Cave-in Cottage
Fullham 3

0 United

It wasn't pretty. In fact, last weekend's southern exposure tore the clothes off United's limping defense, leaving their sloppy midfield and ineffectual attack looking back in anger.

Exposed, exploited, and hung out to dry, it's not just the back line SAF is worried about."We lost a terribly soft goal for the first one and that gave them a platform to build on," Sir Alex lamented.

While the manager acknowledged the wounded warriors, he also felt repulsed at the way the Reds gifted a breakthrough to the home side. Paul Scholes' uncharacteristic error allowed Mr. Danny Murphy to step forward and tear down Tomasz Kuszczak. Por-fa-pa-leese.

Then there was Bobby Zamorra: A one man wrecking crew that left an indelible imprint on United that wont' soon be forgotten, at least not by me. Match highlights included a Liverpool loss, and more importantly, a Chelsea tie.

Check back after Boxing Day for a better assessment of United's championship reign...and future. Merry Christmas for now. And in the spirit of giving and taking, may Santa be especially kind to the nice (Utd.) and horribly stingy to the naughty (who are ya?).

Level Headed

United 3 0 Wolves




The Reds came roaring back yesterday, and were scarcely troubled by a visiting side featuring 10 changes to that which overcame Tottenham last weekend. The the game was done and dusted after Rooney's penalty and a powerful Vidic header at half-time. When Valencia capped a stunning move with a blistering finish on 65 minutes, it was merely a matter of reducing Chelsea's goal-difference advantage.

"We got a break with the penalty kick," admitted Sir Alex Ferguson. "I think Wolves made it difficult for us with a good team effort. They tackled everywhere, they pressed the ball, and made it hard for us to get our continuity.

Climbing Up

0 West Ham 4 United

Scholes (45), Gibson (61), Valencia (70), Rooney (72)

In true United form, the Reds moved within two points of Prem leaders Chelsea this weekend with a 4-nil drubbing of the Hammers at Upton Park. Last year the punters counted United out, prematurely crowning Liverpool champs. That was just before United moved back into pole position, decimating all comers on their way to reclaiming what was rightfully theirs.

Flashback: The sousers went south and the the good guys went north. You can always count on United for drama. Just never count them out.

Next up: United travel to Wolfsburg, needing just a point to cement first place in their Champions league group. A defeat by a 1-0 scoreline or by more than two goals will result in Sir Alex’s side finishing second and landing arguably a more difficult last 16 draw.

Feed the scousers. Let them know it's Christmas time. Well almost.

Reds Back in Black



Portsmouth 1 4 United


There was no doubt which team aimed to win at Fratton Park last Saturday. A hat trick for Rooney, a century for Giggs, and a buttoned-up defense showed who wanted it more. The pk called against United was pure fantasy. But the good guys didn't let that miscue diminish their drive. Beauty.

Meanwhile Tottenham will be travelling to Old Trafford with high hopes. Unbeaten in three games, including a 9-1 mauling of Wigan a little over a week ago, they sit comfortably (for now) in the Prem's third position. After so many years of "coulda shouda's", Spurs may finally be making a serious challenge for the top four.

Danny Wellback has been spurred on by the trust of SIR - and aims to repay the faith.