oh dear, oh dear,.

well, maybe.

Manchester United could only manage a 0-0 (that's nil-nil in proper English) draw
in their first game of the '08-'09 Champions League group stages last night. Able to dominate
the game for the overwhelming majority, the lads were thus unable to put that
little round ball in the ole' onion bag.

Hate to Say I told ya so,...

But I did. like multiple, multiple weeks ago. I knew we were going to have a
monumentally slow start. (Patience, Patience) The lads have won only once,
& scored only 4 times in their opening 5 matches, with key losses to Liverpool
in the league & a loss with hardware on the line in the UEFA Super Cup Final.

but there, there. things should hopefully start looking up. If I'm not having a meltdown yet
then you shouldn't. Well I actually have already had one meltdown, & then yesterday I
had a half-meltdown, or a minor meltdown. but,...

I digress.

Cristiano Ronaldo made his first appearance for United since the Champions League
final in May, last night in the 62nd minute. His presence was greatly & quickly felt.
Hopefully he is the bridge to gap the already strong play that United have shown
in small spurts this season. United supporters also need to remember that prize
catch Demitar Berbatov & Michael Carrick were both missing out due to injury.
Paul Scholes was suspended for playing Volleyball against Zenit, & Vidic was rested
to give reserve center back Johnny Evans some much needed minutes before this
weekends clash w/Chelsea. (oh man, they are going to do us)

So besides sitting 14th out of 20 in a table that we have finished 1st in, in the previous
2 years, all isn't lost,.....yet. Rest assured, Chelsea will be smelling fresh blood this
weekend at Stamford Bridge, & will look to flex their already huge muscles early on
in the season. What else really can I say after the first month or so? Well not much,
be patience, new players take time to gel. Injuries, weird scheduling, international breaks,
suspensions, all take their toll on team chemistry, It will take time for United to sort
through this.

I promise you, this is better than having a strong start & then burning out by December.
(see Arsenal like the last 3 years in a row) United will slowly build upon their success of last year & I guarantee you they will have something to say in this title race, & the Champions League before it's all said & done. But, it's also safe to say that I will be watching Sundays game with one eye closed though. Hey, I'm a supporter, it's what we do.