The last three premier league seasons have been fairly painful for me as a ManU fan. Primarily because we did not even have a chance. It started off with that magical we-can’t-lose-ever season by Arsenal and was followed by the two don’t-you-even-dare-to-touch-the-title seasons by Chelsea under the special one. So it is no surprise that I am elated as a ManU fan that we won the title this year.

While the core of the side has remained more or less the same, the couple of new players Sir Alex got in the winter last year have proven their worth over this campaign. Nemanja Vidic was an absolute rock in the heart of the defense, while Patrice Evra grew ever more confident in defending the left side of the pitch as the season went on (to the extent that Heinze was reduced to a bit part player). And finally, Christiano Ronaldo, showed why some people were raving and ranting about him for the better part of the last three years. However, the most significant additions to the squad would probably be the introduction of Michael Carrick and the return of Paul Scholes. United’s midfield has been threadbare over the last few years. These two formed a partnership at the center of the park which allowed Ronaldo, Rooney and Giggs to showcase their attacking talents. Scholes this season is almost back to his best (though his tackling has not improved a wee bit) demonstrated by that cheeky lob for the second goal against Milan at OT. Carrick widely considered unworthy of the 18 million pounds tag has quietly and efficiently stamped his authority on the center of the pitch. Detractors say he is no Roy Keane - but then he brings different qualities to the pitch that are equally beneficial to the team. Thankfully, these two remained fit for most of the season.

However, I have to say also that we have been extremely lucky this season. Before the season started, the major crib against the ManU team was that the squad was too threadbare. While the first team was as good as any other, the substitutes bench did not evoke any sense of confidence. The fact that none of the major first team players suffered lengthy injuries allowed this dimension to remain hidden for most of season. Towards the end, when the entire first choice defense was out everyone realized how thin the bench strength is. And apaarently in defense we were well covered. The second lacunae in the team is the lack of an out-&-out striker in the mold of RVN. With the absence of one, Rooney was even more tightly marked than ever and he got very little space in the games to work his magic. The below-par season for him cannot only be attributed to his bad form. The lack of a regular strike partner is also to blame. Louis Saha has been a major disappointment this season. Reports of his not willing to play through some pain were confounding because this season was his great chance to cement his place in a great team and convince his national team manager of his worth. He sadly, did not see it that way.

Also all the potential title challengers had quite a few things to worry about. Arsenal were without their talisman Henry and quite a few senior players for most of the season. That coupled with their playing at the new Emirates stadium ensured that the unsure start to the season defined the entire season. Chelsea on the other hand, faced a number of issues: injuries, player tantrums and the standoff between the owner and the manager. While each contributed in some way to their “relatively” staid showing this year, the absence of Peter Cech and John Terry was the single most important factor in their losing the crown. Liverpool, on the other hand, IMO lack the quality to maintain the sustained challenge necessary for winning the EPL. The tactical nous of Benitez assures them success where playoffs are concerned but winning a league with the opponent knowing all your moves is not something they are good at.

However, all said and done, we cannot take anything away from the entire ManU squad who showed tremendous grit and passion to win this title. The number of match-changing goals they scored in the last five minutes of games this season is probably the best testament for their never-say-die attitude and makes winning this title a sweet one for all of us who support this club.

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