Originally posted by mzak22:
<strong>I think its the hunger in the players which is due to the players getting a chance to perform in situations that they always wanted to be in.
Take for example, Silvestre in the center of defense, take O'Shea and Forlan getting first team action, take P. Neville and Fortune being thrust into positions of responsibility instead of playing cameo roles, take Scholes being allowed a free-man role without strict duties as a link-man.
Don't ask me about Barthez though-I can't explain him. A true enigma, he is. That save on Pires was brilliant.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Agree with the above. You never know what you're going to get with Fabien, do you? If he didn't make that vital save against Pires yesterday, it could have all been so different. And that save in that Liverpool match... We all know he's had some blunders, but I also think sometimes he doesn't get the credit he deserves.
I think there's been a silver lining with these injuries. Like you say, now Mickey is playing where he's always wanted to play and he has a point to prove. JOS is simply happy to be playing in the team and he's fighting hard to keep a place week-in/week-out. I'm sure Wes has seen JOS's performances while he was out and knows he's going to have to fight hard for a place in the team. And he's put in brilliant performances since returning from injury. I really think the 3 of them have galvanised the team.
Then you have players like Ole, playing out of position on the right, but who you can always count on to do a job for you wherever you play him. To be honest, we really haven't missed Becks out on the right. And then there's Diego who'll always give you 100% but who's also started scoring. He's young, he's hungry and I think his performances have put pressure on Seba. And I think we saw Seba's response yesterday.
I just hope that when all our "stars" are fit again that they're not going to be allowed to simply walk back into the side. Who would have guessed that Seba/Phil would win the midfield battle against Vieira/Gilberto yesterday? But names and reputations don't win you matches. And they also shouldn't guarantee you a place in the United team. It should come down to performances...plain and simple.