With the Oscars happening
last night, I thought it would be fun to write a quick article handing out awards
for the United season thus far. Granted, there’s no way I can give out an award
for best Actress, but I’ll do my best to give a parallel award for some of the
major categories. Bear with me.
Academy Award for Best Result
(Best Picture)
Nominees:
September 14th
vs QPR: 4 – 0
November 22nd
vs Arsenal: 2 - 1
November 29th
vs Hull: 3 – 0
December 14th
vs Liverpool: 3 – 0
And the winner is…
United 4 QPR 0 – Way back in September, if you can remember back
that far, United had one of their most complete performances this season.
Granted, the result came against a side who is now fighting to avoid relegation
in QPR, but the performance is still in my opinion United’s best showing. It
was a game of debuts for the Reds as Rojo, Blind, and Falcao all made their
first appearance with the team. Rafael and Herrera also returned from injury to
give the squad a needed boost. Di Maria sparkled in his home debut, netting a
goal off of a brilliant free kick and setting up Juan Mata in the second half;
Rooney and Herrera joined them on the scoring sheet. In defense, van Gaal used
a back four consisting of Jonny Evans, youngster Tyler Blackett, and the
aforementioned Rojo and Rafael. Blind played a holding role with Herrera, Di
Maria, and Mata completing the midfield and Rooney and van Persie up top. The
Reds dominated possession and the scoring chances, as well as holding QPR off
the scoring sheet to get their first win of the season.
Academy Award for Biggest
Drama Queen (Best Actress)
Nominees:
Rafael
Falcao
Angel
di Maria
Adnan
Januzaj
And the winner (loser, really) is…
Angel di Maria – Di Maria made the move from La Liga to the Premier
League last summer, and it still looks like he hasn’t adapted to the physical
nature of the league. Plenty of times in a game he’ll go to ground far too
easily expecting to get a call from the ref, often rolling around in apparent
agony as if he’s been shot in the leg. Don’t get me wrong, di Maria has also
been one of the best players for United this season, but it’d be nice if when
he’s fouled he could simply get to his feet and dust himself off. You’re not in
Spain anymore, di Maria.
Academy Award for Best Player
(Best Actor)
Nominees:
Wayne
Rooney
Robin
van Persie
Marcos
Rojo
Luke
Shaw
And the winner is…
Wayne Rooney – Wayne Rooney has given everything he could for
United this season. When van Gaal asked him to drop into an attacking midfield
role, he did. When van Gaal asked him to play in a holding midfield role, he
did. And when Rooney has played striker, he’s looked as good as ever. In the
midfield, Rooney holds the ball up and looks for the best passes to spring
other players in on goal. He switches the ball from side to side with terrific
long balls to create space. He even contributes on the defensive end. As a
striker, he’s been able to link up with the other players and keep the
attacking move going, rarely losing the ball; he’s also second in goal scoring
to van Persie. Most importantly, though, is his role as a leader. He’s rallied
the squad when need be to rescue many late results and he’s led by example.
Academy Award for Best Foreign
Player (Foreign Language Film)
Nominees:
Robin
van Persie
Daley
Blind
Angel
di Maria
Antonio
Valencia
And the winner is…
Daley Blind - Blind has been one of the most consistent players
thus far this season for United. Whether being played at holding mid, central
defender, or left back, Blind has performed well. He is able to maintain
possession and switch the point of attack to keep the defense on its toes,
while also being able to deliver incisive passes. In addition, on a couple of
occasions, he has answered the prayers of United fans everywhere by scoring
late goals to save a result for the team, most recently in the 92nd
minute against West Ham to rescue a draw.
Academy Award for Best
Supporting Player (Supporting Actor)
Nominees:
Michael
Carrick
Radamel
Falcao
Wayne
Rooney
Angel
di Maria
And the winner is…
Angel di Maria – His second award, but this one actually for a good
thing. Di Maria leads United players this season with eight assists thanks to
his ability to make pacey runs at the opposition’s defense and create numerous
chances for his teammates. If the other players could be more efficient in
finishing, his assist record would probably be even higher. There’s no doubt
that Di Maria has brought flair back to a United squad that was, for lack of a
better word, boring at times last season. Look for di Maria to continue to
improve as he gets better accustomed to his new team.Credit to: Bleacher Report, Talksport, and Daily Mail for images
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