Manchester United Fan

Manchester United Vs. Benfica Highlights Video Clips

2011-11-22T20:21:00.000-05:00

For those who criticise the Champions League group stages, this fabulous affair was evidence of the sort of entertainment it can provide.

United went behind to an early Phil Jones own goal but battled back valiantly with goals from Dimitar Berbatov, spearheading the team in Wayne Rooney's absence, and Darren Fletcher. The Portuguese visitors responded swiftly through Pablo Aimar to keep their unbeaten run this season intact and a Nani cross that deflected behind in injury time proved the final throw of the dice.
As it stands, United are second in Group C - level on points with Benfica but crucially behind Tuesday's opponents on the head-to-head format - with Jorge Jesus' outfit due to play Otelul Galati in the final round. Basel held out for a 3-2 victory in Romania and they sit only a point behind last season's runners-up in the table.

The Reds got off to a nightmare start when an incisive move down the right in the third minute saw Maxi Pereira feed Nicolas Gaitan and the winger's cross was shinned into his own net by Jones, giving David De Gea no chance.

Gradually, Sir Alex's side responded, largely through Nani's adventurous dribbling, with Artur brought into action by the Portugal international's free-kick and a shot from Ashley Young. The visitors continued to try and disrupt the Reds' flow but the breakthrough came on the half-hour mark. Young worked a free-kick short to Patrice Evra who helped it on to Nani, always likely to be the source of any inspiration. The wide man's left-wing cross was perfect for Berbatov to guide a splendid header wide of Artur and into the net for the equaliser.

The goal sparked a frantic spell, with Young firing a one-on-one opportunity against Artur's legs after linking well with Berbatov and Aimar bringing a smart stop out of De Gea seconds later. Although Berbatov later tapped the ball into the net, Evra had long since been flagged offside and Artur was yellow-carded for his attempts to get the Bulgarian booked.

Clearly gaining in influence since his leveller, Berbatov had a drive deflected over by Ezequiel Garay's desperate block following some neat work by Young as the sides went into the break all-square, allowing the fans to catch their breath.

The second half was just as exciting and began with Young's side-foot shot being blocked at close range following some fine work by Nani. Fabio spurned a glorious chance on 54 minutes when Jones' strong pressing led to him being in the clear with only Artur to beat but the keeper saved the attempted chip.

Undeterred, the Reds kept knocking on the door and, soon after Benfica lost Luisao to injury, Fletcher edged his team in front. Evra's superb ball into the box allowed the Scot to find the net, at the second time of asking after Artur did superbly to block his initial shot. Old Trafford's joy was short-lived, however, as De Gea's misplaced kick-out gifted possession to the Portuguese side and Bruno Cesar's cross hit Rio Ferdinand and fell kindly for Aimar, who gratefully smashed home from close range.

Berbatov had the ball in the net again but Young was flagged offside, probably incorrectly, before the officials got it right when Nani appealed for a penalty under Javi Garcia's challenge. Referee Cuneyt Cakir merely waved play on. Goalscorers Aimar and Fletcher traded off-target efforts, before Berbatov really should have restored the Reds' lead. Fletcher's intelligent pass freed Fabio and the Brazilian's cross was volleyed over by the unmarked Bulgarian inside the box.

It proved a costly miss as, despite the introduction of Javier Hernandez for Antonio Valencia, the Reds were unable to gain the victory that would have made the qualification process considerably easier. Indeed, Rodrigo went closest to a winner when easing past Fletcher but firing wide with his left foot. As it is, the final group fixture in Basel next month carries great significance and any hope of topping the group may have vanished in the cold Manchester air.

Manchester United Vs. Benfica Highlights Video Clips

2011-11-22T20:20:00.000-05:00

Manchester United [2 - 2] Benfica
3' [0 - 1] P. Jones (o.g.)
30' [1 - 1] D. Berbatov
59' [2 - 1] D. Fletcher
61' [2 - 2] P. Aimar

Swansea Vs. Manchester United Match Report Result

2011-11-19T14:35:00.000-05:00

United ensured they remained hot on the heels of their Manchester neighbours with a first-ever victory over Swansea City in Wales.

This was the first meeting between the two teams in 28 years with the Reds never having beaten the Welsh side on their own patch in eight previous attempts. Brendan Rodgers’ side were intent on maintaining that record and indeed this season’s unbeaten run at the Liberty Stadium, but Javier Hernandez’s 11th-minute strike proved decisive as Sir Alex’s men, who were professional in their play, rather than prolific, overcame a spirited display from the Swans.
With Manchester City eight points clear at the top of the table at kick-off though, Sir Alex knew victory was imperative and he sent out a strong team with that very much in mind. There were three changes to the side that beat Sunderland with David De Gea returning in goal, Michael Carrick starting his first league game of the season and Ryan Giggs back in action in his native Wales and featuring in his first match for five weeks after a spell in the treatment room. And it was the Welshman who ensured the Reds got off to the perfect start on 11 minutes.

Angel Rangel dithered on the ball at the back and his attempted pass was easily cut out by Giggs. The midfielder powered into the area before sliding a low cross into the path of Javier Hernandez who side-footed home from five yards to keep up his impressive run of goals away from home.

Swansea, who had come out of the blocks with real intent, remained buoyant despite the early blow and went close to restoring parity on 22 minutes; indeed, Scott Sinclair will still be wondering how he didn’t get his name on the score-sheet. Just after Patrice Evra had seen a low drive well held by Michel Vorm, Danny Graham, the Swans’ lone front-man, shrugged off a challenge at the other end to put Wayne Routledge in. His cross cannoned off Carrick and into the path of Sinclair who, with the goal gaping and De Gea struggling to get back in position, completely missed the ball from eight yards out.

After breathing a sigh of relief, the Reds, who were in relative control thereafter, set about building on their advantage. After Giggs had flashed a free-kick just wide nine minutes from the break, Hernandez found himself clear down the right but he over-hit his cross towards the onrushing Rooney and the chance was gone.

It was the Swans who had the first sight of goal after the restart. Joe Allen, brought on to replace Routledge, rolled the ball out to Sinclair who sent a powerful left-foot drive goalwards, but it was well parried by De Gea. Gary Monk then miscued a free header from the resulting corner.

The Swans continued to battle but De Gea and co. held firm. At the other end, Hernandez was always a threat on the break, while Rooney was involved in virtually all of United’s good play. Indeed, the England striker tried his luck from long range on 70 minutes, but Vorm claimed well.

With only one goal in it, the Swans continued to probe. Sinclair escaped the attentions of Rooney down the left and picked out Graham in the box. His shot was well blocked by Carrick, while Ashley Williams saw his follow-up effort cleared by Ferdinand.

With time almost up, the Reds went close to doubling their lead. Rooney chipped the ball onto the roof, before Jones, on one of his now renowned bursts forward, fired a low drive, from inside the area, against the far post. Then Nani curled another effort just wide in then dying seconds.

United held out for the victory - their fifth in a row - and ensured they kept up the heat on City.

Swansea Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips

2011-11-19T14:34:00.001-05:00

Swansea [0 - 1] Manchester United
11' [0 - 1] J. Hernandez

0-1 Hernandez 11'

Manchester United Vs. Sunderland Highlights Video Clips

2011-11-05T13:09:00.000-04:00

Manchester United [1 - 0] Sunderland
45' [1 - 0] W. Brown (o.g.)

1-0 Brown (Own goal) 45'+1

Manchester United Vs. Otelul Galati Match Result Report

2011-11-02T20:15:00.000-04:00

United's Champions League victory over Romania's Otelul Galati was workmanlike rather than wonderful. But a win's a win and this one was enough to leave Sir Alex's men in a commanding position at the top of Group C, with two games to play.
Antonio Valencia's eighth-minute tap-in was all that separated the sides on the scoreboard until Wayne Rooney's late long-range effort deflected off Cristian Sarghi and past the Galati goalkeeper. But it wasn't as if United found the going particularly tough against Galati; the Reds actually looked comfortable, if not wholly convincing, for long periods.

It was a similar story a fortnight ago in Bucharest when two second-half spot-kicks, both won and converted by Rooney, handed United the three points. Rooney didn't quite get his name on the scoresheet again in this match (UEFA have declared the Reds' second an own goal), but he still had a big impact, albeit from a much different area of the pitch.

Indeed, Sir Alex took the unusual step of deploying Wayne in a deep-lying midfield role. And although it was unfamiliar teriitory, the Reds' no.10 didn't disappoint. Within 40 seconds he had chased Liviu Antal down towards the corner flag and harried the Romanian into coughing up possession.

Rooney then went on to demonstrate, in understated fashion, a knack for keeping the ball moving with simple first-time passes, interspersing these with a steady array of more ambitious long balls. In many ways, his performance was reminiscent of the way Paul Scholes used to quietly dictate a game's rhythmn.

Indeed, it was the Reds' no.10 who was responsible for launching the attack that yielded the early opener. His long, raking pass to the right wing found Dimitar Berbatov, who held the ball up briefly before releasing Phil Jones on the overlap. His ball to the near post just eluded Michael Owen’s stretch, but waiting behind, unmarked and only three yards from goal, was Antonio Valencia. He was never going to miss.

The joy in the stands was tempered a minute later when Owen, who appeared to have injured himself while attempting to reach Jones' cross, limped down the tunnel and was replaced by Javier Hernandez. It was United's two full-backs, though, who came closest to adding a second before half-time. First Fabio embarked on a dribble from the left-back position that only ended when his attempt to roll the ball across goal for Berbatov was blocked by a last-ditch tackle. Along the way he'd left countless Romanians in his wake.

Then Jones surged down the right, cut inside the penalty area and unleashed a curling left-footed effort that looked bound for the far corner until Sergiu Costin intervened with a headed clearance. Galati, too, almost troubled the scorers on 42 minutes when Ionut Neagu pounced on Anderson's loose pass and advanced on goal. His effort took a touch off Rio Ferdinand, which forced David De Gea, hitherto unworked and untroubled, into a smart reflex save.

Just after the break, Berbatov, Jones and Hernandez sparked brief panic inside the Galati penalty area with some neat interplay that cut the Romanian defence apart before goalkeeper Grahovac spread himself well to snuff out the danger. Down the other end, De Gea had to be equally alert to punch the ball clear as Antal raced to get on the end of a left-wing centre. Minutes later he gleefully clutched the ball to his chest after Costin rose at the back post to meet subsitute Sorin Frunza's corner.

Costin was in the thick of the action again when he raced back to clear off the line after Anderson combined with Berbatov to reach the return pass first and lift the ball past the onrushing Grahovac. Hernandez had a long-range shot saved and Berbatov poked a presentable chance wide of the near post on 75 minutes before Rooney added the icing on the cake with his deflected effort.

It made the final scoreline look more respectable and probably reflected more accurately the balance of play (although Galati did try and force their way back into it late on). In many ways, though, the sloppy nature of the goal summed up a match that probably won't live long in the memory of many United fans.

Manchester United Vs. Otelul Galati Highlights Video Clips

2011-11-02T20:11:00.002-04:00

Manchester United [2 - 0] Otelul Galati
8' [1 - 0] L.A. Valencia
87' [2 - 0] W. Rooney

1-0 Valencia A. 8'

0-2 Rooney W. 87'

Everton Vs. Manchester United Match Result Report

2011-10-29T12:55:00.002-04:00

Three points were required at Everton after last week's dismal derby defeat and the champions ground out a 1-0 victory to muster the right response.
Admittedly, the Reds weren't at their most fluent - and Tom Cleverley's injury after a bright return to Barclays Premier League action was a real setback - but Javier Hernandez's 19th-minute goal proved decisive. Any suggestion that the Merseysiders would tire after being taken into extra-time by Chelsea in a midweek cup tie proved ill-founded as United had to batten down the hatches for much of the second half.

Sir Alex made five changes to the team that lost to City last Sunday with Wayne Rooney starting in a withdrawn role alongside Cleverley and Darren Fletcher, and Jonny Evans returning from the suspension he served at Aldershot.

In a breathless opening, Seamus Coleman cut inside Patrice Evra to shoot at David De Gea within the first 18 seconds and Tim Howard pulled off a good stop at the other end when Ji-sung Park tried to convert a Danny Welbeck cross inside two minutes.

United took a firm grip on proceedings and some sustained pressure led to a well-worked opener. Cleverley and Welbeck helped the ball wide to Evra and the full-back's dangerous low cross was tapped home by Hernandez with his left foot. Although Welbeck nearly latched onto a risky headed backpass by Phil Jagielka, the champions were unable to carve out too many openings and Everton came back into the match.

De Gea saved from Leon Osman after Marouane Fellaini beat Evans in the air and Jack Rodwell fired wide when afforded far too much space after Evra conceded possession cheaply. The hosts were unlucky not to draw level with 40 minutes gone as Fletcher's foul allowed Leighton Baines to curl a free-kick over the wall and past the stationary De Gea but against the bar.

Although Hernandez had a weak attempt at Howard following a slick build-up, there was no doubt Everton ended the half on the front feet as Louis Saha twice worked De Gea.

After introducing young Ross Barkley at the break, David Moyes' side continued to press but De Gea blocked a Rodwell drive after Evans gifted the ball to Coleman on the right. The champions were dealt a blow when the lively Cleverley was forced off injured and continued to make heavy weather of a tough assignement.

Welbeck finally brought Howard into action when the American pushed over the striker's shot from Hernandez's intelligent pass with the team's only real goal attempt of the second period. But, after making all three subsitutions, United struggled to find any rhythm and Everton built up another head of steam. Saha dragged wastefully wide when Coleman was better placed and was then blocked during a real goalmouth scramble.

Despite their weary legs, the hosts ensured it was a nervous finale for everybody of a Red persuasion. Coleman managed a couple of efforts through to De Gea but the Spain Under-21 keeper was rarely over-extended, in truth.

Six minutes of injury time were agonising for the away fans and Evra escaped when Magaye Guaye went down under his challenge inside the box with Mark Halsey making the right call and waving away the desperate penalty appeals. It wasn't pretty but it's three away wins in the league already this term after only five were secured during the title-winning campaign last term.

Everton Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips

2011-10-29T12:54:00.001-04:00

Everton [0 - 1] Manchester United
19' [0 - 1] J. Hernandez

0-1 Hernandez J. 19'

Aldershot T. Vs. Manchester United Match Report Result

2011-10-25T20:39:00.002-04:00

The vultures may have been circling at Aldershot hoping a Carling Cup giantkilling could lead to talk of a crisis at United. However, Sir Alex Ferguson's side swiftly sent out a message that it's business as usual after the derby day disaster by cruising into the fifth round with a convincing 3-0 triumph.
Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen pressed their claims by making the most of rare starts with goals in the first half before Antonio Valencia's outstanding long-range drive ended the match as a contest. A mixture of youth and experience accounted for the Shots as easily as Leeds had been disposed of in the previous round to illustrate the strength in depth at the manager's disposal.

The Reds quickly slipped into gear with Tom Cleverley firing over the bar on his return from injury when Berbatov touched a Mame Biram Diouf header back to him. Nemanja Vidic picked up a yellow card for a clumsy foul on Alex Rodman but United were soon ahead after quarter of an hour. Ji-sung Park played an incisive one-two with Cleverley and nudged an instant pass to Berbatov, who took one touch before swivelling to sweep past Aldershot goalkeeper Ross Worner.

Berbatov should have had a clear penalty when he was felled by Luke Guttridge inside the box as Sir Alex's side threatened to overwhelm the League Two team. Fabio's shot deflected wide, Berbatov's dangerous header into the six-yard box was cleared and United forced seven corners inside the first 25 minutes.

But, to their credit, Town rallied and traded goal attempts with their illustrious opponents for a spell - even if Ben Amos was only worked by one effort, from top scorer Danny Hylton. As if to emphasis the obvious gulf in quality, Owen doubled the lead to quieten the capacity crowd. After picking out Berbatov with a raking pass, the number seven showed his thirst for goals by arriving in the box on cue to convert the Bulgarian's inviting assist, despite Worner getting a touch to the shot.

The second half started in a similar vein as Valencia collected a Cleverley pass and hit a stunning drive with whip and bend that crashed high into the net over Worner's despairing dive. Berbatov was working harder than anybody and, after feeling aggrieved when having another penalty appeal waved away, as Aaron Morris handled, he stormed through when linking up with Park and dragged his finish wide when really deserving another goal.

Paul Pogba was introduced, for Cleverley, and soon had a shot well wide before Ravel Morrison and Michael Keane, for his debut, also came on for a taste of the action. United kept pressing but Park drilled wide when picked out from a corner by Owen and only a fine Darren Jones tackle thwarted Morrison following an exquisite exchange of flicks with Berbatov. Park's dynamic solo run ended with referee Peter Walton pulling play back for a free-kick on the edge of the box with Berbatov's set-piece pushed away by Worner as the Shots continued the process of damage limitation.

The game finished with a flurry of threats - Valencia spurned a glorious late chance after bursting through and Guttridge hammered a shot wide as the hosts sought a consolation goal that would at least have cheered their support. Guttridge also brought a flying save out of Amos in the closing stages with the keeper showing his concentration when it mattered most. There was to be no joy for Aldershot - nor for those hoping United's weekend misery would be prolonged any longer.

Aldershot T. Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips

2011-10-25T20:38:00.001-04:00

Aldershot T. [0 - 3] Manchester United
15' [0 - 1] D. Berbatov
41' [0 - 2] M. Owen
48' [0 - 3] L.A. Valencia

Manchester United Vs. Manchester City Match Report Result

2011-10-23T12:20:00.000-04:00

It had been billed as the biggest Manchester derby in decades, but it turned out to be a derby day to forget for United as City celebrated a historic 6-1 victory at Old Trafford.The Reds started as the brighter of the two teams but it was the Blues who made the crucial breakthrough when Mario Balotelli sidefooted past David De Gea after 20 minutes. Jonny Evans’ red card just after the break made it a real uphill fight for the champions and it got worse thereafter as Balotelli grabbed a second goal before further strikes from Sergio Aguero, David Silva and two from substitute Edin Dzeko left Old Trafford stunned. United’s 18-month unbeaten run at home was well and truly over.

Sir Alex Ferguson made three changes to the side that had earned a point at Anfield eight days earlier with Wayne Rooney, Anderson and Nani all returning. Meanwhile, Jonny Evans partnered Rio Ferdinand in the back four, with Nemanja Vidic - sent off in the Champions League in midweek - not in the 18. City boss Roberto Mancini, meanwhile, opted for a five-man midfield of Yaya Toure, Gareth Barry, James Milner, Mario Balotelli and David Silva with Sergio Aguero up front on his own.

United dominated the early possession with Nani and Ashley Young looking lively on both flanks, and Wayne Rooney seemingly very much in the mood, dropping deep to dictate the play for much of the opening 20 minutes. But tellingly, as it turned out, the Reds failed to create any real clear-cut chances.

City saw very little of the ball in that period but whenever they did the men in blue were always quick to try and find the man that makes them tick – David Silva. The Spaniard looked a threat every time he gained possession indeed it was his pass into James Milner which led to City taking the lead on 22 minutes. Silva collected possession on the edge of the area before slipping the ball into Milner who had burst down the left. His pull-back fell perfectly for Balotelli who cleverly steered the ball into the far corner and out of the reach of David De Gea.

It was harsh on United who had barely given City a look-in up to that point. The Blues visibly grew in confidence on the back of the breakthrough as the game livened up. Balotelli just failed to connect with an Aguero cross soon after the goal, while Yaya Toure flashed a 30-yarder over the bar.

After the initial shock of falling behind, the United players got back into their earlier stride and cranked up the pressure on City. Young curled an effort just wide, while Anderson and Rooney both stung the palms of Joe Hart in quick succession. Jonny Evans spurned United’s best chance five minutes from the break when, after being found by Rooney via a short corner, the defender completely missed his kick from five yards out.

Evans was at the centre of the game’s big moment two minutes after the restart when he pulled Balotelli back as the Italian striker bore down on goal. Referee Mark Clattenburg had no choice but to give the Northern Ireland international his marching orders and in turn make United’s afternoon a whole lot harder.

Despite the setback the Reds seemed to be galvanised and, buoyed on by a raucous Old Trafford crowd, duly bombed forward despite the numerical disadvantage. Young saw his ricocheted effort drop just wide, while Rooney blasted a shot straight at Hart. United’s new-found optimism was short-lived however when Balotelli’s doubled his and City’s tally on the hour-mark. Silva was again at the heart of City’s good play as he flicked a lovely pass into Milner who had burst into the area and once again delivered a pass to Balotelli who was on hand to slot home from close range.

United’s misery was compounded eight minutes later when Aguero made it 3-0 to City, at the end of another excellent move. Balotelli backheeled the ball to Milner who put Micah Richards in down the right and crossed for Aguero to convert from three yards.

It almost got worse for United soon after when Silva blasted over and substitute Edin Dzeko rolled a shot wide and then saw another saved by De Gea as City broke forward.

Darren Fletcher handed the champions a lifeline nine minutes from time with a sublime curling finish into the top corner after a one-two with Reds substitute Hernandez, but City made sure of the victory and a painful for afternoon for the found the net in injury-time. Bragging rights - and more worryingly, a five-point lead - belong to the Blues.

Manchester United Vs. Manchester City Highlights Video Clips

2011-10-23T12:17:00.002-04:00

Manchester United [1 - 6] Manchester City
22' [0 - 1] M. Balotelli
60' [0 - 2] M. Balotelli
69' [0 - 3] S. Agüero
81' [1 - 3] D. Fletcher
90' [1 - 4] E. Dzeko
90' [1 - 5] D. Silva
90' [1 - 6] E. Dzeko

Otelul Galati Vs. Manchester United Match Report Result

2011-10-18T20:47:00.000-04:00

United endured a difficult night in the UEFA Champions League, needing two Wayne Rooney penalties to defeat unfancied Otelul Galati and playing the last 25 minutes with ten men after Nemanja Vidic's controversial red card.
Both Rooney's first goal and the skipper's dismissal came just after the hour mark as the Reds critically upped the ante after an uninspiring first period at the impressive National Arena in Bucharest. There wasn't a huge improvement in the second half but the English champions did just enough to claim a first win in this Group C campaign and inflict a third slender defeat on the Romanian hosts.

Sir Alex Ferguson's eleven showed nine changes from the side that started at Anfield, retaining only Patrice Evra and, moving from right- to centre-back, Chris Smalling. Nemanja Vidic made his first appearance for the Reds since the opening league win at West Brom, and behind him Anders Lindegaard came in for his third start in goal this term, having impressed on the previous European trip to Benfica.

United's hosts - with their record-signing centre-back Milan Perendija reportedly costing just £85,000 - were massively underdogs, despite only losing by the odd goal in their first ever games in the Champions League group stage - to Basel (1-2 away) and Benfica (0-1 home), the two sides who limited the Reds to just two points prior to this excursion into the unknown in Romania.

As expected, Galati conceded the lion’s share of possession to the English champions but they were comfortable behind the ball for the first 20 minutes. In fact, it was the Romanians who drew first blood in terms of shooting opportunities, the first gifted by the Reds’ rusty skipper Vidic to lone striker Bratislav Punosevac. The latter failed to pack sufficient power into his effort to concern Lindegaard and his second strike, from a similar spot just outside the box, found the same fate – straight into the Dane’s hands. United’s keeper almost contrived to create a third chance in a row for the Romanians when his careless clearance cannoned back off his captain but the Reds survived the scare.

Failing to clear their lines from a free-kick almost cost United’s rearguard dear when defensive midfielder Iaon Filip strode forward to fire a shot just over Lindegaard’s bar. But this latest in a handful of half-chances was hardly reflective of the overall play, with United dominant in midfield where Rooney dropped in to join Anderson and Carrick in patiently trying to pick a way through the massed ranks of white shirts. However, Carrick’s most important early contribution - on his third consecutive start in the Champions League – was to throw his body in the way of Ionut Neagu’s effort.

Rooney went closest to a first-half breakthrough when his free-kick, not dissimilar to Steven Gerrard’s at Anfield, crept through the wall and was scrambled away less than convincingly by Branko Grahovac. The Galati goalkeeper made a better save from a better shot, unleashed by Patrice Evra on a typical burst down the left flank. The Bosnian shot-stopper also blocked a right-foot strike from Nani, moments after watching Carrick spurn United's best opening of the half by sidefooting Nani's pull-back over the bar. The frame at the other end was also cleared vertically, by Liviu Antal's header just before the break, from the only corner of a disappointing first half. The absence of injury time was a blessing.

