Season 2011/12 Review: October 2011

October was a month memorable, if that’s the right word, for a record-equalling home defeat to City, our worst result against the neighbours since 1926.

The Reds had been less than convincing in the build up to a much-hyped derby. Barnstorming early season form had given way to some creakiness in defence and Norwich City, visiting Old Trafford for the first time in seven years, could count themselves unfortunate to come away with nothing. Reds were thankful for some panicked finishing by Paul Lambert’s side as goals from Anderson and Welbeck eventually secured the three points.

A visit to Anfield beckoned next, where United had been beaten in the last three league visits. Wayne Rooney, curiously, was dropped to the bench, while Danny Welbeck led the line in front of a five-man midfield. The plan to stifle Liverpool worked up to a point, but Sir Alex's men were undone by a free-kick when Steven Gerrard’s shot was allowed to sail through the wall and into the unguarded corner of the net. Javier Hernandez was on hand to pop up with a leveller, while Patrice Evra’s on-field spat with Luis Suarez would rumble into view in the days to come…

A tricky trip to Romania to meet Otelul Galati in Bucharest was negotiated with routine ease courtesy of a pair of Rooney penalties before the team flew back to England in preparation for the derby.

We needn’t agonise over the details, but here’s as quick a recap as we can muster: Balotelli sweeps in the opener after good work by James Milner, Jonny Evans is sent off early in the second half for a foul on the Italian and the Blues move into a three-goal lead after 70 minutes following a second for Balotelli and one from Aguero.

Fletch’s thunderbolt on 81 minutes is, in hindsight, a catalyst for the disaster that follows, because suddenly the Reds believe a comeback is possible and pour forward. City exploit the gaps in ruthless fashion, with Edin Dzeko bagging two and David Silva crowning a masterful display with one of his own.

After that humbling experience, it was important to remember that whatever the score, in the context of the league it was just one defeat. The tonic came in the most unlikeliest of places: Aldershot, where the Carling Cup run continued in fine form thanks to goals from Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Owen and Antonio Valencia.

A 1-0 win at Goodison Park - always a tough place to go - wrapped up the month. Chicharito netted the all-important goal, while a clean sheet marshalled by the returning Nemanja Vidic helped heal the defensive wounds. United remained in sight of the leaders.

Goal of the month - Darren Fletcher vs City
A sweet strike into the top corner that would have been memorable in any derby, except this one.

Player of the month - Javier Hernandez
Not the most glorious of months for anyone in Red, but Chicharito’s goals pinched a point at Anfield and all three at Everton, so his case for being most influential is persuasive.

Quote of the month
“It was our worst-ever day. Even as a player I don’t think I ever lost 6-1… [But] we’ll come back. By January we’ll be okay.” - Sir Alex Ferguson

October 2011 Results

PL: United 2 Norwich 0
PL: Liverpool 1 United 1
CL: Galati 0 United 2
PL: United 1 Man City 6
CC: Aldershot 0 United 3
PL: Everton 0 United 1

Owen on the mark against Aldershot in the Carling Cup