The transfer window ended and Manchester United sat quiet. Chelsea and other players made moves, but the clear leader at the top of the leader board, did nothing. Well nothing, except continue its winning ways. On Tuesday they beat Aston Villa in convincing fashion at 3-1.
The New York Times then published an article on the popularity of the Manchester United franchise. We are now past the half way point of the English Premier League season and only one team remains undefeated, Manchester United. The pundits, players and coaches alike are not calling for Manchester United's head yet or guaranteeing to break their undefeated streak but they are belittling the team. It is almost as if everyone knows Manchester United will remain undefeated but that winning the title and being only the fourth team ever to go undefeated is not enough. Undoubtedly there is a long road ahead, but Manchester United has been strong thus far and will continue to grow as a team.
Harry Redknapp, the coach of Tottenham Hotspur, has said that, "As good as they are I do not think they are good enough to go through the whole season unbeaten." This just two weeks before his team faced a 4-0 trashing at the hands of Fulham? But Harry could not leave bad enough alone two weeks ago and said Manchester United was not in the same league at Madrid or Barcelona. It is high time, Mr. Redknapp and the rest of the doubters wake up to the reality of Manchester United.
Madrid and Barcelona compete in a league where there are teams that can be taken lightly. Every week is a battle in the EPL, There are no easy teams and on any given match day a bottom of the table team can compete. The EPL is the best and competitive league in the world. To win it requires a squad not just of scorers and great defense but perseverance and tenacity. The officials let play get rough and the tackles are much harder than any other league. Madrid would last a month in the EPL with their style of play.
Man U has overcome adversity time and time again. Berbatov leads the league with 19 goals; Rooney is now healthy after a sprained ankle and will continue to live up to his promise. They have come back after bad halves, they have led leads slip, but as many have commented a real champion overcomes lapsed moments and this team is a team of champions.
I say to those detractors, sit back and let them play the game. The other premier league teams have continued to spend like drunken sailors and we will see if Manchester United will retains its undefeated statute. If so, critics should recognize the feat they have accomplished.
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