Match Report: Manchester United 2 - 3 Blackburn Rovers

Manchester United 2 - 3 Blackburn Rovers

Saturday 31/12/2011

Premier League

Shock defeat for United as the Premier League's bottom side ruin Sir Alex Ferguson's birthday celebrations.



United were celebrating the 70th birthday of their enigmatic manager Sir Alex Ferguson and a single point would be enough to put his side top for the new year. There was no place in the squad for Wayne Rooney as Manchester United's starting line up had an unfamiliar feel with the likes of Rafael, Park Ji-sung and Dimitar Berbatov handed starts.

And it was the home side that started the brighter with Nani looking particularly sharp. United were struck a blow after fifteen minutes when Dimitar Berbatov brought down Chris Samaba in the box giving Blackburn a penalty and an unlikely early lead as Yakubu dispatched the penalty calmly. The goal shook the home side and despite dictating the play they were struggling to carve any clear cut chances.

Rovers were defending well, limiting the reds to half chances with Phil Jones' poke towards goal blocked in the area before Chicharito saw his shot whistle past the post. The Champions were huffing and puffing as Blackburn held onto their lead going into the interval.

The second half saw the introduction of Anderson on for Chicharito as the manager opted to change to a 4-4-2 formation. But United were hit by another blow when in the 51st minute Yakubu grabbed his second after poor defending, the goal giving United a mountain to climb. Straight from the restart United got themselves right back in the mix as Berbatov nodded home from close range to make the score 1-2.

The goal put fire in the United belly as the Old Trafford crowd roared on the reds. On 62 minutes Berbatov grabbed his second firing home from close range following an Antonio Valencia cross. Could United push on to grab the winner after being two goals down? Blackburn soon found their defensive footing again, frustrating the resurgent United.

After 18 minutes of pure United pressure it there was yet another set back for United as following a corner Hanely headed home following poor goalkeeping from David De Gea. United now had ten minutes to find at least one goal. The reds had a lack of options to bring on from the bench with Will Keane brought on five minutes from time in search of an equaliser.

United were deflated by the goal and struggled created any further chances until the final seconds when Phil Jones saw his shot saved off the line as United went down to their second league defeat of the season. The Manchester side missed their chance to move to the top of the table as the season reaches the half way point.

Match Report: Manchester United 5 - 0 Wigan Athletic

Manchester United 5 - 0 Wigan Athletic

Monday 26/12/2011

Premier League

Manchester United thrash Wigan to make it five wins on the trot.


It was all change in the starting eleven, as Sir Alex shuffled his pack during the congested run in of festive fixtures. Starts were handed to out of favour Dimitar Berbatov and returning from injury Chicharito. They replaced Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney who both started and scored in the 5 - 0 victory over Fulham.

United also had to field a makeshift defence with Michael Carrick and Antonio Valencia deployed at centre and right back respectively. Darron Gibson was handed a rare start in the centre of midfield along side veteran Ryan Giggs.

United got off to an explosive start, taking the lead after just eight minutes when Park Ji-Sung slotted home accurately from a Patrice Evra cross. Wigan responded well to the goal and began pushing United back into their own half with Conor Sammon causing the hosts a lot of problems.

However a contentious refereeing decision was about to sway the game in United's favour as the impressive Sammon saw red for catching Michael Carrick in the face with his arm. Referee Phil Dowd pulled the red card from his pocket as both sets of players seemed stunned by the decision. Despite being a goal and a man down Wigan continued to show heart, not allowing United to take control of the game. In the 41st minute United finally managed to extend their lead as Dimitar Berbatov managed to gain control of Darron Gibson's cross, poking home from four yards.

United went into half time in complete control thanks not only to two sharp strikes, but Conor Sammon's red card. The second half began, and it soon became apparent that Wigan were now resigned to a damage limitation effort, Park almost grabbed his second instantly but he fired his header straight at Ali Al Habsi. Wigan held the reds off for thirteen second half minutes before extending their lead again as Berbatov grabbed his second of the game. The Bulgarian controlled well in the area firing a sharp effort into the roof the net to but the game beyond any doubt.

