I don't think many will contest that Manchester United's excellent defensive performance today can be accounted for by the return of Rio Ferdinand. Not only was he able to keep the likes of Hulk, Lisandro Lopez, and Cristian Rodriguez quiet, but he was also able to orchestrate the team to defend as a unit. Recently United have been giving up cheap goals and had failed to keep a clean sheet in five games because of the wobbly back-line. Yet with the return of the foundation of the defense Manchester was suddenly able to keep a clean sheet in the Estadio del Dragao, a burial ground for English sides. All in all the performance greatly resembled that of the semi-final last year vs. Barcelona, where a tentative yet purposeful and focused United side scored early and simply set up shop. Following this win, I think we can all expect a few more clean sheets from United as they regain their solidity.
On a separate yet related note, Berbatov again was unconvincing, and further fueled speculation over why United shelled out so much to get him. Much like Robbie Keane, I think he is finding it difficult to fit into a team where he is not the go-to man.
