Match Report Athletic Bilbao 2 - 1 Manchester United (5 - 3 agg.)

Athletic Bilbao 2 - 1 Manchester United (5 - 3 agg.)

Thursday 15/03/2012

Europa League

Manchester United out of the Europa League after defeat in Bilbao.


After going down to a 3-2 defeat at home to the hands of Athletic in the in the first leg, United had to score at least two if they were to qualify for the last Eight of the Europa League. The red devils had been overwhelmed in the first leg and opted for a more experienced team for this clash in Bilbao. Wayne Rooney was selected as a lone front man to be flanked by Ashley Young and Park ji Sung. The flourishing centre back partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans were set the task of keeping out Athletic's dangerous front line of Fernando Llorente, Iker Muniain and Oscar De Marcos.

There was an electric atmosphere inside San Mamés Stadium, and from the offset Athletic looked sharper and hungrier than the visitors. United were unable to get out of there own half as they again struggled with the hosts high tempo pressing game. After nine minutes of non stop Athletic pressure United carved their first chance of the match, as Tom Cleverley played in Ashley Young who saw his left footed effort blocked at the last minute by Gorka Iraizoz.

However the chances for the reds were few and far between as Athletic looked like running away with it as Muniain hit the post after some fine build up play from the hosts. De Marcos missed a tap in from the rebound to let United off the hook.

However it was only a matter of time before the impressive Athletic took the lead, as after 23 minute Llorente thundered home an immaculate volley following a pin point 40 yard pass from Ander Iturraspe. Bilbao were well and truly in the driving seat leading 4-2 on aggregate with United now needing at least three goals with just over an hour remaining.

The goal gave United a wake up call and for the following ten minutes the visitors rallied, almost snatching an equaliser through a Ryan Giggs header, which was blocked just in front of goal. Moments later United should have had a penalty when Tom Cleverley was nicked on the shin just inside the area. Referee Cüneyt Cakir waved play on to the disbelief of the England midfielder.

Athletic took their goal advantage into the break knowing it was theirs to lose, holding a massive advantage over a Manchester United side who were struggling to impose themselves on the game.

The unrelenting attacking machine of Athletic didn't take long to get going in the second half as right back Andoni Iraola jinked through the United defence with ease before poking his shot just wide of David De Gea's goal as the reds were just holding on.

United just couldn't get a foothold in the game and just after the hour mark Marcelo Bielsa's side had their second of the night as De Marcos' shot from the edge of the area was deflected past De Gea to put the Spanish side 5-2 up on aggregate.

United were simply being outclassed, knowing the tie was lost Sir Alex Ferguson made the unusual decision of pulling off key players. Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs were all subbed as the weekend fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers seemingly taking priority. Danny Welbeck, Chris Smalling and Paul Pogba were the replacements, seeing out the last 20 minutes. The promising Pogba made a decent account of himself in trying circumstances, seeing a powerful 20 yard drive saved for a corner as the reds tried to salvage some pride from a torrid evening.

Ten minutes from time they did just that as Wayne Rooney scored a fantastic 20 yard effort, curling his shot perfectly into the top corner of Iraizoz's goal. But this was nothing but a consolation as United had been undone by a fantastic footballing side.

United can now focus all their energy on retaining the Premier League title with ten games to go, leading the chasing Manchester City by a single point.

Match Report: Manchester United 2 - 0 West Bromwich Albion

Manchester United 2 - 0 West Bromwich Albion

Premier League

Sunday 11/03/2012

Manchester United move top of the Premier League after comfortable victory over West Brom.

After the disappointment of the 3-2 home defeat to Athletic Bilbao on Thursday night, United were looking to bounce back against West Brom. With Nani injured in training on Friday, Sir Alex Ferguson opted for a forward three of Wayne Rooney, Chicharito and Danny Welbeck.

Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick were also amongst the starters as the reds continued their pursuit of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. The visitors began the game the brighter, almost catching United out when Keith Andrews poked a Liam Ridgewell cross just wide of David De Gea's post.

