Manchester United went to within a point of a record breaking 19th title after beating Chelsea. There will still be a feeling of injustice in the minds of the two players that sealed their victory. When Gareth Bale and Jack Wilshere were awarded the PFA’s top honors weeks ago. Nemanja Vidic and Javier Hernandez had good reason to wonder why they’d been overlooked.
In marshaling a defense without partner Rio Ferdinand for most of the season, Vidic should have been recognized as the player of the season. Dropping two points at home all season tells the story. Instead soon-to-be-relegated Scott Parker also beat him to the Football Writers Award.
Hernandez, or Chicharito, has rarely put a foot wrong during his first season on these shores. His £7million transfer was arranged before the World Cup and is the signing of the season. A return of 20 goals in all competitions was topped off by his goal inside a minute in yesterday’s game. Wilshere getting the young player nod is ridiculous in the face of this. Chicharito should have been considered for the top award as well. The young player gong should have been a formality.
There are no awards for guessing where Carlo Ancelotti will end up after the 2-1 reverse. Sacking the Italian, although inevitable, doesn’t have to be done. He won their first title since “the Special One” last season. He’s shown success with an aging team in the past at Milan and could easily achieve the same again at Stamford Bridge. Patience is not one of Roman Abramovich’s virtues though.
After gaining the remaining point they need, United has a date with Barcelona at Wembley later this month. Play like they did yesterday and Sir Alex Ferguson’s side has a real chance. It’s not a home game though and this could be why they struggle.
