Firelick

I want them to but not sure how much my optimism weighs. Can manchester United do what they have done for the past 3 years without "Cristiano Ronaldo" and defend the EPL trophy? Frankly speaking if community shield match yesterday was any indication I dont think United are the favourites.

Albeit the first half was a crackerjack, second half was disappointing and penalty shoot outs just added to the misery. I thought Evra and Nani combined brilliantly in the left flank but just when i started believing that nothing has changed with United, came the shocker. Injury to Nani, foul commited on Evra and a tragical second half.

It had to be Rooney to save United and he lived upto the expectations. What a saver it was. A brilliant goal though he was offside but i guess the foul on evra and the goal against united during that evens it out. As the match progressed my belief that Rooney has "matured a lot" just got stronger. A match leveler in the dieing minutes of the game said it all. Making the final scoreline 2-2. Dont want to discuss the penalties that followed but for the interest of those who missed it. United lost 4-1. It was a hopeless display as far as the penalties were concerned.

I dont know whether rub of green was going Chelsea's way or they played superior soccer but if this is any indication of things to come can united end this season on a winning note is my question. Was ronaldo such a huge factor or is it only my belief? Well, only time will answer that. In the meanwhile all I hope for is that Michael Owen the new prestige owner of the famous No. 7 jersey of United comes good, Van Der Sar and Nani hopefully recover from their injury soon, Rooney continues the way he is playing and last but not the least "Manchester United win the Premier League again".