United’s bid to raise the tempo at the start of the second half was met with some rough-house tactics from the Romanians with Nani on the receiving end of two fouls by right-back Cornel Rapa, the second of which was punished by a yellow card. Perendija was also cautioned for going through the back of Rooney but the Reds weren’t angels either, with Carrick entering the book for a clumsy challenge on Antal. Neagu continued the flurry of cards when he cynically took Nani out as the Portuguese winger tried a spot of ball-juggling in midfield.

Undeterred, Nani teed up Rooney for a shot on the turn that just whistled past the left-hand post and fed the same team-mate again in the move that finally made the breakthrough in the 64th minute. When Wayne’s attempt to find Hernandez unmarked on the other side of the box was thwarted by Sergiu Costin’s blatant handball, the striker stepped up to sidefoot home the resulting penalty with Grahovac diving the wrong way, right.

If Costin was lucky to escape with a yellow card – Galati’s fourth – then Vidic was very unfortunate to see red when he caught Gabriel Giurgiu with a raised right boot. The shock on the Serbian’s face was plain to see but away he trooped, to leave ten men facing fired-up Galati who might have equalised had Carrick not blocked Antal’s venomous volley. Moments later Sir Alex sent on Jonny Evans to play alongside Smalling, with Antonio Valencia sacrificed. A further change followed at the back with Phil Jones coming on for Fabio who’d earlier been treated after an awkward fall.

Nani nearly made it 2-0 with a free-kick saved by Grahovac, after Giurgiu was booked for a foul on Chicharito, but Punosevac was off-target at the other end - just - having connected first time with Filip's cross. Nani tried again with the clock just shy of 90 minutes but this time his shot struck the right-hand post, this coming moments after Perendija's second yellow card - for another foul on Chicharito - evened up the personnel.

Rooney's second penalty, after the striker himself was tripped in the box by Antal, made the points absolutely safe and took some of the pressure off the Reds with the Galati home game coming next in this campaign.

Otelul Galati Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips

2011-10-18T20:40:00.002-04:00

Otelul Galati [0 - 2] Manchester United
64' [0 - 1] W. Rooney (pen.)
90' [0 - 2] W. Rooney (pen.)

Highlights

0-1 Wayne Rooney (pen) 64'

0-2 Wayne Rooney (pen) 90'

Manchester United Vs. FC Basel Match Report Result

2011-09-27T20:36:00.000-04:00

Two quick-fire braces in either half – United's in the first, Basel's in the second – lit up an entertaining encounter at Old Trafford that swung both ways before eventually ending even thanks to a 90th-minute Ashley Young equaliser.
When Danny Welbeck sent United 2-0 up after just 17 minutes, United looked to be cruising. But as Basel stayed true to their footballing principles, attacked in numbers and pressed the Reds high up the pitch, they created chances and, with 14 minutes to play, had taken three of them.

That sent United in search of a late equaliser and, in the 90th minute, Young arrived at the far post to head home substitute Nani's cross and rescue a valuable point.

Sir Alex was visibly relieved to have snatched a draw at the final whistle, and yet the Reds had been two goals to the good with barely a quarter-of-an-hour on the clock. That said, the warning signs had been there. Basel even fashioned the first chance of the game. Midfielder Fabian Frei found space beyond Rio Ferdinand and Phil Jones but blazed over from 18 yards when clean through after only five minutes.

Young then provided Antonio Valencia with a gift as inviting as a box of Swiss chocolates when he twisted and turned on the left flank before curling a sumptuous ball to the back post. The Ecuadorian's header, from all of two yards, flashed agonisingly across the face of goal.

Basel custodian Yann Sommer then did well to hold Young's firm volley, hit into the ground, before Welbeck netted the first of his double on 16 minutes. It wasn't the prettiest goal Welbeck, or United, will score this season. But they all count and Danny's scuffed shot from 12 yards, which appeared to dribble goalwards in slow-motion before spinning in off the post, was just reward for a bright start.

A minute later it was 2-0. Giggs, who'd calmly laid the ball back to Welbeck for the opener, provided a rather more incisive pass this time. Collecting the ball in the inside left channel about 30 yards from goal, the Welshman advanced briefly before looking up and picking out Welbeck with a low cross that succeeded in cutting out two Basel defenders and leaving Danny with a simple side-footed finish at the back post. Basel boss Thorsten Fink will have been furious with the defending, but Giggs, in his 750th United start, showed his worth once more on the European stage.

To their credit, Basel kept plugging away and both Alexander Frei and Jacques Zoua wasted presentable chances to reduce the deficit before the interval. Neither manager made changes at half-time and both sides flew out of the traps. Young had the ball in the net after a matter of minutes but was correctly ruled offside, while Phil Jones and then David De Gea had to be at their sharpest to repel big Basel forward Marco Streller.

De Gea's denial – an instinctive save from close range with an outstretched leg – was most impressive and further showcased the supreme shot-stopping ability the Spaniard has displayed in recent weeks.

There was little he could do about Basel's opener, though. Indeed, the stopper made a smart save to get down to Streller's near-post header from a corner on the right wing. But when the ball bounced out to Fabian Frei the 22-year-old lashed it home from 12 yards to send the travelling fans wild.

They were cheering again two minutes later when Basel's other Frei, Alexander, found himself unmarked in the penalty area and with plenty of time to calmly nod Fabian's curling centre back across goal and into the net.

Suddenly Basel were level. In truth, they had never really looked beaten, even at 2-0 down. The Swiss side had played without fear – a rare trait in visiting teams at Old Trafford – and they were rewarded yet further on 75 minutes when referee Paolo Tagliavento pointed to the spot after Valencia tangled clumsily with Streller. Alexander Frei stepped up and buried the kick to send Basel in front, but this is Manchester United and drama lurks around every corner.

True enough, after probing and prodding for what seemed an age, the Reds broke through, Ashley Young heading in at the far post with only seconds of normal time to spare. United had earned a dramatic point.

Manchester United Vs. FC Basel Highlights Video Clips

2011-09-27T20:34:00.002-04:00

Manchester United [3-3] FC Basel
Danny Welbeck (16') Fabian Frei (58')
Danny Welbeck (17') Alexander Frei (60')
Ashley Young (90') Alexander Frei (pen 76')

1-0 Danny Welbeck 16'

2-0 Danny Welbeck 17'

2-1 Fabian Frei 58'

2-2 Alexander Frei 60'

2-3 Alexander Frei 76'

3-3 Ashley Cole 90'

Leeds United Vs. Manchester United Match Result Report

2011-09-20T20:08:00.000-04:00

United defused a potentially explosive Carling Cup tie at Leeds with a first-half display of composure, control and devastating football.
Michael Owen is simply a natural goalscorer. Within 15 minutes of his first involvement of the campaign, the striker had silenced the home fans and his second strike was a thing of beauty. Captain Ryan Giggs capped of 45 minutes of dominant play with a stunning solo effort that he could have been scoring here in the mid-nineties.

Even with a side designed to give players a game under their belt, hence the inclusion of Michael Carrick alongside Ezekiel Fryers at centre-back and four forwards in the line-up, the Reds were a cut above their rivals from across the Pennines.

The game’s first opening fell to the hosts, and spawned a melee of desperate interventions in the United ranks. Tom Lees’ powerful header was blocked by Dimitar Berbatov, Ben Amos repelled the defender’s follow-up and Berbatov was again on hand to thwart Ross McCormack’s attempts to turn in the loose ball.

Around a game largely devoid of early inspiration, however, the most compelling contest was taking place off the field, as both factions of supporters waged choral war on one another. On the quarter-hour mark, only the visiting section was audible as United moved ahead in devastatingly simple circumstances.

Berbatov slid an inch-perfect pass into the path of Ji-sung Park, who had timed his run perfectly. The South Korean fed Owen, who needed only two touches: one with his right foot to tee up the shot; the second with his left foot to roll a finish in-between Aidan White’s legs and into the net, via the base of Andy Lonergan’s left-hand post.

Leeds’ response was gradual, as Adam Clayton thudded a decent effort into Amos’ midriff and Robert Snodgrass curled a shot just past the upright, but the hosts’ growing menace was soon nipped in the bud, and again in clinical fashion.

Mame Biram Diouf rolled off the attentions of Leigh Bromby and advanced down the right flank before slipping a neat pass into the path of Owen. Again, the striker’s predatory instincts kicked in. One touch to kill the ball, another to send it hurtling into Lonergan’s top corner with hardly any backlift.

Thereafter, Leeds’ defence creaked under pressure every time United picked up the ball in midfield, with Giggs and Park pulling the attacking strings and Owen and Berbatov dropping between the hosts’ lines to link play. Antonio Valencia slid horribly wide from the six-yard box, then forced Lonergan into a scrambling save as he tried to drill a low cross to the lurking Owen, but a third goal finally arrived in the final moments of the half.

Giggs took a short corner to Park, received the ball back and nutmegged Snodgrass with regal ease, before advancing into the box and stabbing a finish which nicked Luciano Becchio’s shin on its way past Lonergan. That was the veteran’s final contribution of the half, as he made way for Paul Pogba during the interval.

Leeds had no answer and were unable to muster a significant response with Owen close to completing a hat-trick with a chip that drifted wide, after latching onto a Berbatov through ball and displaying composure inside the box. Another threaded through ball by Berbatov released Federico Macheda but the Italian shot wide when offside in any case.

Amos was rarely tested but handled well under pressure from Ross McCormack as Sir Alex introduced fit-again Danny Welbeck and another debutant in Larnell Cole in place of Diouf and Macheda.

Clayton, a self-confessed City fan, was unable to grab a consolation he'd remember when his effort blazed over the top with United limiting the hosts to sporadic attacks and moments of danger. Even an injury to Fryers, who was flawless at the back, which led to Park and then Berbatov filling in for the ten men at the heart of the defence, seemed to add insult to injury to Simon Grayson's team. Ramon Nunez's late shot wide proved to be the final effort as the Reds eased through.

Leeds United Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips

2011-09-20T20:04:00.001-04:00

Leeds United [0 - 3] Manchester United
15' [0 - 1] M. Owen
32' [0 - 2] M. Owen
45' [0 - 3] R. Giggs

Manchester United Vs. Chelsea Match Result Report

2011-09-18T13:10:00.000-04:00

An action-packed clash saw the champions see off Chelsea 3-1 thanks to goals from Chris Smalling, Nani and Wayne Rooney. Although Fernando Torries replied for the Londoners at the start of the second half, his dreadful miss late on only added to the ecstatic mood around the ground.Sir Alex's side could even afford a missed penalty from Rooney and several spurned chances en route to a fifth straight victory in the Barclays Premier League to go clear at the top of the table.

United were slower into their stride than in this fixture last term, and yet still led after only eight minutes. David De Gea had been called into drastic action to hook away a Ramires shot early on but the opener soon arrived, in front of the Stretford End.

Ashley Young was fouled and swung the free-kick over for Smalling to bury an unstoppable header for his first Barclays Premier League goal for the Reds. Replays showed the defender may have been marginally offside and the goal provoked a decent response from the visitors. Torres had already received a stray pass from Javier Hernandez when Anderson misplaced the ball straight to the Spaniard but, as Old Trafford held its breath, the £50million man dragged his shot wastefully wide of the far post.

De Gea caught a Bransilav Ivanovic header and saw Frank Lampard lash wide, after the England international midfielder rightly escaped a handball shout inside his own area. There was an almighty let-off on 26 minutes when Torres was onside and in the clear but squared the ball. Ramires stretched to force a wonderful, improbable stop out of De Gea with Daniel Sturridge waiting behind him for a simple tap-in.

The Reds' No1 gathered the resulting corner at the second attempt and also kept out an unmarked Sturridge while Torres sent an unconvincing overhead kick wide as Chelsea had few problems creating chances. But Nani showed them how to finish with a piece of individual magic, collecting Jonny Evans' diagonal pass, advancing on goal and fizzing a firecracker of a finish past Petr Cech's flailing right hand.

With a two-goal advantage, United continued to look menacing and, just before half-time, Rooney was involved early on in a move that saw Phil Jones maraud forward from centre-back. Eventually, John Terry's clearance bounced fortuitously off Nani and into the path of Rooney who calmly despatched a third.

This was never going to be a cakewalk for the champions and substitute Nicolas Anelka made an immediate impact at the start of the second half when setting up Torres for a clever finish over De Gea. Mata forced De Gea into action but United should have extended the lead when Nani broke onto a Rooney pass and, after seeing his shot come back off the bar, was fouled by Jose Bosingwa as he latched onto the rebound. Phil Dowd opted against carding the Portuguese defender and no punishment was meted out as Rooney slipped when taking the spot-kick, evoking memories of John Terry's miss in Moscow by United continued to press after Antonio Valencia and Michael Carrick were introduced but Jones headed a delicious cross by Young wide and Chelsea worked hard to get back into the game. Romelu Lukaku was denied a goal soon coming off the bench by a saving challenge from Patrice Evra and Torres fired a rebound over after De Gea parried his initial shot. But the woodwork saved the visitors when Rooney hit a post from an Evra cross and Javier Hernandez was hurt by Ashley Cole's challenge as he crashed the ball into the side-netting. Cole was booked but there was no penalty as the Mexican limped off.

The home fans were celebrating as though a goal had been scored when Torres rounded De Gea with seven minutes left but still displayed a lack of confidence when inexplicably shooting wide of the empty net with his left foot. There should have been another strike to enjoy in injury time but Rooney's unselfish pass was a little over-hit to Dimitar Berbatov, who could only send his shot against Cole on the line. Nonetheless, this was another impressive three points for the Reds, who continue to look unbeatable at Old Trafford. Chelsea's fans were chanting: 'We're going to win the league" in the dying seconds but it was more out of hope than expectation on this evidence.

Manchester United Vs. Chelsea Highlights Video Clips

2011-09-18T12:59:00.002-04:00

Manchester United [3 - 1] Chelsea
8' [1 - 0] C. Smalling
37' [2 - 0] Nani
45' [3 - 0] W. Rooney
46' [3 - 1] F. Torres

1-0 Smalling 8' // Download

2-0 Nani 37' // Download

3-0 Rooney 45' // Download

3-1 Torrents 46' // Download

Penalty Missed - Wayne Rooney

Benfica Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips

2011-09-14T23:07:00.001-04:00

Benfica [1 - 1] Manchester United
24' [1 - 0] O. Cardozo
42' [1 - 1] R. Giggs

Highlights

Extended Highlights

Alternative Highlights

1-0 Cardozo 23'

1-1 Ryan Giggs 42'

Bolton Vs. Manchester Untied Match Result Report

2011-09-10T15:06:00.001-04:00

United's mesmerising start to the Barclays Premier League season continued with a five-goal stroll at Bolton's Reebok Stadium, as Javier Hernandez struck his first goals of the campaign and Wayne Rooney extended his fine form with a second successive hat-trick.

The Reds turned in a devastating showcase of finishing, bagging three goals inside the first half-hour and a further pair after the break, and also demonstrated promising defensive resolve in the face of a characteristically direct bombardment from the hosts.

The only sour note of the afternoon was a derivative of the Trotters' trademark vigour, as Tom Cleverley left the Reebok Stadium on crutches after a heavy challenge from Bolton skipper Kevin Davies, having apparently suffered a damaged ankle.

Hitherto, Sir Alex Ferguson had enjoyed good news with injuries after the recent international break, and made only minimal changes to the line-up which started last month's romp against Arsenal. Danny Welbeck, who suffered a hamstring strain against the Gunners, was replaced by Hernandez, while Rio Ferdinand returned at the expense of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones shunted over to right-back.

As had been the case in the Reds' opening three league games, United began in proactive fashion. Indeed, it took the visitors just five minutes to forge ahead. As a United attack built on the right wing, with Rooney releasing Nani, Chicharito outwitted Gary Cahill by shaping to move to the near post, feinting to the back and then sprinted forward just in time to redirect Nani’s centre past the sprawling Jussi Jaaskelainen.

United had actually taken the lead without a full compliment of players. At the time of the goal, Cleverley was receiving treatment for an ankle injury after a poor challenge from Davies. Bolton had their best opening of the half while Cleverley was en route to the dressing room, but Rooney was on hand to hack Chris Eagles’ volley off the line after a goalmouth scramble. Michael Carrick was duly introduced to restore equality in personnel.

Bolton skipper Davies was booked for a lunging challenge on Evra and Ivan Klasnic brought a spectacular save from De Gea with a stinging effort from the edge of the box, but the hosts’ defiance was soon doused by a devastating spell of attacking from United.

Jones took a quick throw-in and, upon receiving the ball straight back from Chicharito, arced an unplayable cross into the heart of the Bolton area, where the onrushing Rooney needed only brush the ball with the studs of his right boot to double United’s lead.

Jones was the epicentre of the Reds’ celebratory huddle, and the makeshift right-back was again the hub of joy five minutes later. Having swapped passes with Nani, the marauding youngster strode through the Bolton midfield and defence and, although his shot was saved by Jaaskelainen, Rooney carefully tucked the rebound between the desperate lunges of Cahill and Dedryck Boyata to heap further misery on the hosts.

Fresh from the eight-goal salute to Arsenal, another attacking frenzy was underway. Hernandez appeared to have turned in United’s fourth just two minutes later, but his neat finish applied to a Nani cross was correctly rendered illegal by an assistant’s flag.

The game lulled for the final third of the half, as rampant visitors and shell-shocked hosts drew breath. Kevin Davies swiped air rather than ball after a decent Martin Petrov cross and Nani fired into the side-netting from close-range, but the interval came with United exuding comfort.

Were any reminder required that Bolton can never be taken lightly, especially at home, it was served by Klasnic within two minutes of the restart. Fortunately, De Gea had the smart reflexes and handling to field the Croatian's low snapshot.

At the opposite end, Jaaskelainen did well to flick Anderson's wicked free-kick wide of the post, but relied on his defenders to dig him out of a hole after Hernandez had stolen possession outside the area. The Mexican didn't have to wait long, however, to double his tally, sliding home from close range after Michael Carrick's shot had rolled through a thicket of bodies.

Bolton's response to the fourth goal was positive, as Nigel Reo-Coker crashed a shot against De Gea's crossbar, before both sides rang the changes. Kevin Davies made way for David N'gog and Darren Pratley replaced ex-Red Chris Eagles for the hosts, while Sir Alex introduced Ryan Giggs and Smalling at the expense of Ashley Young and the limping Evans.

The amendments did little to stifle the flow of the game, as United popped passes around with abandon. Nor did it stem the tide of goals, as Rooney smashed home his second successive hat-trick. A raking ball from Giggs found Nani, who rolled the ball across the edge of the area for Rooney to curl an unstoppable shot into Jaaskelainen's bottom right-hand corner.

Hat-trick secured, Rooney soon attempted to serve up another treble for Chicharito, but his centre was narrowly behind the Mexican striker. Late on, Chicharito was played in by Nani, but unselfishly attempted to square for the excellent Anderson, who couldn't quite convert into the gaping goal.

No matter, five more than sufficed to prolong the early-season excitement surrounding this United team. There's enough experience in the Reds' ranks to avoid getting giddy just over a week into September, but the verve and swagger about this bunch of twinkling talents renders caution harder by the week.

Bolton Vs. Manchester Untied Highlights Video Clips

2011-09-10T14:56:00.001-04:00

Bolton [0 - 5] Manchester Untied

5' [0 - 1] J. Hernandez

20' [0 - 2] W. Rooney

25' [0 - 3] W. Rooney

59' [0 - 4] J. Hernandez

68' [0 - 5] W. Rooney

0-1 Hernandez 5'

0-2 Rooney 20'

0-3 Rooney 25'

0-4 Hernandez 59'

0-5 Rooney 68'

Manchester United Vs. Arsenal Match Result Report

2011-08-28T13:53:00.002-04:00

While the blue half of Manchester looked set to dominate the footballing agenda with a stunning 5-1 win at Spurs, United went goal crazy against a depleted Arsenal side to steal the headlines and hammer home a warning to Roberto Mancini's team and the rest of the Barclays Premier League.
In a game that had everything - a missed penalty, a converted spot-kick, a hat-trick for Wayne Rooney, a red card and 10 goals, United simply romped home 8-2.

Danny Welbeck, Ashley Young (2), Nani and sub Ji-sung Park also hit the net with David De Gea superbly saving a penalty when the lead was a slender one. Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie replied for the crestfallen Gunners, who had Carl Jenkinson sent off in the second half.

United made their intentions clear from the start with Welbeck charging down Wojciech Szczesny and looking a real threat. Tom Cleverley and Welbeck shot wide and some of the Reds' passing was mesmeric.

So it was no surprise when the hesitant visiting defence failed to deal with Anderson's clever lofted pass and Welbeck steered a looping header over Szczesny for the opener. Chris Smalling dragged wide after setting up the chance for himself beautifully but, against the run of play, Arsenal were awarded a penalty when Jonny Evans pulled at Walcott's shoulder. De Gea dived to his right to push van Persie's spot-kick around the post and earn the congratulations of his team-mates. And, from United's next attack, Young collected a header out by Armand Traore and bent an inch-perfect curler past Szczesny's despairing fingertips for 2-0.

De Gea had to be alert to make a double save from Andriy Arshavin and van Persie but the champions carried the greater threat with Welbeck diving to head Rooney's cross off target. A hamstring injury cruelly ruined the young striker's afternoon, and Arshavin, who was very fortunate to still be on the pitch after a foul on Young when already booked, flashed a warning shot over the bar at the other end.

Jenkinson was also lucky to avoid a red card when hauling Young down as he sprinted through on goal but Rooney ensured his own justice was meted out by rolling the free-kick for Young to trap and then sweeping past Szczesny with the power on the shot too much for the Polish keeper.

Rooney showed the confidence flowing through the team when testing Szczesny from his own half but there was real complacency seconds before the interval to allow Tomas Rosicky to feed Walcott, whose drive from an angle whistled through De Gea's legs for 3-1.

It was a message that the job was still far from done, and one that was taken on board as Sir Alex's side turned up the heat again in the second half. Szczesny saved well from Young and Nani chipped wastefully off target as the hosts pressed but the Gunners responded with De Gea superbly stopping a van Persie volley and Arshavin firing wide when Smalling was caught up the pitch.

Tom Cleverley shot weakly at Szczesny after a brilliant one-two with Young and Nani failed to convert a cross from the former Aston Villa winger but the dam broke again when Rooney repeated his free-kick feat in the first half by whipping home for 4-1 and becoming United's all-time record scorer in the Premier League.

Smelling blood, Smalling tore forward and ignored Phil Jones on the overlap to instead feed Rooney, who prodded through for Nani to net with the most outrageous of cheeky finishes. Nani then made way, along with Anderson, for Ryan Giggs and Park but the relentless attacking continued.

Rooney wedged a golf-like shot of sheer class against an upright before Park exchanged passes with Young to bury a low finish into the corner of the net. Van Persie restored a semblance of pride with emphatic finish after being played onside by Jones but United simply stepped up a gear again.

Jenkinson received a second yellow card for bundling Javier Hernandez over when he was through on goal and there were more illegal tactics used to halt the red tidal wave when Walcott tripped Patrice Evra inside the box. Rooney stepped up to seal his hat-trick with a confident spot-kick and it got even worse for the North Londoners when Young curled in to add his second from a Giggs pass.

Park shot over in stoppage time but enough damage had been inflicted to the Gunners' battered pride as the home fans rejoiced on a day to remember at Old Trafford.

Manchester United Vs. Arsenal Highlights Video Clips

2011-08-28T13:49:00.001-04:00

Manchester United [8 - 2] Arsenal
22' [1 - 0] D. Welbeck
28' [2 - 0] A. Young
41' [3 - 0] W. Rooney
45' [3 - 1] T. Walcott
64' [4 - 1] W. Rooney
67' [5 - 1] Nani
70' [6 - 1] J. Park
74' [6 - 2] R.v. Persie
82' [7 - 2] W. Rooney (pen.)
90' [8 - 2] A. Young

1-0 Wellbeck 22'

2-0 Ashley Young 28'

3-0 Wayne Rooney 41'

3-1 Walcott 47'

4-1 Wayne Rooney 64'

5-1 Nani 67'

6-1 Park 70'

6-2 van Persie 74'

7-2 Wayne Rooney 81' (PEN)

8-2 Ashley Young 90'

West Bromwich Vs. Manchester United Match Result Report

2011-08-14T14:57:00.000-04:00

The champions kicked off the Barclays Premier League season with a hard-fought victory at West Brom, repeating last season's 2-1 success thanks to a strike from Wayne Rooney and an own-goal by Steven Reid.

