7Cantonas.com is delighted to bring you the post match thoughts of former United keeper Kevin Pilkington. United played Tottenham at the weekend and managed to go back to the top of the table. We also put some questions from our readers to him; to find out his thoughts on the game, Barcelona in 1994, “trials” and Sex and the City, read on.
United struggled to impose themselves on the game but Kevin feels the team deserve credit for their defensive work. “I thought the performance was ok today. Vidic and Ferdinand were superb today and Spurs only troubled United on a couple of occasions. It was always going to be a tough game with how well Spurs are doing at the moment.”
I thought that the two teams cancelled each other out with how they both set up as they were both playing similar formations. It would have been interesting to see what would have happened if Rooney had gone down in the first minute when put through? I definitely think a point was a fair result.”
With no goals, the big talking point of the game was the sending off of Rafael. It echoed the Bayern game last spring when the full back’s superb on pitch performance was marred by his lack of discipline; but Kevin says he can consider himself unfortunate for the second yellow.
“I thought Rafaels red card was very harsh. The first yellow fair enough though some would argue it. But the second one is a poor decision. The player has just run across him and Rafael has just tried to get out of the way. A foul yes but a yellow card I don’t think so! I was disappointed with him though for waving the imaginary yellow. There was no need for that.”
United’s system invited Spurs to attack and while it could fairly be argued United didn’t create much, Spurs rarely “dominated” the game at any point. Kevin echoes Sir Alex’s reflection that it was a point gained given the form of the home team.
“It would have been nice to come away from the game with all three points but it was never going to be easy. Spurs have some very talented players at the moment especially in Van Der Vaart and Bale so a point away from Old Trafford isn’t a disaster!”
Thanks to Kevin for his thoughts; be sure to check out his reflection on all United league games this season, only on 7Cantonas.
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We asked 7Cantonas readers on Twitter to put forward a few questions for Kevin. Some will appear here, and others will appear on Kevin’s column over at False10.com
@bmccan – How did it feel being part of the club when the Fledglings were coming through? In 95/96 did you feel a part of it?
It was a special time at the football club. You knew there were some very talented players coming through and when the manager decided it was time to start playing them he backed them 100%. that shows from when he started with the kids! at villa that season. Even though we got beat that day he stuck by them. To a certain degree I felt part of it but it was difficult sometimes.
@Garethwhyatt – you were part of the team when we got destroyed 4-0 at Barcelona in 1994. Could you have done better with any of the goals?
I was on the bench for that game and to be honest that was one of the best performances I have seen! Romario and Hristo Stoichkov ( please spell that right for me!) were unplayable. I don’t think Walshy could have done to much about the goals. That’s one of my best memories of being at United. Obviously not the result but as a kid I always wanted to play at Barcelona’s ground. I know I didn’t but I got very close.
@bishopsvillered – You attend lots of United games, were you always a supporter? Do a lot of players you know catch their childhood teams?
Yeah I like to get up to Old Trafford as much as possible. When I was a boy I used to go and watch forest play as my dad was a big fan. But once I went to United as a 17 year old it like a bug and you get sucked in to it. I had such a great time there and met so many nice people that you always feel part of it. There is still so many people who are there from when I was you’re always made to feel welcome.
@AlanTonge – Did you ever have a “court case” at United for not doing jobs (cleaning boots etc) properly? If so, were any of the class of 1992 punished?
Court cases haha! Can you imagine if you did some of that stuff now? They were a common occurrence! Boot polish, ice baths, boxing!!! To name a few.
@JY_MUFC – are you looking forward to Sex and the City 3?
Can’t wait for Sex and the city 3! As long as SJP’s in it.
Question for Kevin.
How did it feel to be part of one of united’s most embarrassing results re: York City 3-0 and was you disappointed when Schmeichel was pulled back in the team for the return leg to try and salvage it.