19 is a pretty significant number for United after last season’s historic title success. The same number loomed large again at Old Trafford on Saturday.
United’s victory over Norwich was their 19th home league victory on the trot – a club record. That’s the equivalent of a whole season of wins at Old Trafford. It’s a year since a team left M16 without losing in the Premier League. West Brom were the last team to manage it, coming back from 2-0 down to rescue a point.
Since then, 19 games, 19 wins, 54 goals scored and 11 conceded. That’s a remarkable record and I think it’s been a little bit overlooked in the media. It was incredibly hard work for United on Saturday. I thought Norwich were supremely well organised and made life very difficult for the Reds. But the Champions got the job done. That’s a skill that shouldn’t be underestimated.
Not playing particularly well but winning games is often the hallmark of Champions. That was a point made by Phil Jones when I spoke to him after the game. I thought the 19-year-old was excellent once again on Saturday. Some of his clearances and interceptions were pivotal. In the early days of his United career, he’s played in various defensive positions and injuries have meant he’s not been involved in a settled back-four. And yet he’s slotted in brilliantly wherever he’s been asked to.
It’s amazing how quickly he’s become an integral part of the United side. Deservedly, Jones has been named in the senior England squad for the Euro 2012 qualifiers. It wouldn’t surprise me if he became captain of his country in the next few years. The England side at next summer's European Championships could well have a backbone of talent from Old Trafford. Smalling, Jones, Young, Rooney, Cleverley and Welbeck are all realistic starters. And I’d argue strongly that Rio Ferdinand’s days as an international footballer
You may want to rest up during the international break because the hype will crank into overdrive when it’s over. First, a trip to Anfield for what’s always a landmark fixture. Then it’s off to Romania for a must-win game followed by the Manchester derby. What a week! Finally, yet more proof that it’s never dull working with Paddy Crerand. During our commentary of the Norwich game a shot of Delia Smith appeared on our screen. He called the famous Canaries fan, “Celia”! What would we do without the great man?
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