Red View puts forward 10 reasons why United are Premier League champions for the 10th time…
Home Rule
Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken in recent seasons about the need to re-establish Old Trafford as a fortress. It's safe to say that mission has been accomplished this term. Aside from Reading's opening day bore draw and the horror of February's defeat to Manchester City, United have beaten all comers in M16, winning 17 out of 19 games.
Leaving It Late
Opposing teams expect to be on the rack in the closing stages of games, and stats show that United are at their deadliest in the final 15 minutes of games. Most telling in this season’s title race were two dramatic strikes from Carlos Tevez - a tap-in at Tottenham and a priceless header at Blackburn in April.
That Boy Ronaldo
While the winger himself is ever-eager to point out that it’s not a one-man show, United fans have been privileged to watch a genius at work this season. Almost always at his unplayable best, Ronaldo has plundered goal after goal, overtaking records in the same way he plays - left, right and centre.
Defence
For all the plaudits lavished upon the Reds’ star-studded attack, the platform for this season’s success has been built on a miserly defensive record. Despite being without skipper Gary Neville all season, United’s backline registered 20 domestic clean sheets - the finest defensive record in the Premier League.
Big Game Hunters
Until April's defeat at Stamford Bridge, United's record against the members of the 'Big Four' was almost unblemished. Ever able to raise themselves for the big games, the Reds beat Liverpool twice, took four points off Arsenal and beat Chelsea at OT, taking 13 points from a possible 18.
New Boys
The near-instant assimilation of four summer arrivals was key to United’s title triumph. The young Portuguese-based Anderson and Nani proved themselves as players for now, not just the future, while the more experienced Hargreaves and Tevez were integral to the Reds' late-season surge.
Squad Depth
Last season’s bid for a second Treble was left in tatters by injuries. Eager to avoid a repeat, Sir Alex made new signings and brought back a host of youngsters to bolster his squad. The move worked wonders, with every squad member contributing when injuries hit – just recall Ben Foster’s heroics at Derby for example.
Experience
For all the free-spirited youthfulness of United’s play, the calmness of some sage old heads has been an influential factor. Off the field, Sir Alex Ferguson and his coaching staff have been there, done it enough times to keep everybody grounded, while experienced players like Rio Ferdinand, Edwin van der Sar, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs brought vital know-how at fraught times.
Bouncing Back
The mark of champions is to respond positively to setbacks, which is exactly what United did all season. Every time questions were posed by a domestic defeat – Manchester City (twice), Bolton, West Ham, Chelsea – the Reds responded with a victory.
Attack, Attack, Attack
Much was made of the contrast in the title chasers’ styles. Pragmatic, robotic Chelsea doing battle with swashbuckling, easy-on-the-eye United for the grand prize. Had the rivals finished on the same number of points, then goal difference would have won it for the free-scoring Reds.
Source: Red View
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