Season Review

So I don't think I am going to post links for a couple of days. Even though we knew it was coming, and I personally had very little hope of Chelsea losing to Wigan, losing the title still hurts. If you want to read season reviews and all of those kinds of things then go nuts. But I can't bring myself to do it just yet. A little off topic but to see that whining diver Drogba sulking around after Lampard took the penalty just showed to me why Rooney is so far superior to Drogba as a player. Rooney ran around Old Trafford all day Sunday looking to set up his teammates. He is so unselfish. What a player he has turned into. Tough to swallow that Drogba won the golden boot. I won't really get into what I think of Didier on this site but if you see me in the street you can stop me and I will tell you.

 

OK after the jump a season review

Runners up is never a bad place to be, just ask Liverpool fans. But at a Club like Manchester United it's not good enough. You can expect some moves this summer to shore up whichever areas Fergie has highlighted for improvement. To be honest I think Chelsea were the better team and had a deeper squad. You almost forgot Essien was missing and he is one of the world's best midfielders. We need reinforcements and I am sure we will get them.

 

Let's start with some player awards before I highlight the best and worst matches of the season.

 

PLAYER OF THE SEASON: Wayne Rooney

via paulstallard.files.wordpress.com

34 goals in all competitions from 44 appearances is more than we could have hoped for as we wondered if Rooney could fill the massive hole left when Ronaldo departed for Spain. He stepped up big time. And his award as TBB player of the season is well earned. If he hadn't been hurt, more on THAT Blackburn game later, perhaps we are talking about an unprecedented 4th straight title. He epitomizes everything we love about United. Hunger, desire and simply put Rooney loves to play football. I read somewhere that Rooney plays the way the fans would play if we ever had a chance to run out at Old Trafford. He does it week in week out and gives his all for the club. No brainer as Player of the season.

 

Honorable Mention: Patrice Evra - Nearly an ever present giving his all, including a little vomit, for the cause. He was the player holding things together at the back when defenders were dropping like flies. Gets forward as well and his overlapping runs are a big part of why Valencia and Nani are so effective.

 

Best signing: Antonio Valencia

 

Another obvious choice. Settled in well in his first season at Old Trafford and I am looking for even more from him next season. Including more goals which I think he can provide.

 

Most Improved: Nani

 

Came on leaps and bounds this season after his mate left. In fact it looked like Nani would be on his way out as soon as January when the season started. But in December the kid with the quick feet woke up and started terrorizing defenders. The goal against Spurs was quality. More to come from Nani next season I suspect as well.

 

 

Top Forward: Rooney

 

See above

 

Top Midfielder: Scholes

 

Could have been any number of guys. Nani and Valencia were in with a shout. So was Fletcher. But I thought the way Scholes controlled the midfield in the second half of the season was immense. He was huge in keeping us in the title race and keeping Carrick on the bench. Showed he has at least one season left in him maybe more. And once again thank God he didn't retire.

via www.smh.com.au

 

Top Defender: Evra

 

Once again this is an obvious pick. Evra was runner up for my Player of the Season award. He seems to get better every year.

 

Best Game: United 4 - City 3 - September 20th 2009 (video highlights) (What it meant)

This match had it all!!!! Drama, goals, Owen scoring at Old Traffod for United in stoppage time. There was tension, joy and even controversy. (Despite the correct amount of stoppage time being played) Unbelievable game that is still, and always will be, on my PVR for future watching.

via www.newsoftheworld.co.uk

 

Man Utd 4-3 Man City - Man Of The Match Darren Fletcher & Michael Owen After Scoring The Winner (via richman0684)

 

Honorable mention: United 3 - Arsenal 1 - January 31st 2010

Pulsating affair featuring a brilliant goal for Rooney and a comprehensive United victory against that old enemy. Wenger's team recovered well for a time but never looked like champions after this game.

 

Worst Game of the Season: Blackburn - enough said about that game.

 

Honorable Mention: Chelsea at the Bridge - Refereeing was once again shocking. Didn't cost us the title but played a role.

 

 

 

Goal of the Season: Owen versus City

 

Tough call as there were some stunning goals this season. The goal against West Ham where Valencia volleyed a cross onto Rooney's head was a fantastic team goal with great skill all around. Gibson had some stunners as did Rooney. His effort against Wolves I think it was when he scored 4 himself was epic. He had a couple of candidates. As did Scholesy.

  (via Red81Devil)

For drama there is no better candidate. But let's not overlook the class. The ball from Giggs but not just the ball the composure and presence of mind to get his head up and pick out a perfect pass for Owen when he could have just blazed a shot at goal. Then the control and the finish were class. In that moment the composure from both Giggs and Owen was incredible. Great goal.

 

 

So there you have it. My review of the season. Don't agree with any of the choices I would love to hear about it in the comments section. What was your top goal of the season? Best game?

 

All in all a good season and we pushed Chelsea all the way to the final day. No one thought we could do it. Ronaldo and Tevez left and no team had ever won 4 titles in a row before. The odds were stacked against United but we came within a point of doing something special. Credit goes to Chelsea they were the best team all season and Ancelotti deserves a lot of praise. I already can't wait for next season.