Rooney drilled in an early opener but debutant Shane Long shot past David De Gea for a surprise equaliser and it took Young, on his first league appearance for the Reds, to set up the winner with nine minutes left.

United made an impressive statement of intent from the first whistle as the bold, youthful line-up selected by Sir Alex posted a positive start. Although Paul Scharner managed the first effort of note, it was all United and there was no surprise when Wayne Rooney drew first blood - as he did in this fixture last term.

Rooney expertly flicked a Fabio pass out to Young before collecting the return ball and curling a left-footed finish beyond the reach of Ben Foster in the 13th minute. The Reds were in control with Rooney blasting wide after being afforded too much space and Nani casually lifting a finish wastefully over the top following good approach work by Rooney and Danny Welbeck.

Nani again shot too high when Foster could only pat down a Young corner but Albion worked their way back into the game ominously. De Gea made a flying stop to thwart Scharner, who had stormed onto Long's lay-off but, two minutes later, the Spanish keeper coped less effectively when Long decided to have a crack himself. The Irishman fired across De Gea when Chris Smalling was unable to prevent the shot from the left-hand side of the box.

Conceding an equaliser was harsh on United but the defence seemed to lose some concentration as Fabio's panicky header away allowed Chris Brunt to volley over the bar. And De Gea had to claw away a Somen Tchoyi cross that deflected off Nemanja Vidic and worryingly looped goalwards as half-time approached.

The second period became less eventful and there was a blow when captain Vidic finally made away after failing to shrug off a knock. United failed to carry any significant threat with Rooney glancing a header wide from a rare half-chance and Nani's free-kick coming to nothing after Young was felled on the edge of the box by Brunt.

Dimitar Berbatov was introduced in a bid to add more of a cutting edge but it was Young who continued to provide much of the attacking thrust. The former Aston Villa winger's dipping shot drifted just wide of the far post with Foster flailing at thin air.

Nani sent an awkward header wide from Fabio's left-wing cross and the visitors' attempts to create any sustained pressure were affected when another injury disrupted the defence - with Ferdinand having to be replaced by Phil Jones, leaving a very youthful back-five for the final quarter of an hour.

Such setbacks would have a major detrimental impact on lesser teams but the champions are made of sterner stuff and snatched the winner with nine minutes left. Berbatov played the ball off to Young, who showed real intent to fly down the left past Brunt and see his cross deflect off Tamas and, ultimately, Reid before nestling in the back of the net.

Tchoyi lashed one effort off target and De Gea safely fielded a Brunt effort as the Reds held out - to their great credit - to start the defence of the title with a valuable away win.

West Bromwich Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips

2011-08-14T14:56:00.001-04:00

West Bromwich [1 - 2] Manchester United
13' [0 - 1] W. Rooney
37' [1 - 1] S. Long
81' [1 - 2] S. Reid (o.g.)

0-1 Rooney 13'

1-1 Long 37'

S. Reid (o.g.) 81'

Manchester United Vs. Blackpool Highlights Video Clips

2011-05-22T15:20:00.001-04:00

Manchester United [4 - 2] Blackpool
21' [1 - 0] J. Park
40' [1 - 1] C. Adam
57' [1 - 2] G. Taylor-Fletcher
62' [2 - 2] Anderson
74' [3 - 2] I. Evatt (o.g.)
81' [4 - 2] M. Owen

Blackburn Rovers Vs. Manchester United Match Report Result

2011-05-14T11:31:00.000-04:00

Drink it in. Soak it up. Bellow it from the rooftops. Manchester United are the champions of England, now more than anyone. More than ever, United rule all others in the land.

Wayne Rooney’s second-half penalty secured the title-winning point in a hard-fought encounter with Blackburn at Ewood Park, but even when it comes to making history, the Reds insist on going about it the hard way.
A 19th domestic crown was only sealed by Rooney’s 73rd minute spot-kick after Brett Emerton had fired Rovers ahead, and the hosts might have established a two-goal lead at Ewood Park when Martin Olsson headed against Tomasz Kuszczak’s post.

United had started the afternoon brightly. As the prospect of becoming champions dangled before them, the visitors started with purpose; popping passes around and bossing possession. Less than four minutes had passed when the first chance arrived, but Nani could only thump a header against Paul Robinson’s crossbar from Rooney’s tantalising cross.

Blackburn seldom held the ball inside the first 15 minutes, but they might have taken the lead when Christopher Samba sliced wastefully over the bar from Junior Hoilett’s pull-back, and then did forge ahead in sloppy circumstances through Emerton.

The Australian’s chip was touched away by Kuszczak, but Olsson retrieved the ball before it crossed the byline, exchanged passes with Hoilett and picked out Emerton at the back post to steer a fine finish back across goal.

Though the Darwen End had resounded with a choral onslaught from the travelling support, nerves were suddenly jangling. The hosts, in stark contrast, were galvanised. Steve Kean’s side charged into challenges, doubled up on United’s wingers and packed the penalty area, with young Phil Jones in excellent form alongside Samba.

Carving open the Rovers defence was no easy task. Chicharito swivelled and fired in a left-footed effort which Robinson plunged to turn around the post, but the pepped-up hosts hit back when Olsson skewed a volley wide from Michel Salgado’s deep cross. United were also given a let-off when Kuszczak’s clearance was charged down by Hoilett and ricocheted wide.

The Reds should have nabbed a leveller just before the interval after excellent interplay by Rooney and Chicharito. As the Mexican bore down on goal he was robbed by a fine sliding challenge from Phil Jones, but Nani steered the inviting loose ball over the crossbar.

The opening 15 minutes of the second period continued in a finely-balanced fashion. Blackburn were keen to pressure Kuszczak with high balls, while United’s approach play carried plenty of menace, without a telling final ball. Nani’s powerful shot was deflected wide by Samba and Jones blocked Ryan Giggs’ close-range effort, before Paul Scholes was introduced at the expense of Fabio.

That re-jig meant another shift for Valencia as an auxiliary right-back, and the Ecuadorian was quickly under pressure as Olsson rose to meet Emerton’s cross, but the Norwegian could only nod against Kuszczak’s post from close range.

Having glanced over the precipice, United were suddenly hauled back from the brink as Chicharito raced onto Giggs’ pass, touched the ball past Robinson and tumbled under the goalkeeper’s challenge. Dogged by vehement implorations from both sides, referee Phil Dowd sought the opinion of his linesman before awarding the spot-kick.

Despite the epic delay prompted by the hosts’ protests, Rooney held his nerve and crashed an unstoppable penalty high into Robinson’s right-hand corner to prompt scenes of utter delirium in the Darwen End.

“We shall not be moved,” cried the 8,000 travelling supporters, and their defiance might have risen further when Rooney whipped in a magnificent right-wing cross which begged to be converted, but Nani could only divert the ball just off-target.

A point was enough for United, and a share of the spoils also suited the hosts, who continue to look over their shoulder as an engaging relegation battle rages on. With a draw mutually beneficial, the game descended into a game of keep-ball for the final 15 minutes.

That time, plus three added minutes, zipped by before referee Dowd signalled the end of the game and the title race, and marked history for the now 19-times champions. The message was perfectly summed up by a banner unfurled in the away support which simply read: “Top of the perch”. Rarely has the view looked so good.

Blackburn Rovers Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips

2011-05-14T11:29:00.000-04:00

Blackburn Rovers [1 - 1] Manchester United
20' [1 - 0] B. Emerton
73' [1 - 1] M. Salgado

szólj hozzá: B1-1M

Manchester United Vs. Chelsea Match Report Result

2011-05-08T16:01:00.000-04:00

United stand tantalisingly close to a record 19th title after a magnificent 2-1 victory over closest rivals Chelsea at a jubilant Old Trafford.

Early goals from Javier Hernandez (inside the first minute) and Nemanja Vidic set Sir Alex Ferguson's side on the way to a famous win. Despite Frank Lampard's second-half effort, the Reds thoroughly deserved the three points that leaves the club only one point away from further glory.

The Reds took just 37 seconds to lift the roof off Old Trafford with incisive passes by Ryan Giggs and Ji-sung Park seeing Hernandez through on goal as a stretching David Luiz failed to intercept the Korean's through-ball. Chicharito nervelessly slipped his finish wide of Petr Cech to hand United the perfect start.

In a whirlwind opening spell, Wayne Rooney let fly from another Park pass to bring the best out of the diving Cech and Hernandez was unable to reach a teasing Park centre that evaded the shaky Luiz.

Another fine move at blistering speed saw Rooney collect a return ball from Antonio Valencia, only to pull his finish just wide. Chelsea finally mustered a couple of chances of their own, with Edwin van der Sar worked by Florent Malouda after fisting away a Didider Drogba header before Salomon Kalou hit a tame effort straight at the Dutch keeper.

But Sir Alex's men doubled their lead in the 23rd minute when Park's wicked drive from an angle forced a corner from Cech's save. From the flag-kick, Giggs teased Kalou and centred invitingly for an outnumbered Vidic to plunder a downward header into the net. Cue incredible celebrations.

Chelsea's response was instant, with Van der Sar palming away a Kalou header and Branislav Ivanovic only finding the side-netting from the rebound. Van der Sar became more prominent as Luiz moved forward with menace to test the veteran, who then dived to his left to frustrate Didier Drogba from a free-kick.

Another cheaply-awarded foul allowed Drogba a second set-piece attempt before there was controversy when Ivanovic escaped a second booking for a blatant foul on Rooney.

Undeterred, United finished the half strongest. John Obi Mikel prodded behind following a Valencia one-two with Rooney and the Ecuadorian winger smashed over the top following neat play by Giggs and Fabio.

Malouda had the first real effort of the second period but Van der Sar watched it sail wide before another big decision went against United. Lampard clearly handled Valencia's cross inside the area but Howard Webb waved play on as everybody anticipated the official pointing to the spot.

Carlo Ancelotti introduced Fernando Torres to his attack just past the hour mark as the Blues searched for a route back into the game, and the title race.

Valencia had another penalty shout rejected after tussling with John Terry inside the box following another rapid break but, this time, it was probably the correct decision from referee Webb.

Van der Sar had to be alert to field a long-range drive by substitute Alex and Drogba was penalised for handball when delivering a shot wide of the far post as some pressure started to build on the home goal.

United did concede when Ivanovic climbed to head a Ramires cross goalwards and Lampard stabbed home from close range with just over 20 minutes remaining. It set up a nervous finale.

Rooney almost restored the two-goal lead immediately but was off-balance when trying to steer in a Hernandez cut-back and Alex cleared superbly off the line to avoid a sense of deja vu for the visitors after the Champions League tie at Old Trafford.

United defenders had to put their bodies on the line in a bid to preserve the now slender advantage, with Fabio, Rio Ferdinand and substitute Jonny Evans all requiring treatment in the aftermath of one attack.

It was tight and tense but Rooney could have scored three times in the space of a minute, only to fail to find the finishing touch that would have relaxed the home fans. Then Hernandez headed over from close range from Valencia's driven centre with four minutes left as the Reds refused to do things the easy way.

Hearts were in mouths when Torres lined up a shot inside the box with time running out, but the £50million man could only drag it off-target, much to palpable relief. United stand on the brink of yet another title.

Manchester United Vs. Chelsea Highlights Video Clips

2011-05-08T15:59:00.000-04:00

Manchester United [2 - 1] Chelsea
1' [1 - 0] J. Hernandez
23' [2 - 0] N. Vidic
68' [2 - 1] F. Lampard

Manchester United Vs. Schalke Highlights Video Clips

2011-05-04T19:19:00.000-04:00

United turned on the style to make absolutely certain of a place in the 2011 Champions League final, firing four goals past Schalke in an enthralling semi-final second leg at Old Trafford.
Antonio Valencia and Darron Gibson put the Reds well and truly in the driving seat with two first-half strikes and although Jurado pulled a stunning goal back for Schalke, also before the break, Sir Alex Ferguson's double chasers went on to win comfortably thanks to a second-half brace from the outstanding Anderson.

To single out the South American or any of the triumphant United stars would be misleading, however - this was another tremendous team effort with fourteen players making a contribution to the cause and perhaps giving their manager some more selection dilemmas in the exciting days and weeks ahead.

Sir Alex Ferguson stayed true to his word and made changes – eight, in fact, from the side that slipped up at Arsenal. Only Edwin van der Sar, Anderson and Nani were asked to start again as the boss picked a side with Sunday against Chelsea in mind. Wayne Rooney, reported to have a tight hamstring on Tuesday, was out of the eighteen altogether but his now-regular strike partner Javier Hernandez was named among a strong group of substitutes.

There was a subdued start to the match, with the atmosphere nothing like as electric as it was for the last semi-final second leg to be staged at Old Trafford – against Barcelona in 2008. The circumstances here were very different of course, with the cushion of two away goals blunting any edge this contest might have had.

Only a couple of flashes from the opposite number 17s gave the crowd something to get excited about in the opening 10 minutes – Nani using some great close control to surge between two Schalke players and win a corner; then Jefferson Farfan firing the first shot of note inches wide as van der Sar dived right to monitor its flight.

Farfan’s right boot also caused Darron Gibson some discomfort in his midriff when the latter crunched into a challenge on the Peruvian international. When play resumed, with Gibson happily not requiring the attending stretcher, Berbatov threatened to reprise his West Ham party-piece of last season with a drag-back close to the left-hand byline. Only the alertness of Manuel Neuer, United’s first-half nemesis from the first leg in Germany, prevented the Bulgarian’s low ball locating Antonio Valencia.

There was no such intervention when the latter was picked out again in the 26th minute. Japanese right-back Atsuto Uchida lost possession as Schalke tried to press forward and he was punished instantly, as Gibson received the ball from Anderson and delivered the perfect sliderule pass into Valencia’s path. The Ecuadorian barely broke stride as he slipped the ball under Neuer to notch United’s third goal of the tie, and his third strike of the season.

The goalscorer and provider swopped roles as the Reds swiftly doubled the advantage on the night. Anderson was again their accomplice, receiving a throw-in to his feet inside the area and flicking it on. One touch from Valencia forwarded the ball to Gibson who struck it first time into the net via Neuer’s leg and the right-hand post. The seemingly superhuman goalkeeper of last week had been made to look very ordinary.

United were now 4-0 up on aggregate - and cruising? We thought so until a moment later when Schalke pulled a goal back in spectacular style. Smalling’s attempt to play out from the back was cut out and when Uchida’s right-wing cross careered off the pack of Evans, Rafael and Raul, Jose Manuel Jurado hammered the ball past van der Sar with his venomous left foot.

The Old Trafford crowd, now illuminated by a couple of red flares in the Schalke section, had witnessed a goal rush and three almost became four when Valencia’s effort was cleared off the line by centre-back Benedikt Howedes with Neuer beaten.

While the German side still had a tall order in terms of the tie, they had at least made a fist of it on the evening. But while a couple of Schalke free-kicks and a flurry of bookings for Anderson, Scholes and Gibson, threatened to further loosen United’s grip on the game, the Reds were worthy 2-1 leaders at the interval.

Schalke sent on their first sub for the restart, replacing attacking midfielder Alexander Baumjohann with the Brazilian striker Edu. But it was an Edu compatriot in red who nearly added to the scoreline when the irrepressible Anderson was teed up by Berbatov. United's number eight would surely have scored past most keepers with his curling left-footer but Neuer, suddenly back to his best, flew to his left and flicked the shot wide with his top hand, his right.

With an hour gone, and the 4-1 lead not under any apparent threat, the United fans serenaded their heroes past - Andy Cole, Nicky Butt et al - and present, and began to sing of Wembley. The repertoire was only interrupted by a roar for Anderson's eventual goal - tucked low to Neuer's left after a great run and cut-back by Nani - and by greetings for Patrice Evra and Darren Fletcher when they joined in the fun as substitutes for Rafael and Paul Scholes.

Then came another strike for Anderson - United's fourth goal on the night, sixth on aggregate - when Valencia broke down the right, fed Berbatov, and the Bulgarian - in his last action before making way for Michael Owen - slid the ball to the Brazilian for a first-time finish at the far post.

There was still time for excellent saves at both ends - Neuer denying Owen, and van der Sar thwarting Edu, with substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar flagged offside after popping in the rebound - but any more goals would have almost spoiled a sated crowd already relishing a Saturday-night date with Barcelona on May 28. Bring it on.

Manchester United Vs. Schalke Highlights Video Clips

2011-05-04T19:10:00.000-04:00

Manchester United [4 - 1] Schalke
26' [1 - 0] L.A. Valencia
31' [2 - 0] D. Gibson
35' [2 - 1] J.M. Jurado
72' [3 - 1] Anderson
76' [4 - 1] Anderson

szólj hozzá: ManUtd 4-1 Schalke -Highlights

Arsenal Vs. Manchester United Match Result Report

2011-05-01T12:36:00.000-04:00

United slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal, setting up a virtual title decider with Chelsea next Sunday at Old Trafford.

Aaron Ramsey, who chose to join the North Londoners ahead of the Reds, scored the only goal of the game to inflict a fourth defeat of the Barclays Premier League campaign on the leaders.
Substitute Michael Owen was denied a late penalty when being brought down inside the box with a couple of minutes remaining after Nemanja Vidic appeared to escape conceding a spot-kick for a handball in the first half.

But the Reds were not at their best and rarely replicated the sort of form displayed against Schalke in midweek.

Sir Alex Ferguson opted for Fabio at right-back and Nani in preference to Antonio Valencia with Anderson drafted into the midfield while the Gunners were without Cesc Fabregas, who injured a thigh in training.

Even without their captain, the hosts started brightly in the sunshine and dominated early possession - although Edwin van der Sar wasn't called into action.

Jack Wilshere lashed a great opportunity wide after a rare slip by Vidic, who cleared straight to the young Englishman, but the Reds' skipper was at his best to pressure Theo Walcott into firing a Robin van Persie cross over the bar soon afterwards.

Patrice Evra was on the top of his game to stretch to divert a van Persie centre away from Walcott and it took some time for United to fashion a threatening move. When it came, Fabio burst onto a Nani pass and stayed on his feet despite a risky challenge inside the box, only to be unable to pick out Javier Hernandez in the middle.

There was a nervous moment on 32 minutes when Vidic appeared to get a feint touch with his fingertips to a Walcott cross with van Persie lurking behind him. Only the Dutchman really appealed but, no doubt, it was a talking point and it did seem to be a moment of madness from Vidic.

Aaron Ramsey and Wayne Rooney traded off-target shots before the Reds striker was harshly booked by Chris Foy for a nudge on Wilshere. Wojciech Szczesny was finally brought into action before half time when gathering Anderson's tame attempt following a more encouraging move which involved Nani and Evra.

United carried more threat after the break with Rooney forcing a save out of Szczesny with a free-kick and Evra ramming the rebound into the side-netting while Nani delivered a great cross that just evaded Hernandez before sending his own set-piece effort bouncing wide.

But Arsenal broke through on 56 minutes, seconds after Antonio Valencia replaced Anderson in midfield and the players were still reorganising.

Wilshere fed van Persie on the right and the striker was afforded too much time to pick out the unmarked Ramsey, who guided his shot past van der Sar's right hand and into the corner of the net.

United needed to muster a response and Vidic headed wide from a Nani corner before the manager replaced Hernandez with the league's top goalscorer Dimitar Berbatov.

The visitors finally started building up a head of steam as Ramsey handled a Michael Carrick cross on the edge of the box, arguably inside, but Rooney's free-kick was comfortable for Szczesny.

Rooney did well to find Nani during one smart break but the Portuguese winger's shot was beaten out by Szczesny, although the Gunners still looked dangerous themselves with van Persie a constant threat.

Owen joined the Reds' attack, in place of Carrick, but was denied what looked a blatant penalty with a couple of minutes left when turning Clichy inside the area. Referee Foy waved away the appeals and there was to be no late drama with the team needing to pick themselves up for two huge games in the coming week.

Arsenal Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips

2011-05-01T12:34:00.001-04:00

Arsenal [1 - 0] Manchester United
56' [1 - 0] A. Ramsey

szólj hozzá: A1-0M

Schalke Vs. Manchester United Match Report Result

2011-04-26T20:43:00.000-04:00

Make no mistake, this was as accomplished a Champions League semi-final performance you could wish to see as United had Schalke chasing shadows in a comprehensive 2-0 victory.

There's still a second leg to come before the manager and anybody else will be thinking of planning for Wembley but, in truth, only Manuel Neuer's brilliance saved his side from an embarrassing scoreline.Neuer defied United virtually single-handedly before two quickfire goals - by Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney - ensured justice was done. Rooney was the provider for Giggs' opener and then found the net himself after cunning play by strike partner Javier Hernandez.

Sir Alex Ferguson opted for a 4-4-2 formation with in-form Hernandez proving impossible to leave out. Fabio started at right-back with Antonio Valencia, Michael Carrick, Giggs and Ji-sung Park forming the midfield quartet.

In a breathless opening period, both sides carved out chances with Edwin van der Sar worked by Alexander Baumjohann and Edu while Neuer showed his class at the other end. Rooney drifted inside to force a diving stop out of the Schalke skipper, who then beat out a Park drive. Some fine work by Fabio and Valencia led to Hernandez stretching to test Neuer again. Hernandez was then in a one-on-one with the keeper in the 14th minute when Park's astute through ball found him just onside but the Mexican couldn't squeeze his finish under Germany's number one.

Hernandez remained the man likeliest to open the scoring as he rippled the side-netting with a left-footed effort and then made the wrong decision in trying to return a pass to Rooney rather than going for goal himself. Chicharito seemed to be finding space easily and, when he was beautifully picked out by Valencia, it was a surprise his snap-shot flashed across goal rather than on target from an angle.

Giggs almost broke the deadlock when getting his head to Nemanja Vidic's cross, only for the outstanding Neuer to scoop the ball away with his right hand.

Christoph Metzelder took a booking for the team with a cynical foul on Rooney to stop the England international releasing Hernandez again as the one-way traffic on the Schalke goal continued. There was another major scare for the hosts when Hernandez nipped in to again force a fine stop out of Neuer and Park's effort on the rebound was blocked by Atsuto Uchida.

Moments later, Fabio fired over the top with his left foot from Park's downward header as United tried to take a richly-deserved lead. Instead, Neuer blocked crucially again to thwart Giggs in yet another one-on-one situation by standing tall to frustrate the Welshman with his seventh save of the half as the teams went in all-square at the break.

It took one minute and 13 seconds of the second half to test Neuer again as Carrick headed a Giggs free-kick goalwards before Giggs' dreadful right-footed finish ruined the calm dummy that sat two defenders on the deck.

Neuer was finally beaten with 51 minutes on the clock but, frustratingly, Hernandez was marginally offside when lashing home a superb finish. The Miners mustered an attempt of their own when Juan Manuel Jurado sliced a volley off target following Jefferson Farfan's lightning run down the right and Edu's powerful shot forced a save out of van der Sar.

But the Reds were merely biding their time before conjuring up a way of beating Neuer. Patrice Evra fed Rooney and the striker's brilliant disguised pass allowed Giggs to race through unchallenged to slip home an assured left-footed finish.

Scenting blood, United poured forward and, after Giggs volleyed a well-placed Valencia cross wide, it was 2-0 within a couple of minutes. Valencia touched the ball towards Hernandez and the Mexican helped it on intelligently to Rooney, who gleefully swept past the exposed Neuer.

Sir Alex took the opportunity to give Hernandez and Park a breather ahead of the weekend clash with Arsenal as Paul Scholes and Anderson came on with 17 minutes left.

Schalke tried in vain to reduce the deficit with Farfan sending a free-kick wide and substitute Sergio Escudero's excellent attempt forcing van der Sar into evasive action. The hosts, who almost fell further behind late on when Evra shot just wide after linking up with substitute Nani, were simply no match for the Reds on the night. Schalke require a Miner miracle in the second leg at Old Trafford next Wednesday.

Schalke Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips

2011-04-26T20:37:00.001-04:00

Schalke [0 - 2] Manchester United
67' [0 - 1] R. Giggs
69' [0 - 2] W. Rooney

Manchester United Vs. Everton Match Result Report

2011-04-23T11:52:00.000-04:00

Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez scored perhaps the most important goal of his phenomenal debut season for United, nodding a late winner as Everton were beaten amid dramatic scenes at Old Trafford.
David Moyes' side had turned in a magnificently dogged display to frustrate the Reds for long periods, before Chicharito popped up with six minutes remaining to nod home, perhaps symbolically, his 19th goal of the season and move United three points closer to a 19th domestic crown.

