A lot of things stood out for me today.
First off, it looked like they didn't stop playing while ours looked like they've been sitting on a beach somewhere enjoying the holidays.
They were fresher, sharper, gave more, we looked sluggish, lethargic, not bothered.
Some players looked like they've gotten a bit too big for the boots. They earn it at the Rags, they're given it here. You're not going to paid that much, or spent that much on to sit on the bench.
They pulled together as a team, we played as individuals. And that's something that money can't buy. We've a group of individuals.
They never really worry, 2-0 down, that's no bother, we'll fix it. We'll sort it. They don't panic.
They know if they keep pressing they'll get a goal, and 90% of the time, they do, and they wont stop, not until the final whistle, they always play to the last kick of the game, and it shows when you look at the time on the clock.
It doesn't seem to matter who wears their jersey, they'll always do well, and I envy that beyond words. Money doesn't buy you everything unfortunately.
And as well, it was like they were making a statement. It's like, it doesn't matter who you buy, we're still United, we'll still win. We're champions, and we'll always set the bar.
We might have forked out a load of money on superstars, but someone will always do it for them, be it Rooney or Cleverley, Smalling, etc. Each player is as important as the other when they've the jersey on. Be it Rooney or that lad Jones.
It was only the community shield, win or loose, but I'd rather have us shown up and thought a lesson now, than them do it again in the season that's to come. And I hope, I know we'll learn from it.
And I'd also like to add that it's good to see a lot on here taking this the way it should be taken, beaten by a better team on the day, simple as, no excuses, just outplayed. I miss that attitude, and sadly you don't usually get to see it, especially if it's a loss against the Rags.
Hopefully our lot will realize that they've to work hard, not just turn up to get their pay.
We've a positive season ahead, but a lot of learning to do, and we were owned today, simple as. Hopefully it will be a valuable lesson. You learn nothing from winning. This will make us a better team. Winning would have done nothing but worsen the false sense of security that these players have.
