 2008 (archive)

Manchester United has done it… yet again! On Sunday, May 11th, Manchester United was crowned Premier League champions for the 10th time and also recorded their 17th league title overall. Of course it is worth it to mention that they are now only one title behind Liverpool and chances are this team that Sir Alex Ferguson has created will surpass the Reds for sure.
United had to grapple with Wigan on Sunday and nothing but a win would seal the title. A win at the JJB coupled with a lack of focus from Chelsea gave United their 17th title in England. Even though the Red Devils started the game a bit conservatively, there was never too much doubt that they would get the right result and after Cristiano Ronaldo slid a cool penalty past the nigh unstoppable Chris Kirkland, the game was over, the title sealed.
The Manchester United faithful no doubt let out a long sigh of relief as United lifted the title again. This season was much more difficult and trying for United. It was only a few weeks ago that Arsenal looked destined for the trophy. Ferguson may have been right though when he said that after the loss they suffered at the hands of United in the F. A. Cup, their season deflated and fast too. Before the Gunners could blink an eye, Chelsea had overtaken them and was pushing for a third title in four years.
It was almost as if Chelsea came from nowhere. They certainly came back from the dead and many in the “blue” parts of the world probably entertained thoughts of a glorious comeback against the greatest team of the modern era. This was not to be as, although United did slip up from time to time, they could not be caught.
Manchester United played arguably the best football this season. I say arguably because Arsenal had a great run and if only they could have kept their composure until the end of the season we might have seen the trophy heading back to North London. The key in this league is consistency however, and Manchester United is champions because of it. I look back on the late equalizer that Carlos Tevez scored against Blackburn, and like the old cliché now, that was a title saver and maybe decider. United grinded out results when they did not play well and won where it was vital to do so. This is what champions are made of. I think two of the most important wins all season were the ones against Arsenal at home and Derby County away. I know you may say why Derby but that was a close one if you remember. Who would have thought the worst team ever to play in the top flight would cause so many problems for United. They did and if it was not for Ronaldo’s late clincher, the title would not be at Old Trafford right now. How often do we say that United have to beat the lesser teams to be crowned. Derby provided the test of character we needed and we passed. Defeating Arsenal at home let us come to within reach and after that game the players could begin to taste it.
Much will be made and said of Ronaldo’s achievements this season and rightly so. The winger has scored 31 goals in the premier league (the league’s top scorer) and 41, barring the Champion’s League final, in all competitions. For me though, much praise and admiration has to go to United’s unstoppable defense this season. Rio Ferdinand had quite possibly the best season of his career. His heroics at the back even helped him to convince England coach Fabio Capello to consider him for team captain. Wes Brown stepped up this season to become an undeniable first choice right back. Nemanja Vidic continued his rock-like presence and allowed virtually no one through. Next to Ronaldo though, my player of the season is the Frenchman Patrice Evra. What a fantastic buy he was for United and what a defender. Evra has it all: pace, agility, determination, and drive that has more then aided United in their best ever defensive record.
Let me not forget to praise the man ultimately responsible for it all: Alex Ferguson. Sir Bobby Charlton labeled him a genius and who would argue with that statement. A few years ago we thought maybe the Scot’s time was up but he continually proves his doubters wrong. He is a legend and I wonder if we will see anybody come into the club and equal his achievements. I think it is still up in the air whether he will retire or not but he already cemented his legacy at Old Trafford that’s for sure. I trust that he will next deliver United’s third European Cup.
Now that the Premier League title is safely in the bag, the players and staff are no doubt thinking about next Wednesday. United have the momentum, lets hope there is even more celebrations to come.

Glenn Hamilton

 

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