Manchester United’s 4 goal defeat of Stoke City on the final day was not enough as Chelsea, as expected, destroyed Wigan Athletic at Stamford Bridge to take the Premier League title. Their mammoth 8-0 win over the Latics certainly impressed but United fans could at least look back at the half time state of affairs and lament the overly generous officiating that the West London side have been the beneficiaries of this term.

Sir Alex Ferguson went for a 4-4-2 in attempt to spell out the attacking message to the visitors even though there was an impending feeling of doom among the home faithful. But by the time Old Trafford had managed to shake off any collective pre-match anxiety their hopes suffered a blow when news of a Chelsea goal – scored by Nicolas Anelka with Malouda in an offside position – filtered through.

Dimitar Berbatov had retained a starting place despite his hatful of missed efforts last week and in the first quarter of the game was guilty of missing another hat-trick’s worth of chances. First, he was played through by Rooney and saw his effort blocked by Wilkinson – then, headed a couple of Nani crosses over, the second clipping the top of the crossbar. On the half hour United did get their breakthrough when Ryan Giggs’ corner was met by Vidic and the Serb’s header pinballed off too Stoke defenders, and landed at the feet of Darren Fletcher less than a yard out. Fletcher duly converted.

The Potters’ resistance was far greater than their recent capitulation at Stamford Bridge, but United were still playing well – the next 7 minutes summed up the season, when Chelsea were the beneficiaries of some more refereeing help, Frank Lampard converting a penalty that saw Wigan reduced to ten men.

Gary Neville had a cheeky effort comfortably saved before Ryan Giggs’ doubled the relinquishing champions lead. Dimitar Berbatov did well with a strong forward surge after receiving Rooney’s pass, and drilled a cross across goal. Giggs was there arriving from the right to side foot home from 12 yards and seal the result with 8 minutes of the first half still to play. Rooney could have put his name on the scoresheet after another good piece of play by Berbatov but Huth snuffed it out.

With the end result a formality and all eyes on Stamford Bridge, it was no surprise that with the ascendancy handed to them by the officials, Chelsea ran riot and scored 6 more over a despondent Wigan side that had already conceded 9 in one game in their travels. Rather more surprising was the bizarre nature of the Stoke supporters at Old Trafford. They have attained quite a good reputation for their vocal support at the Brittania but seemed intent on ruining all of that deserved goodwill. Their limp display at Stamford Bridge two weeks ago was quite rightly put down to “holiday fever” but it became clear throughout the second half that there was a deep rooted hatred of United, as the travelling fans cheered every goal scored in London – despite no particular notable affinity with Chelsea – sung strange songs such as “you’re gonna win f*ck all”, despite evidence to the contrary, and worst of all, started with the Munich songs.

United’s second half performance defied the fact that they knew they would be replaced as Champions as they relentlessly attacked the visitors – Nani had a chance from a Rooney pass and Scholes chipped wide, though it was already 3-0 by then – Fletcher’s clever reverse found Rooney and the forward’s trick was brilliant and unselfish, making space to fire across goal and ex-Red Devil Danny Higginbotham was only able to divert it into his own goal via the crossbar.

Edwin van der Sar was called upon to make two spectacular saves; first from Rory Delap and second from Danny Pugh – that little spell served no purpose than to prove Stokes proper commitment to the game where it had been sorely lacking 2 weeks ago. Ji-Sung Park, on for Rooney after he had pulled up with a groin injury, made it 4 and a confirmed bittersweet last day hammering when he headed in Ryan Giggs’ corner.

The classy visiting voices wrapped up their own performance after the game when continuing their sick chants through Sir Alex’s public address to the Old Trafford crowd. If nothing else in defeat they were able to at least cement United fans’ hope that they will be relegated and take their pathetic idea of what it means to support their own team with them.

The recriminations will now begin regarding United’s own shortcomings in the title race. Lacking guile in midfield? Perhaps. Lacking a convincing alternative for Rooney either in shape or personnel? Probably. Found short after a spell where 8 first team defenders were injured in the winter? Most definitely.

