“So what do you reckon?”…the refs whistle had barely blown when my phone whirled into life with the message….”where does that rank with the 1-4 v the Mancs or the 5-1 v Arsenal?”…I clicked reply and started to tap when I suddenly realised….I didn’t have a clue! See, in the immediate aftermath of that Arsenal game I was certain it’d been the best I’d seen us play. An absolute blitzkrieg assault which had left the Gunners reeling. 4-0 at half time and they were lucky to have zero. And don’t even get me started on the ridiculous post bound effort from Suarez.

Yeah that was better than the United game.  Without being lucky we’d rode our luck that day and been ruthless when the chances come our way. United were leading and actually in control before a Long clearance from Big Marty had the bolts in Vidics head squeaking and Torres had pounced like a cheetah on a lame gazelle (never mind Martin Tyler, David Attenborough should have done the commentary on that goal) After that of course the game changed but United were still a threat until Vidic – he never did like playing us – got himself sent off and Aurelio had ruthlessly despatched the free kick.

The passage of time of course has allowed a bit of reflection. Maybe I had been a bit hasty proclaiming the Arsenal game to be better? It was Fergies United after all. On the way to their 3rd consecutive title. At Old Trafford. Van der Sar. Ferdinand and vidic. Giggs. Rooney and Ronaldo. All Getting there arses handed to them……by Andrea Dossena! Even after that El Zhar and Babel – a deadly double act if ever there was one – almost combined for a 5th!

Which all brings us to City. Another 1-4. Again in Manchester. Couldve been about 8. And a week later I still can’t decide. 3 different games, managers and eras. So you know what? I’m just gonna enjoy it and hope for more of same. The United and Arsenal results ultimately never led to silverware and although the title this year must surely be beyond belief even for the most optimistic of us, fingers crossed that the City game is a sign of us getting right back amongst it and competing with the big boys. Up the Reds!

@The_Kopfather