12 Thoughts From Manchester United v Philadelphia Union1

Apologies for the lack of photos or pretty graphics, but the wireless internet in the press box was something out of America Online in 1999 and I didnt feel like wasting 20 minutes waiting for a screencap of Fergie/Berba/Obertan to upload. So, to make up for it, here the main points I took away from tonights clash between the Philadelphia Union and Manchester United.

1 Approximately 44,200 people turned out for the United-Union match-up, and Im guessing it was about 70%-30% United supporters (although I did hear loud smatterings of USA-USA-USA and you suck, asshole!. Not surprisingly, I only noticed about 12 Green & Gold scarves/jerseys. Apparently, an American running Manchester United into the ground may be upsetting for many US-based fans, but not upsetting enough to purchase further merchandise. In all fairness, prior to kickoff, I spoke with a number of supporters who espoused a complete and total hatred of the Glazer Family. Perhaps Glazer Hate (rather than English or Mandarin) should be the new universal language?

2 United started a backline of Fabio, Jonny Evans, Wes Brown, and John OShea. So I was fairly surprised when it was Evans (not Brown or OShea) who adopted the role of vocal leader. It was Evans who hustled to make up for defensive lapses and it was Evans who seemed to be constantly monitoring Fabios endeavors out wide. Perhaps a Fergie berating in front of a global audience encouraged the young Northern Ireland defender to step up both his leadership and overall game.

3 Speaking of Fabio, Im beginning to think that he and his twin brother Rafael are on a subtle campaign to always be played together. Obviously, Rafael put together a string of impressive performances last season, but the same can not be said of Fabio. Against Celtic last Friday, the two started opposite each other, and the United defense looked as solid as ever. Tonight, when paired with OShea, the young Brazilian has looked slow and (at times) clumsy. Perhaps more upsetting is th! at he ha d trouble with Union striker Danny Mwanga on more than one occasion. Not discrediting Mwanga or his overall abilities, but if Fabios inconsistency is being exploited by an MLS striker, imagine what will happen when hes asked to mark Drogba or Anelka hell, at this point, even Van Persie could probably make the youngster look foolish.

4 Paul Scholes obliged his American fans by demonstrating his famed inability to tackle properly on multiple occasions. Indeed, the Ginger Prince was booked for one such attempt in the __ minute. I was delighted Eduardo Coudets shin (the primary recipient of the challenge) was less thrilled.

5 Speaking of Scholes, a spoke with a journalist whos been traveling with United on their preseason tour. I asked her about how much longer she thought Scholes would be figuring for United, and she responded that 1) he would only retire when Fergie allowed him to retire and that 2) he has looked by far the most fit member of the United squad thus far. Apparently, the Ginger Prince is rated by his teammates as far-and-away the hardest worker in training. His age may show at times this season, but at least we can all take solace in the fact that Scholes increasing age has done nothing to discourage his desire to work and win.

6 Gabriel Obertan is Cristiano Ronaldo circa 2005. He has the speed, the skill, and the passing ability he just doesnt seem to have the ability to decide when to properly use each component. When he should take on defenders, he attempts to slide the ball across the box. When he elects to dribble, he does so with multiple teammates screaming for the ball. I continue to believe that he will be a key player going forward, but my guess is that he will be frustrating more than a few United supporters in the 2010-2011 Campaign. That said, Obertan also reminds me of the current Madrid winger because he manages to have at least one sublime move every match. Tonight, it was a quick rollover/turn that caught the Union defenders by complete surprise They made! up for it by bowling him over in the box Unfortunately, the official missed the call and play continued Even Howard Webb would have caught that one.

7 Obertan made the Union pay in the 76th minute, when he collected a brilliant through ball from Danny Welbeck and slotted it under Union goalkeeper Brian Perk. A cool finish and a slightly less than cool victory dance with Welbeck capped off a brighter second half performance for the Frenchman (albeit, with about 15 minutes to play).

8 Hello Corry Evans! I may not have gotten to see Diouf tonight, but I got to see Jonnys younger brother make (what I believe was) his debut for the senior side. Ive seen clips of Evans various performances for the academy and reserve sides, and I very much fancy him a talent of the future. Not surprisingly, guess who he immediately hugged upon entering the pitch? Thats right big brother It was a heartwarming moment in the press box For me and no one else

9 The Berba remains popular in the United States if this whole United thing doesnt work out for the oft-criticized attacker, it appears the Union faithful would love to have him. A loud cheer erupted when he entered the pitch, and multiple Bulgarian flags made cameo appearances in the stands. My guess is that he picked up a few more followers, as he provided multiple moments of entertaining football (including an attempted bike in the 72nd minute and a rocket off the crossbar in the 80th).

10 Tomasz Kusczak may never be the consensus #1 goalkeeper for United, but hes a hell of a deputy if Van der Sar is unavailable. In the 69th minute, the Unions Nick Zimmerman rocketed a freekick towards goal and Danny Califf got a flick to it. Uniteds #2 quickly adapted a cleared the ball away without giving up any sloppy second chances. Moreover, the big Polish keeper stayed alert for the full 90 minutes (despite prolonged periods of inactivity) and proved a reliable performer for United.

11 All credit to a pluck, determined Union side. They challenged United on! both en ds of the pitch, and narrowly missed three big chances (including putting one over an unprotected net in the 90th minute). Despite the loss, the Union did MLS proud and could easily have walked away with a victory were it not for a few squandered opportunities.

12 So it was a night of firsts for Manchester United. Their first victory over an MLS opponent. Corry Evans first appearance for the senior side. Gabriel Obertans first goal on American soil (that ones reaching, I know). And, on a personal note, my first time covering United as a first-hand member of the press. Im guessing that last one will be less exciting for the majority of you readers now Im off to see if I can get Fergie to make an Alan Wiley-esque dig at tonights official. Probably not, but theres always hope

International Soccer Clubs & Leagues News | Video | Commentary