Manchester United’s next game after the defeat to Liverpool in 2009 was against Fulham at Craven Cottage. United were expected to turn up and collect all three points in a routine victory, but as usual the title run-in threw up another anomalous result as the Reds lost 2-0 to the cottagers, but more strikingly Liverpool cut the deficit at the top down to four points.
In April that same year, United’s next game was at Old Trafford against Sunday’s opponents Aston Villa. In a similar scenario to this year, United had a local rival breathing down their necks having reduced the lead at the top.
When this winning momentum stops, there is always something extra special that is needed to kick-start the long term goal of the season. Something needs to happen to buck the trend, to shift the momentum, to ease the tension. Something different has to surface in the team’s play, whether it is a new approach, a fresh tactic or a different player.
On 5th April 2009 Manchester United found themselves 2-1 down against Aston Villa at Old Trafford with 10 minutes to play. With Sir Alex Ferguson having unprecedented injury crisis, his last throw of the dice was to bring on two 17 year olds in an attempt to salvage something from the game. After Cristiano Ronaldo equalised for the Reds, they pushed in search of an equaliser to keep the distance between them and the scousers at four points.
I’m not sure what happened that day, because even when I recall the events today there still seems an element of fantasy about it; sometimes there are those occasions in life where you momentarily forget whether it was a dream or it actually happened. It is one of those magical Manchester United memories that takes years of reflection before the reality of it sinks in. I have to remember that this was the day that the Roy of the Rovers comic book ceased to exist.
An untried 17 year old by the name of Federico Macheda was summonsed by Sir Alex Ferguson from the substitute’s bench. A boy who had never played first team football before was given the responsibility of helping Manchester United gain parity on the Scouser’s perch. Failing to win would probably have meant that Liverpool would extend their title haul, and to this day, we might still be trailing in their wake in terms of domestic league wins.
However deep into stoppage time, the unknown boy with the number 41 on his back swivelled in the box to create space for a shot, which curled past the seemingly unbeatable Brad Friedel to win the game for Manchester United.
Fergie’s blind faith in youngsters has paid off down the years and won Manchester United numerous trophies. That occasion at Old Trafford against Aston Villa in 2009 showed just how far his belief in young players will go. On Monday night when we take on Aston Villa in this year’s title race, we need to show that kind of belief in our team. We need to believe in the players that have been here before; and most of all we need to keep believing that title number 20 will be ours, even if it goes down to the last kick of the season.
Team News
Sir Alex Ferguson is set to field a strong team again after having an extra couple of days rest after Wednesday’s match, however the United boss is still expected to make a few changes.
David de Gea will start in goal and in front of him Vidic is likely to partner Ferdinand at centre-back. Rafael and Evra will resume in the fullback positions. Jones, Evans, Smalling and Buttner are also available.
PFA Player of the Year nominee Carrick will start along side either Cleverley or Giggs. Anderson is also available. Kagawa could play a role; Welbeck and Valencia may play in the wide positions. Young is out for the season through injury; Scholes and Fletcher are still unavailable.
Rooney is set to play behind van Persie; Hernandez will be among the substitutes.
Match Facts:
Aston Villa have won just one of their last 34 Premier League games against Manchester United (L24 D9); with this victory coming at Old Trafford in December 2009.
Villa have netted only 10 goals in their 20 previous Premier League trips to Old Trafford.
Gabriel Agbonlahor has now scored 60 Premier League goals for Aston Villa – the most, alongside Dwight Yorke (also 60). Agbonlahor was the last Aston Villa player to score a winning goal against Manchester United (1-0 in Dec 2009).
Aston Villa have lost 28 Premier League games against Manchester United – six more defeats than against any other side.
Of sides that Aston Villa have faced more than four times in the Premier League, they have the lowest win percentage against Manchester United (7%).
Manchester United have recovered a league-high 28 points from losing positions this season; three of which came against Aston Villa in their previous meeting this season. They were losing 2-0 before coming back to win 3-2 at Villa Park.
Robin van Persie has scored in consecutive Premier League appearances for the first time since January.
Manchester United need a maximum of six points from their last five games to win the title, but if Man City lose to Spurs on Sunday then a win in this game will secure the crown.
United last picked up fewer than six points from five Premier League games within a single season in March-April 2005 (DWDLL).
Shinji Kagawa has been involved in five goals (three goals, two assists) in his last seven Premier League appearances.
United have scored in each of their last 21 Premier League games. The second longest current run this season is five (Aston Villa/Chelsea).
Teams
Manchester United: (from) De Gea, Lindegaard, Amos, Rafael, Evra, Buttner, Smalling, Jones, Evans, Vidic, Ferdinand, Carrick, Cleverley, Anderson, Giggs, Kagawa, Welbeck, Rooney, Hernandez, van Persie.
Aston Villa: (from) Guzan, Given, Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Lichaj, Stevens, Baker, Bennett, Sylla, El Ahmadi, Ireland, Westwood, Dawkins, N’Zogbia, Bannan, Holman, Benteke, Agbonlahor, Bent, Bowery, Weimann.
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