Regardless of the circumstances, pushing for a record breaking fourth consecutive title was always going to be a tough ask because it has never been done before. Chelsea, remember, have only just got their fourth ever. That task was made impossible because of the defining intervention of a Liverpool supporting referee, a Liverpool player who didn’t want Manchester United to win, and another poor refereeing decision with the score at 0-0 at Stamford Bridge in the final game. The worst thing is, this didn’t need to happen. Chelsea may well have won at Old Trafford, may well have won at Anfield, and would no doubt have won today.

There will be no speculation, no investigation into the abhorrent – and in the case of the first two, corrupt – set of circumstances that lead to Chelsea wrestling the title away from Manchester United. But, it should at least appease the United fans in knowing that the league table on this occasion has lied. It didn’t need to, though.

Ratings : van der Sar 8, Neville 7, Ferdinand 7, Vidic 7, Evra 7, Nani 8, Fletcher 7, Scholes 8 (Gibson 7), *Giggs 9, Rooney 7 (Park 7), Berbatov 7 (Macheda 7)

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What increasingly looked like a banana skin for Manchester United ended up as a comfortable routine 2-0 at Stoke City that sent the Champions to the top of the table for the first time this season, but only thanks to divine intervention that came in the form of two Ryan Giggs’ assists as the Welshman came from the bench to rescue the game.

In a dour first half, there was a half shout for a penalty when a Paul Scholes drive hit a Stoke defenders hand, but referee Howard Webb waved away the claims. Giant defender Huth was booked for a lunge on Scholes, and only the midfielders quick feet prevented what surely would have been a nasty injury, while Luis Valencia squandered a chance to give United the lead.

Nani had an opportunity in the last few minutes of the first half but Stoke keeper Sorensen was equal to it. Nani’s performance was probably the main talking point of the first half – the Portuguese wingers’ form has often polarised fans and this latest outing was certainly one for the frustration pile.

It was Nani who made way for Giggs when his second half showed no indication it was ever going to improve and while Giggs’ showing last weekend may have indicated he would make a difference few would have predicted how quick that impact would come.

After less than 7 minutes the answer came, when the wingers trademark pass across the goal was converted by Berbatov. The goal afforded the visitors a degree of calm and assurance while Stoke’s system reshuffle did them no good. There was only going to be one winner from this point and the three points were secured when Ryan Giggs again – who else – was provider from a whipped free kick that John O’Shea rose perfectly to convert.

It was hardly the most fluent performance from United but they were never really in danger, and at a place like Stoke that is no mean feat. Indeed it may well be that Sir Alex will take greater satisfaction at some degree of normalcy being resumed at the back.

Berbatov’s goal may not on its own silence the ever growing list of doubters, while Nani’s performance will cast further doubt on his progress, but in the evergreen Ryan Giggs – who has now provided a staggering 8 goals for his team mates already this season – United have a creative force that appears to have no equal in the Premier League.

Ratings : Foster 6, O’Shea 7, Ferdinand 7, Vidic 7, Evra 6, Valencia 6, Fletcher 7, Scholes 7 (Carrick), Nani 5 (*Giggs 8), Berbatov 6, Rooney 7 (Owen).

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Manchester United take on Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium tomorrow – having won five of their past six games. Stoke City have also had a decent start to the season – beating Burnley (already one thing United haven’t done this season), Bolton and earning a point against newly promoted Birmingham – away from home. The Potters were also unlucky to lose to Chelsea at home – after a late Malouda strike.

United last played Stoke on boxing day last year – where a single Carlos Tevez strike was enough to ensure all three points. United also beat Stoke 5-0 at Old Trafford in November – with Danny Welbeck (pictured above) netting at absolute screamer – right in front of the Stretford End.

In the league – United have played Stoke 72 times, winning 28, drawing 24 and losing 20 – not an exceptionally great record, although (excluding last season) the last time the two clubs met was at Old Trafford in April 1985 – with another 5-0 scoreline. Stoke won the home game 2-1 (ironically on boxing day). The first match between the two sides ended with a 7-1 drumming back in 1893 – when United were known as Newton Heath (for our Stoke City readers – Manchester United became official on April 26th 1902).

