United head into this weekend's clash with Spurs knowing that they need to win and with Fergie saying that it is the most important game of the season so far. It is testament to the work of Harry Redknapp that the North London club have been quickly transformed from a relegation threatened club into the in-form team in the Premier League.
The Red Devils will be without suspended pair of Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra, so Carlos Tevez will likely make his 100th appearance for English club's; the left-back slot will be contested by Jonny Evans and John O'Shea. Michael Carrick and Rio Ferdinand are also giving Fergie cause for concern.
Dimitar Berbatov has a slight ankle strain, but he is expected to recover in time to face his former team-mates and he will be expecting a torrent of abuse from the home fans, this despite the fact that the Bulgarian has spoken very highly of the club since his somewhat acrimonious and protracted departure.
Fergie has rightly stated that White Hart Lane has been a happy hunting ground for the Champions over the last few seasons, but the United manager knows that the Reds' will face a stiff test.
Spurs will be desperate to keep their winning momentum going and they will no doubt be paying special attention to Berbatov, which might well leave the door open for Ronaldo who has lost much of the sparkle of last season.
Since Ronaldo collected the prestigious Ballon d'Or award there has been the expected sniping from the usual suspects "he's not really the best in the world..." is the common line. Well it's about time that Ronaldo rammed it down the throats of his detractors. A match-winning performance against Spurs on Saturday at White Hart Land would be a great place to start.
In other news, Edwin van der Sar has just signed a one year extension to his current deal which is good news given United's current reserve options. I am less than impressed with Kuszczak and for me the jury is out on Foster.
I'm a Ronaldo fan and even I have to admit that Ronaldo hasn't quite proved himself worthy of retaining the Ballon' d'or. I'm really rooting for him but he needs to kickstart something for himself too. If he can just be the X-Factor in the big games for the remaining of the season and help United to a double(or treble?), then we may see him receive back to back European Footballer awards.
ReplyDelete