All Wigan's hard work was to no avail when in the 75th minute Antonio Valencia controlled the ball on the edge of the area a fired an unstoppable strike across the face on goal to make it four. And to rub salt into the wounds three minutes later United were awarded a penalty when Park Ji-Sung was felled on the edge of the area. Berbatov stepped up, completing his hat-trick with a simple finish as he sent Al Habsi the wrong way.

United sent a strong message to the opposition winning their second game on the bounce 5-0 and moving level on points with the leader Manchester City.

Match Report: Fulham 0 - 5 Manchester United

Fulham 0 - 5 Manchester United

Wednesday 21/12/2011

Premier League

Ryan Giggs scores to maintain his record of scoring in every Premier League season as Manchester United put five past Fulham.



After a two game run in centre midfield Phil Jones was reinstated to his more familiar position at centre back as Ryan Giggs filled his midfield role. However the young English defender took an early blow as he received an elbow to the face whilst challenging Clint Dempsey in the air.

After just five minutes United made the breakthrough when Danny Welbeck slotted home from close range following a Luis Nani break down the left. The home side falling behind to the first notable piece of play from either side due to the length of the stoppage taken for the injury to Phil Jones.

The away crowd were making the majority of the noise after seeing their side take such an early advantage. The home side soon got into their stride matching United for possession, pushing the visitors back into their own half. On the 20 minute mark Phil Jones had to be replaced by Ashley Young, the second minute injury proving too much for the United man. The change saw Antonio Valenica drop to right back with Chris Smalling moving inside .

Following an extended spell of United pressure the reds added a second when Luis Nani rose highest to meet a Ryan Giggs cross following a short corner after 28 minutes. United were taking charge of the game and just after the half hour mark United had a strong penalty shout when Phillip Senderos felled Danny Welbeck in the area. The United the appeals were waved away by referee Rob Halsey.

In the 42nd minute United extended their lead further, as Nani was involved again as he squared a simple ball to Ryan Giggs on the edge of the area. The Welshman's tame shot took a huge deflection looping over David Stockdale's head to put United in complete control going into the interval. Fulham will have been disappointed with their first half efforts, as they allowed the visitors to boss the game from the outset.

The start to the second half was even, with both sides enjoying long spells on the ball. It was Fulham who almost gave themselves a lifeline as Lindegaard had to get down well to stop a Clint Dempsey header. The home side were in the ascendency and they came close again as a John Arne Riise free-kick flashed just wide.

United were struggling to impose themselves as they had done in the first half and took another injury blow just before the hour, as first half substitute Ashley Young was forced off, Park Ji-Sung coming on to replace the winger.

The Cottagers were proving to be much more capable, as the half wore on they looked the most likely to score next, with Andy Johnson twice coming close, both times being denied by Anders Lindegaard. Two minutes from time Wayne Rooney fired a powerful drive past Stockdale to make the score 4-0. And to add insult to injury United made it five as second half substitute Dimitar Berbatov calmly finished with a cheeky bit of skill to settle the tie in the final minute.

United's dominate first half display meant the job was done at half time and despite Fulham's second half industry they didn't have enough to trouble the Champions, two late goals finishing off the performance. United will be happy with picking up their seventh away victory of the season but the loss of two more key players to injury will be a major disappointment to the manager.

Match Report: Queens Park Rangers 0 - 2 Manchester United

Queens Park Rangers 0 - 2 Manchester United

Sunday 18/12/2011

Premier League

Manchester United comfortably defeat QPR to keep their title charge on course.


Sir Alex Ferguson had the rare opportunity to name an unchanged side from the team that put four past Wolves last Saturday, with his squad incurring no new injuries. This meant Phil Jones again started in the centre of midfield along side Michael Carrick. Danny Welbeck partnered Wayne Rooney upfront.

United made a flying start as Antonio Valencia whipped in a cross from the right with Wayne Rooney capitalising, heading home at the far post within the first minute. The early breakthrough subdued the home crowd as United looked far the better team. Radek Cerny was putting in a big performance in the Rangers goal keeping United's advantage at one goal as he blocked off a Danny Welbeck run in the opening stages.

QPR played their way back into the game with grit and determination not allowing United any time on the ball and even creating a chance of their own when Heidar Helguson headed just over from a Joey Barton cross. As the game neared half time, it was the Manchester side on top of the game, they should have gone ahead when Jonny Evans header hit the bar, moments later Phil Jones shot was well saved after he was one on one with Cerny following a fantastic Wayne Rooney through ball.