Talk of the town last season was of Rory Delap’s freakishly long throw, which although is extremely dangerous – didn’t cause Chelsea too much trouble. Delap had four throw in’s that day (in attacking areas) – and failed to find a Stoke player. Against Burnley – Delap found Beattie once and I can’t remember to be honest if one of his throws resulted in an own goal that day. Regardless of the statistics United should have Patrice Evra on the post at least – Vidic, O’Shea and Ferdinand/Evans will attack the ball well – but Foster will be lacking confidence, which could cause concern.

Fergie spoke today about the fantastic support Stoke City have and he believes they could be the nosiest in the country:

“They have a fantastic support, they say it’s the noisiest in the country and I wouldn’t disagree with that and last season would be about survival, because for anyone coming out of that Championship into the Premiership it’s not easy, but you can sense when I was there last year, there was a, for my mind, a marked change, a club on the up, good ambition about it, good manager, structure and Chairman and I think that they are going to be a force. Stoke are a club on the way up. They had a very good home record last season, so we know it’s not going to be an easy game. But the form of the team is coming and hopefully we can continue that way.”

Fergie also spoke highly of the three United players current plying their trade at the Britannia:

“He’s done fantastic. We’ve got three former players there, all doing well. Danny Higginbotham, Danny Pugh, Ryan, they’ve all done very well.”

Although don’t tell John O’Shea its an itimidating place to go – he can’t wait for the game!:

“The derby win was amazing, but that will soon be forgotten come three o’clock on Saturday when Stoke are getting in and about you. Stoke have really improved over the last year and made some good signings. They don’t just have good battling qualities, they’ve got good footballing qualities too. I know Glenn Whelan, who plays centre midfield for them, from the Irish team and he’s not only a good battler, but he’s great from set pieces and is a good passer. So we know we’ll have plenty of work to do. We know from last season how tough a place it is to go and it was a crucial win for us, especially as it was our first game back after the trip to Japan. We’re under no illusions, we know how tough this game will be, but we’re playing well at the moment and hopefully we can pick up another three points.”

United are without Fabio (suspended), Rafael (shoulder injury), Hargreaves (Knee injury), Orbertan (back injury) and Van Der Sar (thumb injury) whilst Stoke City are without A Faye (back injury), Sidibe (knee injury) and possible Ricardo Fuller (groin injury). United’s top goalscorer is Wayne Rooney with six league goals – and Dave Kitson has three for Stoke City.

Prediction- United continue with their impressive start. 1-0 United.

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The dust has settled and the over-reactive furore over the Rome disappointment seems to have faded, so what better time to look back at what was, in terms of trophies, the second most successful season in Manchester United’s history?

United Statistics (in all competitions)

Top Goalscorer: Cristiano Ronaldo (26 Goals)

Most Assists: Ryan Giggs (18 Assists)

Most Appearances: Nemanja Vidic (55 Appearances)

To see all of these statistics please go to our 2008/09 Manchester United statistics page.

Player of the Season -

Ryan Giggs -
The United legend just pips it in what was a real team effort this season. A year after what the number 11 described as the “best 10 days of his life”, and 10 years after his most memorable contribution as a United player, came what Ryan described as “the most enjoyable season of his career”. It showed on the pitch – pencilled in at the start of the season to be used sparingly, Giggs quickly showed in the Carling Cup that he was indispensible and was used accordingly by Sir Alex as the man to trust in big games. More often than not he was man of the match in those big games, most notably against Chelsea and Inter Milan at Old Trafford – and he almost rewound the clock with a semi final goal against Arsenal, denied only by a dodgy offside flag! His vital goals at West Ham and Middlesbrough kept him and United on course for an amazing 11th Premier League title in a season where he proved himself to still have as much talent as any of his peers – a fact recognised BY his peers when he was named PFA Players Player of the Year.

