United desire impresses O’Leary

DAVID O’LEARY is confident Aston Villa will not be the only ones devoured at Old Trafford this season as Manchester United try to satisfy their hunger for success.

Defeat by United is a familiar experience for Villa, who have now gone down in 13 of the 15 clashes between the sides since their last triumph, in the League Cup, back in 1999.

But there was something different about the latest setback, a driveand desire in United ranks, a totalrefusal to accept anything other than victory.

Twelve months ago, it was the type of game Alex Ferguson’s men ended up drawing, one of a succession of poor results against teams who should be beaten which eventually turned into an 18-point deficit on champions Chelsea.

Despite finding Thomas Sorensen at his agile best, there was never any question United would not emerge victorious.

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s goal may appear a slender margin of victory but O’Leary knew his injury-hit side were badly beaten. And he is also aware just how intense the desire is within United ranks to reclaim the title.

“Manchester United is a hungry club with a hungry agenda,” he said.

“They have made it clear they wanted to fly out of the traps, which is exactly what they have done. Chelsea’s money may have taken everybody out of reach player-wise but United still have a squad of tremendous players who are more than capable of winning the league.”

After a summer beset by dissension, suddenly all appears calm at the Red Devils. Breakaway club FC United, who also maintained their 100% record in the North West Counties League, may be a permanent reminder of the conflict raised by Malcolm Glazer’s £790m takeover but those fans now packing into Old Trafford seem to have accepted the American’s presence.

Anger at Rio Ferdinand has disappeared completely following his decision to sign a new four-year contract. The England centre-back has responded with assured performances befitting a future United skipper and, as he surged forward trying to get on the end of the Cristiano Ronaldo cross which eventually ended with Van Nistelrooy netting the only goal, Ferguson briefly thought Ferdinand’s first Red Devils goal was imminent.

“When the cross came in, I thought Rio was going to score,” smiled the United boss. “I should have known better.”

Instead, Van Nistelrooy stole in at the far post, for his third goal in as many competitive games this term.

“I didn’t think I played that well football-wise but as a striker it is always nice to score,” said Van Nistelrooy.

The Dutchman was the least effective of United’s offensive players, with new-boy Park Ji-Sung the star for an hour until Ronaldo arrived with his unique brand of trickery to unlock the visitors’ defence. Until then, it looked like half a dozen key saves from Sorensen would deny United.

Once they had got the goal, the hosts were never troubled. Three wins have also brought three clean sheets and Van Nistelrooy admits the defensive solidity is spreading confidence throughout the team.