Manchester United v Blackburn- Preview

After quite possibly the worst Anfield performance of the decade, United have a chance to gain vital title race points against Blackburn at Old Trafford. Henry Kibirige previews the game. Henry is editor of Manchester United fan site www.manunitedview.co.uk

Embarrassing United’s performance may have been last Sunday, the celebrating Scousers still inwardly knew that United fans are likely to be the ones laughing in May. Both teams were terrible but the simple winning fact was that because of the recent criticism and pressure heaped onto their shoulders, the Liverpool players simply wanted it more.

Many blamed Fergie’s team selection for the loss. Playing Giggs and Scholes together in a big game isn’t very clever because it’ll bring very little energy from the midfield, a department which often decides the winner especially in big games. However without Gerrard playing Fergie probably thought that there was nothing to worry about in the middle, and that it would be the perfect opportunity to use experience over youth in a big game.

This week has brought even more Ferdinand bashing, from sources who base their player judgment on one or two recent events. These sources are best ignored when they produce such drivel. Ferdinand hasn’t been in the best of form recently, that can’t be denied. But claiming that it’s a “crisis” and that he could be “axed for club and country” is either ridiculously anti Ferdinand, or evidence of complete idiocy. In The Sun’s case, it’s most probably the latter. Ferdinand’s has had constant back problems over the past few years which are finally catching up to him. However as he’s 30 years old, he’s still got a good few years left in him and has a lot still to offer to the United cause.

On Tuesday night, United’s away support proved why it’s still amongst the best in the country, as well as being the most media witch-hunted in the world. The events at half time were widely exaggerated. 5-10 United fans were responsible for that pie stealing at most, not the “crowds of United fans” that Sky Sports News claimed it was. Vandalism and stealing happens within many sets of supporters, and has been doing so for years, however it’s only ever wildly reported when United or supporters of other big clubs do it.

Blackburn will be looking for their first away victory of the season on Saturday evening, however to do so they’ll have to improve greatly in defence, a department which has conceded 15 goals in the last 4 games. Sam Allardyce will be without Samba who has swine flu, as well as Grella and Pascal Chimbonda who remain doubtful.

It’s unlikely that Fletcher will make his return yet after injuring his foot for Scotland, and neither will Park Ji Sung who has a knee problem. Ferdinand and Vidic are also doubts, whilst Gary Neville will definitely miss the game due to suspension.

United will have to improve a lot from the Liverpool game to get three points, especially with an injury torn defence. I see this happening, and am therefore confident of United getting back to winning ways.

team:
Van Der Sar
Brown O’Shea Evans Evra
Valencia Carrick Scholes Nani
Berbatov Rooney

United 1-0 Nani first scorer.