Runner up : Nemanja Vidic – but for a dodgy couple of games was the next clear candidate, just edging out Fletcher, Rooney and Ronaldo.

Breakthrough Player of the Season -

Jonny Evans

Some argument here for Darren Fletcher and John O’Shea who unpredictably made first team places their own, but Evans’ smooth transition when thrown into the deep end mid-season was remarkable in its lack of newsworthy headlines – the young Irishman did not put a foot wrong, indeed, being a vital part of the defensive unit that went onto break all sorts of domestic clean sheet records. That he was trusted in crunch games at the end of the season is a real testament to the form he showed earlier in it.

Runner Up -

Rafael

Probably only expected to play a few Carling Cup games but such was the impression he left on Fergie that he was straight in the first team. Scored a cracker at Arsenal and showed a fearless approach that defied his age. If not for an injury he would probably have already cemented the right back slot, but for now everyone at United can only be delighted with his progress.

Goal of the Season -

Cristiano Ronaldo (2nd) v Arsenal at the Emirates

For a (supposedly) bad season Ronaldo didn’t half run his own goal of the season show – be it a free kick against Stoke, a free kick against Blackburn, a 40 yard drive in Porto and a 41 yard free kick to precede the eventual winner, the number 7 seemed on a mission (late season in particular) to prove he has magic in his locker that a certain Argentinian plying his trade in Spain has yet to prove capable of. The goal that wins this award though was typical of United’s season in that it was borne out of stunning team play with Ronaldo starting and ending a move involving Park and Rooney, it was typical of United’s history in that it was a devestating break, and in scoring, Cristiano put the rubber stamp on the most magical moment seen in European football all season.

Runner Up – Ryan Giggs (v West Ham)

For all Ronaldo’s aforementioned crackers and despite the goal about to mentioned in our next section, Ryan Giggs’ solo stunner at Upton Park rolled back the years and was one for the nostalgia collection. A special mention should go to the goal scored by Tevez against Blackburn in the Carling Cup which involved 3 1-2s by Anderson – truly magic.

Moment of the Season -

Federico Macheda scoring against Aston Villa

Was there ever any doubt? There may not have been about the winner of this section but as Federico Macheda received the ball in what seemed like an impossible cul-de-sac, there was plenty of doubt over United’s title credentials. Down and out after two consecutive league defeats, on the ropes in the title race and hanging on against a spirited Aston Villa who were breaking with heartbreaking regularity and incision, the Champions needed a moment of inspiration – and it was in Macheda’s beautiful curling effort that it arrived, guided by destiny and sucked in by a force of nature previously experienced by the likes of Bruce, Sheringham and Solskjaer, as the 17 year old cocky Italian thoroughly stamped his mark in Red Devils history. The goal started a title blasting sequence of 7 victories which Liverpool had no answer to – certainly with a Gerrard-mocking camera kiss from the young striker, then.

Runner Up : Rooney scoring v Liga De Quito to win the World Championship

Could easily have gone with Macheda’s next outing, another title defining flick of his boot at the Stadium of Light, but given that Rooney was sacrificed tactically in the Champions League Final and missed the Carling Cup Final it was fitting that he scored the only goal in the World Club Cup Final – the United number 10 enjoyed a stunning season where his contribution has been recognised more as time has wore on.

Game of the Season :

Manchester United 5-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Despite a relatively “poor” season there were a few choices here – the Villa game at Old Trafford, and the Arsenal away tie in Europe, but the Wayne Rooney Inspired Goal Crazy Second Half Circus against Tottenham in late April shades it for me. 2-0 down at half time and needing a dodgy decision to get back in the game (apparently, so dodgy that it made deluded Scousers and the media in general forget that Palacios should have been sent off in the first few minutes for a shocking challenge), the floodgates opened as Rooney orchestrated the kind of comeback we normally do save for Spurs. A 5 goal blitz in little over 20 minutes (including 3 in 5) secured the win which was extra special in deflating Liverpool, who thought they had gained a precious point with a last minute equaliser that they were given against Arsenal 3 days previous.

