Strikes from Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney settled this game against Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers who put up a stubborn and resolute defensive performance against United.
Gabriel Orbertan is unlikely to start for United against Blackburn Rovers tomorrow as Sir Alex Ferguson thinks that it is still ‘too early’ for the young French winger after his impressive debut display against Barnsley in the 2-0 victory last Tuesday. Orbertan used his pace a number of times down the right hand side and showed some promising signs that he could be a valuable asset as the season progresses.
Danny Welbeck and Michael Owen scored goals early in each half to secure progression from a comfortable 4th round Carling Cup tie at Oakwell against Barnsley, though the final 10 minutes raised an important question about player safety.
Ok I admit it – there are a few things i’m scared of. Spiders are one, being caught wearing a trilby hat and ghost pets – however I think we can fairly conclude that the sight of Fernando Torres puts our no-nonsense, swashbuckling centre half turn into a nervous wreck. Nemanja Vidic was sent off for the third consecutive match against Liverpool today in the 2-0 defeat at Anfield. Looking back at last year’s fixture at home – our Serbia defender was all on course for a whole host of awards following an impressive season – which included a last minute goal against Sunderland and being part of a 14 match record breaking match run in which United didn’t concede a goal. However, after the Torres goal in which Vidic totally misjudged the flight of the ball – I ask – what has happened to Vidic?
Fernando Torres and David N’Gog scored the goals to grant under pressure Rafa Benitez a reprieve as Liverpool comfortably, and deservedly, beat the Champions Manchester United.
As is often the case in games of such magnitude the first half was somewhat of an anti climax with chances at a premium, though admittedly Liverpool had the better of the opening exchanges.
With the Liverpool / Manchester United game fast approaching we were enlightened to our opponent’s current plight.
Apparently they’ve lost 4 in a row and it’s their worst run for over 20 years. At Stretford-End.com we didn’t realise this because you know, we’re top and looking that far down the table would probably give us a nosebleed.
However don’t let it be said we’re not a charitable lot. We wrote to Liverpool Football Club to offer our support.
Antonio Valencia scored his second Manchester United goal in his second consecutive game to give Sir Alex Ferguson’s men a thoroughly deserved win in Moscow against CSKA and ensure the club equalled a European Cup away record of unbeaten games at the scene of their most recent successful campaign in the competition.
The two sides of Manchester United were on show as Bolton Wanderers threatened to overcome a two goal deficit to snatch a point – but in the end Antonio Valencia’s first goal for the club proved to be the goal that put United to the top of the table.
Sir Alex Ferguson made a host of changes, some voluntary and some forced by circumstance – while Edwin van der Sar made a welcome return for his first league start of the season, Gary Neville, Antonio Valencia, Ryan Giggs and Anderson were restored to the line up while Michael Owen and Jonathan Evans started in place of the injured Nemanja Vidic and Wayne Rooney – Dimitar Berbatov also was selected when the birth of his daughter in the midweek had threatened to render the Bulgarian unavailable.
Andriy Shevchenko today stated that United tried to sign him when he was playing for Dynamo Kyiv back in 1999. Shevchenko and Rebrov struck a superb partnership in the late 90′s and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League under the guidance of legendary manager Valery Lobanovsky. Dynamo Kyiv lost to Bayern Munich in the semi-finals but a new star of European Football was born. Shevchenko revealed that he could have joined either Barcelona or Manchester United at 22 but chose the, then, five times European Champions AC Milan. Over the years United have been linked to a number of star players throughout Europe who fell through the net for one reason or the other – who did you most regret not signing over the years? The following article looks at some of the top players over the years who were linked with United.
..just as it says on the tin, really.
Sir Alex has come in for criticsm for voicing his opinion about the physical condition of Alan Wiley. Clearly an attempt to deflect the heat from his side following a poor display but the media backlash which is trying to get Fergie charged with all sorts is bordering on the rabid.
A “journalist” for Football365, Sarah Winterburn, opines that Fergie’s comments were worthy of comparison to Adebayor’s recent antics against Arsenal. He should be fast-tracked to punishment. He should not allowed to explain those comments. Really? Were the comments really that bad? Let’s examine them.