West Brom had taken a leaf out of Athletic Bilbao's book, pressing the United duo of Scholes and Carrick, not allowing them any time on the the ball. In the 17th minute West Brom were close to taking the lead when Keith Andrews' deflected shot was just turned around the post by David De Gea.

United slowly began to take charge of the game as the United midfield started to control possession. United's main attacking outlet was the combination of Patrice Evra and Ashley Young down the left flank, however the killer pass seemed to evade them. United were gaining momentum and seven minutes before half time United took the lead through Wayne Rooney. Chicharito cut inside onto his left foot on the edge of the area before firing a low strike towards goal and before Ben Foster could scoop up the tame shot, the England striker nicked in front, volleying home from six yards.

After a slow start United had a deserved lead going into the break, but at just one goal there was still everything to play for in the second half. West Brom came out of the blocks brightly again, looking to get back into the match. Ten minutes in United were inches away from making it two, as Chicharito wormed himself into shooting position on the edge of the area but the Mexican striker saw his powerful shot crash against the post as the visitors cleared.

West Brom were building up a head of steam and on the hour Gabriel Tamas stung the gloves of David De Gea from long range. This wasn't to last, as minutes later the Baggies were down to ten. Jonas Ollson flew in late on Chicharito as United were looking to break, collecting his second yellow of the afternoon.

With the red came the end of the West Brom fight back with United completely dominated the match. Five minutes after the sending off United made it two, as Ashley Young was brought down in the area by Keith Andrews. Wayne Rooney despatched the spot kick confidently giving United a two goal cushion.

Following the goal the Red Devils brought on starlet Paul Pogba for veteran Paul Scholes, the young French midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from the club as contract negotiations between player and club have stumbled over recent weeks. This didn't seem to affect him as he played well for the final 20 minutes of the game.

Ashley Young almost made it three late on skewing his headed effort wide from a Chicharito cross. Before full time the home crowd erupted as new filtered in of Manchester City going behind against Swansea.

The Reds saw the game out at two nil as they take a huge step towards their 20th League title, moving to the summit of the table.

Match Report: Manchester United 2 -3 Athletic Bilbao

Manchester United 2 -3 Athletic Bilbao

Europa League

08/03/2012

United's indifferent European form continues as they leave it all to do after home defeat to Athletic Bilbao.

Manchester United were looking for an improvement on their last Europa League game where they went down 2-1 at home to Ajax. Sir Alex Ferguson picked an experimental side as the likes of Michael Carrick, Rio Ferdinand and Nani made way for Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Park Ji Sung.

However with Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young and Ryan Giggs in the starting line up, the manager will have been confident to get a result against the Spanish outfit. Athletic started the game on the front foot, keeping possession well and cutting through United's defence with relative ease. The centre back pairing of Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling as well as David De Gea had their work cut out to keep the score level in the early stages.

After withstanding 20 minutes of Athletic pressure United managed to take the lead. On a rare counter attack Chicharito carried the ball into the area, feinted onto his left foot and fired a low strike towards goal. Gorka Iraizoz only managed to parry the shot which Wayne Rooney hammered home from close range.

United had the lead but Athletic instantly resumed their dominance. Merkel Susaeta had a great opportunity to level things up as he got in behind the United defence, he opted for an audacious chip from 25 yards which beat De Gea, but also beat the post bouncing narrowly wide.

This was a big let off for the home side who couldn't contain Athletic. Moments later De Gea was forced into a smart low stop as the visitors were getting closer and closer. Just as it seemed United were going to hold on 'till half time Fernando Llorente esacped his marker, Phil Jones and headed home a fine Susaeta cross. It was the least Bilbao had deserved as they had been by far the better team.

If United had been told to enforce a stronger position in the game in the second half then it didn't work as Athletic instantly fell back into their rhythm. Four minutes in David De Gea saved United again turning a Muniain drive around the post. There was only one team that looked like winning the game and for once into wasn't the Old Trafford side. on the 52nd minute De Gea pulled off yet another save, repelling a Llorente shot that was destined for the top corner.

After 70 minutes Athletic did grab the lead as Oscar De Marcos got in behind the United defence again placing a low shot past De Gea. Replays showed the Bilbao man was off side, but it was the least the visitors deserved.