Let down of the season

Owen Hargreaves being injured

It would have been too easy to just say “Berbatov or Nani” but they’ve probably had enough stick, so just edging out the Darren Fletcher suspension is an even greater “what if” lamentation, the Owen Hargreaves injury.

Okay, so even Hargreaves being available may not have made a difference in Rome but most people would concur that Barcelona would not have had it so easy – nor would Liverpool, at Old Trafford. Indeed United’s shortfall this season has been the lack of a biting, technically sound midfielder – Anderson is developing and may yet be, but Hargreaves is the finished article and it’s no wonder that many United fans can’t help but think the “Quintuple” would have been a real possibility if not for Owen’s dodgy knee.

Summary

The last section more or less summed it up – for all of our wonderful achievements in 08/09 we have still ended up with a feeling of underwhelming. It’s almost easy to forget that we equalled Liverpool’s 18 titles record (okay, not that easy =D) – and with Wayne Rooney’s goal in December, we now have football’s equivalent of 3 Kings and 2 Aces (in terms of European Cups/World Club Cups) to Liverpools 5 Kings. The only reason debate exists about whether Ace is high in this game is down to the fact that Liverpool are yet to win one.

There are plenty of reasons for optimism – it is widely acknowledged that we played most of the season in second gear yet still won the league with a certain degree of comfort after a wobble and came within two games of a season that would have been impossible – yes, IMPOSSIBLE – to surpass.

The frightening thought for the rest of the league is that with a season’s settling in Berbatov should be better, the likes of Ronaldo, Rooney and Anderson are still not even at their peak and should improve further still, the probable exit of Tevez will force Fergie into purchasing a true “plan B” striker, that is one who actually likes the penalty area, and even in the event of a Ronaldo departure, the likelihood of a swoop for a name like Ribery would seem all the more possible with a £60m warchest.

And if Hargreaves’ knees hold out, who knows..

Source: (Yolkie)

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Carlos Tevez’s late, late goal captured all three points for Manchester United against a battling Stoke City.

The diminutive Argentinian added the Brittania Stadium to the ever increasing list of venues where he has broken the hearts of the host clubs supporters, at the same time giving a very timely reminder to the powers that be at Old Trafford of his priceless value in these situations.

Tevez’s goal rescued the Red Devils as Stoke stuck to a game plan that had served them so well – Thomas Sorensen made good saves to deny Rooney, Tevez and Scholes but the Potters were hardly under the cosh until Andrew Wilkinson concluded his personal battle with Ronaldo 20 minutes early – being sent off for a second yellow.

Sir Alex Ferguson threw Berbatov on for O’Shea and the lanky Bulgarian was largely anonymous until he picked up on a Neville pass, mis hit a shot, and Carlos Tevez as there to hammer home the winner.

Ronaldo almost scored a free kick but a second would have been harsh on Stoke even if United did just enough to deserve the win.

In terms of immediate result Tevez’s goal means just 3 points but in terms of timing and momentum the true value of the strike may (just as it did last season) only become apparent in a month or so.

Source:(Yolkie)

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Match Report: Manchester United 5-0 Stoke City

Manchester United destroyed Stoke City 5-0 at Old Trafford after a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo, a goal a piece for Carrick and Berbatov and a first Premier League goal for Danny Welbeck.

Ronaldo notched up his 100th and 101st goal, both from set pieces, whilst putting in a man of the match performance to wipe away those post-Arsenal memories. His first goal came after a only three minutes when Carlos Tevez was fouled. Ronaldo struck a powerful shot over the wall and through the hands of Sorensen. 1-0 to the Champions and United never looked back.

Park had a good chance to put United 2-0, however Sorensen closed him down well. United deserved more from their first half performance and looked liked they would be going in at half time with only a one goal lead, however the impressive Carrick broke through to strike a left footed shot past the Danish keeper.

