Gaffer’s Banter

Nightmare come true…

So what’s Benitez thinking right now?

Well, my worst fears did indeed come true last night as we saw United take apart what can only be described as a dreadful Chelsea team performance. Yes, United had it easy; but I can only wonder how much Benitez’s comments added to the hunger of the United team to take apart an already tiring Chelsea and move into striking distance of the Premier League Summit.

As I had feared, Benitez’s comments seem to have backfired royally and it appears Fergie will be more determined than ever to overcome us. I’m still relatively surprised at the lack of an aggressive response that we have become so accustomed to from the Scotsman. Perhaps it is yet to come, but one thing is for sure, most people, including a number of Pool fans, have been taken aback by the hostility of Rafa’s comments.

Either way, we have to back the gaffer. Rafa has one of the most astute minds in the modern game and is hardly renowned for emotional outbursts so I’m sure there was plenty of thought and consideration given to his comments. Nonetheless, I’d be happy to see us move on from this episode and for Rafa and his boys to settle down and concentrate on our priorities, beating the Blue Noses and ‘retaking’ (if necessary) top spot on Monday night.

Yes, as a result of our slip up at Stoke this weekend, we could be faced with the prospect of going into the derby game in second place. Having said that, that would be assuming that United beat Wigan on Wednesday who are on a run of six victories out of the last seven games and a Bolton who made life tough for Arsenal at the Emirates.

So, do you think United will beat Wigan? How do you think we’ll fare against the Toffees and where will be sitting after Monday night?