Match Report: Everton 0 - 1 Manchester United

Everton 0 - 1 Manchester United

Saturday 29/10/2011

Premier League

A resilient Manchester United side grind out all three points at Goodison Park.


Manchester United were looking to build on their mid week victory over Aldershot Town, and were in league action for the first time since losing 1-6 at home to Manchester City. Jonny Evans returned to the starting line-up after serving a one match ban for the sending off in the derby. United also starting with an attacking trio of Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Chicharito.


The match started with a blistering intensity, as both sides create chances within the opening minutes. Park Ji-Sung side footed a close range shot straight into Tim Howard in the Everton goal, just moments after Seamus Coleman had had a low drilled shot well saved by David De Gea. It was a high tempo start the game, but began to settle with United controlling the game in midfield.

And after 19 minutes they made this possession pay when Chicharito side-footed home from close range, following a superb cross from Patrice Evra. The away side had taken the lead, and had a spring in their step. United were looking to extend their advantage. A powerful attacking run from Phil Jones was stopped in the area through a last gasp challenge from Leighton Baines.

As we passed the half hour mark Everton began to get on top, winning a dangerous free kick on the edge on the United area. The free kick was chagered down, but in the following play Leon Osman had a close range shot saved by De Gea. Seconds later Everton had another chance to level when Jack Rodwell blazed a shot wide from a decent position, following sloppy defensive play from United. Everton come close yet again when on 40 minutes Leighton Baines hit the cross bar with a free kick from the edge of the area.

United held onto their lead going into half time and the second half was poised perfectly. Neither side were able to gain a foothold on the game in the early stages of the half, both being wasteful in possession. However as the game drew closer to the hour mark it was Everton again dominating the play with United reduced to trying to break on the counter. Even the introduction of Luis Nani and Dimitar Berbatov, wasn't helping United get on the front foot, as Everton continued to probe.

The Goodison Park crowd howled in anguish as the home side had a penalty appeal waved away in the closing stages, replays showed it would have been a very harsh decision, if awarded. United tried to retain possession as they ran the clock down, and 0 - 1 it stayed as United took all three points in what had been a very even game. The poaching instincts of Chicharito are what separated the two sides, as United claimed their 3rd away victory of the season.

Match Report: Aldershot Town 0 - 3 Manchester United

Aldershot Town 0 - 3 Manchester United

Tuesday 25/10/2011

Carling Cup

Manchester United dispatched Aldershot Town with ease to progress to the last 8 of the Carling Cup.


United made 11 changes from the side that lost 1-6 to Manchester City on Sunday and were looking to get back to winning ways . The majority of the changes were to be expected, with fringe players such as Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Owen and Anders Lindegaard coming in to replace rested players. Overall the United side was strong, and with this, any hope Aldershot had of getting an easy ride was quashed.

It was United who started the stronger, putting Aldershot under a lot of pressure in the opening stages.The League 2 side were looking overwhelmed by the visitors capability to retain possession. And after 15 minutes the Premier League Champions dominance paid off, as Dimitar Berbatov turned and slotted home calmly after some sublime passing play from Park Ji-Sung and the returning Tom Cleverley. Cleverley was making his first start since picking up an injury in the 5-0 victory over Bolton in early September. As the half wore on the home side's confidence grew, managing to subdue United for long spells. McGlashan's pace was giving Aldershot an attacking presence, as he got behind the United defence on more than one occasion.

However the hosts were unable to create any chances of note, and on 41 minutes they were punished. Berbatov was involved again as he laid off Owen to make the score 0-2. Aldershot were far from being humiliated, but were simply being outclassed by their opponents. This didn't deter the home crowd as they continued to urge their side forward as the second half began. They were soon subdued though, as Antonio Valencia fired in a stunning strike from 25 yards three minutes after the restart, giving Ross Warner no chance. United were in cruise control and used their three goal advantage to field some younger talent with the likes of Ravel Morrison, Paul Pogba and Michael Keane coming on, looking to make an impression.

The tempo slowed as the game drew to its climax, with United comfortably progressing to the next round. Dimitar Berbatov had made a particularly strong case for his return to more regular first team football, with his goal and assist. In addition were the promising performances of Morriosn,Pogba, Keane, and Ezekiel Fryers who all looked very comfortable on the ball. Meaning there will be lots of positives for United to take away from this game, as well as exercising some of the demons left after Sundays defeat.