After the break United really started to dominate and didn’t have to wait long for the third goal – which Berbatov took very smartly. United were a class apart from Stoke – whose fans were more interested in singing anti-Ronaldo songs than watching the game. Ronaldo was simply unplayable at times, weaving in and out of players and creating play – whilst Fletcher and Carrick provided the running from midfield.

Ferguson made three changes during the game, bringing on youngsters Welbeck and Gibson whilst also giving Angolan striker Manucho a Premier League debut. Welbeck usually takes up a forward role, however the lanky seventeen year old took up a right side midfield role and scored one of the goals of the season to make it 4-0 six minutes from full time. Welbeck looked really impressive and United fans will be hoping to see more of him over the course of the season.

Stoke were now in damage limitation mode – although that didn’t stop Ronaldo creating a number of chances that should have been put away. Ronaldo then got his second, after a foul on Carrick on the edge of the box. The Portuguese winger then struck the ball to the left of the wall and into the bottom left hand corner – which had the Stretford End going wild. United fully deserved the win and the scoreline was totally justified.

On the day that Sir Alex Ferguson celebrated his fiftieth year in football he will not have been involved in an easier game. United dominated from start to finish and were well worth the points. United travel to Villa Park next Saturday and will be hoping to continue the good results achieved over the years against the midlands club.

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From my seat in the North Stand tomorrow I hope intently that United can defend against that long throw of Rory Delap. So far this season, Delap has produced a number of assists from his ridiculously long throw, which result in Phil Scolari claiming that ‘Delap is better with his hands than feet‘ – two against Arsenal in the same game a fortnight ago. Should we be concerned with this not so secret weapon? Considering that Evra and Da Silva may well be our fullbacks?

Now, i’m not one of those fans that totally disregard an approach to Football thats, well….not quite football. I’ve heard a number of Gooners get frustrated with the amount of times sides defend, defend well might I add, against them and deny them the three points. Of course we don’t like to see a side get 11 men behind the ball, but it happens in football – if less technically capabale side didn’t they’d get destroyed.

Stoke City have an almighty fight on their hands as they lie two points off relegation in the Premier League and will need all the help they can get, which means utalising the resources they have at their disposal. Pulis spoke in the week about his admiration for Fergie and what a manager he is but don’t expect no favours tomorrow – United need to get all three points and give a good performance. We were unlucky against Arsenal last week – regardless of what he media believe and I expect a decent performance tomorrow against a side that will make it difficult for United.

So how do you stop it? If it were that easy and I knew the answer I wouldn’t be sitting at home blogging on a Friday evening (the missus is out) however I hope to have a better solution than MOTD ‘jump higher than them’ advice. If Da Silva and Evra are playing tomorrow I would put them on the posts whilst still adopting a man marking system.

Lee Dixon suggested a Zonal marking setup with less players – so that teams can counter attack quicker – but to be honest, who is better at counter attacking than United? Fergie mentioned earlier in the season that counter attacking play isn’t all about the speed in which you get forward, it’s about how many players you can get forward at speed. So whilst Dixon has a point – I still think United should get tight and challenge for the ball. If Fuller jumps higher than Vidic, then at least we have narrowed the space in the goal that he can score with the full backs on the post – something Arsenal failed to do.

Lets be honest – this game at the start of the season, you would have expected three points, but both Stoke City and Hull City have done a great job so far this season and deserve to be in their respected positions. We have only obtained one point from a possible nine against the big four – not to worry – we got four from nine last season, although that will mean we have to beat all three at Old Trafford, something we did spectacularly last season.

I hope Fergie plays with Da Silva tomorrow, rather than Neville, who I thought was poor last weekend. I also hope that we do get a win and a good win at that. We played well against Chelsea and were unlucky not to win, we played well against Arsenal and should have got a draw – whilst we didn’t deserve anything at Anfield, as much as it pains me to say it. Stoke City fans will be hoping their current crop of heroes can emulate that of the 1976 side – the last Stoke City team to win at Old Trafford and if they do get a chance from a set piece….they’ll try not to ‘throw’ it away.

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