Extended version.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year for the second straight year.

A moment of honesty, if you will allow me.

I used to Hate (and no, that’s not an overstatement) Cristiano Ronaldo. Every year when I got a copy of Fifa, my first move would always be to trade him from United. I’d accept the first offer just to be rid of him. When watching the Euro 2004 finals in a bar in Paris, I was one of two guys in the entire bar that was rooting for Greece. The other guy, a hilariously drunk Englishman was rooting for them because he had placed a large wager against Portugal and was hoping for a big payday. I was rooting for Greece specifically because I didn’t like Cristiano and his ridiculously large diamond stud earrings nor his ridiculously large swagger. He was too young, too petulant, and maybe too promising for my liking.

I openly said that I’d be happy to see him leave United after the World Cup 2006 fiasco. Seeing England go out was terrible, but his involvement in Rooney’s sending off was almost unforgivable.

But then something happened.

Cristiano grew up.

Over the past two seasons he’s matured considerably, and I defy anyone to say otherwise. Gone are the days of theatrical dives, of cry-baby faces at every non-call. There is not one player that I see in any league fouled more than him, but he now gets up quickly and then makes the opposition pay. He’s earned a lot of begrudging respect over the past season and even the one prior. He’s atoned for his previous sins and won-over the crowd at Old Trafford.

I guess that all this is to say that players can change. I love seeing him score now because it is as though he knows he is working to pay off a debt to the fans. He scores now to earn respect of his peers and the fans of the game, and when he does you can see the expression on his face is not one of joy but one of a person overcoming a burden.

He is, without a shadow of a doubt, the best player in the world right now. He will win the World Player of the Year honours as well and no one will have legitimate argument against it.

I won’t forget his past - I still hate that kid - but I love the player he’s become and I respect his ambition and drive and how he’s carried a team full of greats.

In a month, either this post or United’s season will be all for nought.

I’m a little worried. There, I said it. My confidence in the team’s killer instinct is wavering because of their past two results. I’m trying to figure out what’s missing that has kept them from finishing off teams off - leadership maybe?

Here’s the thing, we should’ve beaten Chelsea on Saturday and we should’ve played more aggressively on Wednesday against Barcelona. I mean Chelsea don’t even like playing together - they bicker on the field, they play selfishly, they’re chumps (for the most part…)

And suddenly when the EPL crown seemed tied up for a second straight year, we’re now in a must win situation for the next two games.

BUT

I might be worrying for nothing. Chelsea’s been known to play poorly away against opponents they should beat and United can definitely take Wigan and West Ham. So a loss from the chumps coupled with a win from United should be enough to set the ship right.

And, hopefully, Fergie was playing for the draw in Barcelona knowing that Old Trafford is a fortress. A strong performance at home and we’re off to Moscow for the Champion’s League final.

It’s ideal, but I think both results are attainable.

BUT

Let’s hope Riise doesn’t shank another one into his own net, because playing Chelsea for both trophies is a bit boring. Nothing’s better than a Liverpool-United final. Nothing.

My first live game of the season having finally gotten my hands on some season tickets. It was amazing as always and the result is one I’ll take everyday. We just looked good yesterday - very very good. Ricketts and Robert didn’t even have great games but their presence alone has elevated the expectations and confidence of the entire squad. Everyone is playing with more confidence - even Velez actually had a good game. Seriously.

We’re now one game over .500 for the first time ever - and in fifth place overall. That’s pretty great for a team that was written off before the season began and deemed hopeless after their second game. I dreaded another year of the fans being TFC’s greatest highlight, but that won’t be the case this year. Yesterday the team earned centre-stage with a gritty and even dominating, at times, performance. Guevara looked miles above anyone one else on the pitch in terms of quality. Other than Beckham, I don’t think there’ll be a scarier sight for MLS ‘keepers this year than Robert and Guevara lining up a free-kick at the same time.

