A comeback of courage

Back from the dread
"[As soon as Rooney made it 2-1], the home fans just knew they were going to witness a trademark Reds comeback. A four-goal blast in 19 memorable minutes turned a damaging defeat into a comfortable win – amazing!"
- Stewart Gardner, MUTV


If you had to use one word to sum up United’s efforts at Upton Park on Saturday, what would it be? Character? Determination? Either would be spot on. But my MUTV co-commentator Paddy Crerand said bravery was the best way of describing the Reds.

Bravery is perhaps not the most obvious word to use but it works. The players were brave because they kept on playing the same way despite going 2-0 down at West Ham. There was no panic, no lumping the ball forward in desperation. United played with the air of a team who had been down this road so many times and just knew that something was going to happen.
The boss also showed bravery. When Patrice Evra failed to appear for the second half and Ryan Giggs went to left back, I just assumed that the Frenchman had fallen victim to United’s defensive injury curse. But no, remarkably Sir Alex decided that he wanted to play Giggs at left back as he’d offer more of an attacking threat. Can you think of any other manager who would have made such an audacious move? Bravery.
Perhaps the greatest compliment that you can pay United is that no-one was surprised at the comeback. But, be honest, 20 minutes had elapsed in the second half and it was still 2-0 to West Ham – had you began to lose a bit of hope? The players certainly hadn’t. The half-time message from the boss - “the next goal will win this game" - was still fresh in their minds. As soon as Wayne Rooney’s deliciously curled freekick hit the back of the net, there was a palpable feeling of dread around Upton Park. The home fans just knew that they were going to witness a trademark Reds comeback and the West Ham players just seemed to shrivel. A four-goal blast in 19 memorable
minutes turned a damaging defeat into a comfortable win – amazing!
On BBC's Match of the Day, Alan Hansen said United were “abysmal” in the first half. I know I’m biased but I really can’t agree. The Reds had almost two thirds of the possession and forced 16 corners in the game to West Ham's none. "Abysmal"? Hardly.
I have to admit that I’m beginning to wonder if there’s a serious anti-United bias in much of the media. Rather than concentrate on the comeback or Rooney’s hat-trick, all the talk has been about Wayne’s reaction after his third goal. Yes, it was a mistake but it was a heat of the moment incident, an outpouring of emotion after a crucial goal was scored by a man who’s been through an awful lot over the last twelve months. He apologised afterwards – so let’s move on.
The train journey home was a happy one after another tremendous hat-trick – Arsenal drawing, Chelsea also dropping points and Liverpool losing! It's back to London again on Tuesday with United's pre-match press conference taking place in the refined surroundings of Lords. Wonder if the boss will answer the questions with a straight bat or will he hit out all over the place?!