Javier Hernández celebrates scoring for Manchester United
against Chelsea. Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
• When was the last time the English league's curtain raiser
took place without a single new signing to whet the appetite in
either side's starting XI? It reflects the new austerity that both
Chelsea and Manchester United, neither of whom
have been immune to the odd £30m transfer in recent years, are
scarcely changed. Although the arrival of Ramires is expected to
happen any day now, and there are more than three more weeks to go
until the transfer window shuts, it is hard to envisage a major
facelift anywhere outside Manchester City. Against this backdrop,
Javier Hernández came on at half-time and fired the imagination
with his eager running and clever flicks. The young Mexican is
infectiously exciting. His buzzing presence altered the tone of the
game. Although he miscued when Dimitar Berbatov presented him with
a chance, something told you Chicharito – "little pea" – would soon
be in the groove. A few minutes later he kicked Antonio Valencia's
cross against his own face and the ball bounced in. When you've got
it, you've got it ...
• Chelsea really shouldn't be suffering a World Cup hangover for
the simple reason that most of their players ought to be massively
grateful to be back playing in an environment where they are
cherished, and their team generally knows how to function in a way
that brings the best out of its parts. Incidentally, it was no
surprise to hear a spot of pantomime in the uber-competitive world
of the Premier League's top end. With a nod to the grand traditions
of Widow Twanky, the opening few minutes were accompanied by
partisan boos and cheers. Any time an England player in blue
touched the ball he was roundly jeered by the Manchester United
fans and hailed by the protective masses in the Chelsea end, while
Wayne Rooney duly got the opposite treatment. How they must be
looking forward to coming back here in midweek for some genial
international fare.
• If Chelsea were a little flat by their own high standards,
then at least they were able to demonstrate their hatred of losing
to force a close finish and put their opponents into a nervous
position that did not look likely when the scoreline was 2-0 in
United's favour. Chelsea do not look as ready for the season as the
team expected to challenge them hardest for their title. They have
not enjoyed a fruitful pre-season from a defensive point of view,
where some of the wobbles they encountered last season have reared
up again. As for the attacking rhythm that propelled them towards
so many goals last term, Carlo Ancelotti's men are not quite
fizzing yet.
• How many performances can Sir Alex expect from Paul Scholes
and Ryan Giggs this season? The evergreen pair still exert a mighty
influence, and Scholes sprayed searching passes around with the
nonchalance of a kid in the park. Critics talk about Chelsea's team
ageing, but the three veterans whose talents show no sign of
abating at Old Trafford remain key to United's aspirations. None
more so than Edwin van der Sar. He will turn 40 in a couple of
months, but looked particularly sharp, focused and dominant here.
Whenever Chelsea found a penetrating pass, and a shot on target,
the Dutchman plucked it away brilliantly. He was only beaten by a
rebound, and looked suitably irritated. This is a friendly,
remember, and to have that kind of desire at the base of your team
underlines why Fergie will fancy his team's chances for that
meaningful title No19.