The Mexican's strike prompted a mass outpouring of relief from the home support after a largely frustrating afternoon. Fronted by impressively well-drilled visitors, the Reds squandered a series of first half openings and found Tim Howard in solid form, while Michael Owen also struck the outside of the visitors' post late on.

The Reds might have even suffered worse, had Edwin van der Sar not produced a wonderful fingertip save to deny Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell midway through the second period.

With one eye on Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final, first leg trip to Schalke, Sir Alex made the most of the squad at his disposal, resting Nemanja Vidic and Chris Smalling and naming Patrice Evra, Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick on the bench. Dimitar Berbatov missed out with a persistent groin injury.

Rio Ferdinand partnered Jonny Evans for only the second time this season, Fabio replaced Evra, Darron Gibson stepped in for Carrick and Giggs’ absence was covered by the returning Antonio Valencia.

Everton, meanwhile, came into the game as one of the Premier League’s form teams, with 14 points from the last 18 available, despite a raft of injuries which again reduced decimated their ranks. Tim Cahill did provide a timely boost for David Moyes, however, as he was deemed fit enough for a spot on the visitors’ bench.

The Toffees’ form had brought them into contention for European qualification berths. Nevertheless, United’s need was greater; a state of play reflected in the early patterns within the game. How the Reds reached the interval without scoring was flummoxing – not that former United stopper Howard was inundated with questions to answer; more that the hosts repeatedly failed to make the most of presentable positions.

The movement of Chicharito and the positive possession and passing of Anderson presented problems aplenty for the visitors. Wayne Rooney dictated United’s tempo, dropping into the hole behind the Mexican marksman with promising regularity. It was he who had the game’s first effort, a 25-yard effort which deflected wide from Nani’s disguised free-kick.

Everton’s remit mainly concerned defending in the opening period, but their sporadic threat on the break invariably involved Leon Osman, operating in a similar position to Rooney, and he took advantage of space in the midfield area to poke a half-hit effort straight at Edwin van der Sar. The Dutchman wouldn’t make another save all half.

Instead, United repeatedly sprung the hosts’ high line. Nani dwelled and shot straight at Howard after a three-on-three break, then Chicharito’s cross was deflected into the American’s arms after another swift counter led by Fabio. Chicharito soon had Howard earning his pay – drawing a smart stop from the American with a near post effort and then forcing him to beat another powerful effort behind after fine approach play from Rooney.

For all the trouble being caused by the little Mexican, he inadvertently helped the visitors escape the clearest opening of the half. Valencia outmuscled Leighton Baines and pulled back for Nani. Having slipped, Chicharito then sat helpless as he blocked the Portuguese winger's effort wide with his outstretched heel.

There was still time for one more United break to fizzle out into nothingness in the first period. Rooney sprung Everton’s line, required two touches to bring the ball into position and defenders had swarmed around Chicharito by the time he released the cross. Somehow, once again, Moyes’ side survived.

Mindful of the need to offer more attacking input, the Everton manager introduced Cahill and Victor Anichebe at the start of the second half as replacements for Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Jermaine Beckford, who had both been largely anonymous.

The move initially stymied United’s flow. Sir Alex Ferguson joined assistant Mike Phelan on the touchline to evaluate the impact the changes would have. It took eight minutes for the Reds to forge another opening, before again Phil Jagielka slammed the door in the hosts’ faces, steaming in to clear Chicharito’s centre before Rooney could pounce.

Everton were by far more competitive as a result of their changes, however, and the pace of Anichebe took him away from Ferdinand and into the United area. The youngster tumbled under pressure from the veteran defender, but referee Peter Walton opted against an award. Everton’s players, management and fans were irate, but replays suggested that Anichebe had willingly succumbed to gravity.

The non-award only served to turn up the heat on an encounter which was increasingly simmering. Anderson and Cahill both entered the book for late challenges in quick succession, before Sir Alex opted to change his own approach by throwing on Michael Owen for Nani. Patrice Evra also entered the fray at the expense of John O'Shea, who was seemingly carrying an injury.

United's frustration was growing, but the mood inside Old Trafford briefly became one of overwhelming relief when, with 23 minutes remaining, Jack Rodwell's deflected 25-yard shot was magnificently turned past the post by van der Sar.

That chance prompted a wave of United pressure, with both sides decamped to the visitors' half. Owen struck the outside of Howard's post as he redirected Fabio's centre, before Rooney came close with a curling free-kick which was tipped over.

Howard then produced his finest save; tipping over Chicharito's close-range header after Valencia's initial effort had been heroically blocked. Still United kept knocking on the door, and finally it opened with seven minutes remaining.

Distin was caught in possession by Valencia, who then received the ball back from Anderson. The Ecuadorian's cross was deflected off Distin, and fell beautifully for Chicharito to nod home from deep inside the six-yard box at the far post.

Cue widespread pandemonium inside Old Trafford - although jitters soon crept back in when referee Walton gave the signal for five added minutes. The excellent Jagielka blazed wildly over and van der Sar clutched a Cahill header, before the final whistle sparked further scenes of choral revelling among the home support.

Another 90 minutes closer to the end of an epic season, and three points closer to number 19. The onus is now on Arsenal and Chelsea to keep pace before facing the league leaders in the coming weeks.

Manchester United Vs. Everton Highlights Video Clip

2011-04-23T11:49:00.001-04:00

Manchester Untied [1 - 0] Everton
84' [1 - 0] J. Hernandez

szólj hozzá: M1-0E

Manchester City Vs. Manchester United Match Report Result

2011-04-16T14:46:00.000-04:00

One down, two to go.

After Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Manchester City, the FA Cup is out of reach. But Manchester United remain in pole position to win a record 19th league title and face German side Schalke over two legs for a place in the European Cup final. Life could be worse.Of course, on Saturday at Wembley that was scant consolation for the 40-odd-thousand Reds who travelled to London to watch only the second ever Manchester derby to be played outside of the city. Unfortunately, it went the same way as the first. On that occasion, back in 1926, City won an FA Cup final 3-0 at Bramall Lane. This time there was only one goal in it but the result was just as devastating.

After an evenly contested first period, a defensive lapse at the beginning of the second was pounced on and United punished dearly. The task was then made even more difficult when Paul Scholes was sent off on 72 minutes for a studs-up challenge on Pablo Zabaleta that left the Argentinian with two nasty cuts on his right thigh.

When the Reds' FA Cup dream came to an end at the semi-final stage in 2009 at least there the “weakened team” argument to play. On Saturday there were no such excuses. Despite Tuesday's looming trip to St James' Park, United fielded a full-strength side at Wembley. This was a derby, after all. And, for that matter, an FA Cup semi-final.

Sir Alex named his strongest available back five. There was also room in the starting XI for three traditional wingers, although Ji-sung Park played tucked in centrally alongside Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes, with Nani and Antonio Valencia on the flanks.

Up front, Dimitar Berbatov got the nod ahead of Javier Hernandez – Wayne Rooney, remember, was serving the second of a two-game ban – and the Bulgarian was left to rue two spurned chances in the space of 30 seconds with the game just 15 minutes old.

Neat one-touch football from Carrick, Scholes and Park on the edge of City's penalty area released Berbatov, but the striker saw his shot saved superbly by the onrushing Joe Hart. Then, from the resulting quickly-taken throw-in, Nani advanced into the penalty area, passed low across the six-yard box and Berbatov, no more than three yards out and with an open goal at his mercy, stretched to meet the ball but sliced his effort over the bar.

City, meanwhile, struggled to assert themselves early on and didn't seriously threaten Edwin van der Sar's goal until the 31 st minute. Even then, Gareth Barry's shot missed its mark, although Blues fans at the opposite end of the stadium were convinced it had found the net.

Perhaps Manchester City's unfamiliarity with life on the big stage played its part in their sluggish start. After all, this was their first visit to the new Wembley. But while United dominated the opening half-hour, the game remained goalless. To their credit, City had defended well and even enjoyed their own spell of sustained pressure before the interval.

Balotelli forced van der Sar into a smart save when he unleashed a swerving effort from 35 yards before Joleon Lescott volleyed over when he was left unattended at the back post. Yaya Toure then strode forward and earned City a corner, which was taken quickly and worked to Nigel de Jong, whose curling shot from 20 yards breezed just past van der Sar's left-hand upright. The half-time whistle almost came as a relief.

The break did little to curb City's momentum and the Blues took the lead seven minutes after the restart following sloppy United defending. First, van der Sar fluffed a clearance, which fell to Silva 35 yards from goal. O'Shea won back possession well and fed the ball square to Carrick, who aimed to shift the ball again to Scholes. But Toure read his intentions, intercepted the pass and strode confidently into the area. His pace took him past Vidic before he kept his cool to roll his shot through van der Sar's legs and into the net. Advantage City.

Sir Alex's men barely had a kick for the next 10 minutes as the Blues, eyeing a first FA Cup final since 1981, peppered van der Sar's goal in search of a second. It didn't come, though, and United then inched back into the game when Hart pushed Nani's deflected free-kick onto the bar and Javier Hernandez entered the fray.

Scholes' dismissal then effectively ended the game, although there was still time for Carrick to shoot on target, Hernandez to have an effort blocked and Park to head tamely at Hart. But this wasn't United's day. Even the five minutes of injury time failed to yield a presentable chance.

So, City move on to the FA Cup final after a disappointing day out in the capital. Still, at least there are other opportunites for silverware.

Manchester City Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clip

2011-04-16T14:43:00.000-04:00

Manchester City [1 - 0] Manchester United
52' [1 - 0] Y. Touré

Manchester United Vs. Chelsea Match Report Result

2011-04-12T20:17:00.000-04:00

Wembley is within reach.

Only FC Schalke or Internazionale stand in Manchester United's way of a fifth European Cup final appearance – and a second on home soil – after the Reds beat Chelsea 2-1 (3-1 on aggregate) at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.There were nervy moments, sure, but United were never put under the sort of sustained pressure required to crack a Reds side that has looked so solid in Europe this season.

Javier Hernandez put the home side in front just before the interval before Chelsea's Ramires saw red for a second bookable offence 20 minutes from time. That appeared to extinquish any hopes the Blues had of reaching the last four, until Drogba popped up to equalise against the run of play.

Chelsea's revival lasted barely a minute, though. Ji-sung Park, so often pivotal in big games, struck the hammer blow, chesting down Giggs' pass inside the area before rifling a left-footed shot into the far corner.

Earlier, both managers had sprung surprises. Drogba, Chelsea's biggest threat over the two legs, had to make do with a place on the bench as Ancelotti kept faith with Fernando Torres, while Nani was recalled by Sir Alex Ferguson at the expense of Antonio Valencia.

United's other change came at right back. Rafael, who limped out of last week's first leg after sustaining a knee injury, failed a late fitness test so John O'Shea stepped into the breach.

Both teams enjoyed spells of early possession, although neither carved out a presentable chance until 14 minutes when Torres teed up Nicolas Anelka on the edge of the area and the Frenchman skewed his shot just wide of the post. That was the cue for a flurry of action.

Wayne Rooney let fly from 35 yards with a volley that swerved wickedly but ultimately nestled in Petr Cech's arms before Frank Lampard forced Edwin van der Sar into a smart save when he side-footed goalwards from 18 yards.

Before that, van der Sar had bravely rushed off his line to claim the ball at Ramires' feet and Torres had glanced a header wide from an Anelka cross, while Park and Hernandez had both spread panic in the Chelsea penalty area.

The visitors, knowing only a win would do, played with litte fear and Ramires and Lampard sought to drive forward from midfield at every opportunity. And so the Reds were often camped just outside the penalty area, defending in two banks of four, while Hernandez stayed furthest forward and Rooney dropped in the hole.

For all the defending United were forced to do early on, though, it was the Reds who found the net first, Hernandez heading home a curled Rooney cross from the right wing. But the referee's assistant on the south touchline had his flag in the air before the ball even crossed the line. It was a tight thing and on another day play would have been waved on. Not tonight.

There was momentary panic among United fans when van der Sar appeared to rush foolishly out of his goal in an attempt to reach a long ball. Indeed, Anelka got there first. But the goalkeeper turned on his heels, waited for his moment and executed a perfect sliding tackle to dispossess the Frenchman and clear the danger. It wasn't the first time van der Sar had won a personal duel with Anelka on the European stage, of course.

Chelsea's early bluster blew cool as the half wore on. Instead, United looked livelier and spent long periods encamped in the Londoners' half. So it was no surprise when the Reds took the lead just before the interval.

Again it was Hernandez – who else? - lurking within an inch of offisde. But this time, when he applied a finish into the roof of the net to Giggs' probing low cross, the assistant's flag remained down. United, in Sir Alex's 100th European tie at Old Trafford, were ahead.

The goal, the Mexican's 18th of the season, owed much to Giggs and O'Shea, whose clever interchange on the right wing cut out Anelka and allowed Giggs the space to dart into the penalty area and measure his killer pass to the far post.

When the net bulged, United's fans took the roof off. The roar was primal, a guttural howl of ecstacy that only a football match of this magnitutde can produce. Sir Alex may have described Chelsea's desire to win the Champions League as an obsession, but he was right when he pointed out United are just as desperate to lift the trophy again. And to do it at Wembley, the scene of the club's first European success, back in 1968... just imagine.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti withdrew the ineffectual Torres at half-time and threw on Drogba. The big Ivory Coast striker had posed problems in the first leg and again he asked questions of United's back four.

He screwed a speculative shot wide on 55 minutes just before the hour mark and won a free-kick when he tangled with Patrice Evra on the end of the box. His very presence seemed to lift the visitors and when Salomon Kalou joined Drogba up front Chelsea looked a far more potent proposition.

At the other end, Nani tested Cech with a stinging shot from 20 yards that the Chelsea stopper shoveled around the post, while Giggs spurned a glorious chance to double United's lead when he headed tamely at Cech from Rooney's delicious delivery.

Then came Ramires' second booking, issued for another foul on Nani, who proved a constant thorn in Chelsea's side. As Ramires disappeared down the tunnel, Chelsea's chances of Champions League success seemed to go with him. How would Carlo Ancelotti's men, two goals down on aggregate, recover from this?

United fans didn't think it was possible. Drogba, though, had other ideas. The forward touched on an Essien pass, shook off Vidic's attentions and blasted the ball past van der Sar to give the Londoners hope.

But Park settled the game – and the tie – almost immediately to book a spot in the Champions League last four. The Reds go marching on.

Manchester United Vs. Chelsea Highlights Video Clips

2011-04-12T20:13:00.002-04:00

Manchester United [2 - 1] Chelsea
43' [1 - 0] J. Hernandez
77' [2 - 1] J. Park D. Drogba

Manchester United Vs. Fulham Match Result Report

2011-04-09T14:52:00.000-04:00

United may not have always played like champions on Saturday, but the Reds took another step towards a record 19th league title with a comfortable 2-0 win over Fulham at Old Trafford.
Of course, each step at this stage of the season must feel like a giant stride to those teams trailing Sir Alex's men. Matches are running out for the chasing pack to haul in a United side determined to land a historic piece of silverware. the At the final whistle, United (with only six games to play) were 10 points clear of Arsenal, 11 clear of Chelsea and 13 ahead of neighbours Manchester City.

On an Old Trafford pitch bathed in sunshine, the Reds outclassed Fulham and, but for a nervy opening 10 minutes, rarely looked troubled. Even the visitors seemed to take their foot off the gas in the second half and for long periods it felt more like a training game than a competitive fixture. It was as if Fulham, who came into the match having won just once in their 18 previous trips to M16, never seriously believed they'd buck the trend.

That said, the Cottagers did start brightly. Gael Kakuta, on loan from Chelsea, stretched Tomasz Kuszczak within 45 seconds. Moussa Dembele then did the same with barely six minutes on the clock, while Bobby Zamora blasted wide after finding space inside the area.

Perhaps the raft of changes Sir Alex made to his starting XI played its part in United's slow start. With one eye on Tuesday night's Champions League quarter-final second leg, the boss rested eight players who'd started at Stamford Bridge three days earlier. Only Patrice Evra, Nemanja Vidic and Antonio Valencia survived.

Around them, there were rare starts for Tomasz Kuszczak and Darron Gibson, while Paul Scholes returned from suspension and John O'Shea and Anderson from injury.

Chris Smalling, in action for the first time against his former club since his move to Old Trafford last summer, looked every inch a distinguished defender. He tackled fearlessly, passed assuredly and won the majority of his aerial duels in both penalty areas.

Of course, there was no Wayne Rooney for Manchester United as the striker served the first of his two-game domestic suspension after being charged by the Football Association for using “offensive, abusive and/or insulting language” in the Reds' 4-2 win over West Ham last weekend.

In Rooney's absence, Dimitar Berbatov led the line in what was only his third start in United's last 12 fixtures. And it was the Bulgarian who shook the Reds out of their early slumber, firing United into the lead on 12 minutes.

Nani must be credited for much of its invention, the Portuguese jinking past a number of would-be Fulham tacklers and playing a neat one-two with Anderson before laying the ball off to Berbatov on his left to finish with a cool side-footted shot into the far corner.

Fulham's early bluster disappeared completely. For the rest of the half, the home side was comfortable in possession and carved out regular chances. Anderson wasted the best of those the Reds failed to convert, screwing his shot wide on 19 minutes, while Valencia and Nani caused havoc on the flanks.

Those two combined just after 30 minutes to double United's lead. Nani reached a long ball ahead of Schwarzer, rounded the Australian goalkeeper and homed in on goal. Fulham's Aaron Hughes did enough to divert Nani's shot sufficiently away from goal, but it spun straight to Antonio Valencia, who nodded in at the far post from close range.

Anderson and Gibson drew saves from Schwarzer at the start of the second half, while Fulham substitute Eidur Gudjohnsen curled an effort just past the post that had the visiting fans celebrating as if he'd scored. It took them a good 10 seconds to realise the ball had actually passed the wrong side of the post.

Zamora then went close with a free-kick on 72 minutes, but it was a rare moment of genuine tension in a 45 minutes that will be forgotten as quickly as it began. United, too, were sluggish, doing just enough to hold onto the lead. It was understandable, though: the game was won, the points in the bag. Why waste energy?

O'Shea hit the target from distance and substitute Michael Owen wriggled into the penalty area late on, but in the end the Reds' first-half exertions were enough to earn three points.

Players, fans, even Sir Alex Ferguson, enjoyed a brief moment of celebration at the final whistle. After all, with just six games to play and a 10-point lead, the Reds' title chances look good.

But almost as quickly as the roar went up it subsided and thoughts turned immediately to Chelsea's visit on Tuesday night. That should provide a sterner test.

Manchester United Vs. Fulham Highlights Video Clips

2011-04-09T14:49:00.000-04:00

Manchester United [2 - 0] Fulham
11' [1 - 0] D. Berbatov
31' [2 - 0] L.A. Valencia

Chelsea Vs. Manchester United Match Report Result

2011-04-06T20:34:00.000-04:00

It's advantage United at half-time in the all-English Champions League quarter-final, thanks to Wayne Rooney's second opening goal in two missions on Chelsea's manor and a sterling rearguard action.
While the Reds won't be as comfortable as Real Madrid (4-0), Schalke (5-2) and Barcelona (5-1) heading into next week's second legs, Sir Alex Ferguson's men will still be favourites to reach the semi-finals after this psychologically significant win at Stamford Bridge. It was United's first victory in Chelsea's backyard since April 2002 when Rooney was a sixteen year-old still awaiting his senior Everton debut and the Reds were chasing, ultimately in vain, a fourth successive league title.

Rio Ferdinand - United's major signing in that same year, 2002 - returned to the Reds' line-up for his first appearance since 1 February and made a confident start, beating the diving Fernando Torres to a low ball in from the right. The same Chelsea striker buzzed around the United area in the early stages but his only shot on target was straight at Edwin van der Sar, also back in action after missing the weekend's win at West Ham.

More Wayne Rooney headlines flashed in front of our eyes momentarily when he collapsed in pain in the third minute, after Michael Essien’s raised studs caught the Reds forward on the top of the foot. Fortunately Rooney recovered, while his Ghanaian assailant escaped a caution.

United’s first corner appeared to cause some panic in the Chelsea ranks, with Didier Drogba making a hash of his clearance but then redeeming himself with a vital diversion of Ji-sung Park’s shot. The fit-again Korean scored when United last gleaned a positive result at Stamford Bridge – 1-1 in September 2008 – so it was no surprise to see him starting again, for only the second time since Boxing Day.

Drogba’s better known for business at the other end, of course, and he almost capped Chelsea’s decent opening to this tie when he powered a rising shot towards goal, only to see van der Sar’s fingertips flick the effort over the crossbar.

The Dutchman’s intervention enabled the Reds to draw first blood instead. Michael Carrick instigated the attack with a diagonal ball out to the left wing but it was the sublime first touch from Ryan Giggs that really took the breath away. Certainly the Chelsea rearguard were left gasping for air as the oldest outfield player on the pitch advanced past Bosingwa and pulled the ball back for Rooney – who else – to slot home, in off the base of the far post.

After 24 minutes, the vital away goal sought by Sir Alex Ferguson was in the bag and with it, a notable Champions League feat for Rooney – the fifth straight year in which he’s scored at the quarter-final stage. Moments later there was a concern that Wayne’s vital contribution would be his last, when another clumsy challenge – this time from Ramires – left him wincing. But Rooney is made of sterner stuff, especially when he has the scent of more goals in his nostrils after notching four in five days in London.

Torres famously can’t buy a goal, of course; even when he was played into space beyond the United back four, a heavy touch enabled Vidic to catch up and then pick him up angrily after the Spaniard went down too easily, without any contact. Spanish referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco didn’t show the first yellow card to Torres for his tumble – that dubious honour was reserved for Yury Zhirkov, after a high kick to Javier Hernandez’s head.

There were chances at both ends as the half ended dramatically. Cech saved well from Rooney; then Evra rode to United’s rescue with a brilliant goalline clearance to deny Lampard after Torres’ flick beat van der Sar but came back off the right-hand post. The Chelsea pair both lacked power in their connections but all the same, Evra’s alertness and agility deserve great credit as the Reds entered the break still 1-0 up.

The half-time lead survived an early scare when Ramires despatched a free header wide, shortly before Sir Alex was forced into his first substitution. Rafael was stretchered off after a collision with Drogba, but just as he did on Saturday, the United manager declined to send on a defender.

Instead Sir Alex turned a negative into a positive by bringing on an attacking player again, in the form of Nani. Valencia switched to right-back and the Reds regrouped to weather a storm and watch Drogba’s overhead kick bounce marginally beyond the far post. The same upright was also passed by an Essien volley but really there was little for van der Sar to do at this stage. His opposite number, on the other glove, did have to intervene smartly when Nani whipped a ball across the face of goal on the counter-attack. Cech’s touch was just enough to take the ball away from Hernandez; without it, the Mexican would surely have made it 2-0.

This match reporter almost jinxed it for United’s goalkeeper, when Torres’ arcing header looked for a split-second as if it was going to beat him in the 73rd minute. But van der Sar produced one of the best saves of this age-defying final season, flying to his left at full stretch to push the effort away.

While Torres continued to toil in search of his elusive first goal for Chelsea, his team-mates Drogba, Zhirkov and later Bosingwa were withdrawn. Nicolas Anelka, Florent Malouda and Jon Obi Mikel took their places in a mainly attacking alteration by Carlo Ancelotti, while Sir Alex opted for a simple change of striker - Dimitar Berbatov on for Hernandez.

None of the new personnel could make a difference to the scoreline although Anelka might have done had Evra not beaten him to Malouda's cross with a brave header. Nani, meanwhile, could have doubled the Reds' lead on the break but Cech was quickly off his line to smother the danger.

Evra's good work was almost undone when he appeared to bring down Ramires inside the box in injury time but referee Undiano ignored the vehement shouts from the Chelsea players and their partisan crowd. He didn't, however, turn a blind eye when Torres also went looking for a penalty and booked the frustrated Spain striker for simulation.

There was nothing fake about United's triumph, however, or undeserved. This was a richly-merited victory - now all Sir Alex's men have to do is finish the job in front of the faithful. Bring on the second leg.

Chelsea Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips

2011-04-06T20:32:00.000-04:00

Chelsea [0 - 1] Manchester United
24' [0 - 1] W. Rooney

West Ham United Vs. Manchester United Match Result Report

2011-04-02T12:10:00.000-04:00

Wayne Rooney struck a stunning second half hat-trick as United roared back from two goals down to register a pulsating victory at Upton Park.

