AGAIN… MANCHESTER IS UNITED written by Raphe Osemobor

Pundits and experts had pondered for weeks how this match would go. The big spending noisy neighbours with something to prove against their successful bitter city rivals. This was the perfect platform for Manchester City to announce their arrival and banish those bad dreams of red shirts on the podium for only God knows how long. Thirty five years trophyless had suddenly become a thing of the past after the banner was taken down at the Old Trafford stadium after City’s FA Cup win against Stoke City. City’s board seemed confident and owners alike not afraid to splash the cash like a 50 Cent video featuring Floyd ‘money’ Mayweather. This was it and nothing would suffice.
Fielding an attacking line-up of Balotelli and Dzeko with David Silva pulling the strings and Yaya Toure for the energetic runs from which they reaped benefits against Utd in the FA Cup semi final last season which the red half of Manchester had dominated but failed to capitalise. Dimitar ‘babatope’ Berbatov the chief culprit on that occasion. United kicked off withe their usual style and robust football with Rooney and Danny Welbeck in attack. With the addition of Ashley Young and the improved Nani this felt like a match that would be open just like the curtain opener traditionally is.
United looked sharper and had load of possession and after five minutes Rooney latched onto a loose ball from the City defense and this dictated the pace of events to unfold. But as I’ve noticed with City recently they never have major possession against the big teams in the Epl. They could score but they never do enough to kill off the game. So when they took the lead after a Joleon Lescot header from a free kick. Just like the script from last season. They refuse to play but convert few chances. To be honest Man City just have the names on their roster but they fail to impress. Edin Dzeko gave Ferguson something to think about with eyebrows raised at some suspect goalkeeping by new signing De Gea. A direct shot which swerved but should have been covered by the goalie. At that point fans and press alike would have said Massimo Taibi allover again who had come in to replace Schmeichel some years ago who left with is tail between his legs.

Balotelli was at his irritating worst Silva was missing but yet they were in the lead. Half time and Fergie would have been scratching his head as to events witnessed.
Half time and I figured Fergie would make major changes and may seem less interested about the game. Vidic, Ferdinand Carrick off Jones Evans Tom Cleverly on. 51 mins gone and Smalling gets onto a free kick and brings United into the game. Euphoria for the red half and United could smell blood. Pressure would bring results and City couldn’t get a look in. Nani had started playing with his boots on the correct feet and impressing with Ashley Young on the prowl. The match was a thriller, end to end stuff and an advert for English football. Cometh the man cometh the hour.Luis Nani turned the game virtually on its head. The goal of the game with its with some Barca like passing leaving City players dazed. One two passing with Nani starting and ending the move in a 7 pass move with Nani beating the keeper and blasting the ball into the roof of the net. Any United hating fan would stand and applaud. There was only one winner and on the 90th minute United made sure they were winners at Wembley again. Berbatov came on for a cameo role just before Nani harassed City captain Vincent Kompany and running home free to round Joe Hart to round off the most complete attacking display by United at Wembley in recent years. Coming back from two goals down against city rivals to pip them at the line was sweet victory. So the question remains; are City ready to wrestle the trophy from United? Not just yet I think on today’s performance. Attitudes, egos and few champions in their squad I feel will hamper chances. With all the money, United still rules Manchester.