Speaking of ‘keepers, Hartman still sucks. I developed a strong dislike for him last ear in the home opener and he still remains my least favourite player in the league. It’s not a totally rational dislike, but I’m going to stick with it. Judging from the heckles (mainly to do with his ‘98 Backstreet Boy hair) I don’t think I’m alone in this.

Some thoughts/observations:

• Matty Stajan is a beauty. He completed an the trifecta of sitting in the supporter’s section, wearing a Manchester United jersey, and drinking a big beer. Well played Stajan, now bring that level of awesome to the ice.
• Section 113 and half of 114 is amazing. Section 115 is pretty great too. But the half of section 114 that’s closer to 115 is WAY too quiet and, unfortunately, that’s where I’m sitting… We have to work on that - it was good, but could be way better. Until the second half, it was almost like a dead spot in the supporters section.
• I think Dichio is having some confidence problems. He skied a tap in yesterday, which happens to the best of players. Unfortunately it’s becoming a trend over the past few games. I think he’ll get over it though - gotta have faith in heroes.
• Beer being available at concession stands is much better than just at beer-only stands. Definitely helped cut down on lines. Didn’t eat yesterday, but I’m hearing good things about the revised menu.
• While sitting in the supporters’ section, girls are automatically a point and a half better looking. If they’re also wearing a TFC jersey, it’s plus two points. Good for them.
• Seriously though, Velez didn’t suck. I know, but I’m really not lying.
• Hartman definitely still does though.
• Sutton has two clean-sheets in a row. He’s great.
• Robert and Guevara both came with the warning that they tend to have a great game but follow it with a no-show. If they can keep this stagger up and alternate dominant performances, we’re sitting pretty.
• Thursday is the NY Red Bulls come to town. We hate them, so cheer/heckle accordingly.

I’m excited for this team’s possibilities. This is going to be fun!

More later.

…well that was a crap start to the day. Where was the killer instinct? Just being gentlemanly and keeping up the sportsmanship by giving Chelsea a chance? Probably not, but really, wtf.

On a related note, how hilarious is Drogba? What a goof.

Alright - time to watch TFC break .500 for the first time ever. I can’t be wrong twice in a day, right?

There’s more to the story than just needing to free-up a roster spot for Olivier Tebily. That much I’m certain of because Hemming’s spot was not one that Tebily can occupy (Hemming was a Canadian under a developmental contract.)

He’s also been playing some solid soccer for the squad in both reserve games and when called upon to play with the senior team.

This leads me to believe that Hemming asked to be waived and Mo obliged. He’d been falling lower on the depth chart with the recent additions to the team but there’s no reason he couldn’t get more playing time somewhere else.. Hopefully, for the sake of his career and for the sake of Canadian soccer, he’s been offered some first team action somewhere.

Otherwise, not the happiest guy to see him go.

Told ya.

Sources are confirming that after all the posturing this week, Tebily has put pen to paper and signed with Toronto FC.

Official press release to come, just take my word for it for now.

(What took so long…)

7:30 am: roll out of bed and onto the couch, turn TV on, and watch as Amazing takes place. United to finish Chelsea off 1-0 at the Bridge. Championship is sewn up.

10:00 am: roll off couch and into boots. Go outside and play as though Ronaldo and Rooney could learn a thing or two. Claim every shank was a calculated curl. Well done.

12:00 pm: Beer #1 and some tasty. Watch some highlight videos on YouTube (Michael Caine’s Goals Galore should do to start) and slowly start working yourself up for the TFC match. Didn’t take much, did it?

2:00 pm: Beer #Perfection, and make your way to BMO. Sing out loud, everyone loves your voice. Especially neighbours as you pass.

2:45 pm: Arrive at BMO, Queue for Beer #Perfect +1.

3:30 pm: Delight in the fact that you’re about to see TFC history. (Beer #Perfection +4, btw.)

5:30 pm: TFC is one game over .500. You’ve earned it just as much as the players on field, delight in the fact that we’re moving up.

6:00 pm: Clean yourself up, it’s been a long day and you look like crap. Except that smile, it’s amazing. Take it to the bar and show it off a little.