BANISHING THE BLUES

The Daily Telegraph’s Henry Winter gushes and purrs:

‘Manchester United banished the blues yesterday, stopping Chelsea in their smooth stride and breathing new life into their own season. Showing the determination of their manager, re-paying a debt of loyalty to their supporters and reminding Roy Keane of their resilience, Sir Alex Ferguson's players stood up for themselves and stood firm in the teeth of the champions' pressure. Here was one broadcast United's players would like to make Keane sit through.

Alan Smith, one of those criticised by the United captain, responded most vigorously. Spiky of hair and commitment, Smith took the sight of a visitor settling in possession as a personal affront, and flew in to rectify the situation, tracking and tackling as if he had Keane on his shoulder, whispering the words from recent unflattering headlines.

Smith deservedly collected the man-of-the-match bubbly, a prize this down-to-earth teetotal soul will probably use as a door-stop. Not the type to paint the town red, Smith certainly painted the midfield red yesterday. Chelsea's midfielders could hardly catch breath, such was Smith's relentlessly dogged attentions. Frank Lampard increasingly resembled a jogger being chased down the road by a particularly annoying Yorkshire terrier.

Commitment and collectivity suffused United from start to finish.

In terminating Chelsea's 40-game unbeaten record in the league, United were far removed from the ghosts who had been vanquished at Middlesbrough and Lille over the past tumultuous week. Now they must maintain yesterday's conviction for the remainder of the season, starting at Charlton Athletic on Nov 19.

This will have done their confidence the world of good. Even in the opening minutes, when Rio Ferdinand was caught out by Lampard's long ball and Didier Drogba's pace, Van der Sar was there, saving his defender's blushes. That was the United way yesterday, covering for each other, showing a unity not witnessed in recent days.’