Spurs 24/01/09

A day for tradition. Manchester United introduced three new players into this game, Fabio Da Silva, Richard Eckersley and Zoran Tosic all making their debuts.

This video includes both Fabio's and Tosic's first touches for the club.

Wigan 14/01/09

The Stretford enjoyed a night full of singing ‘City’s going down with a billion in the bank, a billion in the bank…’ It was a song they sung with great joy and mischief. On the car radio on the way home we heard all the speculation about City’s attempt to lure Kaka from AC Milan. A representative of Kaka’s came on the radio saying that it was possible, but it wasn’t just about money. It was about being part of a bigger project and winning the Champion’s League. We know Kaka believes in Jesus, but we can’t be so sure that he believes City can win the Champion’s League. I drove on down the road thinking about Manni when he used to appear on Soccer AM and was serially asked when the Stone Roses would get back together. His stock comic dismissal of the idea was always, ‘The day after City win the European Cup’.

Nenamja Vidic was outstanding in this game.

Middlesbrough 29/12/08

This was the first home game since United won the World Club Cup and we were treated to a glimpse of it just before kick off. It was given a small slot between the team line up and the start of the game. You’d think it was the Pontins North West Reserve League cup that was being paraded the glamour that was attached to it. The line up broke up, Edwin Van der Sar ran down the halfway line with the trophy, to controlled and respectful applause. He tried to pass the trophy to other players, none would accept it until if was offered to Ronaldo. He took hold of it for a while, it was then handed to the young mascot who posed for a few photos before being escorted off by Fred the Red. The World Champion’s had to get on with a Monday night match against Middlesbrough.

Aalborg 10/12/08

Bobby Charlton and Dennis Law presented Cristiano Ronaldo with the Ballon d’Or by the side of the pitch before kick-off. United’s number seven was now the reigning European Footballer of the Year, FIFpro World Player of the Year, PFA Player of the year, Football Writers Player of the year and he was nominated for North West player of the year too. I never heard the outcome of that one, part of me hopes that he didn’t win it and that it went to a left back from Crewe who’d had a particularly good season. You’ve got to keep the lad on his toes and give him something to aim for.

Paul Scholes came on at half time in this game and gave a tour de force performance.