United had another chance to got two ahead, but Cerny came to the rescue again palming Valencia's close range shot off the line. QPR almost made United pay for their missed opportunists, but David De Gea was on hand to save a Helguson shot with his feet. United went into half time in complete control off the game but would they be left to rue missed chances in the second half?

United came out of the blocks firing on all cylinders and almost scored as quickly as they did in the first half, in bizarre circumstances. QPR kicked off the second half with only 10 men on the field as Danny Gabbidon was still in the changing rooms receiving treatment. Wayne Rooney charged through on goal but his first touch let him down as the glorious opportunity fizzled out. However it didn't take long for United to double their lead when in the 56th minute Michael Carrick made an impressive run from his own half slotting the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the area. The goal was Carrick's first for 70 games, his delight was apparent as he celebrated with the fans. The goal deflated QPR's chance of a comeback.

The reds continued to create as Danny Welbeck saw his curling effort well saved again by Cerny, before Phil Jones came close again when he hit the post. QPR should have reduced the deficit when second half substitute DJ Campbell latched onto the end of an excellent Adel Taarabt cross, but he somehow managed to loop his shot over the bar from 5 yards.

United saw the game out to pick up their sixth away victory of the season, already more than their entire campaign last season, however the manager will be unhappy with the amount of missed chances as United could have easily scored five. An important three points as United keep pace with the leaders in the title race.

Match Report: Manchester United 4 - 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Manchester United 4 - 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers

Saturday 10/12/2011

Premier League

Manchester United bounce back from Champions League disappointment with comprehensive victory over Wolves.



After dropping out of Europe's premier competition United were looking to get back to winning ways at Old Trafford. As United had scored just once in each of their last seven league games, Sir Alex Ferguson opted for an attacking line-up with Danny Welbeck starting up front alongside Wayne Rooney. Antonio Valencia and Luis Nani selected on the wings.

The visitors started the brighter and Stephen Fletcher could have given them a first minute lead, but he flashed his strike from the edge of the area well wide. However United soon settled into the match and became increasingly dominant. Phil Jones and Michael Carrick in the centre of midfield were putting in a commanding performance not allowing Wolves any time on the ball.

Wayne Hennessey was called into action when Wayne Rooney fired in a shot from a tight angle as United went in search of the opening goal. It didn't take long for it to come when Luis Nani put the home side ahead. after he receiving the ball on the left, he managed cut inside to the edge of the area and unleash a powerful drive into the bottom corner to give United the advantage.

The reds didn't look like resting on their one goal lead and were looking to kill the game off early. And that they did when just before the half hour mark, Wayne Rooney scored his first Premier League goal since September's 3-1 win over Chelsea, firing past Hennessey in the same corner as Nani had moments earlier.

United went into the second half in completed control of the game. So it came as a shock when seconds after the restart Stephen Fletcher gave the visitors a lifeline, when he converted from the far post following a Matt Jarvis cross.

The goal galvanised Wolves who for the next ten minutes looked to get themselves on level terms. However their play was sloppy and in the 56th minute Nani killed the game off with his second of the game, poking home from close range following a superb Valencia cross.

United were now in complete control and added to their lead when Rooney picked up his second with a precision volley following another Valencia cross. Second half substitute Federico Macheda almost made it five late on but his clumsy close range effort was easily stopped by the Welsh number one.

United have now made it five wins from their last six, with particularly impressive performances from Nani, Rooney, Valencia and Carrick. The reds move to within two points of league leaders Manchester City, in pursuit of their 20th title.

Match Report: FC Basel 2 - 1 Manchester United

FC Basel 2 - 1 Manchester United

Wednesday 07/12/2011

Champions League Group Stage

Manchester United crash out at the group stages of the Champions League for only the 3rd time in 17 years.


United went into the tie only requiring a point to secure qualification to the knock out rounds of the Champions League. Last years finalists had made tough work of the group stages after three draws in five games, including a 3-3 at home to Basel.

United were without the suspended Michael Carrick as Phil Jones was selected in the centre of midfield for the second game running. Wayne Rooney started as the lone front man after the recent injuries to Dimitar Berbatov and Chicharito.

