Author: Doron
Norwich City come to Old Trafford as United face a newly promoted side for the first time this season. This is the last game before another international break and United will be looking to ensure they go into it still at the top of the table. The midweek misery against FC Basel needs to be left in the past now and the Old Trafford faithful will be eager to see the team’s response…
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Manchester United let a two goal lead slip at home and had to make do with a draw against FC Basel. It had all started so well as Danny Welbeck got his first and then his second European goals – both set up by Ryan Giggs who was making his 750th start for the club. However, Basel who could have and should have scored in the first half came right back at United and aided by defensive errors from the home team, found themselves 3-2 ahead with just minutes remaining. Typical United though – a late goal saved the game.
Here we discuss the talking points of the 3-3 draw against Basel.
Author: Doron
With just one defeat in the last 33 Champions League ties at home, Old Trafford is something of a fortress. Tomorrow, FC Basel are welcomed for their second visit, eight and a half years after their first – a game they managed to draw 1-1. Winning home group games is a ‘must’ for United as they look to get beyond the group stages for a sixth consecutive season. The build-up has hardly been ideal though, injuries mean that plenty of first team players will miss the tie and after a hard game against Stoke at the weekend having the personnel available to rotate the team and bring in fresh players would be the perfect scenario. As it is, United will still field a strong side and hope to get their first win in this year’s competition.
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United’s 100% league start to the season came unstuck at The Brittania as a bullish Stoke side held United to a draw. United, despite taking the lead were possibly lucky to even get a draw – crucial saves by De Gea and misses from Crouch kept the score level. There was bad news before the game had even started as Rooney, Carrick and Evans were all late withdrawals through injury – only to be followed by Hernandez ten minutes into the game. Eight first team players are now out injured and the squad will be well and truly tested over the next few weeks.
The general post-match feeling was that it was a point gained for United rather than two dropped – that could have been so different had a few key moments panned out in United’s favour, but it was not to be. Here we discuss some of the key talking points from the game and welcome discussion from both United and Stoke fans.
Author: Doron
Others have visited the The Britannia Stadium and crumbled; some have moaned about a physical challenge and a not-so-beautiful type of football; not Man United though. United are looking for a seventh straight league win over Stoke though and instead of criticising Stoke’s different style of play, the manager and the players have been complimentary and warned that this should be considered as one of the hardest away games of the season.
Author: Stretford_End
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Manchester United travelled to Elland Road for the first time in eight years to record a 3-0 win over their old rivals. United fielded a much weakened side that included Michael Carrick at centre half and Federico Macheda on the left wing. Michael Owen bagged a brace whilst Ryan Giggs, who captained the side, scored the third goal in a very convincing win. United also gave first team debuts to Ezekiel Fryers, Paul Pogba and Larnell Cole – who will no doubt want to experience more football in this competition.
Here we discuss the talking points of the 3-0 victory over Leeds United in the League Cup. You can discuss the victory over Leeds United in our forum or in the comments section of this blog.
Author: Stretford_End
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Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton has revealed that he is ‘stunned’ by United’s best start to a league campaign. United have picked up maximum points in their opening five games, scoring twenty one goals in the process. United have recorded victories over London clubs Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham – whilst beating Bolton and WBA on their travels. Sir Bobby admits that it is a fantastic, if unusual, start for the Champions. We’ve looked back at the previous twenty seasons and documented the number of points United have obtained within their first five games.
Author: Doron
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United were able to open up a two point lead at the top of the table as Chelsea were seen off with a fifth straight league win of the season – the best start the club’s had under Ferguson. It wasn’t had all their own way though, wayward Chelsea finishing gives the scoreline a rather flattering edge. Once again though another game ends with injury concerns as both Smalling and Hernandez had to be replaced. Despite that, United maintained their performing-with-flair routine and entertained when attacking, lead by the often unplayable Nani.
Off the back of a tough trip to Benfica this was a very satisfying win but looking ahead there are two big games coming up with Stoke away next weekend but first a trip to Leeds in the Carling Cup. Fergie will have to make full use of his squad once again. Here we discuss some of the key talking points from the game and welcome discussion from both United and Chelsea fans.
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Last season this was the fixture that all but sealed the title for United; a total contrast to the scenes a year prior. After a summer of change, Chelsea have a fresh new outer layer but they remain the same beast deep down – one that in the Premier League era has the upper hand over United in the head-to-head battle. No titles will be decided tomorrow but footballing statements can be well and truly sent out.
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Manchester United picked up a well earned point in their opening group C game in Lisbon against two times European Cup winners Benfica. Oscar Cardozo opened the scoring for the home team with a well take strike following a superb ball from the the left foot of Gaitan on the left hand side. The big Paraguayan took the ball on his chest before spinning to take the ball passed Evans and strike a right footed shot across the diving Lindegaard. Ryan Giggs hit back just before half time with an excellent left footed strike outside of the box, following a direct run from Antonio Valencia on the right hand side. Ryan Giggs scored his first goal in the Champions League back in September 1994 (just over seventeen years since his latest strike against Benfica) against IFK Gothenberg in 4-2 victory over the Swedish Champions.
Here we discuss the talking points of the 1-1 draw against Benfica.