Just as it seemed the game was going to fizzle out, De Marcos zipped a shot across the face of goal which De Gea parried back into play. United defender Rafael should have been able to clear the loose ball but a lack of concentration meant Muniain got to the ball first smashing the ball into the roof of the net to strike United with a sickening blow. With United 3-1 down at home it looked like the tie was as good as over.

With seconds of stoppage time remaining United had a life line as De Marcos handled in the area to give United a penalty. Rooney despatched confidently to slightly reduce United's blushes. A disappointing result and performance from the reds as they have to win by two clear in next weeks return fixture if they are to progress.

Match Report: Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 3 Manchester United

Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 3 Manchester United

Sunday 04/03/2012

Premier League

Manchester United keep pace with the league leaders with victory at White Hart Lane.

United were missing Antonio Valencia and Tom Cleverley through injury for the trip to North London, however Spurs themselves were without key players, with Gareth Bale and Rafael Van Der Vaart missing through injury. The hosts were also without Scott Parker who was sent off against Arsenal last weekend.

Wayne Rooney returned to the starting line up after missing United's last two fixtures with a throat infection. United named an unchanged back four from the side that defeated Norwich last weekend, with Ashley Young chosen ahead of Ryan Giggs in midfield.

United started well, edging the midfield battle for the first ten minutes of play. However the home side soon imposed themselves on the game pressuring well, not allowing United's midfield duo of Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes time or space with the ball. This led to a sustained period of first half pressure for Spurs in which they won a number of corners and dominated possession. They had the visitors on the ropes and thought they had opened the scoring when Emmanuel Adebayor back-heeled the ball into the net. However referee Martin Atkinson ruled the effort out for hand ball by the Togolese striker.

United would have been lucky to go into the break on level terms, so when on the stroke of half time Wayne Rooney headed home Ashley Young's corner United will have been delighted to now be going to the break with the lead.

Spurs had out muscled the Red Devils all over the pitch, and despite United holding the lead they would need to improve their performance to avoid getting overrun by Spurs in the second period. Tottenham started the second half where they left off pushing United back deep into their own half, with centre halves Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans having to be at the top of their game to continually keep the hosts at bay.

Just six minutes after the restart David De Gea had to react quickly to keep out Jake Livermore's shot which took a late deflection of Louis Saha, with the young Spaniard just managing to turn the chance round the post for yet another Spurs corner.

Moments later they came even closer as Benoit Assou-Ekotto saw his left footed free-kick strike the top of bar. As the hour mark approached Spurs were finally looking like making a breakthrough, when on a rare counter attack Nani managed to get in behind the Tottenham defence. The Portuguese winger fired a cross into the box, Kyle Walker's attempted clearance fell to Ashley Young, whose precision volley gave United a two goal advantage.

After all their hard work and endeavour, Spurs now found themselves two goals down, despite playing the better football. This seemed to effect their game as United now found them selves in the ascendency, taking only another nine minutes to grab their third. It was Ashley Young again, curling a beautiful right footed effort in to the top of Brad Friedel's goal after he had found himself with time on the ball 25 yards from goal.

Spurs were deflated, three goals down with just 20 minutes of the game remaining. The visitors had the lead and were more than happy to keep hold of the ball with some neat and tidy play.

This continued until the 87th minute when second half substitute Jermain Defoe intercepted a loose pass from Ryan Giggs firing a 20 yard effort beyond David De Gea to reduce the deficit to 3-1.

Spurs attempted to rally for the final few minutes of play, but it was too little too late as United moved back to within two points of the top with an impressive win at White Hart Lane, inflicting only Tottenham's second home league defeat of the season.

Match Report: Manchester United 2 - 1 Liverpool

Manchester United 2 - 1 Liverpool

Saturday 11/02/2012

Premier League

Wayne Rooney scores twice in four minutes to secure United the points in a tense match at Old Trafford.


With Liverpool striker Luis Suarez returning for his first start after an eight match ban for racially abusing Patrice Evra in the return fixture in October, tensions were running high even before te kick off. Much had been said about whether the players would shake hands before the game, and it was here where the sparks began to fly as Suarez ignored the outstretched arm of Evra. The action almost led to a fight, as Evra showed his disbelief in being denied a chance to calm tensions by the guilty party meant it wouldn't just be the football discussed after th game.