Match Report: Manchester United 1 - 6 Manchester City

Manchester United 1 - 6 Manchester City

Sunday 23/10/2011

Premier League

Manchester United crash to their first home defeat in 18 months against their cross city rivals.

In the build up to the game it was announced that club captain Nemanja Vidic wasn't ready to start as Jonny Evans retained his place at centre back, alongside Rio Ferdinand. Confirmation came from Sir Alex Ferguson that after Vidic's six week injury lay off, that he wasn't quite ready to start such a big game. Danny Welbeck was preferred to partner Wayne Rooney up front, ahead of Chicharito.

And in the opening stages it was all United, as the home team pushed City way back into their own half. Ashley Young was running rampage down the left flank drawing multiple fouls from James Milner and Micah Richards, both parties incredibly lucky to avoid yellow cards. However United were not converting this pressure into chances as the killer ball evaded them. After 22 minutes a clear cut chance came, but it was completely against the run of play, as Mario Balotelli stroked the ball home from just outside the box to give the visitors a 0-1 advantage. Balotelli was booked during the celebrations for removing his shirt and revealing a t-shirt baring the slogan "Why Always Me?" United will have felt hard done by, as up until this moment they had dominated possession 70%-30%.

The rest of the half was much more even, with neither team able to control the game. City maintained their lead going into the break, and the match was well poised for exciting second half, with United looking to turn the tie around. 2 minutes into the second half United's task got a whole lot harder, when Jonny Evans was turned on the edge of the area by Balotelli and in a desperate attempt to regain possession hauled down the Italian striker. Evans was the last man, and the red card was inevitable, United now needed to play almost the entire second half with only 10 men. They didn't let the sending affect their game, dominating the next 10 minutes, despite City having the numerical advantage. But still United couldn't find their cutting edge, and as the game wore on the away side began to impose themselves on the game.

With an hour on the clock City went two goals ahead, and it was Balotelli again who latched onto James Milner's cross. United were in real trouble, with their chances of saving the game fading. In the 69th minute it was 0-3, and it was Sergio Aguero's turn to get amongst the goals as he slotted home from close range. United's depleted defence were tiring, with the league leaders looking to increase their margin to 5 points. A glimmer of hope arrived with 10 minutes to go when Darren Fletcher played an excellence one-two with second half substitute Chicharito, to reduce the deficit to 1-3, with what was the attacking move of the game. The home crowd were invigorated and tried to spur United on, but the game was beyond them. 1-3 would have been a fair reflection of the game. However the game took a turn for the bizarre when in stoppage time City managed to score 3 more unanswered goals, two from Edin Dzeko and one from man of the match David Silva, as United fell apart at the back. The City fans went wild as their team had produced an unbelievable 1-6 win at Old Trafford.

United were stunned as they fell to their worst home defeat since 1955. There were no boo's around the ground as the team left the field, with chats of support for the home side, showing that this is nothing other than a freak result. With a quarter of the season gone United are in a stronger position than this time last season, and will be looking to get back to winning ways when they meet Aldershot Town in the Carling cup on Tuesday night.

Match Report: Otelul Galati 0 - 2 Manchester United

Otelul Galati 0 - 2 Manchester United

Tuesday 18/10/2011

Champions League Group Stage

Manchester United grind out their first Champions League win of the season away at the Romanian champions.


After drawing their two opening Champions League fixtures against Benfica and Basel, United were looking to get their Group stage back on track against Otelul Galati. Wayne Rooney found himself back in the United starting line up, as nine changes were made from the team that drew 1-1 away at Liverpool. Nemanja Vidic was the other notable inclusion, as he made his first United start since the opening day, following a six week lay off with injury.

United started the game brightly, dominating possession, trying to find their rhythm. The home side were in awe of Manchester United, giving them far too much time on the ball. But it was Otelul side who created the first chance, when Vidic's a weak pass was intercepted by Bratislav Punosevac, however his shot was tame and comfortably saved by Anders Lindegaard. Michael Carrick had United's best chance of the first half when he latched on the end of a Nani cross, but his shot was not the best, and flew over the bar.