Mark Noble converted a pair of first-half penalties for West Ham to seemingly deal the Reds’ title hopes an untimely setback. United had bossed the match despite Noble’s double, however, and deservedly overturned the scoreline in the second period.

Rooney curled home a magnificent long-range free-kick, thundered in a superb leveller and converted a penalty in a breathless 15-minute spell, before substitute Javier Hernandez turned home a late clincher to cap another rousing fightback from the Reds.

Watching from the stands in the second instalment of his touchline ban, Sir Alex Ferguson will again wonder how his side insist on putting all their followers through the wringer, before switching his attention to Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Stamford Bridge.

With the visit to Chelsea looming, Nani, Dimitar Berbatov and Chicharito all started on the bench, while Edwin van der Sar was a precautionary absentee with a minor groin injury. Sir Alex's defensive selection was preordained, with Wes Brown, John O’Shea and Rafael all injured and Jonny Evans starting his three match ban. Fabio and Patrice Evra started at full-back, flanking a central-defensive partnership of Chris Smalling and Nemanja Vidic.

As United bossed the early exchanges, Smalling's first telling contribution of the game was a thumping header which Rob Green comfortably tipped over the bar. After another corner, however, the Reds fell behind. Thomas Hitzelsperger's gargantuan pass released Carlton Cole and, as the striker flicked the ball over Evra, the defender's raised hand blocked the ball’s path. Few protests met referee Lee Mason’s award of a penalty, which Noble duly dispatched past Kuszczak.

Despite the shock of falling behind against the run of play, United’s response was bright, with Antonio Valencia particularly prominent in some menacing forward probes. The Ecuadorian’s crosses prompted a succession of scrambled clearances from the hosts, as did a Wayne Rooney centre which narrowly eluded Ji-sung Park’s attempted diving header.

The Reds’ steady attempts to find a route back into the game were handed another blow after 23 minutes as Cole won his second penalty, advancing into the area and tumbling over the outstretched leg of Vidic. Unquestionably a foul, but outside the area according to the Serbian, inside it in the view of the striker and, most importantly, referee Mason. Noble steered home another unerring finish.

The flow of the game continued in the same vein, with United comfortably bossing possession. The Reds’ first real opening fell to Ji-sung Park, whose stinging half-volley was somehow turned over the bar by Green. From the subsequent corner Smalling rose highest again, but steered his header wide.

On the break, Hitzelsperger thrashed a half-volley wide with the hosts’ first notable attempt in open play. The German then came within a yard of West Ham’s third goal with a superb curling free-kick, awarded after Vidic had missed a header and subsequently hauled down Demba Ba. Much to the hosts’ ire, the Serbian was merely booked, while the home support demanded a dismissal.

The interval came and went with the deficit poised at two goals, and Sir Alex endeavoured to prompt a revival by introducing Chicharito at the expense of Evra, and moving Giggs to left-back. Little more than 30 seconds of the second period had passed when the makeshift full-back crossed for the substitute, who stabbed an effort over the bar in a promising start.

Though West Ham defended stoutly, with Manuel da Costa particularly outstanding in the centre, it seemed a matter of time before United’s growing pressure yielded a breakthrough. When it arrived, in keeping with the game’s previous goals, it came from a set-piece.

With 25 minutes remaining, Noble brought down Carrick outside the West Ham area. Rooney stepped up before steering a wonderful free-kick round the wall and inside Green’s left-hand post. United’s dander was up: game on.

Within seconds of the restart, Gibson’s long-range effort was deflected wide, while Carrick’s hooked effort from the subsequent corner only fractionally cleared Green’s crossbar. The England goalkeeper then had to be alert to turn away a near-post poke from substitute Dimitar Berbatov, who had replaced Park.

As West Ham’s defence creaked, Rooney again struck. A patient passing move culminated in Valencia flashing a left-footed pass inside for Rooney, and the striker’s superb first touch took him away from a cluster of bodies and created the room for a devastating low finish past Green. United’s travelling contingent went wild, and time remained for another notch of delirium.

Berbatov drew a fine save from Green with a stinging effort from just inside the area as the white-shirted visitors poured forward. Fabio’s marauding run down the right flank culminated in a cross which struck Matthew Upson’s arm, prompting the award of the game’s third penalty, which Rooney duly slotted home to complete his own treble and United’s comeback.

Still, the Reds pressed for more and looked to exploit gaps in the increasingly ragged home defence. With six minutes remaining, Chicharito notched his now customary goal by sliding in from close range after Giggs’ cross had deflected through the legs of two defenders.

“We shall not be moved,” roared the jubilant away support, who had witnessed yet another instance of the sheer bloody-mindedness that has so often separated United from all the rest.

West Ham United Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips

2011-04-02T12:07:00.000-04:00

West Ham United [2 - 4] Manchester United
11' [1 - 0] M. Noble (pen.)
25' [2 - 0] M. Noble (pen.)
65' [2 - 1] W. Rooney
73' [2 - 2] W. Rooney
79' [2 - 3] W. Rooney (pen.)
84' [2 - 4] J. Hernandez

Liverpool U18 Vs. Manchester United U18 Highlights Video Clip

2011-03-20T15:15:00.001-04:00

szólj hozzá: Liverpool-ManU U18

Manchester United Vs. Bolton Match Report Result

2011-03-19T14:09:00.000-04:00

Never gets tiring, does it? Stack the odds as high as you want, United will find a way to overcome them.

Dimitar Berbatov poked home a potentially priceless late winner for the league leaders, who had been frustrated for long periods by a magnificent defensive display from Bolton, while also being reduced to 10 men for a heavy challenge by Jonny Evans on Stuart Holden.

Led by inspired displays from Gary Cahill and David Wheater in the centre of defence, the Trotters rarely offered United a clear opening, but Berbatov pounced to pinch the points just as time seemed to be running out for Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Starting the first instalment of a five-match touchline ban, the United manager again had to patch up his backline. Wes Brown was shunted to right-back by the return of Evans, who joined Chris Smalling in the centre of defence. Patrice Evra continued at left-back.

With a surfeit of fit wingers, however, the United manager deployed Nani and Antonio Valencia on opposite flanks and repurposed another, Ryan Giggs, to join Michael Carrick in central midfield.

Bolton arrived at Old Trafford on the back of a six-game unbeaten run and, like United, fresh from booking a berth in this season’s FA Cup semi-finals. The Trotters struck the first blow even before kick-off; winning the toss and forcing United to flip custom and attack the Stretford End in the first period.

There was another scare for United within two minutes, as Evans’ slip allowed Johan Elmander to tee up Fabrice Muamba, but the midfielder’s clunky first touch sent the ball out of play, when a first-time shot would have posed serious questions of Edwin van der Sar.

There was no such indecision in United’s forward play moment s later, however. Wayne Rooney needed no second invitation to pull the trigger from 25 yards, and his powerful drive arrowed just a yard wide of Jussi Jaaskelainen’s top corner.

Both sides continued to trade early blows, and the Reds might have had a penalty when Cahill flung himself to block a Chicharito shot, and the Mexican’s half-hit effort was diverted wide by the defender’s flailing hand.

Those claims were waved away by referee Andre Marriner, who found himself further subjected to home protestations soon afterwards when he deemed Evans to have fouled Kevin Davies just outside the United area. The Reds’ ire was soothed, however, when van der Sar comfortably clutched Martin Petrov’s set-piece.

To and fro, the game continued to swing, with both sides’ ambition coming at the cost of composure in possession, but not chances. Rooney’s powerfully volley from a Valencia cross was well fielded by Jaaskelainen, while Evra alertly blocked Elmander’s effort. In riposte, a neat exchange between Valencia and Rooney culminated in the striker’s cross being turned wide by Chicharito.

The front pairing’s link-up bore signs of their increased familiarity, having started five of the last six games in tandem, but the visitors scarcely allowed either striker a chink of space to exploit. Perhaps mindful of this, Rooney sent another vicious long-range effort scorching over the bar shortly before half-time.

Unexpectedly, Sir Alex used the interval to freshen up his side’s approach, introducing Berbatov and Fabio at the expense of Chicharito and Brown.

The move prompted a spell of sustained United pressure early in the second period, but still the visitors held firm, marshalled superbly by the central defensive pairing of Cahill and Wheater. The latter might have given his side the lead on the hour mark, but missed Petrov’s corner despite rising above his marker. As Bolton enjoyed a spell of pressure, Petrov’s drilled cross then narrowly cleared van der Sar’s crossbar, though the Dutchman assuredly watched it fly by.

Still the visitors pressed, leaving relatively open space behind them. Carrick performed a heroic block to repel Davies’ shot, then in the same passage of play Nani led a breakaway which culminated in Rooney’s pull-back being cleared by the omnipresent Cahill.

Berbatov had scarcely been afforded a sight of goal since his introduction, but the Bulgarian almost broke the deadlock out of nothing with 20 minutes remaining; steering a snapshot just past the top corner from 20 yards, with Jaaskelainen rooted. Berbatov was then released by a superb through-ball from Valencia, but Cahill hunted down United’s number nine and executed a stunning challenge to hook the ball to safety.

Just as the Reds were seemingly turning the screw and making chances, however, Evans and Holden contested a 50-50 challenge from which the Northern Ireland defender emerged to a red card from referee Andre Marriner, while the American midfielder left the field on a stretcher with several of his team-mates in visible distress. Though the Stretford End howled its displeasure, Evans' relative resignation intimated knowledge of his wrongdoing.

Elmander slammed the subsequent free-kick just past van der Sar’s post, but it was still United who pressed, and Rooney brought a smart save from Jaaskelainen with a low, near-post effort. The danger of committing so much to the pursuit of victory was underlined, however, when substitute Matty Taylor, on for Holden, planted a free header straight at van der Sar.

Undeterred, United continued to throw caution to the wind. Jaaskelainen parried a Nani shot to safety, but moments later was less convincing in repeating the feat when the Portuguese winger again chanced his arm from just outside the box. Pouncing at the perfect time, Berbatov steered the loose ball under the Finnish stopper to send Old Trafford into delirium.

Credit is unquestionaly due to Bolton for their part in a hard-fought encounter, while well-wishes will also be extended to Holden for a speedy recovery, but the importance of this victory to United's hopes of a 19th league title cannot be overstated.

Manchester United Vs. Bolton Highlights Video Clip

2011-03-19T14:04:00.000-04:00

Manchester United [1 - 0] Bolton
88' [1 - 0] D. Berbatov

Manchester United Vs. Marseilles Match Report Result

2011-03-15T21:20:00.000-04:00

United are through to the Champions League quarter-finals thanks to a close-range couple from Javier Hernandez - but it was a far from comfortable night for the Reds after conceding a late away goal at Old Trafford.
Wes Brown's unfortunate own goal created an anxious last eight minutes but Sir Alex Ferguson's men held out to win 2-1 and book a place in the last-eight draw alongside the likes of Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s pre-match promise to go for it was reflected in his line-up as Nani and Ryan Giggs returned to the flanks and Paul Scholes was restored in the centre. The bench also had a strong emphasis on attack with the marauding midfield stars of Saturday’s FA Cup win over Arsenal, Rafael and Fabio, plus Antonio Valencia and Dimitar Berbatov among the seven subs. The defence, however, was not the expected quartet with a calf problem forcing Nemanja Vidic to join Rio Ferdinand on the sidelines.

Marseille, meanwhile, had top scorer Andre-Pierre Gignac back – he missed the first leg in France. Ex-United defender Gabriel Heinze started for the visitors in central defence, perhaps a safer haven than at left-back where Nani stretched him a fortnight ago.

The Reds engineered the perfect start from the opposite wing – United’s left. Rooney fed Ryan Giggs, scurried forward to collect the return pass and then drilled a low ball into the six-yard box for Hernandez to gleefully tap home. Marseille’s stunned defenders appealed in vain for offside as the Reds raced away to celebrate the Mexican’s 15th goal for the club, his first in Europe since the winner in Valencia in late September.

Gignac had a golden opportunity to equalise three minutes later when a flick over the top found him in the area behind Smalling and Brown; fortunately Marseille’s number 10 rushed his big moment and missed the target comfortably. Smalling was sharper when Gignac next ventured into his territory, showing great body strength to shield and keep the ball much to the Frenchman’s frustration.

The duel between Hernandez and Heinze had top billing in the early part of the match, however. The United striker clattered into his opponent for the game’s first yellow card and was then sent sprawling by a retaliatory challenge moments later. The Argentine centre-back escaped a caution for his foul, but he was almost punished for his defending again; instead Hernandez headed Rooney’s lofted pass into the hands of Steve Mandanda. When the keeper’s poor clearance, straight to Nani, gave United another sniff at goal, Rooney spurned the chance to shoot and Marseille escaped.

Although there were one or two other half-chances for Nani and Rooney, the threat of a game-changing away goal began to increase as the score remained 1-0 and the half wore on. Lucho Gonzalez blazed a free-kick over from close to the byline, Souleymane Diawara despatched a free header into the Stretford End, Loic Remy thundered a volley wide and Benoit Cheyrou had a long-range shot easily saved by Edwin van der Sar. All warning signs will have been duly noted by Sir Alex as he followed his troops into the dressing room, no doubt to stress the need for a second Reds strike.

Marseille's inaccuracy in front of goal had given van der Sar only light duties in the first half but he was the first keeper called into action after the break, diving bravely at the feet of Gignac to claim a dangerous ball. The Dutchman took a knock to the head in the process and fleetingly there were fears of a second enforced substitution - John O'Shea had strained a hamstring ten minutes before the interval to be replaced by Rafael. Fortunately van der Sar was fine and the home faithful breathed easy.

Relief was also the overriding feeling when Loic Remy blasted the ball across the area after weaving his way into the area, and later when Brown clumsily missed Taiwo's cross from the left. More like light relief when Heinze got his header horribly wrong from a corner and the United fans responded with a taunt recalling his infamous attempt to sign for Liverpool.

United's defensive ranks were depleted again when Rafael was carried off, seemingly with another hamstring problem; his brother Fabio was the ultimate 'like-for-like' replacement. A more positive substitution was the earlier introduction of Antonio Valencia. On for Nani, the Ecuadorian attacked Taiwo with great relish and the Reds were soon rewarded when his pass was forwarded on by Giggs and Hernandez bagged his and United's second goal with another simple finish.

Marseille had good chances before the Mexican made it 2-0 - the pick being Cheyrou's low shot, saved by van der Sar, after all-too-easy approach play with Remy on the right wing. More power from the Marseille midfielder and the away goal would have been chalked up at 1-1. Instead it came at 2-1 - Brown's header inadvertently beating his own goalkeeper, despite Scholes' effort to clear from behind the line.

The own goal set up an anxious finish, with memories of Porto's late draw in 2004 perhaps preying on some Mancunian minds. Thankfully there would be no sting in the tail and the Reds are through to keep another Wembley dream well and truly alive.

Manchester United Vs. Marseille Highlights Video Clips

2011-03-15T21:14:00.002-04:00

Manchester United [2 - 1] Marseille
5' [1 - 0] J. Hernandez
75' [2 - 0] J. Hernandez
82' [2 - 1] W. Brown (o.g.)

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Manchester United Vs. Arsenal Highlights Video Clips

2011-03-12T14:19:00.002-05:00

Manchester United [2 - 0] Arsenal
28' [1 - 0] F.d. Silva
49' [2 - 0] W. Rooney

1-0 Fabio 28'

2-0 Rooney 49'

Liverpool Vs. Manchester United Match Result Report

2011-03-06T11:50:00.000-05:00

United’s Premier League title quest suffered a second successive setback as Dirk Kuyt’s hat-trick gave Liverpool a deserved victory at Anfield.

The Dutch striker turned home a quickfire pair of close-range finishes, firstly hoofing home from on the goalline after impressive skill from Luis Suarez, then nodding home from an errant clearing header by Nani.

United’s Portuguese winger was then carried off amid ugly scenes at the end of the first period, following a shocking high challenge from Jamie Carragher. The veteran defender was only booked, however, and was quickly followed by Edwin van der Sar, Rafael and Martin Skrtel into referee Phil Dowd’s notebook.

Although United rallied in the second half, Kuyt completed his hat-trick when he tapped home another close-range finish, this time after van der Sar had spilled Suarez’s free-kick. The Reds' only tangible reward came in injury-time, when Chicharito clinically nodded home Ryan Giggs' right-wing cross.

Sir Alex Ferguson again opted to field Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov in tandem upfront, flanked by wingers Giggs and Nani, with Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick in midfield.

With Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic absent through injury and suspension respectively, Wes Brown returned to the starting line-up alongside Chris Smalling. Rafael also came in at the expense of John O'Shea, while Patrice Evra recovered from injury to take his spot on the left flank.

For the hosts, Steven Gerrard played despite pre-match suggestions that he would be ruled out by a groin injury. Club record signing Andy Carroll, meanwhile, was named on the bench for the first time since his January arrival from Newcastle.

Liverpool made the brighter start to the game, and only poor control from Suarez prevented him from making the most of Raul Meireles’ drilled cross. Instead the ball bobbled through to van der Sar.

Though the hosts’ hassling and harrying allowed United little time to settle, Berbatov almost struck a spectacular opening goal just after the quarter-hour mark, clipping the outside of Pepe Reina’s post with an audacious swerving volley.

United slowly began to grow in stature, and again came close to taking the lead when Brown’s deflected header was cleared off the line by Meireles. Instead, Liverpool forged ahead after superb trickery from Suarez, who turned away from Smalling and Rafael, bypassed challenges from Carrick and Brown and squared for Kuyt to smash in a finish from the goalline.

Tails up, Liverpool soon pressed home their advantage. Van der Sar dashed from his line to make a superb sprawling save from Maxi Rodriguez, before Nani mis-judged Suarez’s deep cross and headed back towards his own goal. Kuyt, deep inside the six-yard box, was more accurate with his own header and doubled the hosts’ lead.

Nani’s afternoon soon lunged from bad to worse, as Carragher planted his studs high into the winger’s shin. As tempers flared on both sides, Nani leapt to his feet to show Dowd his wound, then collapsed in agony before being stretchered from the field, to be replaced by Chicharito. Carragher was booked, as was van der Sar for dissent. Soon afterwards, Rafael and Skrtel entered the book for a set-to after a strong challenge from the United defender.

Half-time soothed tempers on both sides, but United started the second period with greater intent. Chicharito steered Berbatov’s cross narrowly off target, before Giggs did likewise from Rooney’s centre. Berbatov then argued that he had reduced the arrears, but the officials correctly ruled that the Bulgarian’s header had been blocked on the line by Meireles.

United’s cause was lost when Kuyt completed his close-range treble shortly after the hour. Suarez’s free-kick bounced just in front of van der Sar, who couldn’t clutch the ball, and his fellow Dutchman raced in to sweep home a finish and emulate Berbatov’s September hat-trick at Old Trafford.

Thereafter, United sought a route back into the match, but merely in vain. Carrick’s cross narrowly evaded Chicharito, then the midfielder's shot was deflected marginally wide of Reina's post, but the game had long since passed the Reds by. The goal, when it came, was too late. Injury-time had already begun when Chicharito rose to clinically nod home Giggs' cross, hence the strike merely illustrated the little Mexican's predatory instincts, rather than heralding a dramatic fightback.

The defeat, and the nature of it, is a substantial setback for United. But a three-point advantage over second-placed Arsenal, who have a game in hand, still constitutes a lead. United are masters of their own destiny, but must quickly get back on track.

Liverpool Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips

2011-03-06T11:35:00.002-05:00

Liverpool [3 - 1] Manchester United
34' [1 - 0] D. Kuyt
39' [2 - 0] D. Kuyt
65' [3 - 0] D. Kuyt
90' [3 - 1] J. Hernandez

Chelsea Vs. Manchester United Match Report Result

2011-03-01T21:04:00.000-05:00

United, gunning for a 19th league title, and Chelsea, reigning English champions, produced a barnstorming, end-to-end game of football that left no neutral disappointed.

That won’t sate Sir Alex’s men, though, who took the lead at Stamford Bridge through Wayne Rooney before surrendering it early in the second half and then, fatally, conceding a late penalty. What's more, referee Martin Atkinson's decision to award the spot-kick came barely two minutes after Blues defender David Luiz, already on a yellow card, escaped punishment after crudely halting Rooney at the other end.

Frank Lampard ignored the Reds' protests to convert the chance from 12 yards and hand the Blues victory, but United, however aggrieved after the final whistle, remain at the top of the Barclays Premier League, four points clear of Arsenal.

Perhaps more worrying than Tuesday's defeat was Nemanja Vidic's second yellow card in injury time. It means he will now miss United’s trip to Anfield on Sunday. That’s the next challenge that faces the Reds and one Sir Alex must now ensure his troops are prepared for, both physically and mentally.

Chelsea’s victory on Tuesday night was something of a shock given the Blues’ recent form, although just as big a surprise was Sir Alex’s team selection. In each of the past 165 matches, the Reds boss has made at least one tweak to his starting XI. Against Chelsea, though, he put his faith in the same 11 who triumphed at Wigan on Saturday. That meant starts for John O’Shea and Chris Smalling in defence, while Dimitar Berbatov had to settle for a spot on the bench.

The game began brightly and Chelsea had the ball in the net after a minute. But Martin Atkinson’s whistle had already blown by the time Fernando Torres’ strike flew into the top corner after Vidic had cleared a Florent Malouda cross.

Minutes later, the Blues’ French connection of Malouda and Nicolas Anelka combined to fashion a chance for the winger. But Malouda’s shot, side-footed from the edge of the penalty area, was straight at Edwin van der Sar and the Dutchman clung gratefully to the ball. The Dutchman would face tougher tests before the night was out.

United, meanwhile, were uncharacteristically careless in possession for much of the opening 15 minutes. Even Paul Scholes, who usually treats the ball with the sort of care and attention reserved for newborn babies, was guilty of dwelling for too long or misplacing passes.

The Reds did settle, though, and with a quarter of an hour gone, Nani played Patrice Evra in behind the Chelsea defence. The Frenchman – perhaps shooting – squared the ball across the six-yard box but Rooney couldn’t arrive at the far post in time to apply the finish.

The England striker then spurned a more presentable chance when he shouldered the ball wide when attempting a header before a frantic opening 25 minutes came to an end after Evra floored Luiz with a long-range shot that took the wind out of the Brazilian.

All that bluster was just the prelude to Rooney’s fabulous opener, though. The forward, who’d endured a rather frustrating start to the fixture, collected Nani’s pass 25 yards from goal and initially looked as if he would lay the ball off to Michael Carrick. But with no Chelsea defender moving to close down Rooney, the Reds’no.10 took another touch, advanced, and drilled a low shot inside Petr Cech’s right-hand post.

Incredibly, for a player with a penchant for the spectacular, it was Rooney’s first goal from outside the penalty area since February 2008. Importantly, in a fixture Sir Alex had branded “must-win” before kick-off, it handed United advantage going into the half-time break.

That lead was only threatened once before the interval, and the Reds had van der Sar and Vidic to thank for keeping the Blues goalless. First, van der Sar made a fine save down to his right from Frank Lampard’s low free-kick. Branislav Ivanovic arrived first and looked certain to tap in the rebound but Edwin somehow palmed his effort onto Vidic, who’d raced behind the goalkeeper and onto the line. Then, as the ball looped into the air, van der Sar, by this stage on the ground and facing the wrong way, clawed the ball away to safety.

The Dutchman again proved his worth early in the second period, fielding an Ashley Cole cross and then a Lampard shot with consummate ease. But there was nothing he could do when Luiz rifled home the equaliser on 54 minutes. The Brazilian pounced first on a loose ball after the Reds had failed to sufficiently clear a Chelsea corner and lashed a volley into the bottom corner.

Chelsea were back in it and soon pushing for another. Stamford Bridge, usually more cathedral than cauldron, came alive and Carlo Ancelotti threw on Didier Drogba. But the Reds rode the storm and even carved out a golden chance on the counter-attack, which Rooney fluffed when caught in two minds between shooting and crossing.

But just as United looked like edging back into the game, Chelsea were handed a lifeline when Yuri Zhirkov tumbled over Chris Smalling’s outstretched right leg and referee Martin Atkinson pointed to the spot. It was a decision Sir Alex later branded as "very soft" but Lampard made no mistake with the penalty, slamming the ball into the roof of the net from 12 yards. It felt like a dagger to United hearts, condemning the Reds to defeat in a game neither side deserved to lose.

With a trip to Anfield scheduled this Sunday, the Reds can't afford to dwell on refereeing decisions or stew in self-pity. Instead, Sir Alex's men must bounce back and display the sort of spirit that's characterised so many of United's title-winning sides of the past.