United opted to start with Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, with the Welshman starting on the left but floating in and around Scholes and Carrick helping United retain the ball comfortably in the early stages. In fact it was a cagey start from both sides as Glen Johnson, from left back, saw a early shot curl around David De Gea's post, was the best chance in the first ten minutes.

United's man of the moment Antonio Valencia was giving Jose Enrique a hard time down the right flank as the Spaniard struggled to keep pace with the Ecuadorian winger. This almost led to an early inroad as Enrique brought his man down just outisde the area, however the freekick came to nothing. United had the best chance of the half after some sublime interplay between Giggs, Rooney, Welbeck and Scholes saw the latter firing a header towards goal, however the chance was stopped comfortably by Pepe Reina.

Just before the half time break Suarez found himself played through for the first time in the match however Rio Ferdinand made a pin point last ditch challenge to swipe the ball from Suarez. As the Uruguayan went down he thought he had been fouled, demanding that Ferdinand was sent off. However Phil Dowd called the decision correctly, allowing the game to continue.

The appeal from Suarez hadn't helped the tension that was building throughout the half, as the players left the field of play, arguing between both teams began. Police intervention was required to seperate both sets of players. The mood of the game was sour, the football in the second half would have to improve if this was going to change.

And that's exactly what happened as Manchester United exploded out of the box in the second half. two minutes after the restart United won a corner. Jordan Henderson failed to deal with Giggs' ball as Wayne Rooney was at hand to thump home a volley to give United the lead. The home side had been the better side and now had a goal to back it up.

Just four minutes later Rooney doubled his and United's advantage to put them firmly in the driving seat. The England striker dispatched calmly through Reina's legs following a pass from Antonio Valencia as the Old Trafford crowd went wild.

Liverpool looked distraught as they desperately tried to hold onto the game, United continued to look dominant and could have been out if sight. Rooney found himself with the ball 10 yards from goal, however his momentum was too great and he only managed to poke his shot harmlessly wide. United kept their shape following the goals, not allowing Liverpool the opertunity to create any chances.

This was until the 80th minute when the visitors grabbed a lifeline, through who else but the under fire Suarez. Poking home from three yards after a defensive mix up following a Charlie Adam free-kick. The goal gave the visitors hope and put the home crowd on edge for the final ten minutes. However Liverpool didn't manage to rally as United kept their composure seeing out the final stages with relative ease to secure a valuable victory.

After the game Patrice Evra couldn't hold in his delight as he celebrated with the fans and his team mates, as he felt justice had been done. An important result in the title race as United move to the top of the table for a day at least, with rivals Manchester City not playing untill Sunday.

Match Report: Chelsea 3 - 3 Manchester United

Chelsea 3 - 3 Manchester United

Sunday 05/02/2011

Premier League

United make a dramatic comeback after being three down to grab a point at Stamford Bridge.

It had been 10 years since Manchester United had recorded a win against Chelsea at Stamford Bride in the Premier League and the reds were looking to set the record straight in pursuit of their 20th League title.

After it was revealed midweek that Anders Lindegaard is set to face up to six weeks on the sidelines through injury, the heavily criticised David De Gea was back between the sticks for United. Wayne Rooney was also reinstated in the starting eleven after missing United's last two outings against Liverpool and Stoke.

It was a cagey start from both sides as the game became a midfield battle of wits, with neither team managing to make any real inroads. This was until the 10th minute when Danny Welbeck got in behind the Chelsea back four and débutante Gary Cahill was forced into a last ditch challenge bringing Welbeck down on the edge of the area. Cahill failed to reach the ball, However the referee Howard Webb didn't agree, waving play on much to the England strikers disbelief. Moments earlier Webb had waved away another penalty shout as Ashley Young had his shirt pulled in the box, on another day United could have had two penalties and been a man up in the opening quarter of an hour.

