United played out a goalless match against Sparta Prague at Sparta Stadium earlier today. (Reports: BBC, Soccernet, ManUtd.com, Guardian.)
United rarely fail to score so Ferguson was aware of the significance of this, the second goalless draw in four days, and the fact United have only scored once in four and a half hours of play. The players themselves looked quite frustrated during the course of the match. Still, a point is better than none and United should thank Carroll for some outstanding saves.
I don’t think the lack of goals is due to the forwards so much as the midfield. The match saw yet another new midfield formation take to the field. Giggs, O’Shea, Scholes and Miller didn’t do especially well in this match but I think that’s understandable since they haven’t played together much.
That’s the problem really. This is a team very much in transition now. Ronaldo, Saha, Miller, Heinze and Rooney have been playing in United’s colours for less than two seasons and O’Shea is playing in central midfield for the first time this season. I think the fans will have to exercise some patience as the new players find their feet and adapt. This is likely to mean some unhappy times in the next few months but I feel confident it will come right in next season.
And what of the match against Arsenal on Sunday? I know I said I didn’t expect United to win it but then I also expected United to lose last season’s FA Cup match against Arsenal and misjudged United’s resolve in the 2002/2003 Premiership season as well.
This is a team that rallies when it matters the most and those who would write them off do so at their peril.
