Source: Daily_Mail
Manchester United's win at Blackpool convinced me they were heading for title
Share[LNB]There's usually a moment in every season isn't there? That day or night when you just have that feeling that a certain team is going to go all the way.[LNB]For me, the realisation that nothing was going to stop Manchester United winning a 19th league title in 2011 came on a cold January night at Bloomfield Road.[LNB]I was in Brussels as it happens, not Bloomfield Road, and I wasn't particularly expecting a humdinger when I eventually stumbled upon a bar showing the game in that most cozy of European capitals.[LNB] Pure drama: Dimitar Berbatov scores Manchester United's winner at Blackpool[LNB]It was quickly clear that it wasn't going to be an ordinary night though, whatever happened. Craig Cathcart headed the hosts in front, and before half-time DJ Campbell added a second.[LNB]Charlie Adam was pulling the strings for Blackpool, and United were a right old mess at the back. It actually could have been worse for Sir Alex Ferguson's men. Bloomfield Road looked to be in a delirious state, in that smashing old school way.[LNB]I recall calling my father at half-time and explaining that United were producing one of their more erratic performances of the season. OK, so I probably didn't use the word erratic. I expressed doubt that they could pull the game round, but with the disclaimer that 'you never know with that club'.[LNB]As it happened, Blackpool received what appeared to be the unluckiest of breaks just after the interval, when Rafael appeared to bundle Luke Varney over in the penalty area, but the referee refused to point to the spot.[LNB]United were running out of time as the second half progressed, and Ferguson needed to make something happen. He sent on Javier Hernandez, the Mexican who was already becoming something of a cult hero at Old Trafford.[LNB] We've only come back and won it: Berbatov celebrates United's winner[LNB]United gave themselves hope when Dimitar Berbatov turned in Darren Fletcher's cross with 18 minutes remaining, and soon after Hernandez latched on to a fine pass from Ryan Giggs, and slotted the ball home for a precious equaliser.[LNB]United were now rampant, and the whole mood of the evening had changed. It was actually little surprise that with the 90 minutes almost up, Paul Scholes put Berbatov through, and the Bulgarian gleefully fired United 3-2 in front.[LNB]The teams carried on past the 100 minute mark due to Rafael receiving lengthy attention after picking up an injury. This only added to the theatre, with the time ticking up towards 11 o'clock at night Belgian time.[LNB]The final whistle was eventually blown, and the sheer delight on the face of Sir Alex told the story. By this stage, I had become new best friends with a bunch of strangers, and spent the next couple of hours excitedly talking about football past, present and future. That's what that silly game can do to you. I found time to call my father, to inform him that 'that club' had somehow done it again.[LNB]I remember one chap in the bar saying that it was 'a turning point' as United went five points clear of second placed Arsenal. Even though there were 15 games left, I privately suspected it was even more than that, and that my hunch of the previous summer was to prove correct.[LNB]As I made my way back to my Brussels hotel, I somehow knew that United were heading for a 19th league title.[LNB] A new landmark: Manchester United's 19th title puts them ahead of old rivals Liverpool[LNB] Written off by many, but they're kings of English football yet again... Just how do Manchester United do it?Rooney reveals practice makes perfect as striker claims 19th title for UnitedNow for Manchester United's 20th title, says jubilant boss Ferguson[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Dimitar Berbatov, Alex Ferguson, Luke Varney, Darren Fletcher, Ryan Giggs, Charlie Adam, Paul Scholes Places: Brussels