The half continued with neither side giving much away in a half that passed with much incident. This was until the 36th minute when Daniel Sturridge got past Patrice Evra for the first time, crossing across goal from the byline, the ball clipped Jonny Evans and bobbled over the line to give the home side the lead. 1 - 0 it stayed, with Chelsea taking a slender advantage into the second half.

If the first period had been quiet then the second was anything but, as the blues came flying out of the box. After just 23 second half seconds they had doubled their advantage as Juan Mata slammed home a second following a pin point cross from Fernando Torres to put Chelsea in the driving seat.

United were stunned, and as they scrambled Chelsea smelt blood. Four minutes later they had a third as David Luiz headed home from a Mata free-kick. Chelsea were in dreamland as they lead 3 - 0 with less than an hour played.

United were shell shocked, but slowly began to find their rhythm thanks to the introduction of Chicharito soon after the 3rd goal. United had a lot to do if they were to get anything of this game, with their title aspirations fading by the second. And just before the hour United had a lifeline, when Sturridge, the creator of Chelsea's first brought down Patrice Evra in the area to give the reds a penalty. Wayne Rooney stepped up and hammered home a confident shot into the roof of the net to reduce the deficit to 3 -1.

The Champions were now in the ascendency looking like a transformed side. Ten minutes later it was 3 - 2 as Danny Welbeck was tripped in the box to give United their second penalty of the afternoon. Rooney slotted home again as an unlikely comeback now looked on the cards.

Chelsea responded well shoring things up at the back, reducing United's attacking threat as they looked to hold onto the three points. Fernando Torres, who had produced the miss of the season in the return fixture in September had the opportunity to give Chelsea back their two goal cushion, however like the game at Old Trafford he fluffed his lines opting to take another touch instead of striking for goal as United cleared.

Going into the final stages of the game United were piling on the pressure in search of the equaliser, when Rooney saw his shot parried by Petr Cech, Ryan Giggs had time to place his cross from the byline as Chicharito lost his man to head home from close range.

United had come from three goals down two pull things level at 3 - 3. And just as you thought they might go on and win it, Chelsea almost snatched back all three points as David De Gea made two world class saves. The first direct from a Juan Mata free kick as he just managed to tip the ball around the post. The second came moments later a he denied Gary Cahill from long range getting a fingertip to a ball that was flying into the top corner.

United held on for the point, and despite dropping two in the title race. Coming from behind to earn a point where title rivals Manchester City had lost might just be enough to swing the pendulum in favour of the reds.

Match Report: Manchester City 2 - 3 Manchester United

Manchester City 2 - 3 Manchester United

Sunday 08/01/2012

FA Cup Third Round

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney scores twice to knock out cross city rivals at the first hurdle, as Paul Scholes makes a surprising return from retirement.


The return of Paul Scholes was the main talking point before the game, as Manchester United's legendary midfielder earned a place on the bench for the second Manchester derby of the season. Other changes saw Danny Welbeck return to the starting lineup, ahead of Dimitar Berbatov, partnering Wayne Rooney up front. Chris Smalling was fit enough to start as United's makeshift defence of recent weeks was beginning to look more familiar, he lined up along Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra and Phil Jones.

City started the better, pushing United deep into their own half as they tried to take advantage of their home support. However that crowd was soon silenced as Antonio Valencia's cross was met perfectly in the air by Wayne Rooney who headed an unstoppable header past Costel Pantilimon. The goal was United's first attack of note and they had made it count.

Just two minutes later the Blues took another blow as their captain Vincent Kompany lunged in recklessly on Luis Nani. The Manchester United winger just managed to get himself out of the way but Kompany had gone in two footed, making Chris Foy's decision easy, sending him off after twelve minutes.

One goal to the good and a man up, United were fimrly in the driving seat as they looked to settle the tie early. The away side piled on the pressure as their 5,000 fans sang the loudest. In the 30th minute United doubled their advantage as Danny Welbeck fired home an excellent volley, again leaving the outstreched Pantilimon no chance. The young Englishman was the only Mancunian to feature in the derby and he reeled away in exstacy following his brilliant strike.

