The Community Shield: A Look Back

Even with a couple of days reflection, the Community Shield was a wholly satisfying day. In fact, it couldn’t really have gone much better. We saw big performances from those who needed them and a couple of others came to the fore.

There was always the fear that the World Cup would hang over Rooney like a dark cloud and affect his performances as a United player. We hoped he would leave those angst-ridden performances in South Africa. He did just that. Even in 45 minutes in this encounter, he looked quicker, sharper and more confident. That weight on his shoulders so evident in the World Cup seemed to have been lifted.

He was by no means at his explosive best but he was a different player to the one we saw in the summer all the same. He picked out beautiful long balls, tracked back well and put in a sumptuous, round the corner ball for the Valencia goal. Predictably he was booed by the Chelsea fans but he emerged from the encounter with a smile on his face and that is crucial. A happy and confident Rooney will run rampant. To be honest, it is a massive relief to see Rooney back in a United shirt playing well. He looked crippled by fear and a different player for England in the summer.

There were other players who really stood out on the day such as Valencia, who had a very impressive game. It is rare ‘Cashley Cole’ is given the run around such as he was. His run and goal for the goal was sublime, as was his all round play. Valencia and Nani will prove key this season and give us an edge.

Scholes was absolute class and still provides us with something that none of other midfielders can. His dink on the edge of the box to put Rooney through was something you just wouldn’t see Fletcher or Carrick even attempting. He will probably will only play in half the games this season but, on this performance, we will see him in the big games.

It was nice to see Berba score a quality goal and a bit of confidence is all he needs. He clearly has the ability but has yet to really produce at Old Trafford. The finish for the goal was sheer class and it would be nice to see him doing this kind of stuff come next Monday against Newcastle. He will probably start but Hernandez will be breathing down his neck and comparisons with Solskjaer are already rife. Chicharito’s finish was hardly orthadox but effective nonetheless. This kid will score goals for United and his pace should stand him in good stead in the premiership.

All in all it was a good day for United. We looked under pressure at times, particularly in the second half, but pulled through to be relatively comfortable in the end. Our defence was shaky at times and I am not quite sure that Smalling is ready for this level just yet. There was some big performances from our big players and a good win against a top side. You can’t ask for much more than that.

For anyone who missed them, check out the highlights below.