why so black and lonely?

United haters everywhere are delighted as we finally won the "Mickey Mouse Cup". Mickey Mouse Cup or not, when we’re in the final, we treat it with businesslike demeanor as usual. This time, sorry Wigan was trumped.

How times have changed, or to put it more appropriately, how the power have shifted from the mighty Red to the sickening color of Blue. We usually have our silverwares handed in May, but now it’s still in February but we have nothing more to compete for the season. We must do something about this fast. We must put away anyone that stands in our way, even if it’s Wigan fairy tale-like adventure.

Sorry. We’re Manchester United, and we crush other people’s fairy tale. For the time being, this one is for you, Smudge.

The record that stood for 85 years had finally been broken, and it was a heavy blow for us. Not only it destroyed our chance for a Cup double, but also it proved that what Gary did at Old Trafford last month was wrong. Karma, anyone? We were outfought and outmuscled in every part of the pitch, and I would have settled for a draw in a faint hope for a miracle at Old Trafford.

Our main source of battling quality had fallen, and it was a sight that would make the toughest guy cringe with fear. "Fractured leg and dislocated ankle" probably a phrase that would someday be mentioned in the same sentence with Alan Smith, considering the way he played the game. But when it finally came true, it really broke my heart.

Hope to see you soon again, Smudger.

Are you alright? Are you overloaded? Are you doing fine? Do you need help? Can you still cope with it? Is everything okay? Please tell us if you need help, coz we won’t know unless you tell us.

Do you really want to know? I’m not sure you do.

Ronaldo proved that his goal last week was no fluke as he scored again from roughly the same distance last Saturday. If only he could do it consistently week in, week out just like the No. 7 before him.

United’s performance in the first half was near to excellence, and we believed that the second half was going to be a stroll in the park. It turned out the other way around. Our defense was bombarded by Pompey, and Howard had to work hard to repel their attack. It was funny to see our back four seemed to be shaky and nervous after Van Der Sar left. And when Howard’s goal was finally punctured 2 minutes from time, I couldn’t help but felt annoyed at it.

I found out this weekend that I might miss watching the Carling Cup final. What a very bad timing.

By the way, if you can supply me with a book entitled "Unlimited Reasons to Wake Up Every Morning and Bathe in Cold Water", I might be interested in buying. I lost mine, and I’m not really in the mood in thinking of it for myself.

Of all the people, I thought you’re the one who could be more grateful, appreciative, and understanding. I thought wrong, and I think that feeling is mutual between us. So, what’s the point of it?

Rio…oh Rio.