The league leaders were in pieces, and in the 40th minute Rooney hit his second and United's third. When Aleksander Kolarov felled Danny Welbeck in the box Chris Foy pointed to the spot, and despite the City keeper stopping Rooney's initial strike he couldn't get to rebound as United took an unprecidented 3 - 0 lead at the Etihad stadium going into half time.

United had one foot in the fourth round and at the half time break City removed two of their more attacking players in David Silva and Adam Johnson for the more defensive options of Stefan Savic and Pablo Zabaleta. Moments after the restart City had a lifeline, Patrice Evra was deemed to bring down Micah Richards on the edge of the area and Kolarov's freekick found the bottom corner of the net to reduce the deficiet to 3-1.

Soon after the goal Valencia found himself in the City penalty area and as he outsmarted Kolarov the Serbian defender brought him down, stunningly Foy didn't award a second spot
kick for United, despite the clear foul. On the hour mark we saw the return of Paul Scholes, on as a substitute for Nani, however he made an instant impact for the wrong reasons as a stray pass allowed Sergio Aguero a shot on goal, his attempt foruntaley was parried back in his direction to give City their second. With just a single goal margin the home side were looking to complete an unlikely comeback.

But as the half wore on United shored things up with Paul Scholes making amends as me made 71 passes in his 30 minutes on the field with a 97% completion rate. This defused the City comeback and they had one final chance in the dying minutes as Kolarov struck another freekick from the same position as his first, but this time Anders Lindegaard repelled the effort as United completed a famous victory against their rivals.

United will now travel to Anfield to face Liverpool in the 4th round of the FA cup as the draw brought up another tough opponent away from home.

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 : Manchester United 2 - 0 Otelul Galati

Manchester United 2 - 0 Otelul Galati

Wednesday 02/11/2011

Champions League Group Stage

Manchester United moved top of Group C after a low key win at Old Trafford.




The positional change of Wayne Rooney was the main talking point as the team sheet was announced, as we saw the United top scorer start in central midfield. This deeper role left the striking spots up for grabs, and starts were awarded to Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen. The duo had had limited game time this season and were looking to make a big impression. Rio Ferdinand was reinstated at centre back, replacing the suspended Nemanja Vidic.

It was the home side who started the stronger putting Otelul under immense pressure with their high tempo passing game. It didn't take long for this pressure to tell, when after just 8 minutes Phil Jones broke down the right and fired across the face of goal, Antonio Valencia had an easy tap in to take the pressure off United. Michael Owen had made a dash to the near post in the build up, his determination had cost him, as moments after the goal he was withdrawn for picking up a muscle injury in the lunge. Chicharito was his replacement for the remain 80 minutes of play.

The early goal had settled the United nerves, but perhaps it had come too soon, as they struggled to settle into the game, being far too sloppy in possession. Otelul were getting men behind the ball and United were finding it hard to break the Romanian outfit down. As the game developed the visitors were finding themsevles with plenty of time on the ball, but lacked cutting edge, failing to create any chances of note.

Phil Jones from left back was providing United's strongest attacking threat with his marauding runs, and was unlucky not to double United's advantage when his curling shot was headed wide for a corner. On the stroke of half time the hosts almost threw their lead away when an Nani lost the ball deep in his own half, this gave Ionut Neagu a clear shot on goal, David De Gea was equal to the shot and beat the ball away well.

An unspectacular half, with United holding just a single goal lead meant the result was far from in the bag. If the fans were expecting a demolition of the Romanian minnows then it wasn't to come, as hosts were continually subdued in the second half. The resilience of Otelul was paying off as the enjoyed long periods of possession, and for a spell looked likely to pull things level. United weren't doing themselves any favours as Chicharito and Anderson in particular were incredibly sloppy with the ball.

Wayne Rooney's central role was proving to be a plus point as he sprayed quality passes around the field, working hard at both ends of the pitch, more than warrenting his man of the match award.

The hosts mopped things up late on when Rooney struck a shot from outside the box, it took a heavy deflection giving the Otelul keeper no chance. This was to be the last flash of excitement in a routine victory for United. The performance from the Old Trafford side was below par, but they did what was required to move to the top of Champions League Group C, after Benfica had drawn 1-1 at home to Basel.

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.