Chelsea Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips

2011-03-01T20:59:00.001-05:00

Chelsea [2 - 1] Manchester United
29' [0 - 1] W. Rooney
54' [1 - 1] D. Luiz
79' [2 - 1] F. Lampard (pen.)

0-1 Rooney 29'

1-1 David Luiz 54'

2-1 Lampard (Penalty) 79'

Wigan Athletic Vs. Manchester United Match Report Result

2011-02-26T12:29:00.000-05:00

A goal either side of half-time from Javier Hernandez and late strikes by Wayne Rooney and Fabio da Silva settled an entertaining, end-to-end affair at the DW Stadium in Wigan on Saturday.

The victory, only United’s fourth away from home in the league this season, wasn’t as straightforward as the scoreline suggests, but restores the Reds’ four-point lead at the top of the table.

With United next in action on Tuesday evening at Stamford Bridge, Sir Alex’s men have a chance to stretch that lead to seven by the time title rivals Arsenal play again. And that gap could prove psychologically damaging to a Gunners side that haven’t won the league since 2004.

At Wigan on Saturday, Ryan Giggs and Michael Owen had been tipped to return, but neither was involved in the Reds' matchday squad. Sir Alex did make two changes from the side that drew away in Marseille during the week, though, with Paul Scholes replacing Darron Gibson in the centre of midfield and Dimitar Berbatov making way for Hernandez.

The home side started brightest and enjoyed plenty of possession in the opening quarter of an hour. Nemanja Vidic was forced into a fine block tackle on the edge of his area to deny the onrushing Charles N’Zogbia while Hugo Rodallega volleyed over the bar from 12 yards.

The biggest scare came on 13 minutes, when Victor Moses charged down a Paul Scholes pass and ended up clean through on goal with only Edwin van der Sar to beat. The Dutchman, in his 250th United appearance, stayed big to block Moses’ effort with his shoulder and keep the match goalless.

It didn’t stay that way for long, though. Two minutes later, Hernandez put the Reds ahead with a clever finish from close range after Nani fired a low ball into the six-yard box. The temptation must have been to hit the ball hard but the young Mexican, who’s scored in each of United’s four away wins this term, chose instead to deftly flick the ball over Ali Al-Habsi in the Wigan goal.

It was a terrific finish, albeit against the run of play, and United were again indebted to van der Sar when, within a minute of the restart, he dashed off his line and smothered James McCarthy’s effort.

On a patchy pitch, against the league’s 18th-placed side, the Reds may have expected a bruising battle at the DW Stadium. Instead, the two teams produced more goalmouth action in the opening 20 minutes than United fans experienced all evening in Marseille during Wednesday's bore draw.

But for a heavy touch on the edge of the penalty area, Hernandez may have netted again in the first half, while Nani rounded off a well-worked passing move by smashing a left-footed shot off the inside of Al-Habsi’s post.

expected a bruising battle. Instead, the two teams produced more goalmouth action in the opening 20 minutes than United and Marseille served up all game during Wednesday night’s bore draw.

But for a heavy touch on the edge of the penalty area, Hernandez may have netted again in the first half, while Nani rounded off a well-worked passing move by smashing a left-footed shot off the inside of Al-Habsi’s post.

Even so, Sir Alex’s men never looked in complete command. Every time Wigan attacked they did so in numbers and when the Latics lost the ball they pressed United high up the pitch in an effort to win it back.

Moses, Rodallega and McCarthy were particularly impressive and will no doubt have felt aggrieved trudging off at the break a goal down.

Neither manager shuffled his pack at half-time and the home side, just as they did in the opening period, flew out of the traps. Left-back Maynor Figueroa stung van der Sar’s palms when he unleashed a rocket from distance, while Rodallega beat Vidic in the air to head goalwards on 50 minutes.

The Reds soon settled, though, and Nani, Evra and Hernandez all wreaked havoc inside the penalty area before Nani rippled the side-netting with a powerful left-footed drive. The Portuguese caused further problems for Wigan on the hour mark when his shot was spilled by Al-Habsi.

Rooney gathered the loose ball and laid the ball back to Darren Fletcher, but by the time the Scot could squeeze off a shot Wigan’s defenders had blocked the path to goal.

Meanwhile, at the other end, Victor Moses skied a difficult chance, teed up after good work down the inside-right channel by Hugo Rodallega, and substitute Franco di Santo’s effort was ruled out for offside in the move’s build-up.

That’s as close as the home side came to piercing the Reds’ defensive line. From that point, all the goalmouth action occurred at the other end.

Hernandez effectively wrapped up the points on 74 minutes when he and Rooney combined brilliantly 35 yards out to play the Mexican in on goal. He kept his cool to slot the ball past Al-Habsi and net his second of the match and 13th of the season.

Ten minutes later it was 3-0 after Dimitar Berbatov ran onto a long Darron Gibson pass, advanced towards goal, drew Al-Habsi and unselfishly rolled the ball sideways for Rooney to tap into the empty net.

There was still time for another, though, and young Fabio da Silva made it 4-0 with three minutes to play. Sent on to replace Nani, Fabio soon found himself unmarked at the far post and made no mistake from close range.

Wigan Athletic Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips

2011-02-26T12:25:00.000-05:00

Wigan Athletic [0 - 4] Manchester United
17' [0 - 1] J. Hernandez
74' [0 - 2] J. Hernandez
84' [0 - 3] W. Rooney
87' [0 - 4] F.d.

Marseille Vs. Manchester United Match Result Report

2011-02-23T18:10:00.000-05:00

United may not have followed the leads of Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs in the Champions League's last-16 ties, but the Reds remain favourites to reach the quarter-finals after this stalemate with a decent if unambitious Marseille side.

Goalscoring chances were few and far between on a disappointing night at Stade Velodrome, and Sir Alex Ferguson will hope for more from his attacking players when the battle continues at Old Trafford in a fortnight's time - while asking his defence to remain just as solid against the threat of the dreaded away goal for Marseille.

The United boss recalled eight big guns at the back and in attack for the first leg, but he picked two thirds of the same midfield which laboured to victory over Crawley Town in the FA Cup – Darron Gibson and Michael Carrick – and retained John O’Shea in defence.

Darren Fletcher drove a first-time shot through a ruck of players; Marseille keeper Steve Mandanda saw it late but pulled off a fine save.

After a lively opening, the game’s tempo dipped to a more typical level for a European match. Less characteristic was United’s use of the ball – or rather misuse with sloppy passes from central midfield handing Marseille opportunities they didn’t have the wherewithal to exploit. Fortunately Rod Fanni’s right-flank delivery didn’t match the brilliance of his turn and surge past Rooney, while Brandao’s bicycle kick had style but insufficient substance to concern Edwin van der Sar.

The sides won a corner apiece in the closing moments of the first half, from their favoured right flanks. Remy whipped in a ball that Smalling had to repel from the six-yard line with a diving header; then O’Shea’s cross was blocked by Heinze.

The second period opened in similar fashion to the first, with Marseille and United doing enough in the right areas to suggest a decent half was in prospect. Brandao nodded a cross into the hands of van der Sar, while Heinze used his head at the other end to bale out Mandanda after Rooney’s centre left the keeper unusually stranded.

Smalling and Vidic had to be equally alert as Marseille’s attacks gathered some momentum, with both United centre-backs making timely blocks to thwart Remy and Lucho. In the same dangerous spell, a free-kick won by Heinze’s theatrics and a close call from Andre Ayew’s left foot stirred the biggest roars from the home fans – not that the incessantly noisy bunch, backed by a battery of drummers, needed any encouragement.

After weathering a brief storm, the Reds broke out with O’Shea reaching the byline and pulling the ball back for Nani. The Portuguese winger elected to flick it on rather than fire at goal and Berbatov’s shot found the bulk of Souleymane Diawara

Sir Alex made his first change with 18 minutes remaining, replacing Gibson with the most experienced player at his disposal, Paul Scholes. Keeping possession and staying composed were the key aims following his introduction – anything else would have been a bonus and it might have come had Mandanda not been quick off his line to stop Nani finishing off some fine interplay with Berbatov.

A couple of late corners raised the home fans’ hopes but in the end they – and United – had to be content with 0-0 and no damage done at half-time in this tie.
Marseille made an aggressive start straight from the kick-off, in both senses of the word - Gabriel Heinze lunged at Nani and Loic Remy fired the first wild shot across United’s bows, both inside the first 60 seconds. Nani was closer with his opening crack at goal when Dimitar Berbatov teed up him just outside the box, although again the goalkeeper wasn’t troubled.

Playing on the right of a front three, Nani was putting the home side on the rack in the early stages with his surges beyond Heinze. When one such streak drew a foul and Nani’s free-kick was only half cleared,

Marseille Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips

2011-02-23T18:09:00.001-05:00

Marseille 0 - 0 Manchester United

Manchester United Vs. Crawley Match Result Report

2011-02-19T15:09:00.000-05:00

There may be 93 league places between the two teams, but there was no gulf in the scoreline, with a much-changed United side having to work hard to book a place in the FA Cup quarter finals as Wes Brown’s first-half header ensured a narrow victory.

It would be unfair to patronise Crawley Town and describe them as plucky, but they came to Old Trafford with a positive attitude, tried to play football and, most of all, made a testing, trying game of it for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men. For which they should be commended. Their fans may not make the long journey home to the south coast on a wave of euphoria, but they return with plenty of pride at their team’s performance.

For United, this tie was sandwiched between a vital Manchester derby league match and the resumption of the Champions League knockout stages with a first-leg tie away to Marseille on Wednesday. This was about doing a job to get through to the next round, whilst offering playing time to those in most need of it. In that sense, it was a job well done. There was a scoring, solid display from captain Brown, while Darron Gibson and John O’Shea can take positives from their performances.

United made nine changes to the team that beat City in such dramatic circumstances at Old Trafford seven days previously. Match-winner Wayne Rooney was included on the bench as an insurance policy, but when selecting his substitutes Sir Alex might have hoped to be in a position to use three teenagers: 19-year-old striker Joshua King, and midfielders Ryan Tunnicliffe (18) and Paul Pogba (17). Although he was not afforded that luxury, the experience of the day will have served them well.

As expected, it was a high-tempo, positive start from the Sussex club, backed by 9,000 giddy fans. They were clearly confident, and on this stage, having beaten three league sides – Swindon, Derby and Torquay – en route to Old Trafford, why shouldn’t they be? United have all the experience and know-how to beat a team 93 league places below them, but the FA Cup can be neglectful of hierarchy.

The first opening for United came after good work from Gabriel Obertan, briefly having switched to the right flank, and the Frenchman flashed a low ball across the six-yard box. Unfortunately nobody gambled on reaching it. Then after 11 minutes, Crawley midfielder Ben Smith had the visitors’ first opportunity with a speculative shot on the bounce which although going wide had had Anders Lindegaard, on his second start for United, momentarily worried.

The Reds gradually began to take a grip of the game and it was United’s no.28 Darron Gibson’s vision who created the goal on 28 minutes. First, his glorious 40-yard through-ball played Javier Hernandez in, but the Mexican was tackled before he could get his shot off. From the resulting corner, Gibson’s second attempt at a cross was met with a glancing header from Wes Brown that nestled inside the far post. It’s his first United goal since October 2008, and only his fourth goal for the Reds.

It could have been 2-0 five minutes later when Carrick’s scything pass set Fabio bearing down on goal, but the Brazilian left-back’s shot with the outside of his right boot went wide, and shortly after that Obertan had a drilled effort cutting in from the left that Michael Kuipers palmed away.

United started the second half by introducing Rooney in place of Anderson, and before the hour mark Chris Smalling came on in place of Rafael, with John O’Shea shifting to right-back and with 20 minutes remaining Darren Fletcher was called upon when Fabio suffered an injury. It meant none of the hopeful teenagers would get on but the game was still too tight for that. United had been limited to two timid efforts, one from Rooney which went over the bar and another curling effort from Fabio which Kuipers comfortably saved.

Despite United having an increased number of experienced players on the pitch, the performance had become possibly more fractured. And when David Hunt volleyed wide from 12 yards for the visitors with little more than quarter of an hour of the game remaining, the visiting supporters seemed more intent on getting something from then game. And when Matt Tubbs sent an overhead kick narrowly over the bar, there was a palpable sense of purpose about Crawley and their travelling fans.

United were being made to work for the victory, as well they should. That the Reds spent the closing stages seeing this game out rather than rampantly seeking to add to the scoreline tells all about the match as a contest. In fact, Crawley came closest to the game's second goal when substitute Richard Brodie hit the bar with a looping header in stoppage time. Most importantly for United, a place in the last eight of the competition beckons.

Manchester United Vs. Crawley Highlights Video Clip

2011-02-19T15:07:00.002-05:00

Manchester United [1 - 0] Crawley
28' [1 - 0] W. Brown

Manchester United Vs. West Ham United Match Result Report

2010-08-29T01:20:00.000-04:00

United were just too good. The Reds dominated right from the start and West Ham's futile resistance only lasted until the 33rd minute when Wayne Rooney opened his account for the season from the penalty spot. Goals of unquestionable class from Nani and Dimitar Berbatov followed after the break, sealing as convincing and comfortable a 3-0 win as you are ever likely to witness.

Avram Grant’s side arrived at Old Trafford bottom of the table and without a win in their first two games – defeats to Aston Villa and Bolton Wanderers, which on both occasions saw them concede three goals. Their narrow 1-0 midweek win over Oxford offered some respite, but the second round of the League Cup is a far cry from Old Trafford, and the gulf in class was brutally apparent.

However, United too had a point to prove – which Sir Alex's men would do emphatically – after dropping two against Fulham last weekend. Sir Alex made three changes to the team that drew 2-2 at Craven Cottage. Rooney, who missed the Fulham trip with a stomach bug, replaced Javier Hernandez up front alongside Berbatov. Nani was drafted in for Antonio Valencia, while Ryan Giggs replaced Ji-sung Park.

The autumnal weather in Manchester – a seemingly random mix of wind, sun and rain – left a slick surface which, as well as encouraging a few late sliding tackles from West Ham’s feistier players, allowed United’s rapid passing to blossom.

Rooney registered the first effort on goal after 10 minutes, shuffling across the Rooney, Berbatov and Nani at the centre of it. The latter two men combined on 20 minutes for a move that should have yielded the first goal. Vidic’s long, diagonal ball forward picked out Berbatov in space. The Bulgarian – nonchalantly as is his way – flicked the ball back into the path of Nani, whose thunderous effort crashed off the crossbar via a vital fingertip save from Green.

West Ham, for their part, offered energy and industry but little genuine quality. And after 33 minutes United finally took the lead from the penalty spot. Paul Scholes' sumptuous pass picked out Ryan Giggs on the left and he befuddled former Red Jonathan Spector and was subsequently clumsily fouled by the American. After Nani’s miss last week at Fulham, and with United’s talisman back in the team, there was no doubting who would take this penalty. Rooney stepped up confidently, arced his run and sent Green the wrong way to give United a deserved lead.

Clearly in the ascendancy the Reds went searching for a second before the break. Darren Fletcher forced another fine save from Green, this time with a curling effort from 25 yards that West Ham’s shot-stopper turned around the post. Then Berbatov fired over from six yards with a difficult shot on the bounce, while Nani also shot over the bar with a lob that required a far more delicate touch to beat the onrushing Green. United went in at the interval with a slender 1-0 lead; fully dominant thought not completely ruthless in front of goal.

But there was no profligacy from Nani five minutes into the second half. The Portuguese winger cut inside from his station on the right, had defenders back-tracking and falling over their own feet, then struck a vicious left-footed shot past Green from 18 yards to make it 2-0.

United’s football at times was sublime, the neat trickery and interchanging play between Berbatov and Nani in particular catching the eye. Admittedly, West Ham looked lost defensively. Kieron Dyer hit the outside of the Edwin van der Sar’s post after 55 minutes, but it says it all that the Hammers fans almost didn't notice, they were preoccupied with entertaining themselves with their repertoire of songs.

The Reds’ third goal was the best of the lot and came after 69 minutes, unsurprisingly with Nani and Berbatov combining to score it. Nani pitched up a cross to the far post and Berbatov waited unmarked before scissor-kicking the ball past Green. Technically wonderful, with pin-sharp precision, summing up the Bulgarian's input all afternoon.

With the points wrapped up, Sir Alex made a triple substitution with fifteen minutes to go. Chris Smalling came on for his home debut, replacing Jonny Evans; Michael Owen made his first appearance at OT since suffering an injury in February, in place of Berbatov; while Michael Carrick came on for the, once again, impressive Scholes. The Hammers fans' joked “we’re going to win 4-3” and even resorted to pretending they’d scored four goals to clinch victory. There was no chance of that, of course, United were a class above Avram Grant’s side. And while performances like this indicate that the Reds will be challenging at the top end of the table this term, so too it suggests that West Ham will be scrapping at the exact opposite end of the table.

Manchester United Vs. West Ham United Highlights Video Clips

2010-08-29T01:15:00.002-04:00

Manchester United [3 - 0] West Ham United
33' [1 - 0] W. Rooney (pen.)
50' [2 - 0] Nani
69' [3 - 0] D. Berbatov

Fulham Vs. Manchester United Match Result Report

2010-08-22T15:03:00.000-04:00

Despite twice taking the lead, through Paul Scholes' 150th club goal and a Brede Hangeland own-goal, United were held to a frustrating draw at Craven Cottage.

A bright start from the Reds was rewarded with a powerful long-range strike from the veteran midfielder, but Fulham manfully rode out the storm, clawed their way back into the game and equalised when Davies converted Damien Duff's low cross.

In a breathless finish to the afternoon, Hangeland struck twice from corners in the space of five minutes; first deflecting home Nani's centre to put United back into the lead, then powerfully heading in a 90th-minute leveller for the hosts. Irritatingly for United, the Norwegian's pair bookended a missed penalty from Nani which would have sealed victory.

As Wayne Rooney was left in Manchester to recover from a virus, Sir Alex Ferguson retained a 4-4-2 formation, and paired Chicharito with Dimitar Berbatov. The only other change from the side which overcame Newcastle was the introduction of Ji-sung Park, who took the place of Nani on the left wing.

Even without the injured Mark Schwarzer in goal, Fulham's line-up - also in 4-4-2 - appeared more than capable of testing United's will to avoid a third successive defeat at Craven Cottage.

The hosts were on the back foot early on as United popped passes around with conviction, but struggled to find a route through the Cottagers' well-drilled stand-in stopper was helpless to prevent United taking the lead from the ensuing corner.

Antonio Valencia swapped passes with Park and fizzed a low cross into Berbatov. The Bulgarian's controlled layoff to Scholes was inch-perfect, as the onrushing veteran arced a powerful 25-yard effort through a cluster of bodies and beyond Stockdale.

Following on from magnificent play-making displays against Chelsea and Newcastle, Scholes' landmark - and trademark - goal was yet further evidence of his enduring excellence.

Fulham's response was one of defiance, as Simon Davies hooked a volley just over Edwin van der Sar's crossbar and Jonny Evans had to be alert to cut out Clint Dempsey's through-ball for Bobby Zamora, but United's play still carried a menacing edge.

Berbatov slipped below the hosts' radar time and again, dropping deep to collect and spread the ball, while Darren Fletcher governed central midfield with an all-action display. Stockdale was twice called into action by the Bulgarian, tipping away one powerful near-post effort and clutching a stinging 20-yarder into his midriff.

Still Fulham chipped away at United, however, and it took a breathtaking double save from van der Sar to preserve parity. Dempsey's fine through-ball found Dickson Etuhu, whose first shot was parried out by the Dutchman, while his Patrice Evra was left in Duff's wake by a neat piece of trickery on the right flank, and the winger sped towards goal before feeding Zamora. The latter's tantalising pull back into the middle of the area allowed Davies to slot home.

The goal was fully merited for Fulham's spirited, controlled display after a shaky start, and it was of no surprise that both teams harboured hopes of taking all three points in the remainder of the second period.

It was United who came closest to doing so, as Chicharito fired over from 20 yards and a Berbatov header deflected off Scholes, straight to Stockdale. Nani, Ryan Giggs and Michael Owen all entered the fray, at the expense of Park, Valencia and Chicharito, and Nani soon came close with a free-kick from the edge of the Fulham area.

Nemanja Vidic headed Giggs' corner narrowly wide as United cranked up the pressure, but a collective lapse in concentration allowed Zamora to fire wastefully wide when a square ball to Etuhu would have given the midfielder a simple conversion.

Soon enough a white-clad player was on target, but at the wrong end. As the Reds turned the screw, Nani's corner landed amid a cluster of bodies, struck Hangeland on the knee and ricocheted between Stockdale and substitute Jonathan Greening on the line.

If Fulham's sense of injustice was provoked by the slapstick nature of their alive.

The importance of that passage of play materialised in the final minute of normal time. The Cottagers equalised for a second time, as Duff's floated corner was emphatically headed home by Hangeland to cancel out his earlier mistake.

Fulham's spirit was worth a share of the spoils, but Sir Alex Ferguson and his players will share seething frustration at having twice surrendered the lead, and passed up a glorious chance to seal the points.

Fulham Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clip

2010-08-22T15:01:00.001-04:00

Fulham [2 - 2] Manchester United
11' [0 - 1] P. Scholes
57' [1 - 1] S. Davies
84' [1 - 2] B. Hangeland (o.g.)
90' [2 - 2] B. Hangeland

Manchester United Vs. Newcastle United Match Result Report

2010-08-16T19:35:00.000-04:00

The Reds’ quest to regain the Barclays Premier League title began at Old Trafford on Monday night with a commanding win over newly-promoted Newcastle United.

Goals from Dimitar Berbatov and Darren Fletcher gave the home side a deserved lead at the break before substitute Ryan Giggs volleyed home a third to underline United’s dominance. By then, though, it was all academic: the result never looked in doubt against a Magpies outfit that struggled to take flight, despite an encouraging opening 10 minutes.

Before kick-off there was greater-than-usual anticipation in the pre-match television build-up, as fans waited to see what sort of side Sir Alex would name for this season opener. It soon transpired there was no room for the summer signings, as both Chris Smalling and Javier Hernandez started on the bench. Berbatov and Wayne Rooney were given the nod to lead the attack, while Patrice Evra, despite not featuring in any of United’s pre-season preparations, took up his familiar left-back position.
Fletcher and Paul Scholes, the latter taking part in his 15th consecutive opening-day fixture, were charged with bossing the centre of midfield and in former Red Alan Smith and tough-tackling Joey Barton found themselves up against formidable and physical foes.

The Magpies endured the expected early spell of sustained Reds pressure, but it was Chris Hughton’s side who fashioned the game's first real opportunity. Andy Carroll had done well to win a corner off Vidic and it was the young centre- should have done better than head wide from six yards out.

At the other end, Sir Alex’s men were restricted to speculative shots from distance. Smith bravely blocked from O’Shea while neither Nani nor Rooney could bend free-kicks around the Newcastle wall. Worryingly for the vocal visiting support, though, Newcastle's stubborn defending appeared to be accompanied by a desire to self-destruct, as James Perch and Fabricio Coloccini both gifted possession to the Reds in dangerous areas of the pitch. But Sir Alex's men did themselves no favours, either: Scholes, masterful for most of the night, uncharacteristically picked the wrong pass when United had the Magpies on the back foot before Rooney unwittingly nicked a volley off Berbatov's toes and then blasted over from 12 yards.

United's perseverance and patience paid off on 33 minutes, though, when Berbatov latched onto Scholes' pass to fire the Reds into the lead. Jose Enrique managed the merest of touches on Scholes' defence-splitting ball but couldn't divert it away from Berbatov, who finished low and hard into the far corner.

The visitors hinted at an immediate equaliser but United soon took the reins again, monopolising possession and asserting dominance. And it wasn't long before the second goal arrived. Good link-up play from Nani and Evra on the left flank released the Frenchman into the penalty area. From there, his drilled cross bounced off Rooney and up, tantalisingly, for Fletcher to hit on the spin and send the Reds into the break with a deserved two-goal cushion.

The interval provided welcome respite for the visitors, but within minutes of the restart Sir Alex's men were terrorising the Newcastle back four again. In fact, the hosts could easily have been four goals to the good by the hour mark. Scholes was denied what looked a decent shout for a penalty under a rash challenge by Coloccini before a delicious move involving five one-touch passes ended with Berbatov poking the ball just wide of Steve Harper’s left-hand upright.

