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.