And it was the visitors who started in fine form, exploding out of the blocks looking to calm their nerves early in the game. United were completely dominating possession and looked to be on the brink of striking when, against the run of play FC Basel took the lead. When Xherdan Shaqiri fired in a cross from the left wing United defender Chris Smalling was down in the penalty area with a head injury. Marcos Streller was at hand at the back post to fire the Swiss Champions into an early lead. United were now on the back foot and needed to score at least one goal to have any chance of qualification.

United were stunned by the goal and despite dominating the game in midfield struggled to create any chances. On the stroke of half an hour United should have been level when Rooney inexplicably failed to turn the ball into the net from 2 yards after a superb Nani cross. The Portuguese winger was causing Basel the most problems, and was at the heart of every United attack, pushing his team forward, terrorising left back Joo-ho Park in the process.

For all their promise the reds play in the final third continued to frustrate and in the 44th minute they took another blow. Captain Nemanja Vidic fell awkwardly on his knee and it was instantly apparent he was in agony. United's recent injury woes continued as their talismanic captain was forced off. They went into half time with everything to do, but the hope remained, as one unanswered goal would still secure a stop in the last 16.

At the start of the second period United almost made an instant impact when Wayne Rooney broke on the left, cutting inside of the edge of the area, his curled effort went agonisingly wide. The game continued in a similar pattern, with United dominating the game but struggling to make the break through. David De Gea had to be on full alert when he excellently turned over an Alexander Frei free-kick.

United's probing almost paid off when Markus Steinhofer hammered the ball against his own cross bar following another Nani cross. United's time was running out and as they pushed everyone forward it was heart break for last years runners up, when Xherdan Shaqiri crossed following a rare Basel break, Chris Smalling failed to clear as A. Frei headed home from close range. United had three minutes to score two goals. The Europa League beckoned for a lacklustre United side. Phil Jones pulled one goal back in the dying embers of the game but it was to little to late and United dropped out of the Champions League at the group stage for the first time in six years.

Match Report: Aston Villa 0 - 1 Manchester United

Aston Villa 0 - 1 Manchester United

Saturday 03/12/2011

Premier League

Phil Jones grabs his first United goal, as the reds record their fourth 1-0 victory in five league games.

In the corresponding fixture last season, United escaped with a point after being 2-0 down, this year they were looking to take home all three points to keep pressure on league leaders Manchester City.

Phil Jones was chosen to partner Michael Carrick in the centre of midfield, as Sir Alex tried to discover his strongest pairing for the position. Anders Lindegaard was also given the nod ahead of David De Gea in goal.

The game started badly for the Champions with Chicharito being forced off with injury after just eight minutes. The Mexican went to ground in the penalty area despite no contact with a Villa player and has suspectedly suffered ankle ligament damage, which will reportedly keep him out of action for up to four weeks. Antonio Valencia was brought on to replace him.

United soon got over the shock of losing a key player, and were commanding the game, rarely relinquishing possession to their opponents. In the 20th minute this dominance paid off when an excellent United build up saw Phil Jones side-foot home from close range following a sublime cross from Luis Nani. The 19 year old claiming his first senior goal whilst putting the visitors ahead.

The home side struggled to impose themselves on the game, and United came close to doubling their lead when first Nani saw his header saved by Shay Given and then Valencia saw his 25 yard effort fly just over the crossbar. The game was hit by another injury in the 35th minute, when Villa 'keeper Given had to be withdrawn for a pulled hamstring.

The half petered out without further incident, with United in full control. Alex McLeish will have been disappointed with his sides performance and looked to fire them up for the second period.

However this was not the case, the home side delivered almost no attacking threat as United continued to boss the game. The reds continued to press but struggled to break Aston Villa down. The closest either side came was in the 75th minute when James Collins saw his header tipped over by Anders Lindegaard, in what was proving to be a dull half of football. And United thought they'd secured a second goal in the final minute when substitute Danny Welbeck finished well from close range, only for the effort to be ruled offside.

Manchester United held on, securing their fifth away win of the season (as many as the secured in the entire campaign last year). An efficient performance in a game where they were never required to get out of 2nd gear. United will now look forward to their midweek encounter with FC Basel to secure Champions League progression.