The opening 45 minutes had been poor, with neither side able find their cutting edge. in the second period United came out with renewed vigour and almost took the lead when Nani crossed in for Wayne Rooney, who turned well in the box and shot just wide. And it didn't take long for United to make the breakthrough, when just after the hour when Costin handled in the area, Rooney was on hand to tuck the penalty away.

Moments after taking the lead, United were stunned by a set back, when returning captain Vidic was dismissed for a high challenge. On replay this seemed to be a very harsh decision, while his foot was high, no contact was made with the opponent. The sending off galvanised the home side as they finally began to get a foothold in the game. They managed to create decent chances through Costin and Antal, who wasted a great opportunity, heading over the bar when he was unmarked in the United area.

As the game wore on United found themselves again and moments from time Nani saw a ferocious 30 yard shot hit the post. Minutes later United wrapped up all 3 points when Rooney dispatched another penalty, after Antal had brought him down in the area, with the England striker finishing even more calmly than the first. United had overcome the adversity of having Vidic sent off early in the second half, by dispatching the Champions League new comers Otelul Galati to claim all 3 points.

Match Report: Liverpool 1 - 1 Manchester United

Liverpool 1 - 1 Manchester United

Saturday 15/10/2011

Premier League

Manchester United grab their first point at Anfield for three years, maintaining their unbeaten start to the season.

Sir Alex Ferguson shuffled the pack ahead of their encounter away at Liverpool, with Wayne Rooney, Nani, Anderson and Chicharito finding themselves on the bench. Instead in came, Danny Welbeck, Park Ji-Sung, Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher. The omission of Rooney was a result of his sending off for England the previous week, with the manager explaining 'his head wasn't in the right place'. United had lost their last three league visits to Anfield, and were looking to put an end to this run to keep them top of the premier league.

It was Liverpool who made the brighter start to the game, with the return of their captain Steven Gerrard, for his first start of the season, spurring the home side on as they pushed United back into their own half. The game soon evened out, play was scrappy with both sides wasteful in possession. Chances were few and far between, and it took until 16 minutes for the first half chance, when Phil Jones rose to meet a Patrice Evra cross, which he headed wide from close range. Both sides seemed nervous as the game was becoming a midfield battle with neither team looking like making a breakthrough.

It took until the 35th minutes for the first shot on target when Luis Suarez managed to turn Johnny Evans in the box, but his shot was straight at David De Gea who beat the ball away comfortably. The half finished goalless, with both sides struggling to get going, in what had been an edgy first half.

Both United and Liverpool were more composed on the ball as the second half began, and it was the hosts who were looking more of a threat as both Suarez and Gerrard had shots saved by De Gea. United's Spanish 'keeper was looking solid between the sticks, keeping Liverpool at bay with ease for the first hour. However this was about to change, when after 67 minutes Charlie Adam went down easily on the edge of the area following the slightest of touches from Rio Ferdinand. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard stood over the free kick, and proceeded to strike the ball through the United wall to put the home side 1-0 up. Replays showed that Ryan Giggs was at fault, moving in the wall allowing Gerrard's shot past him, giving De Gea no chance.

There was an instant response from the United manager, who brought on Wayne Rooney and Nani, as they now needed to come from a goal behind. The match opened up as United piled forward, determined to escape from Anfield with at least a point. Phil Jones was replaced by Chicharito with fifteen minutes left, as the visitors went all out for the equaliser. And after only a matter of minutes of coming on it was Chicharito who squared things up, heading home from close range following a Danny Welbeck flick on from a Nani corner. United were jubilant as they had forced their way back into the game However a minute after the restart they almost threw all the hard work away when Dirk Kuyt had a close range shot brilliantly saved following an excellent early cross from Stuart Downing. Moments later the home side were denied again by De Gea as he managed to claw away a chipped volley from Jordan Henderson in the 90th minute.

1-1 it finished, as both sides had rallied in the second half making it an exciting finish to one of the biggest games in world football. By only picking up a point United had relinquished the top spot to their cross city rivals, but coming away with a point from Anfield has to be seen as a point gained. United remain unbeaten in the league after 8 games, with Manchester City up next in the league as they travel to Old Trafford next weekend.

Official Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour

Official Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour

Old Trafford

Last week I was lucky enough to have a the full Official Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour , courtesy of my place of work. I was delighted with the opportunity to take the tour for the first time since I was a child, and though I have been to the stadium numerous times to watch our beloved United, it was interesting to see the history and the usually unseen areas of the stadium.

