As the mind games begin in the build up to the pinnacle of the football season - the Champions League Final - there has been the usual respectful press conferences between the United and Barcelona players and staff. Despite Sir Alex being the mind games master, even he knows when is best to utilise his verbal talents, and when it is better merely to abstain. With this in mind, there has been nothing untoward building up to the big night, (ignoring the Giggs saga which I do not wish to acknowledge), except a thought provoking comment from Dani Alves yesterday. When asked about Saturday's opposition and if they had improved since the 2009 defeat, Alves remarked that United are now much more 'dangerous', 'balanced' and 'stronger' than they were when Ronaldo was in the team. On the surface, this comment seemed a bit thoughtless, and no more than a standard compliment-the-opposition-before-the-game answer. With it not being the world's best kept secret that Barcelona and Madrid players do not often send each other birthday cards, it is hardly surprising that Alves would take this opportunity to have a dig at Madrid's star man.
When thinking about it in greater detail, however, could it be at all possible that Alves is right, and that United have prospered since the departure of one of their greatest players of the last decade? Constantly referred to as a team 'in transition', it is a wonder how long this 'transition' period will last for a team who has just won their domestic league, as well as making the Champions League Final, the same achievements as in 2009. When it was announced that Ronaldo was leaving United for a world record fee of £80million, there were many that said United struggle for years to come, as it was impossible to replace the most expensive man in football history. Two trophy-filled years later, however, is it time for the doubters to admit that Fergi has done it again, and United are once again in the top 2 most potent teams in Europe?
Ronaldo's last season at United, the 2008/9 season, draws many comparisons to the season which is now coming to a close, yet there is much information to suggest that the team has progressed as a whole, without having to spend much of the £80million. This season saw United win the title by 9 points, 5 more than they did two years ago. Berbatov was also joint league top scorer, with 21 goals, three more than second league top scorer Ronaldo in 2009. Away from the statistics, however, there is also a definite sense of team unity at Old Trafford, one which was distinctly missing from the side in 2009. Undoubtedly, Ronaldo's main weakness is his egotistic nature which sometimes allows his game to slip, and certainly results in the team revolving around his feet. When he is scoring 42 goals per season (or 53, which he incredibly bagged this year), then he is entitled to receive a bit of special treatment, but, when the chips are down and he is not performing, the lack of unity in the team that his presence brings can result in a dip in form.
This season, it is a lot more difficult to pinpoint a key figure who the team revolves around. Rooney is the most obvious candidate, and almost certainly the most naturally talented footballer in the team, yet his saga in November and the dip in form which preceded that has certainly taken the spotlight off him for now. Vidic has been a powerhouse in defence and a superb leader throughout, yet teams rarely revolve around central defenders. Ryan Giggs has provided endless experience and class, but he is one that also prefers to stay out of the spotlight (if he can help it). As United realised last year, having a star player who then gets injured or under performs, can lead to a complete collapse within the team, who lose all self-belief.
Since the departure of Ronaldo, the United team has re-grown into a top European force, but using a completely different structure and strategy. The lack of a star man has led to many individuals to put themselves forward and do their bit for the team, especially when it is required to grind out a result. Crucial performances from the likes of Nani, Valencia, Giggs, Van Der Sar and Park have certainly underpinned the team's new outlook, not forgetting, of course, the goals from revelation front man Hernandez. Often recently forgotten, Dimitar Berbatov also had a huge effect on United's season, particularly at the start. His significant rise in form is a direct representative of how the presence of Ronaldo may have stunted other players in the team, as in 2008/9 Berbatov only managed 9 league goals, compared to 21 this term.
Winning the Premier League and reaching the final of the Champions League against Barcelona once again is a testimony to the brilliance of Sir Alex Ferguson's team building abilities. He has shown that no player is bigger than his club, and that he can still achieve as much as he could with Ronaldo in the team, (maybe even more). Do not get me wrong, however, if Ronaldo ever miraculously decided that he wished to return to Old Trafford, I would personally break into David Gill's office and hold him hostage, in order to make him re-sign Ronaldo instantly. Though once the adrenaline had worn off, I would probably stop to wonder, is there even any room for him in this team?
