World Club Crap

So the World Club Cup starts for us tomorrow against Gamba Osaka, where we already know we'll play Quito in the final should we progress or Pachuca in the ridiculous third place play-off. Even if you do lend some credibility to the winner, do you really care who is the third best team in the world? That said, I think the truest way to determine that would be to look back at the losing semi-finalists of last year's Champions League and say 'Eeny meeny-miney Barcelona'. Ahem.

I think it is true that for most this tournament doesn't really matter, despite the spin being put on it by MUTV and the club in general except for Ferguson himself who seems to pay it lip service out of contract rather than admiration. If we win it, I will be happy and probably raise a drink to it (must have an excuse for the girlfriend, don't you know, and I'll be using “Christmas cheer” a lot over the coming two weeks) but should we lose I'll dismiss it as a cursory annoyance, much as I did with the game against Zenit. I missed the end of that game as I'd had enough and gone to bed. If I'd seen Paul Scholes' volleyball attempt at the time, I would not have been responsible for my actions.

So over the next few days I want four things to happen.

1) We start finding the net. My good friend Dimitar has picked up a virus (the lesser known 'Lazybastitis') and seems to be struggling to make the games and our adopted Scouser is also struggling with a knock, though rumours that this is an ankle strain after his intensive stamping practice of late are unconfirmed. Fingers crossed that Carlos gets the two full games he deserves and with the lack of other forwards maintains a much more forward role.

2) No major injuries. Obviously.

3) Paul Scholes getting his match fitness back. Fletcher has been outstanding in his absence but his game is totally different and we need someone to 'unlock the door' more than we need a grafter at the moment. Hopefully Scholesy is the missing piece at the moment.

4) To win the tournament. Screw what else I said, I want us to win everything.

In other news it is being said that Zoran Tosic is whoring us off to other teams, trying to secure the biggest contract possible. While I hope this is more Roy Keane in style than Lucas Neill in nature, I wonder at the incredulity of it all. We're offering this boy a chance at the big time, let's hope for both our sakes that it is success that drives him more than the money. If so, we'll get on just fine. If not, whoever wants him is welcome to him.