Unlike the usual tour, due to me being there with work, we started in the Trafford suite directors lounge where there is a stunning view of the stadium.




And after a brief introduction we were taken down to sit in the directors box where we told a brief history of the stadium. As you can see it was an excellent day for the tour.



Afterwards we walked round to the dressing room, where you can see the players shirts laid out in their usual seats.

After the stadium tour (which took around 40 minutes) we took a look around the museum. For a club with such a rich and proud history, it is truly breath taking seeing everything the club has achieved. United's humble beginnings as Newton Heath, the Munich Air disaster through to treble winning season of '99 and last years record 19th league title, are brilliantly remembered.




The experience of the Official Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour is second to non, and as a red I would urge anyone who loves United to take the opportunity to absorb the history of such an amazing club.

Match Report: Manchester United 2 - 0 Norwich City

Manchester United 2 - 0 Norwich City

Saturday 01/10/2011

Premier League

Manchester United maintain their strong start to the season with victory against Norwich.

On the back of the 3-3 draw in mid week against Basel United needed to get back to winning ways to keep up their pursuit of retaining the Premier League title. It was a shaky defence in that game which saw United lose a two goal lead, which lead to switch up in the starting lineup against Norwich. Rio Ferdinand was dropped to the bench as we saw Johnny Evans partner Phil Jones in the centre of defence. Also Anders Lindegaard was preferred in goal ahead of David De Gea in hope of plugging the gaps that were so apparent on Tuesday night.

It was the visitors who started the game the brighter with Elliot Bennett looking looking very sharp down the right wing, causing United problems in the early stages. United's re-jigged defence not looking as solid as Sir Alex would have liked, with both centre backs losing aerial battles against Norwich front man Steve Morison. The match was scrappy, and the free flowing football we were getting used to seeing United play this season, was not coming together. Wes Hoolahan and Anthony Pilkington were very impressive in the Norwich midfield, looking much more creative compared to their United counterparts.

The game was even, with possession 50/50, neither side managed to carve out any clear chances on goal. And it took until the 35th minute for a dencent goalscoring opportunity for either side, when Steve Morison had to clear a Darren Fletcher poke towards goal following a Park Ji-Sung corner. This chance looked to spark the hosts into action as they won a succession of corners, and looked to open the scoring. However the pressure didn't hold as the sides went in level at half time. If United were going to win their 19th straight home league game, they were going to had to improve dramatically in the 2nd half.

The hosts started the 2nd period brightly with main creative forces Wayne Rooney and Nani starting to combine, finally stretching the Norwich defence, something they didn't mange in the 1st half. The killer ball still evaded the home side though, despite the increase in pressure. The game was getting stretched, and in the 63rd minute Wes Hoolahan carried the ball from his own half and with a better strike could have given the visitors a shock lead. The United faithful were getting restless as their team were struggling to gel. The United manager decided to change things up, bringing Ryan Giggs and Danny Welbeck on to replace the lacklustre Chicharito and Nani.

And the substitution made an instant impact, as Ryan Giggs swung in a deep corner that Rooney headed back into the danger area, Anderson rose highest to knock the ball home from close range. There was a huge sigh of relief around Old Trafford as United had finally broken the deadlock with 68 minutes played. The points were far from safe as sloppy defending saw a deflected Pilkington shot strike the post, as Lindegaard was left helpless. Norwich were fighting hard to get back into the game, and were creating chance after chance going into the last 10 minutes of the game. With better finishing from Steve Morison, they could, and should have been on level terms, as he scuffed a brilliant opportunity wide with just 5 minutes left on the clock. Just has it looked like the Norwich pressure was going to pay off, United killed the game off with an excellent passage of flowing football which saw Welbeck finish well after a one-two with Park on the edge of the area. United had sealed all three points with minutes remaining.

It could have been even better for United as deep into injury Wayne Rooney was released one-on-one with John Ruddy, but his chipped effort went just the wrong side of the cross bar. The final whistle sounded and United had returned to the Premier League summit with a hard fought home win. Norwich City could have made an uncomfortable day a whole lot worse for the hosts if one of their many opportunities had been converted. But it was United who walked away with the three points going into the International break. With a bit of luck this break from league action will give United's understrength back line time to recover ahead of the encounter against Liverpool at Anfield.