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ALI'S BIG MATCH PREVIEW - MANCHESTER UNITED v MIDDLESBROUGH 26-10-07
Alastair Brownlee
ORDER YOUR COPY OF ALI'S NEW BOOK 'VOICE OF THE BORO' RIGHT HERE
There can be no repeat of last Saturday's flat performance against Chelsea as Boro travel to Manchester United this weekend in search of a positive result to not only start the climb up the table, but also to restore belief that this can still be a good season for the club.
The fans who witnessed the 2-0 defeat inflicted by the Blues can only have been hurt by the way in which the side seemed resigned to their fate long before the final whistle.
Watching from the press box my thoughts drifted back to Ayresome Park afternoons when a thundering challenge from a Graeme Souness or a Gary Hamilton made sure that the opposition knew that they were in a battle and this was our territory to be fought over to the last ounce of sweat.
Hopefully, the desire to turn the Riverside into a fortress will have returned by the time that Spurs arrive on 3 November, but first up is the journey to Old Trafford.
United are in terrific form having scored twelve goals in their previous three fixtures as a 4-0 home win over Wigan, was followed by away day triumphs of 4-1 at Aston Villa and a champions league 4-2 victory at Kiev on Tuesday evening.
The goal spree has been the ideal response to critics who suggested earlier this season that Sir Alex's side were struggling to score goals and it is also a warning to the Boro defence that they have to hit top form on Saturday and not continue the recent run of conceding sloppy goals.
In a bid to lift the spirits ahead of the trip across the Pennines I had a look back at some terrific performances at the home of the Red Devils and gave myself a reminder that Boro have quite often returned with at least a point.
Last season, of course, Mark Viduka's goal helped Boro to a 1-1 draw but looking further back Alen Boksic inspired Steve McClaren's side, in Mac's first season as Boro boss, to go to Old Trafford and earn a 1-0 win on 23 March 2002.
In terms of entertainment and thrills the 3-2 win just before the Carling Cup triumph in 2004 would take some beating as Juninho scored twice and late on Joseph Job warmed up for Cup final heroics with a late winner.
Nevertheless, the three point display at United that stands out the most has to be the match played on 19 December 1998, seven days after Bernie had declared on Century that;
"If Boro win at Old Trafford I will show my backside in Binns window!"
On the way to the match Bernie received a call from Gary Pallister, who was playing for Boro that afternoon, and Gary certainly made him aware that the players knew just exactly what was at stake!
Goals from Hamilton Ricard and Dean Gordon brought the observation in commentary that;
"Bernie has half a cheek out!"
And when Brian Deane added a third it seemed all over, Unfortunately United launched a fight back and with seconds to go it was back to 3-2.
Mark Schwarzer then threw the ball to Gary Pallister who lost possession to Andy Cole and Century listeners were stunned to hear Bernie shout;
"Come on Andy!"
Cole chipped Schwarzer but racing back ,Steve Vickers headed off the line, and on the final whistle all you could hear around Old Trafford was;
"Bernie, Bernie show us your bum!"
Captain Andy Townsend even led the players towards the press box pointing at Bernie and then their backsides!
As the Slaven rear was unveiled in Binns' the following Monday it still remains one of Bernie's talking points that more came to see his backside than came to his testimonial!
I am not sure what the extra motivation might be on Saturday but let's hope that the players return home with something to show for their ninety minutes work.
One player who is in need of his first Boro goal is Tuncay who is still coming to terms with life in the Premier League.
Gareth has great faith that the Turkish international will come good and I share the manager's view that once he opens his account for Boro that we will see his confidence improve.
It has been tough for Tuncay in terms of adjusting to a new style of play and then picking up an injury but he does possess ability to cope with the demands of life in top flight football in England and what bigger stage to show it on than at Old Trafford on Saturday?
Away from the Riverside and there has been a great deal of interest in Watford's terrific start to the season and the form shown by Adam Johnson who is on loan at the Hornets and is making his mark with the league leaders.
Johnson has an impressive four goals in seven starts and is clearly benefiting from his spell in the Coca Cola Championship, which can only bode well for his chance of making his mark in the Premier League with Boro when his loan spell ends.
I will be at Old Trafford on Saturday providing regular updates for Century FM and then on Sunday I will be with Bernie for Simply Red Sunday.
As well as the usual features and the chance to win Sunday lunch for two at the Bluebell Hotel, Acklam Road, Middlesbrough our special guests will include the great goalkeeper of the 1950s Rolando Ugolini, the former Danish international striker Mikkel Beck and our terrific captain from the seventies Stuart Boam.
This weekk's Boro On The Web slot is with special guest James Bassett.
So join in the fun from 11am until 1pm by calling 08450021100 or send a text 85102.
I am also looking forward to next week when my book "Voice of the Boro' hits the bookshelves. It's a hard-backed book priced at £12 that looks back over my 25 years reporting on the Boro and includes a complimentary CD that includes some of the commentary moments that struck a chord with the fans.
The book is kindly sponsored by Joe Rigatonis and the first signing session will be in the Hill Street Shopping Centre on Wednesday from 4 until 5-15pm. And afterwards "Everyone round my house for a parmo!"
ORDER YOUR COPY OF ALI'S NEW BOOK 'VOICE OF THE BORO' RIGHT HERE
RETURN TO ALASTAIR BROWNLEE INDEX PAGE HERE
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