That says more about the manager than a player. Fergie's biggest weakness is his loyalty and in terms of the centre of the park, it could very well hurt us. If you want evidence of this, just look at the closing stages of last season. Anderson scores 2 goals against Schalke and was by all accounts pretty superb. BUT Fletcher was wrongly denied a place in the '09 final and Fergie wanted to make that up to him. So Anderson didn't feature again until the final day of the league season (where he claimed a goal and an assist). Unfortunately, Fletcher didn't make it to Wembley but the one central midfielder who maybe (just maybe) could have made a difference was nowhere to be seen. He'd been left our for Fletcher (who is still suffering from the same virus that made him a risk to begin with). Anderson should have been given his chance at the end of last season and sentiment should not have come into it. But it did.
BUT Fletcher was wrongly denied a place in the '09 final and Fergie wanted to make that up to him. I know what you mean Stevie but thats why players would run through walls for SAF, loyalty is a two way street.They love him like a father because he treats them like his sons.
That's not the point. SAF didn't make the right decisions. Granted the likes of Park and Carrick earnt their spot because of their form, but on that token, what did Anderson have to do to get onto the pitch at Wembley? It was crying out for him and I don't think it would have taken much to score another goal or two against that Barcelona team. They were certainly get-at-able.
In that final. Anderson should have played and Hernandez should have been on the bench. Nani should have played ahead of Valencia as well. We should have gone 451 as well.
Everyone I spoke to thought Hernandez deserved his place and would be a major threat on the counter.Personally, I would have played Anderson ahead of Giggs and Nani ahead of Valencia.
You seem to know a lot about football. Have you considered applying for the manager role at Manchester United.
Playing 442 with our midfield against Barca was only going to end in tears. I said this before the final and it proved true. I also said Hernandez should not play due to his limitations and I was laughed at. What exactly did he do in that game. He did not do any more than any spectator.