Rooney’s frustrating evening – little came off for the England striker, who’s still without a club goal since March – came to an end on 63 minutes when Sir Alex introduced Javier Hernandez for his Old Trafford bow. The 22-year-old's every touch was cheered by the home crowd and Scholes and Nani wasted no time in playing balls in behind the Newcastle defence for the speedy Mexican to chase.

Berbatov thrice produced clever skill close to goal that was exciting yet ultimately fruitless, while Newcastle substitute Shola Ameobi came closest for the visitors in the second half when he headed Barton’s corner well wide of the mark on 80 minutes.

In truth, though, the contest had been over after 45 minutes. It was clear then where the three points were heading; Ryan Giggs’ superb third – a volley with the outside of the foot after he’d been picked out by Scholes (who else?) at the back post – was little more than icing on the cake.

Manchester United Vs. Newcastle United Highlights Video Clips

2010-08-16T19:30:00.001-04:00

Manchester United [3 - 0] Newcastle United
33' [1 - 0] D. Berbatov
41' [2 - 0] D. Fletcher
85' [3 - 0] R. Giggs

Tiago Manuel Dias Correia or Bebe Highlights Video Clips

2010-08-11T22:10:00.000-04:00

Manchester United Vs. Stoke City Highlights Video Clips

2010-05-09T15:30:00.001-04:00

Manchester United [4 - 0] Stoke City
31' [1 - 0] D. Fletcher
38' [2 - 0] R. Giggs
54' [3 - 0] D. Higginbotham (o.g.)
84' [4 - 0] J. Park

1-0 Fletcher 31'

2-0 Giggs 38'

3-0 Higginbotham (OG) 54'

4-0 Park J-S. 84'

Sunderland Vs. Manchester United Match Result Report

2010-05-02T15:34:00.000-04:00

When the pressure’s on, Manchester United so often produce the goods. Knowing defeat at the Stadium of Light would hand the title to Chelsea, Sir Alex’s men turned in a polished performance against a feisty Sunderland side to ensure the title race will now go down to the wire.
The win – achieved courtesy of a solitary goal from Nani's right boot – means Chelsea lead by just one point heading into the final day of the season. The Blues host Wigan, while United welcome Stoke City to Old Trafford.

It can’t have been easy for Sir Alex’s men to step onto the pitch in Sunderland after seeing Chelsea beat Liverpool at Anfield in the day’s early kick-off. But the Reds, boosted by the inclusion of Wayne Rooney from the opening whistle, began brightly.

Rooney, who had started only two of United’s last five fixtures, took just four minutes to make an impact, chesting down a cross from Dimitar Berbatov and volleying towards the far post. Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon was equal to the task and then grateful to his defenders for blocking Ryan Giggs’ follow-up.

At the other end, the home side threatened twice from set pieces: John Mensah headed wide from an early corner before captain Lorik Cana flicked that occasion, just as he was on 28 minutes when Nani fired low and hard past the Scottish stopper to give United the lead.

The Portuguese, starting in his preferred position on the right wing, applied the finish with the outside of his boot, but he owed the goal to the invention of Dimitar Berbatov, Wayne Rooney and Darren Fletcher, who all played one-touch passes in the build-up to bamboozle the Black Cats’ back four. The goal was Nani’s fourth in his last four starts and reaffirmed the belief that the Reds’ no.17 is currently enjoying the form of his life.

United continued to dominate without ever really testing the Sunderland defence, although both Evra and Berbatov missed half chances to extend the lead before the break. Evra was at the heart of the action again in first-half stoppage time when he headed a tame effort off the line, but it would have been harsh on United had Sunderland pulled level at that stage.

The scoreline would have better reflected United's dominance had Nani’s effort early in the second half found the net. Instead, Gordon stood up well to block from close range. Then Berbatov twice missed the target from close range (the first from barely a yard out) after clever play from Rooney on both occasions. United had made enough chances to have put the game to bed by this stage and Reds fans must have been wondering if their team would be made to pay for such wasteful finishing.

was particularly physical and relished his battle with Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher. Scholes, yet again, was United’s star performer. Tough in the tackle and always looking to take the ball in tight spaces, he set the tempo in midfield and passed the ball superbly all afternoon.

Sir Alex sent on Michael Carrick for Berbatov on 71 minutes to add stability in midfield but the change did little to take the sting out of United’s attacking intentions. Within a minute, Rooney sent a ferocious effort just wide of Gordon’s right-hand post after Fletcher’s initial shot had been blocked. Carrick then went close after Nani teed up the former Tottenham midfielder on the edge of the box. His low shot beat Gordon but not Michael Turner, who had stationed himself on the line after the goalkeeper had ventured out to attempt to win the ball.

Ex-Red Fraizer Campbell hooked the ball wide with eight minutes remaining to remind United of just how precarious a 1-0 lead can be, but it was the last time the home side even remotely threatened. In the end, Nani's goal was enough to clinch the points and keep Sir Alex's men in the hunt for a 19th league title. There was even time – barely – for Owen Hargreaves to return to first-team football after 19 months on the sidelines and give United fans another reason to smile on the way home to Manchester.

But will the Premier League trophy end up in M16 next weekend? Let's be honest: it would take a minor miracle – Wigan must earn at least a point at Stamford Bridge assuming United beat Stoke – but in this most unpredictable of seasons it would be foolish to give up hope just yet.

Sunderland Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips

2010-05-02T15:29:00.001-04:00

Sunderland [0 - 1] Manchester United
28' [0 - 1] Nani

Manchester United Vs. Tottenham Hotspurs Match Result Report

2010-04-24T13:56:00.000-04:00

The sprint finish for the title is well and truly on as United cranked up the pressure on Chelsea, the Reds moving two points clear at the summit of the Barclays Premier League – naturally, not without drama – in a game that went from frustrating to fraught before a Nani-inspired grandstand finish.

Ryan Giggs put United in front from the spot in the second half, but Tottenham equalised through Ledley King and arguably looked like being the team to win it. However, the victory was secured by some brilliance from Nani. The Portuguese winger scored with an audacious chipped finish with nine minutes left, before earning a second penalty for Giggs to convert to ensure a 3-1 win.

That there would be drama and frayed nerves should not have come as a surprise in a topsy-turvy season which took arguably its wildest twist last weekend.

United were seconds away from being out of the title race altogether at Eastlands when the derby was headed for a draw. In the third minute of injury time a Paul Scholes-of-old late dart into the box and header into the bottom corner clinched three points. That dramatic win was capped by Tottenham’s defeat of Chelsea later that day. Game on in the title race.

Tottenham posed a serious risk after their wins over the Blues and Arsenal. As difficult as this fixture already was, it was made more difficult when Wayne Rooney was ruled out with a groin problem. Sir Alex intimated on Friday that he had “one or two doubts”, but Rooney’s availability was only publicly brought to light when he was pictured watching the Under-18s at Carrington on Saturday morning.

His absence was confirmed when the teams were announced, so too was news that Rio Ferdinand was missing again. But Owen Hargreaves’ return on the bench, and the prospect of his first action in 19 months, came as a very welcome boost. The Reds lined up with Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher in central midfield, Antonio Valencia and Nani on the flanks and Ryan Giggs operating just behind Dimitar Berbatov up front.

However, it was an uncharacteristically quiet start, Tottenham making much of the early running and controlling play. That was perhaps down to Spurs’ confidence, maybe the importance of getting a result weighed on the United players’ minds, or perhaps it was because of Rooney’s absence – noticeable in the stands as much as on the pitch – but something was needed to bring United out of their shell. The truth of it was that, by the midway point in the first half, neither side had had a shot on target.

United's best opening came after 29 minutes. Nani slipped a pass to Evra who crossed for Giggs, but the ball never reached the Welshman. Berbatov was quickest to react, but his goal-bound strike was blocked by King. Seconds later, Valencia raced clear on goal, shrugged off the attentions of Gareth Bale and forced an excellent low save from Heurelho Gomes, although Berbatov was screaming for a squared pass. Two minutes later Evra volleyed over from 12 yards; United’s tails were up – the men in red just needed to make it count.

Spurs, despite their early possession, were far from potent in the final third. Their best chance of the first half was a Bale free-kick, after Nani’s foul on David Bentley earned him a booking, but it didn’t trouble Edwin van der Sar. It was United who threatened to score more than the Lilywhites. Berbatov saw a volley five minutes before half time rise over the bar. The half which had started so timidly from the home side, ended far more positively – albeit without the goal United craved to settle everyone’s nerves.

The Reds were first out after the break and urged on by the Stretford End. From a short corner seven minutes in, Berbatov headed agonisingly wide – with Fletcher narrowly missing out on turning the ball over the line. Then Nani hit the side-netting after a neat turn and shot inside the area. United were in the ascendancy and the breakthrough finally came after 58 minutes. Berbatov did well to escape the attentions of Benoit Assou-Ekotto. He brilliantly backheeled the ball to Evra but the Spurs defender fouled the Frenchman and a penalty was correctly awarded. Without Rooney, Giggs took spot-kick duties and coolly slotted the ball past Gomes. It wasn’t without cost – Berbatov injured his groin in the build-up, Evra had already been sick on the pitch, and Valencia was forced off - replaced by Michael Carrick – after clashing with King. Most importantly, United were in front.

The Reds were hardly settling on the lead, but Tottenham hadn’t given up hope either. And their attitude was rewared on 70 minutes. From Bale’s corner, King rose above Carrick and headed into the far corner beyond Rafael on the post. With 20 minutes remaining, the question now was: what did United have left in the locker?

Sir Alex brought on Federico Macheda with ten minutes to go, hoping the Italian teenager could reprise his heroics of last season against Aston Villa. And while he didn’t provide the finish, Macheda’s neat ball set up Nani for the crucial second goal. It was Nani's finish that really caught the eye. His dinked finish over Gomes was sublime and worthy of winning any football match. It was similar to that of Lionel Messi against Arsenal in the Champions League, but arguably a more high-pressure situation with nine minutes left and United's season on the line.

United, and Nani, were not finished there. The Portuguese picked up the ball on the halfway line and charged at the Tottenham defence. After twisting Michael Dawson’s inside-out, he drew a foul from Wilson Palacios to earn a second penalty of the game. Giggs went to Gomes’ left this time, but his spot-kick was equally as unstoppable. The Stretford End bounced, singing ‘we shall not be moved’. United are back on top of the league. Chelsea - who take on Stoke on Sunday - the ball is in your court...

Manchester United Vs. Tottenham Hotspurs Highlights Video Clips

2010-04-24T13:53:00.002-04:00

Manchester United [3 - 1] Tottenham Hotspurs
58' [1 - 0] R. Giggs (pen.)
70' [1 - 1] L. King
81' [2 - 1] Nani
86' [3 - 1] R. Giggs (pen.)

Manchester City Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips

2010-04-19T13:36:00.000-04:00

Manchester City [0 - 1] Manchester United
90' [0 - 1] P. Scholes

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Manchester United Vs. Chelsea Highlights Video Clips

2010-04-03T13:21:00.002-04:00

Manchester United [1 - 2] Chelsea
20' [0 - 1] J. Cole
79' [0 - 2] D. Drogba
81' [1 - 2] F. Macheda

Bayern Munich Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips

2010-03-30T17:11:00.001-04:00

Bayern Munich [2 - 1] Manchester United
2' [0 - 1] W. Rooney
77' [1 - 1] F. Ribery
90' [2 - 1] I. Olic

Bolton Vs. Manchester United Match Result Report

2010-03-27T22:51:00.000-04:00

United reclaimed pole position in powerful style on Saturday evening, routing Bolton at the Reebok in response to Chelsea’s earlier slaughter of Aston Villa.

After a Jloyd Samuel own goal gifted the Reds a half-time lead, Dimitar Berbatov made certain of three big points with his first league brace for United. Darron Gibson then added a late fourth goal after coming on as a substitute.

The margin of victory was no more than the champions deserved, having dictated proceedings with the likes of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs pulling the strings and Nani and Antonio Valencia stretching the play on the opposite flanks.

Darren Fletcher was also heavily involved, almost creating the opener with a similar cross to his assist against Liverpool – only this time it yielded not a header from Park, but a wonderful volley by Berbatov, well saved by Jussi Jaaskelainen. Fletcher laid the ball off to Jonny Evans when the ensuing corner wasn’t cleared but the Irishman, in for Rio Ferdinand, couldn’t keep his shot down and Bolton breathed a sigh of relief.

However, the best chance of the first half-hour was for the home side, when Jack Wilshere – on loan from Arsenal – played Elmander into the left-hand channel. The big Swede looked odds-on to score but his powerful shot was beaten away by the strong hand of Edwin van der Sar.

Ryan Giggs was revelling in his first start since mid-February and he was unlucky not to hit the target after teeing himself up with an exquisite first touch at the edge of the area. The misfortune was all Bolton’s, though, when Berbatov won a header, Nani hooked the ball on and Giggs delivered a left-wing cross that Jloyd Samuel comically sidefooted into his own net. Fletcher and Valencia were sniffing around but there could be no excuses for the ex-Villa defender – this was a howler of the highest order.

Also from the top drawer was the next save from van der Sar; the Dutchman flew to his right and flicked away Fabrice Muamba’s tremendous rising shot. A world-class stop, it denied what would have been an instant leveller from Owen Coyle’s men.

If the defence were indebted to van der Sar, the reverse was true when the Dutchman was slow in coming back onto the field following the award of a Bolton corner. He wasn’t in position for the set piece but the Reds closed ranks to prevent an embarrassing equaliser.

Sir Alex was irate at referee Martin Atkinson as the teams left the field at the interval, apparently after an unpunished aerial challenge by Ricketts left Nani clutching his face.

The Reds started the second half strongly and might have swiftly doubled the lead had Berbatov not slipped inside the area after some neat play by Scholes. The Bulgarian stayed on his feet to set up Fletcher with a one-two; the Scot’s shot went inches wide.

The battles in the skies continued, and Bolton had a man off the field for treatment – Elmander injured in a clash with Vidic – when United moved further in front. Giggs was again involved in the goal, by threading a pass through to Fletcher. The latter unleashed not the fiercest of shots, but all Jaaskelainen could do was deflect the ball into Berbatov’s path and give the Bulgarian the simplest of tap-ins.

Two-nil - home and hosed? If not then, United certainly were nine minutes later when Nani tormented Ricketts with some lovely footwork on the left flank and pulled the ball back for Berbatov to stab in his second and the Reds’ third strike.

“United, top of the league,” chorused the vocal away fans, even before the flourish of a fourth goal. The creator was the same, Nani bewitching Ricketts once more before squaring it for Darron Gibson to crash a shot in off the keeper’s hands and the crossbar. The scorer had been on the pitch for less than two minutes as a substitute.

The Reds had answered Sir Alex’s call for goals, but more importantly regained top spot from rampant Chelsea, ahead of next Saturday’s showdown at Old Trafford. Bring it on.

Bolton Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips

2010-03-27T22:50:00.001-04:00

Bolton [0 - 4] Manchester United
38' [0 - 1] J. Samuel (o.g.)
69' [0 - 2] D. Berbatov
78' [0 - 3] D. Berbatov
82' [0 - 4] D. Gibson

Bolton :0-4: M.United Goals & Highlights 27.10.2010
Uploaded by black_jack8945. - Check out more sports and extreme sports videos.

Manchester United Vs. Liverpool Match Result Report

2010-03-21T13:24:00.000-04:00

United moved back to the top of the table above Arsenal and one, significant step closer to a 19th championship and record fourth consecutive Premier League title with this well-deserved 2-1 win over fierce rivals Liverpool.

It was hearts-in-mouths time after just five minutes when Fernando Torres put the visitors in front with a free header. But United recovered when Wayne Rooney scored the rebound from his saved penalty kick six minutes later. From then on Sir Alex Ferguson’s men dominated, and the winner arrived after an hour when Ji-sung Park’s diving header sent Old Trafford into delirious celebration.

Liverpool have won the last three of these fixtures, United suffering the ignominy of a 4-1 defeat on home turf here last season. Settling that score itself may have formed a significant part of Sir Alex’s pre-match team-talk. But there was a wider focus for United than one-upmanship over a local rival. Three points would raise the prospects of a fourth straight title and the undisputed crown of being the most successful team in English football.

That fuelled the atmosphere on a bright and sunny spring day in Manchester, and whether fans were dressed in the traditional red and white or protest green and gold, there was no doubt that everyone was united behind the team.

Sir Alex opted to stick with the formation and line-up that yielded success against Milan in Europe – a 4-5-1 formation with Rooney leading the line, Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher anchoring the midfield, Park charged with hassling and harrying Steven Gerrard and co., and Antonio Valencia and Nani operating out wide.

Further back, it would be interesting to see how Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic in particular coped with the threat of Fernando Torres, who grabbed two goals in each of Liverpool’s midweek matches against Portsmouth and Lille.

And the Liverpool striker was clearly in confident mood as he put the visitors in front in the fifth minute. The Spanish won possession in midfield and started a move that went through Gerrard out to Dirk Kuyt. The Dutchman crossed and Torres was unmarked and allowed to head the ball beyond van der Sar. A nightmare start. In truth, United had yet to settle and Liverpool had enjoyed the early pressure.

Rooney, who started the game without having scored in 10 games against Liverpool, inevitably looked to lead the charge. He bustled his way past Javier Mascherano before striking just wide of Pepe Reina’s right post.

The United no.10 didn’t have to wait long to end his run without a goal. After 11 minutes Valencia surged into the box and was fouled by Mascherano, who was booked. Liverpool complained that the offence had taken place outside, but referee Howard Webb pointed to the spot. The delaying tactics that followed, including Torres trying to scuff the penalty spot, were pathetic as much as unsportsmanlike.

By the time Rooney actually took his penalty, Reina guessed the right way and saved brilliantly, but Wayne followed up the rebound and gleefully celebrated with a fist-pumping jump in front of the away fans. Tension was high inside Old Trafford and a feisty few minutes followed, including a touchline tussle between Sir Alex and Rafael Benitez.

The mood calmed somewhat and United came into the contest more. The Reds’ coaching staff were keen to get the ball out to Valencia as much as possible, and on 23 minutes the Ecuadorian showed why, beating Emiliano Insua at the byline and crossing for Park to head narrowly wide.

As the half wore on, United began to get some joy down the left, Nani’s excellent cross was narrowly missed by Rooney on 27 minutes, then seconds later the Portuguese forced a finger-tip save from Reina.

The first half ended far more tamely than it had begun, but in injury time United had a chance to add a second when Jamie Carragher was rightly booked for a lunge on Fletcher. However, Rooney’s free-kick from 25 yards was comfortably saved by Reina.

The second half started with plenty of posturing but little end product. Park had the only real chance in the opening ten minutes of the second period when he followed a jinking run with a tame left-foot shot. The game was crying out for an experienced head - someone like Paul Scholes or Ryan Giggs (both beckoned by the Stretford End), the Welshman returning after his arm break against Aston Villa last month.

But Park showed that Giggs and Scholes, the men he was selected ahead of in United’s midfield, were not required. The Korean had put two earlier headers wide, but when Rooney worked the ball out to Fletcher on the hour mark and the Scot sent in a brilliant, teasing cross, Park flung himself fearlessly toward the ball and headed United in front.

Old Trafford bloomed in spring, with a sea of green and gold scarves twirling above heads, and a roaring rendition of ‘we shall not be moved…’ reverberating around the stadium. Liverpool’s supporters stood deathly silent

Benitez rolled the dice on 73 minutes, replacing Kuyt with Alberto Aquilani, then shortly after took off Maxi Rodriguez for Ryan Babel. United looked in control with Rio Ferdinand dominating in defence, Fletcher hungry in midfield and Rooney threatening up front.

Giggs did finally make an appearance, on for the injured Nani, with ten minutes remaining. His task was to help United see out the win. He was joined by Scholes with four minutes remaining and Park deservedly earned a standing ovation for his considerable efforts.

There was time for a scare when Torres fluffed his lines 12 yards out and substitute Yossi Benayoun headed the loose ball straight into Edwin van der Sar’s hands. Five minutes of added time did little to help frayed nerves in the home end, but such an important victory was too close not to see out. And United did so, a deafening roar greeting the final whistle.

Manchester United Vs. Liverpool Highlights Video Clips

2010-03-21T13:21:00.002-04:00

Manchester United [2 - 1] Liverpool
5' [0 - 1] F. Torres
12' [1 - 1] W. Rooney
60' [2 - 1] J. Park

0-1 Fernando Torres 5'

1-1 Wayne Rooney 12'

2-1 Park J-S 59'

Manchester United Vs. Fulham Highlights Video Clips

2010-03-14T12:12:00.001-04:00

Manchester United [3 - 0] Fulham
46' [1 - 0] W. Rooney
84' [2 - 0] W. Rooney
89' [3 - 0] D. Berbatov

Manchester United Vs. AC Milan After Match Interviews

2010-03-10T20:36:00.000-05:00

David Beckham Interview after the match at Old Trafford

2010-03-10T20:29:00.000-05:00

Manchester United Vs. AC Milan Match Report Review

2010-03-10T16:56:00.000-05:00

It was oh-so-easy for United on Wednesday night, as goals either side of the break from Wayne Rooney and second-half strikes from Ji-sung Park and Darren Fletcher helped United cruise into the Champions League quarter-finals.It was oh-so-easy for United on Wednesday night, as goals either side of the break from Wayne Rooney and second-half strikes from Ji-sung Park and Darren Fletcher helped United cruise into the Champions League quarter-finals.

AC Milan, so often United’s bogey side in Europe, rarely tested Sir Alex’s men, despite coming to Old Trafford intent on scoring goals. Instead, it was Wayne Rooney who found the net twice to put the tie beyond Milan’s reach and spoil David Beckham’s homecoming. Park and Fletcher merely iced the cake.

Few had predicted the ease with which the Reds dumped the Italians out of Europe’s premier club competition. The Rossoneri arrived in Manchester determined to overturn a 3-2 first-leg deficit and employed an attacking 4-3-3 formation, with Klaas Jan Huntelaar, Marco Borriello and Ronaldinho up top.

But United, buoyed by a vocal home support, flew out of the traps. Within the first 10 minutes Rooney let fly twice from distance (once narrowly missing the left-hand post), Gary Neville fired a left-footed long-ranger over the bar and Nani forced Christian Abbiati into a smart save down by his near post.

There were scares for the Reds early on, too: Ronaldinho headed inches wide after Andrea Pirlo’s free-kick was flicked on by Nani, while Huntelaar’s control let him down badly when he drifted beyond Patrice Evra to latch onto a long ball from Thiago Silva.

After such a lively opening it was hardly surprising to see the ball in the back of the net on 13 minutes. Even less of a surprise was that the game’s opening goal arrived courtesy of Wayne Rooney’s head. The Reds striker (Milan’s chief tormentor in the first leg, remember) netted his third header of the tie and his 29th goal of the season when he nipped in front of Daniele Bonero to power home Gary Neville’s pinpoint cross.

With United 1-0 up on the night and 4-2 ahead on aggregate, Milan now needed three goals to win the tie. And yet the Rossoneri didn’t ask any further questions of the Reds’ defence for the remainder of the first half.

Sir Alex’s men were cruising. Just as he did in Milan, Ji-sung Park man-marked playmaker Pirlo, while Neville successfully curbed Ronaldinho’s creativity down the Italians’ left side. With those two largely contained and Darren Fletcher and Paul Scholes winning the battle in the centre of the park, Milan were devoid of attacking potency.

Leonardo, recognising the need for change, sacrificed defender Bonero for midfielder Clarence Seedorf at half-time. But within a minute of the restart Rooney exploited the extra space at the back and tucked the ball under Abbiati to send the Reds 2-0 up and put the tie beyond Milan’s reach.
Nani, too, must be given credit for his role in United’s second. Only fleetingly in the game during the first period, the Portuguese winger showcased his quality by curling a brilliant ball into Rooney’s path.

Huntelaar then wasted a glorious chance to pull one back when he headed over from four yards after good work down the right by Ignazio Abate. The miss was rendered even costlier on 59 minutes when Ji-sung Park, found superbly by Scholes inside the area, rifled the ball into the far corner to further extend the Reds’ lead.

Then came the moment David Beckham was introduced against his former employers. He was so often the Reds’ rescuer during his 11 seasons at the club, the man with the magic touch. But the task that faced him here – to orchestrate the most remarkable comeback in Champions League history – was even beyond his abilities.

He did receive a standing ovation from the Old Trafford faithful, however, and again on 75 minutes when he stung Edwin van der Sar’s palms with a Scholes-esque volley from 25 yards.

That was as close as Milan came to grabbing a consolation, although in truth it would have done little to ease the embarrassment Leonardo’s men will feel after being out-classed for 180 minutes by a rampant Manchester United.

