- by Angel Soto, writing from Cali
The beginning of the match did not start very well for the "Red Devils," as the "Toffees" controlled possession early on and created more chances on the early going. Sir Alex Ferguson's line up was questionable as United played a 4-3-3 playing against a loaded Everton midfield who were playing a 4-4-2(virtually a 4-6-0 as neither Tim Cahill or Marouane Fellaini are natural strikers). As the match went on and United got their feet under them, they started to bring more players forward. They were creating dangerous chances, but they were no match for the American keeper, Tim Howard. Howard made a wonderful kick save to keep United and Paul Scholes scoreless. Later on in the match he denied another Manchester United legend, Ryan Giggs! Then on a 40th minute corner kick, Everton cleared and found United flat footed and pushing too many men, along with a Patrice Evra defensive mistake.
It seems so far this season that Patrice Evra has not forgotten his horrendous World Cup from this summer as his performances have mirrored his attitude in South Africa for France. It also appears that Gary Neville was not up to the task to start his first match of the 2010/11 EPL season. Many United supporters were questioning this decision by Sir Alex, as I was throughout the match. Unlike his fellow club mates,Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville resembles his age. Neville showed to have lost many steps especially in the 91st and 92nd minute goals scored by Everton. As the youthful(at least compared to Gary, Paul, and Ryan) Leighton Baines flashed past the aging ex-England right back and sent a dangerous cross to the potent Cahill for the first of the stoppage time goals. Baines came back for an encore of the dissembling of Neville, and the result was the same, as Arteta slipped it passed the other aging United star, Edwin van der Sar.
Which brings me to my next frustration as a "Red Devil" supporter. When the Dutch keeper came to the club, I was torn, as I knew Tim Howard's tenure with the club was soon about to end. I felt he was young and needed more playing time to regain his confidence in his tenure at United. I knew he had it in him to become a great keeper and he has shown it in the last four season's at Goodison Park. As an American, I am proud for any United States National Team player when they do well in any game, especially against a gigantic club like, Manchester United. On Saturday, Tim Howard demonstrated to Sir Alex Ferguson that his decision to let go of the current Everton goalkeeper, could be a costly one in the long run. Many tend to forget about Tim Howard when they speak of the "World Class" keepers there are currently, and mainly because he is not in a "Big Club." Which is strange to me because the only two teams I ever fear playing(as Manchester United fan) every season are, Everton FC and Fulham FC(which of course has another USMNT star, Clint Dempsey).
Twitter: @Bocafanboy
