Last season it was probably the uncertainty around Fergie's (and therefore the club's) future that made our start so painfully dented with surprising defeats, right up until the new year.
This season we have Keane's achievements (or lack of) in the World Cup, and his now famous book and the following charges. Due the importance of his position and role in the team this cannot be regarded as cosmetical happenings.
Nevertheless we got an important result in the European Cup in midweek. And even more improtant; we got a perhaps essential performance.
We got a very solid, and long sought after achievement from Giggs. And we also got much needed goals from both of our first-choice strikers. And also, we got goals and relatively good performances from both Veron and Forlan.
That match MAY be the single most decisive and important match of the whole season. Not because of the opposition we faced, because that was pretty mediocre, but due to what profit we could suck out of it in individual and team-like achievements in the game.
And believe me; with all the injuries and the lack of and unwanted action around our captain; WE NEED IT. If the rest of the players are going to cope without Roy; they need every little inch of success and self-esteem they can get hold on.
Fingers crossed for our lads.