Manchester United, while i was in hiatus

It was a great time to be a Red Devil last season. Manchester United captured their first Premier League title in a loooong time, and their first since I've started following their games. Funny thing was, that feeling you had watching them seasons before that they could and would always let you down was not there at all. On the momentum of a very good start (winning their first 7 games in a row), they dispatched all the chasers with impunity. You had that feeling it was gonna be the year.



It was also the coming out season for Cristiano Ronaldo. Two seasons before, people already knew the kid had talent. The problem was, it seemed he was more intent on showing off party tricks than winning games. Not so this year. Aside from his newfound maturity in delivering that defense-splitting pass, he was also joint top scorer, netting 23 times last season (compared to his 10 goals the season before that). The trickery didn't disapppear, and people seemed to appreciate him more now, stadiums were always gushing, oooh-ing and aaaah-ing whenever he gets his touches of the ball. His very strong performances early in the season bouyed the Red Devils to an early lead in the league, chasers Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool struggling to catch up. Indeed, it was only Arsenal that was able to put a dent on the season, beating them at home. After that, it was all downhill.



The latter part of the season also marked an upsurge from the other young phenom in the team, Wayne Rooney. After an injury that almost cost him his England spot in the World Cup, the boy was eager to get the season started. But it was a drought that met him early in the season. But late into the season, the boy hit form, and the Old Trafford faithful were treated to game after game of brilliant goals. Rooney ended the season as joint top scorer, also equalling Ronaldo's 23.



The Red Devils missed out on the Carling Cup and the FA Cup, both went to Chelsea. But the real question was whether they'd do good in the Champions League. The early signs were so-so; they qualified as runners-up in their group. But they hit form in the later rounds -- one of the highlights of the season, and for me as a fan, was the truly amazing 7-1 thrashing of Roma at Old Trafford. That night was downright breathtaking.



As usual, the injuries took their regular toll, and it was the defense and the midfield that always suffered in the latter part of the season. This was the main reason why AC Milan and that darned Kaka beat them in the semis of Europe's highest league. Oh well. Hopefully next season will be better.



The past season is truly a step up from what I've seen, so I'm excited when the new season kicks off this early August. New boys have come to strengthen the midfield -- Owen Hargreaves from Bayern Munich to give that bit of steel in the midfield, and the attacking pair from Portugal, Nani and Anderson. As of time of writing, they're still trying to figure out how to bring in Argentine striker Carlos Tevez. If they do so successfully, that represents another boost to Sir Alex Ferguson's already potent attacking options. Gary Neville and his defense are all fit as well so hopefully, they get to a good start again. Bring the season on.



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TIDBITS:

• Arsenal are (yes, the English form takes the plural linking verb for teams) in deep defecation. Talismanic French striker Thierry Henry has packed his bags to join Ronaldinho and co., down in sunny Spain -- Barcelona, to be exact. Oh Ailene, what are your boys to do?


• I'm sure you know David Beckham has left Madrid for good, signing with US Major League Soccer team LA Galaxy. I saw the highlights of his first game. Posh Spice (Victoria Beckham) was in the stands, together with new buddies Katie Holmes (Cruise) and son Shiloh. Governor Arnold was spotted also, as well as basketball star Kevin Garnett. I'd bet you a hundred bucks none of them knew what an offside violation was (except Victoria).


• I certainly hope Chelsea will pose a better challenge this year. They've already given a season for both Ukrainian hitman Andriy Schevchenko and German midfielder Michael Ballack to get used to the English game. They better shape up, else Manchester United will run away with the title again.


• Liverpool are trying to break into the top 3, and they certainly have the goods to do so. They've kept Steven Gerrard in contract, Australian winger Harry Kewell is fit again, and they've signed Spain striker/poster-boy Fernando Torres from Madrid. It's sounds like an exciting season already.
• It's been a disappointing transfer window for Real Madrid. They lost Becks, who played so magnificently in the last part of the season that he actually earned a call-back into the England team. They wanted to go back on their word and "un-sell" him, but LA Galaxy won't let go of the multi-million dollar marketing man they have just now. Now Real Madrrid also wanted Cristiano Ronaldo-- fat chance that ManU would let him go. They also wanted Kaka from AC Milan-- fell down flat on their faces again. They're also moving for Arjen Robben, Chelsea's dynamite left-wing attacker-- again, not a big chance there. Boohoo. Then they sacked the coach who got them the Spanish Primera Liga title last year. What's up with that?

On the football merry-go-round:

• Michael Owen (England, fit again) => Newcastle; Ronaldo (remember him? Fat Brazilian) => AC Milan; Juan Roman Riquelme (one of my personal favorites) => back again from international retirement, and now currently playing in Argentina for Boca Juniors, unless some European team rescues him; Carlos Tevez => not yet, but hopefully will end up with ManU; Francisco Totti stays with Roma, but retires from international football.
• By the way, it's EURO year this year and the next, so watch for England, Spain and others try to qualify and dethrone Greece.

Whew. 'til your next football update.