First off, a huge thank you to everyone who voted and spread the word about not only this poll but every post I have made this season. I’m still very much blown away by the reception I have had since starting this blog in February, and have enjoyed highlighting the beautiful stuff United produce for us immensely.
So without further ado, its time to announce the results of the Beautifully Red Moment of the Season 2011/12.
The top 3 in reverse order are…
United sadly finished the season trophyless, but will come back next season to challenge on all fronts I have no doubts. Valuable lessons have been learnt by some of our very talented youngsters, and early transfer mumblings suggest SAF will finally enhance our central midfield *prays*
United have played some stunning football this season and produced some beautiful moments. Here are a selection of 10 for you to vote your favourite.
1. Nani v Man City
My goal of the season, and a true joy to watch. More angles of beauty HERE
United took care of their business on the final day and got the 3 points to make sure City had to win, in order to become Champions on goal difference. They did and United missed out.
United played brilliantly in the first half, getting the goal and creating plenty of other chances. The second half got cagey as nerves took control but United soon took control and saw the match out with ease, keeping possession and not looking to force anything.
My Beautifully Red moments of the match are
1. Antonio Valencia play
Tony V skins his defender with a simple touch and show of his speed. His cross was a dangerous one that was well defended by Sunderland.
So despite the fans dreams of a huge win and some vital goals clawed back on the City goal difference, United did a professional job and got the 3 points to ensure the title race went to the last day.
They showed signs of quality but the game fizzled out and the players settled for the points and the reality that scoring a bucket load was not going to happen.
Here are this weeks Beautifully Red top 5
1. Rooney backheel, Young 1-2
United started the game well, playing with a pace that was perfectly demonstrated here by MOTM Ashley Youngs’ burst from our half.
Strange team selection, unclear tactics, poor performance, shocking result.
United surrendered their lead at the top of the League and will now require either City dropping points or to claw back the 7 goals they trail on goal difference in the remaining 2 games.
United failed to have a shot on target in a game for the first time since 2009 and there was very little to get excited about. I have, however, managed to find a few examples of good football by the Reds.
1. Carrick pass
Breaks up the attack, plays a neat triangle and then hits a beautiful ball into the channel for Rooney. “Same old Carrick, always doing his job well”
No game is easy during the title race and Everton showed United the hard way. Despite 2nd half leads of 3-1 and 4-2, some poor United defending and a very good and spirited Everton display saw them go home with an amazing 4-4 draw.
Uniteds defending let them down on what had been a brilliant attacking performance.
The Beautifully Red moments this week are…
1. Carrick pass, Nani touch
Carrick and his midfield partner Scholes had a quiet game but here Carrick pings a stunning ball out wide that lands almost perfectly on the foot of Nani as he controls it on the run. His trick on the goal line almost came off too. Class all round.
With the Premier League announcing their nominations for several “20 Years of the PL” Awards, Eric Cantonas name appears in several of the categories. Best Goal, Best Celebration and Best Striker in the Team of the 20 years.
The goal nomination and subsequent celebration was scored v Sunderland on December 21st 1996 at Old Trafford in a 5-0 win over Sunderland. Here is that iconic goal for you to enjoy again.
5 Points clear, 4 Goals, 3 points and a clean sheet. Just what United needed after their defeat at Wigan and Citys win at Norwich.
United were at their best in the first half, dominating from the start and ensuring they went in at HT 2-0 up. They coasted through the 2nd half and added a further 2 goals.
Here are my favourite moments from the game
1. Scholes chest pass
Under a high ball, Paul Scholes simply chests the ball to Patrice Evra first time. Class.
Poor performance, poor result but after our recent run we were due dropped points.
Bright side is that we are still 5 points clear with the title very much in our own hands.
As for beautiful moments, there were a few and one of the reasons I started doing this was to highlight moments that make football the game we love despite the final result.
So I give to you…
1. Giggs touch, Carrick pass, Giggs chance
What a beautiful Sunday. United did the job and beat QPR 2-0 at Old Trafford putting themselves 8 points clear of City before their kick off with Arsenal. City lost. 8 points 6 games to go. Come on!
United played sensibly after QPR were reduced to 10 men after half hour and dominated the game, it was all that was required and another 4 like that will see us home.
There was lots to enjoy, here is a little selection
1. Tony Valencia ‘Megs’
Lovely knock from Scholes to Valencia, who faced up his defender before passing the ball through his legs to Welbeck. Cheeky.
