Roy Keane made his return to Old Trafford as Manchester United hosted Sunderland in an eagerly anticipated match-up on Saturday. United came out 1-0 winners.
He walked out of the tunnel like he did for so many of his 480 appearances for Manchester United, clearly appreciating the applause if wanting also to deflect the attention away from the build-up of his return to the stadium. Yes, Roy Keane’s return to Old Trafford was probably least enjoyed by Keane himself, surely grateful, but clearly aware that there was a job to be done.
This was perhaps Keane’s way of ensuring his players would be ready for battle taking on the champions on their home turf. Keane had predicted before the match that there would be no hugs and kisses, though no one could have been surprised by the thunderous applause earned by Keane as he took his place in the manager’s box.
And as the match wore on, it was quite easy to see the competitive fire light within Keane. Subdued for much of the first half, Keane leapt up from his bench many times in the second as he may have sensed that his team could have claimed a point from this fixture.
And in reality, Sunderland came quite close in snatching a draw, conceding only after an error in judgment by goalkeeper Craig Gordon on 72 minutes that allowed Louis Saha to glance a header into the back of the net. Gordon, a ₤9 million signing from Hearts made some good saves in this match and has the potential to be one of the Premiership’s best, however he would have been unhappy with his seemingly half-hearted attempt to claim a corner that eventually was nicked in by Saha.
Saha meanwhile, battered by injury since last season, showed the importance of a clear-cut striker to any side, especially Manchester United at the moment. With their usual incisiveness in attack missing thanks to the recent absences of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo through injury and suspension respectively, United have had a mediocre start to their campaign and have struggled mightily for goals. Their problems were clearly highlighted in a dire first half performance which saw Sir Alex Ferguson’s men control the match against Sunderland quite comfortably, but on the other hand fail to create any worthwhile chances.
New boy Anderson was given his first start for the club, however he was a peripheral figure as United simply were not gelling up front with so many new faces playing together for the first time (Carlos Tevez, Anderson, Nani, and Chris Eagles).
It was almost a foregone conclusion that someone would be sacrificed at halftime and it was Anderson who came off in favor of Saha. Almost immediately United looked better as the chances started to come and Saha was the driving force behind them. His goal with 18 minutes left ensured that United’s title challenge was back on track. The three points were crucial for United, especially in light of Liverpool’s superb form and Chelsea leading the way at the top, but the performance also showcased that goals are not coming easily this season for the Red Devils.
Ferguson would have surely hoped that his new recruits would have fit in more seamlessly and it wouldn’t be a stretch to think that the Scot is impatiently waiting for Ronaldo and then Rooney further down the road to return. Without those two players United are still one of the deeper squads in the Premiership possessing quality in abundance, however on the pitch the side appear toothless offensively in the absence of their two superstars. Tevez isn’t an out-and-out striker and while his work rate is commendable and commitment to the cause unmistaken, the Argentine looks set to shine only when at least one of Ronaldo or Rooney return.
The good news for the champions is that after a rocky start to their campaign, they are still within striking distance and if everything falls into place and some of the new blood begin reaching their potential, then it may not be long before the champions are back up in the top two or three in the table.
Saturday’s defeat meanwhile means that Sunderland have fallen into the bottom three for the first time this season. After a miserable 3-0 defeat at Luton in midweek in the Carling Cup, Keane rang the changes for this match making six changes to the starting eleven. His decision was a good one as the performance at Old Trafford against stiffer opposition was much improved. The Black Cats produced a wonderfully organized display that frustrated United for well over an hour and the fighting spirit that Keane asked for before the match was clearly on display.
The one drawback to the defense first philosophy employed by the club on Saturday was the complete inability to trouble Edwin Van der Sar’s goal. Sunderland were simply unable to mount any worthwhile attacks, as they were too busy trying to thwart the advances of United, especially in the second half. Against United away this style may be acceptable, however surely Sunderland will have to be more adventurous when they play other teams.
One of Keane’s main worries will be in attack as three goals from five league matches isn’t exactly the greatest return. Kenwyne Jones, the club’s new ₤6 million purchase from Southampton showed some good touches against United and the hope of Sunderland supporters is that he will help in the goals department.
Watching Sunderland’s development the rest of the way will be quite fascinating this season. After opening up their campaign with a superb 1-0 victory over Tottenham, Sunderland have quickly come back down to earth. The club have now gone winless in their last five matches in all competitions, including three consecutive defeats in the Premiership. This current stretch is the worst form Keane has endured in his one-year tenure as manager of the club. How will the manager and consequently the team respond? And does the club have the quality and ability to avoid the drop? As a player Keane drove his teammates on through all sorts of adversity to win matches and titles. He will have to show that same leadership now as a manager, and if Sunderland avoid relegation then Keane the legendary player may make his first step toward Keane the legendary manager.
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