Manchester United; Keano’s Time to Shine, (Again)

keano's influence tonight will be in the spotlight.

With Pavlyuchenko out of the picture and probably the first player moving this winter transfer window, eyes now move away from his input in our cup campaign; (which notably last season, included a spectacular finish against Manchester United). What this does mean however, is that the ever-prodigal son Robbie Keane is looking to state his claim on a starting berth despite certain critics suggesting pseudo-jovially that his contract prevented him from starting on the bench. Whilst the pairing of Defoe and Crouch in the last two games, (as well as the introduction of Kranjcar on the left) definitely payed dividends, Harry is a man who knows seemingly knows the recipe, and his insistance that Robbie should play the majority of the season thus far despite to the uneducated lacking the pinasche of his peers is an intelligence that shouldn’t be discounted.

What Robbie does offer; and many fans can testify to, is the winning mentality, (look above for evidence), and is notably one of the great characters in our dressing room. It can be said that he will never be the same Robbie that partnered Berbatov, and many fans are aggrieved by this very cold fact. But the truth is that it is not that he has left his heart in the cold corridors of Anfield; it is simply that without the aforementioned Bulgarian, (who’s form at Manchester is also indicative of this riddle), he’s missing the telepathic foil that led to his most memorable moves. Whilst after the fallout of the move-back it can now be said that Robbie’s heart is in generally back in the right place; (would you begrudge yourself a move to Spurs from Bolton if offered?) It is notable that he is now in the position where Spurs have the ability to achieve what Liverpool under the shifty guidance of Benitez will most probably fail to achieve this season, (save for massive economic restructuring or intervention). Hopefully this will buoy Robbie and allow him to become the player he always saw himself being; even if it is in a white shirt rather than a red one.

Notably; headlines seem to indicate that Redknapp is happy to state a claim that we’re aiming for a top four spot this season rather than success in cup competitions which over recent years seem to have provided a nice distraction from failures in the league. Whilst this is the best route for the club in terms of the economic growth and consolidation of assets, the fans might find coming short of that spot in the league a little disconcerting. However it does seem that at the helm of the club we have a great progressive figurehead in relation to Daniel Levy, who despite claims that he’s building up the club simply to sell it on is definitely taking the club forward in front of our very eyes. So at once the cups become a different beast entirely; once a sanctum of sorts for ‘our’ style of classic football competition without the over ruling presence of economies of scale and the shifty politics that come with it. Now it is a bit of a distraction from the commitments we have in the league; along with neverending issue of pleasing a squad that’s depth is nearly unparalleled in the rest of the league. Oh how things change and in such a short time.

Tonight’s match as such is seemingly underlined by both manager’s indifference to the competition. Redknapp whilst aware of the rewards of cup glory; especially for an underachieving club such as ours has his eyes set on another prize; whereas Fergie would only really consider a win in the final as a multiplier to beef up the accolades from more economically rewarding competitions. It has all the makings of being a great match.

No seriously; it should be good. Especially seeing as in our recent history Manchester United seem to have always been there causing heartbreak; and with the suggestion that Manchester United’s squad tonight will be somewhat a young muted side; we should be looking to take the game in a convincing and entertaining manner, as is our original style, (and not Arsenal’s might I add.)

Other notable appearances tonight should include Alan Hutton, Gareth Bale, Jermaine Jenas and David Bentley. All of which in my eyes are players of great potential with the ability to produce top performances. Bring on Macheda and Welbeck.