Angry Ronaldo

The Portugese Le Sulk at Old Trafford

It was another derby showdown between Man Utd and Man City last weekend but the atmosphere was not as electrifying as previous encounters. It was more of a professional duel rather than those that are emotionally charged. This could be partly due to the fact that Man City first-eleven contained newly installed foreigners that do not observe the intense culture rivalry or have no idea how deep the rivalry goes. Imagine those days with Joey Barton and Robbie Fowler in there. Boots will fly but things are more sedate at Man City nowadays with a newly refurbished squad that did not have long experiences working with each other.

Ronaldo put United in front at the 18th minute with his trademark freekick. Only this time, it bounced once on the floor before going past the City keeper. Tevez finished off the game with a brilliant smash at the 45th minute just before the half time whistle was blown. It was evident that Tevez was determined to show a gesture to the crowd that he's still an important man at Old Trafford. On paper, City looked like having a squad capable of upsetting United but they never looked like getting back into the game. It could have been 3-0 too if not for the post which denied Carlos' goal. The most glaring incident in the game was in the 59th minute when Ronaldo was subbed off by Fergie to make way for Scholes. The tantrum was obvious. As Ronaldo left the field, he violently flicked the towel that was handed to him in frustration. Ahhhh..such sheer arrogance. Only one man in Old Trafford had the audacity to think that he had the "right" to throw tantrums, maybe out of his own ego that he may be bigger than the club or he's special enough to be indispensable. But still, he should have seen that the substitution was tactical in that since the game is more or less settled, his strength should be preserved for when it matters most. Ronaldo was still sulking at the stands while the game was progressing.

Reactions from the old boys on Ron's bad reaction were quick, notably from Cole and Yorke. Their warnings are the same: never mess with Fergie. Beckham did it, and he was out soon. Ruud van Nistelrooy sulked after the Carling Cup final and he paid the price for it. The hairdryer treatment may be reduced due to his grandfatherly nature now, but still, don't take Fergie for granted. He doesn't look keenly on those that think they're bigger than the club. It will be interesting to see how Fergie reacts in subsequent outbursts from Ron. As for the Man City incident, he told the press that he's ok with it. Ahhhh..but still one can't really assume how far Fergie's patience will run.

Anyways, a good derby victory and this would mean that Man Utd are only 4 points away from being guaranteed champions. Now, onward to Wigan!