Manchester United Vs. AC Milan Highlights Video Clips

2010-03-10T16:50:00.002-05:00

Manchester United [4 - 0] AC Milan
13' [1 - 0] W. Rooney
46' [2 - 0] W. Rooney
59' [3 - 0] J. Park
88' [4 - 0] D. Fletcher

Wolverhampton Vs. Manchester United Match Result Report

2010-03-06T14:49:00.001-05:00

Paul Scholes reached a century of Premier League goals and fired United to the top of the table as the Reds battled to a 1-0 victory over Wolves at Molineux.

Shorn of the services of the injured Wayne Rooney, Sir Alex’s men struggled to hit top gear against a Wolves side fighting for their top flight status. But United have a fourth consecutive title to play for and the Reds knew a victory was a must and Scholes ensured United left with exactly that when he slotted home with 18 minutes remaining on the clock.

United paid the price for Rooney’s midweek exertions for England as the striker was forced to sit out the visit to Molineux and rest his injured knee. The Reds were, however, boosted by the return from suspension of Nani and from injury of Rio Ferdinand who partnered Nemanja Vidic for the first time since October. Dimitar Berbatov took up the lone-striking role with Nani and Antonio Valencia on hand to offer support down the wings. Wolves, meanwhile, who were fined £25,000 for fielding a weakened side at Old Trafford in December, kept an unchanged side for the fourth straight match.

The game got off to a scrappy start with Wolves focused on keeping things tight and United taking time to adjust to life without their main front man. Seven minutes after Valencia had fired a powerful drive just wide of the near post, the Reds had a decent shout for a spot-kick on 15 minutes, but referee Peter Walton saw nothing wrong with Karl Henry holding back Darron Gibson as he attempted to make the most of Nani’s blocked free-kick which had dropped into his path. In the end, the Irish midfielder prodded the ball wide under pressure from Henry.

Gibson had another sight of goal soon after being picked out by Berbatov’s right-wing cross following a good break forward. But his volleyed effort was into the ground which took the sting out of it and allowed Marcus Hahnemann to claim easily.

Rooney’s energy and endeavour were conspicuous by their absence as United struggled to find their rhythm throughout the opening period. There were, however, spurts of good play and Sir Alex’s men did find themselves in decent positions at times, but the final ball was always lacking. Not long after Michael Carrick had fired a weak shot at Hahnemann from the edge of the area after being well found by Patrice Evra, Valencia’s low driven cross was just too far ahead of Nani, while Gibson was unable to do anything with it at the far post.

Having worked hard to made things difficult for United, Wolves went close to taking the lead in quick succession thanks to some impressive wing play from Matt Jarvis. On 32 minutes he found former Red David Jones just inside the box. He took aim at van der Sar, but Carrick’s brilliant last-ditch tackle took the power out of the shot ensuring an easy catch for the Dutchman. Four minutes later the veteran goalkeeper breathed a huge sigh of relief when the unmarked Stephen Ward rose to meet Jarvis’ left-wing cross, but he headed straight at van der Sar from six yards out as the goal lay gaping.

After a somewhat lacklustre first period, the Reds, who introduced Gary Neville for the injured Wes Brown, set about the task in hand with renewed vigour and quality after the restart. Just two minutes in, Berbatov turned and played an inch-perfect pass into Valencia who returned the favour as the Bulgarian arrived in the area, but his shot was well blocked. Five minutes later United attacked from the other wing with Gibson cleverly finding Evra as he burst into the box, but Kevin Foley got back to deflect the ball out for a corner.

Proceedings began to hot up midway through the second half with Peter Walton dishing out three yellow cards – one for United and two for Wolves – in the space of five minutes. During the same period, Mame Biram Diuof entered the fray in place of Gibson as Sir Alex looked to add some much-needed energy to United’s attack.

And it wasn’t long before United were reaping the benefits of having an extra outlet in attack, but rather than the new kid on the new block it was United’s wily old master, Paul Scholes, who made the vital breakthrough on 72 minutes.

Valencia slipped a pass into Nani who had temporarily swapped sides and his low cross was only half-cleared by Jody Craddock allowing Scholes to pick up possession inside the area. He took one touch before firing a low drive past Hahnemann for his 100th Premier League goal. It was Scholes at his very best – bursting into the box and keeping his cool to find the finish.

Diouf had the chance to put the game beyond the home side six minutes later, but he misjudged Neville’s lovely curling cross despite being unmarked and within six yards of goal and headed well over. He had another chance to make his mark on 83 minutes when Valencia’s cross landed at his feet, but having expected the defender in front of him to clear his lines Diouf was unable to make the most of the opportunity.

As the game entered four minutes of injury-time, Wolves piled forward and were hugely unlucky not to snatch a point - only Sam Vokes will know how he failed to hit target after Ronald Zubar’s shot had bobbled into his path right in front of goal and under no pressure.

United fans everywhere breathed a huge sigh relief as the Reds held out for what could turn out to be a vital victory.

Wolverhampton Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips

2010-03-06T14:29:00.000-05:00

Wolverhampton W. [0 - 1] Manchester United
73' [0 - 1] P. Scholes

Aston Villa Vs. Manchester United Match Result Report

2010-02-28T15:02:00.000-05:00

United claimed the first silverware of the new decade thanks to goals in each half from cup final specialist Michael Owen and the super substitute who replaced him – Wayne Rooney.

The latter’s 28th strike of the season edged an entertaining Carling Cup final in favour of the Reds, who therefore retained a cup for the first time in the club’s history. The prospects of this had looked grim after just five minutes when Nemanja Vidic pulled down Gabriel Agbonlahor – but avoided a red card – and James Milner put Aston Villa 1-0 up from the penalty spot.

But Owen’s latest goal in a domestic showpiece – he netted for a certain former club in the 2001 FA Cup and 2003 League Cup finals – ensured there was parity for a large portion of the match until Rooney triumphantly headed home 16 minutes from time.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s surprise omission of Rooney from his starting XI was one of six differences to the side which kicked off against Man City in the scintillating semi win. Edwin van der Sar, Paul Scholes, the banned Nani and the injured Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs were also out; in came Tomasz Kuszczak, Nemanja Vidic, Antonio Valencia, Ji-sung Park and the front pair of Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen.

One of the mainstays, and United skipper for the day, Patrice Evra had to defend acrobatically inside the first minute to repel a free-kick from Ashley Young on Villa’s left flank. The resulting corner was also dealt with but Martin O’Neill’s men had posted an early warning, one which the Reds failed to heed.

Moments later, Gabriel Agbonlahor broke beyond the backline and when Nemanja Vidic hauled him down, there were no arguments as referee Phil Dowd pointed to the spot.

The only debate would have been over Vidic’s right to stay on the field – he did, and had to look on in agony as James Milner punished his misdemeanour with a well-struck penalty low to Kuszczak’s left. Villa 1 United 0, after just five minutes.

The Serbian wasn’t even booked but opposite number James Collins did see yellow when he sent Owen sprawling at the other end, unfortunately outside the box.

Carrick wasted the opportunity from the free-kick but his namesake Owen soon meted out his own justice when he swept home the equaliser. Berbatov mugged dawdling Richard Dunne and when the former Manchester City defender caught up with the Bulgarian, he only succeeded in freeing the ball up for Owen to beat Brad Friedel.

Still inside a busy first 20 minutes, Kuszczak denied Milner’s left-foot shot with a fine save and Stewart Downing followed Collins into the book for a foul on Evra. Carrick, however, inexplicably escaped a caution when he brought down Heskey.

Kuszczak made his second save when Heskey turned well inside the box following a setpiece but it was a comfortable collection for the Pole playing his first game since early January.

Ironic cheers from the Villa fans greeted United’s first booking, for Evra’s trip on Ashley Young, but they were not so fond of the first substitution – Rooney on for hamstring victim Owen, a few minutes before the break.

Villa were still adjusting to the change when Park almost put the Reds 2-1 up. The Korean’s well-struck shot came back off the post and was cleared by Cuellar, this after Valencia skipped past the grounded Stephen Warnock and pulled the ball back.

That closing attack and the introduction of Rooney augured well for the second half. Indeed, Wayne was the first player to try his luck after the break but sliced wide from outside the area after a promising push through the middle by Carrick.

The midfielder did much better and drew a brilliant parry from Friedel at the end of a flowing United move involving Park and the back-heeling Berbatov. On the counter-attack, Agbonlahor ran at Vidic but whipped his shot well past the far post.

Such was the pattern of the second period; the Reds seeing more of the ball and patiently probing, and Villa waiting to utilise the electric pace of Young and Agbonlahor against Evra on a card and Neville on as a substitute for Rafael.

Vidic became the second United defender to be booked when he clattered Agbonlahor from behind – censure that was long overdue in the view of Villa fans and neutrals.

The same trio that undid West Ham in midweek combined again to upset another team of a claret and blue persuasion in the 74th minute. Berbatov sublimely flicked a ball on to Valencia and when the Ecuadorian dug out a cross under pressure on the right, Rooney rose to send a header arcing past Friedel’s hand into the top right-hand corner and trigger scenes of ecstasy among the United fans and coaching staff alike.

The goal was as brave as it was brilliant with Collins looming large in Rooney’s face; there was no such opposition when Valencia found Wayne again moments later but Friedel’s right-hand post prevented the free header causing further damage to Villa.

So the game remained far from over, and that point was underlined when Kuszczak had to push the ball over his bar when a right-wing cross was directed goalwards. But United remained the more likely to score and when Valencia surged forward in injury time, he deserved more than to strike the side netting.

A third goal wasn’t required though, and for once in normal time at the new Wembley, United were victorious. Cue joyous celebrations as Evra collected the 26th major trophy of Sir Alex’s amazing 23-year reign.

Aston Villa Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips

2010-02-28T15:01:00.000-05:00

Aston Villa [1 - 2] Manchester United
5' [1 - 0] J. Milner (pen.)
13' [1 - 1] M. Owen
74' [1 - 2] W. Rooney

lge cup final
by FootballSoccerHighlights

Celebration

Manchester United Vs. West Ham United Match Report Result

2010-02-23T19:43:00.002-05:00

Three sublimely-crafted goals - two from Wayne Rooney, one from Michael Owen - got United back to winning ways and moved the champions to within a point of Premier League leaders Chelsea.

West Ham were clinically put to the sword as two devastating team moves yielded Rooney headers either side of the interval, before arch-poacher Owen plundered a fine third goal within three minutes of his introduction as a late substitute.

After last Saturday's surprisingly meek surrender at Goodison Park, and with this Sunday's Carling Cup final against Aston Villa on the horizon, Sir Alex Ferguson sprang several selection surprises to face a Hammers side catapulted - for now - out of their relegation worries by back-to-back victories.

In came Ben Foster, Darron Gibson and Anderson, while Nemanja Vidic made a welcome return to the defence for his first start of 2010. Rio Ferdinand, available after his four-match suspension, was conspicuous by his absence, leaving Wes Brown to partner the Serbian in the centre of defence.

A curious first half served up a cocktail of mistakes and brilliance. While the early sparring couldn't deliver a telling blow for either side, it did claim Anderson, who succumbed to a knee injury inside the first 15 minutes. Around the 20 minute mark, however, came a flurry of chances at either end.

Only a superb challenge from James Tomkins halted a marauding run from Rooney, and prompted a West Ham attack which ended with Valon Behrami dragging a shot past Foster's far post. Moments later, the United stopper survived a jittery moment as Alessandro Diamanti's deflected effort looped high before dipping just under the crossbar. Foster was comfortably in control of the situation, but nevertheless would have held his breath as he padded the ball down on his own goal-line before collecting it.

At the other end, Dimitar Berbatov was denied a clear shot by a saving challenge from Matthew Upson, and then a sprawling save from Green, who managed to contort almost in slow-motion to save the Bulgarian's improvised diversion of an errant Darron Gibson shot.

United's pressure steadily grew as Gibson thrice tested Green in the space of four minutes. The Irishman's first and third long-range efforts were comfortably fielded, but his second drew a superb low save from the Hammers' goalkeeper, who just managed to brush the ball past the post.

Parity was creaking, however, and gave in on 38 minutes as United's forward four combined in devastating fashion. Park, on for Anderson, threaded a neat ball through to Berbatov, who cantered infield before chipping a measured pass to Valencia on the right-hand side of the penalty area. The Ecuadorian thudded in a stunning first-time cross with his instep which begged Rooney to convert. In the form of his life, the Reds' top scorer emphatically obliged with a thumping header.

It was a quite stunning team goal which ripped the Hammers to shreds through its simplicity. Two minutes later, another similarly direct effort almost doubled the lead. Berbatov touched on for Rooney, who just managed to stay level before touching the ball past Upson and lashing a fabulous volley onto the roof of Green's net.

Half-time provided timely respite for the visitors, but United sought to end the contest within seconds of the restart. Straight from the centre the ball was ferried to Valencia, who swapped passes with Rooney before crossing low and deep into the box. Park took a first time swing at it, only for his effort to thud off the underside of the crossbar. As it rebounded to Park he was felled by Behrami, by referee Alan Wiley waved away claims for a penalty.

A second goal soon arrived, however, and three of the quartet who had combined so well for the opener were at it again. Berbatov's sublime threaded pass released Valencia down the right, and he sped past marker Jonathan Spector before standing up a superb cross. Rooney, who had peeled away from Tomkins, thumped another header past Green, despite the goalkeeper's valiant attempt to save.

Two was almost three for United and Rooney as he beat Green in a race to a long, loose forward ball on the Stretford End byline. The United striker outmuscled his international colleague, turned, and curled a shot towards the unguarded goal, only for Faubert to comfortably clear the danger.

West Ham's beleaguered defenders would have been pleased to see the back of Rooney and Berbatov, who had one superb surging run halted by Faubert's crude block, when they were replaced by Owen and Diouf for the final 11 minutes, but there would be no respite.

Out on the left flank, Owen showed neat skill to slip the ball to Gibson before trotting infield. Once there, he accepted a superb ball from the flawless Scholes and, having been played onside by Upson, steered in an unerring finish via Green's left-hand post.

Scholes could have capped a superb display with a fittingly sublime goal four minutes from time but, after skipping past two challenges, the veteran midfielder shot high into the Stretford End, provoking much mirth from a home contingent who had been cooing over his display all night long.and a timely reminder to those who most covet the Premier League title that the champions' grip on the trophy is not slipping yet constitutes a satisfactory evening. The quest for four in a row can continue at Molineux next month. For now, attentions switch to Wembley, and the defence of another title: the Carling Cup.

Manchester United Vs. West Ham United Highlights Video Clips

2010-02-23T19:43:00.001-05:00

Manchester United [3 - 0] West Ham United
38' [1 - 0] W. Rooney
55' [2 - 0] W. Rooney
80' [3 - 0] M. Owen

Everton Vs. Manchester United Match Result Report

2010-02-20T13:47:00.001-05:00

The unpredictability of this season’s title race knows no bounds as a tired-looking United went down 3-1 to Everton – the Merseysiders’ second big scalp in ten days after defeating Chelsea at Goodison Park.

The Reds went in front after 16 minutes through Dimitar Berbatov, but Everton equalised three minutes later with a strike from Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, and that was the game's pivotal moment. United struggled to control possession and didn’t work Tim Howard enough. Substitute Dan Gosling struck midway through the second half and, as Sir Alex Ferguson’s men chased a late equaliser, another substitute Jack Rodwell hit a third.

United didn't look sturdy enough in defence, even though Nemanja Vidic was named in the squad, albeit only making the bench as he waits for his first appearance in 2010. The Serbian’s strength and no-nonsense defending was not called upon and with the Reds still shorn of Rio Ferdinand, serving the final instalment of a four-match ban, Sir Alex favoured Wes Brown and Jonny Evans at centre-half to deal with Louis Saha.

The Frenchman has scored 15 goals this season, including two against Chelsea when Everton sprung a surprise on Carlo Ancelotti’s men to win 2-1. David Moyes’ side have taken four points from the Blues this term. They started this game second in the form table. United top those standings and Everton’s solitary win in the last 29 league games with the Reds looked like an ominous statistic. The absence of key pair, Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini, due to injury wouldn’t have eased nerves either. But those figures provide no solace for United now.

The Reds went with a 4-4-2 formation, including Berbatov up front with Wayne Rooney. With Nani suspended and Ryan Giggs out due to a fractured arm, Antonio Valencia and Ji-sung Park manned the wings, with Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick in central midfield. Gary Neville’s inclusion meant that both he and brother Phil were captains for the day. Such is the Nevilles’ competitive nature, they didn’t speak or even look at each other in the tunnel before kick-off.

The first opening was carved by United after 11 minutes, a neatly worked move down a right flank that was profitable in the first half, and ended with Fletcher striking left-footed over the bar. Two minutes later Everton went even closer when Saha’s long-range effort forced a good low save from Edwin van der Sar. United’s early joy down the right would soon bear fruit. Rooney sprayed a pass out to Valencia and Sylvain Distin failed to clear the Ecuadorian’s low cross. Berbatov’s first touch six yards out was sublime, his second was ruthless, spectacularly smashing the ball in off the bar to make it 1-0.

However, the Reds weren't allowed to settle into a lead as Everton drew level on 19 minutes. Saha won the aerial battle with Evans, knocking the ball down to Russian winger Bilyaletdinov, who cleverly used Wes Brown to conceal a wicked left-foot shot that left van der Sar rooted to the spot. Everton had their tails up, even if former idol Rooney was next to go close for United on 26 minutes. A clever one-two with Berbatov sent him clear and he rounded Tim Howard but his touch wasn’t as sharp as he’d have liked and Phil Neville was able to nick the ball off his toes.

United survived a scare seven minutes before the break when Landon Donovan failed to connect with the ball from six yards. As half-time approached, Sir Alex will have been preparing to demand his players take more control of the ball, particularly in central midfield areas where Everton had started to dictate play. The home side began the second half in much the same fashion, although a fizzing 20-yard drive from Fletcher whistled past the post and Berbatov sent a header narrowly wide as the Reds’ attacks gained purpose.

The Bulgarian forward was replaced after 66 minutes by Paul Scholes, Park off for Gabriel Obertan, and the Reds reverted to 4-5-1 with Rooney up front on his own and three men to win back territory in the middle of the pitch. It wasn’t effective enough and Everton looked like being the team that would score the game’s next goal. So it proved. Steven Pienaar found space on the left flank and fired a cross into the box, where substitute Dan Gosling scuffed the ball home on 76 minutes.

Four minutes later and with United chasing the game, Sir Alex made his third and final change – a last throw of the dice – replacing Valencia with Michael Owen. It was to no avail. Rooney was agonisingly close with a free-kick 25 yards out. His curling effort clipped Distin’s head to push the ball narrowly wide. It summed up Rooney’s and United’s afternoon. Close, but not quite good enough. To rub salt in the wounds, Rodwell emerged from the bench and raced beyond a leggy midfield and defence to fire the third. Another twist, then, but this time not in United’s favour. It's a sixth defeat in the league, the Reds can ill-afford any more.

Everton Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clips

2010-02-20T13:46:00.001-05:00

Everton [3 - 1] Manchester United
16' [0 - 1] D. Berbatov
19' [1 - 1] D. Bilyaletdinov
76' [2 - 1] D. Gosling
90' [3 - 1] J. Rodwell

AC Milan Vs. Manchester Untied Match Report

2010-02-16T17:44:00.000-05:00

United recovered from a nightmare start to romp to an impressive - and potentially decisive - away victory against AC Milan in the Champions League second round, first leg.

Ronaldinho put the Rossoneri ahead inside three minutes and the hosts spurned several opportunities to further their advantage before Paul Scholes' fortunate leveller 10 minutes before half-time. The Reds dominated midfield after the break, however, and two headers from Wayne Rooney gave Sir Alex Ferguson's side two more priceless away goals.

Clarence Seedorf impishly back-heeled the hosts back into the tie and Michael Carrick was dismissed for a second booking as Milan finished strongly, but United's first ever victory at the San Siro gives the Reds a vital lead ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford.

Much of the pre-match fanfare centred around David Beckham's first clash with United since leaving Old Trafford in 2003. In truth, it was Ronaldinho, the man unsuccessfully earmarked to replace Beckham, who had the greater influence for Leonardo's side.

United could hardly have made a worse start. Just over two minutes had passed when Patrice Evra's attempt to clear Beckham's free-kick only went as far as Ronaldinho, and the Brazilian's right-footed volley took a telling deflection off Carrick and flew past the committed Edwin van der Sar.

The Reds were rocked, while Milan were galvanised into dominance. Ronaldinho, clearly relishing the occasion, drew a smart stop from van der Sar with another close-range effort as the hosts aimed to forge a greater advantage.

An errant long-distance shot from Scholes marked United's first attempt on goal, and heralded a belated entry to the action for the visitors.

Nani became an increasingly influential figure as the Reds warmed to the task and increasingly controlled midfield.

There was always the danger of Ronaldinho, however, who took advantage of a lax piece of play from Scholes to nab possession and race goalwards. The Brazilian's repeated stepovers took him past Rio Ferdinand, but his subsequent tumble on the edge of the area was deemed to be simulation rather than a foul by the United skipper.

That episode was symptomatic of a worrying affliction throughout United's display, as the Reds' usually assured possession play went AWOL. Milan spurned several opportunities without playing any telling role in their creation, most notably when Klaas-Jan Huntelaar drilled narrowly wide after Jonny Evans' panicked clearance.

Sir Alex Ferguson was particularly irritated by Evans' error, and made his ire known soon afterwards. Fortunately, it came as the young Northern Irishman was jogging back to his position after United had drawn level.

A wonderful passing move featuring Michael Carrick, Nani, Ji-sung Park and Scholes culminated in Darren Fletcher drilling in a superb low cross from the right wing. Scholes raced into the box and attempted to batter home the volley, but instead it struck his standing leg and spun past Dida via the inside of the post. Good fortune indeed in its execution and timing, coming after a string of missed chances for the hosts.

While Milan were stunned to be pegged back, Ronaldinho took parity as a personal affront against his own superb efforts, and he quickly drew another smart stop from van der Sar from 25 yards after brilliantly fashioning space for himself.

Deserved or not, United went into the interval level. Little over a minute after the restart, Darren Fletcher headed Nani's cross wide from a decent position and passed up the chance to give the Reds an unlikely lead. The game's open nature continued and, just two minutes later, Alexandre Pato headed wastefully over after finding space between Evans and Evra.

With Beckham, Ronaldinho and Andrea Pirlo on the field, Milan always carried menace from set-pieces. The latter forced van der Sar into a superb one-handed stop with a 35-yard piledriver which was bound for the Dutchman's top corner as Milan continued to seek an advantage.

Not that United were happy to sit on a score draw, however. Although Ronaldinho again forced a plunging save from van der Sar, Rooney had three efforts in the space of 10 minutes - twice off-target from distance, once drawing a comfortable low stop from Dida.

Antonio Valencia was introduced shortly after Rooney's third effort, and he needed just two minutes to provide United's telling goal. The Ecuadorian picked the ball up on the right flank, took a touch to go past Giuseppe Favalli and stood up a fine cross to the back post, where Rooney outjumped Daniele Bonera to send a superb header drifting into the far top corner.

The travelling support, tucked away high up in the stand behind the goal, went wild. Milan were shattered, and United dominated possession from thereon. Valencia, Park and Fletcher tormented the hosts in support of Rooney, who drilled fractionally wide from 20 yards.

He didn't have to wait long for his second, however, and it arrived with 17 minutes remaining. Fletcher picked up Rooney's knock down, some 35 yards from goal and was criminally given as much time as he liked to advance and curl in a teasing delivery behind Alessandro Nesta and in a perfect area to nod in his second.

Valencia continued to torment Favalli, drilling in one particularly dangerous cross which just evaded Rooney, while the England striker was narrowly denied a hat-trick as his free-kick curled just past Dida's post. But, just when Milan seemed buried, back they roared, with Ronaldinho again instrumental.

The Brazilian crept into the United area and, despite a cluster of defenders around him, curled in a delightful cross for substitute Seedorf to beautifully back-heel beyond van der Sar.

With an unlikely route back into the tie secured, the hosts roared back in the final few minutes. Pippo Inzaghi lashed over, Thiago Silva headed wastefully off-target and Carrick's superb evening was spoiled when he picked up a second yellow card for allegedly kicking the ball away in injury-time.

Nevertheless, United held on to register a first ever victory in the San Siro, set a new European record of 16 away games without defeat and, most crucially, establish a vital advantage ahead of the second leg at Old Trafford in three weeks' time.