With a 3-0 defeat of Aston Villa on Monday night, Manchester United had officially clinched the Barclay’s Premier League Title. As a die-hard fan, I couldn’t be any happier. Especially after last season’s disappointing end where we saw cross-town rivals Manchester City score a goal to win the title with the last kick of the season. It was truly heart breaking. United had won their game and were waiting to be crowned champions on the pitch before word got out that City had scored.
In his post-match interview, Manager Sir Alex Ferguson said the goal for next season was to win the league title back. In August, he said he would never again lose a title due to an inferior goal differential (which was how they lost the season before). So, Sir Alex made sure to keep his promise. He bought striker Robin Van Persie from Arsenal and attacking midfielder Shinji Kagawa. Van Persie scored 24 goals in the league and saved United from defeats and draws on several occasions.
United won the title by scoring goals. They were horrible defensively in the first half of the season and found themselves coming back to win from losing positions on a weekly basis. Against the odds, United continued winning that way.
In time, there defense improved. Phil Jones, when healthy, proved very reliable in various positions. He controlled Ronaldo and Real Madrid from the midfield, held down the defensive line at center back and even played out wide at right back. Rio Ferdinand turned back the clock and put in one of his best seasons in years. The 34-year old was even rewarded with an England call up. Patrice Evra regained his form in 2012-13 campaign after a string of disappointing seasons. Johnny Evans surprised all red devil fans by turning into one of United’s best defenders. Nemanja Vidic returned from his ACL injury to anchor the back four and Rafael matured greatly and secured his spot in the starting 11.
Despite disappointing cup runs, United remained constant in the premier league. They probably are not 15 points better than their rivals, but in a way they are. Unlike their main rivals such as Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham, United beat the teams they were supposed to. United came from a goal down twice to beat Southampton at St. Mary’s. However, when City made the trip to the south coast, they lost. Queens Park Rangers beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. United, on the other hand, blitzed QPR for three second half goals after going a goal behind at Old Trafford.
United simply gritted the season out. Thus far, they have won 27 games. Manchester City, who sits in second place, has only 20. Soccer is simply, three points for a win, one for a draw, and none for a defeat. A win against the worst team counts the same as a win against the best team. Sir Alex, who has won 13 league titles at Manchester United, has preached the idea of winning all possible games against lesser sides for year. United go into each match with same expectation: win. Granted they are human and will have off games, they normally don’t. And even if they are not at their best, they have the will to get themselves back into games and to win them.
United have coasted to their record 20th title. A 15-point lead in the best league in the world is something to marvel in. It was obvious from the first kick of the season that United were eager to win the title back. They were genuinely embarrassed to have chocked the title away to their cross-town rivals. They played angry and motivated. The goal of the squad was clear, and everyone was willing to work to get the title back.