Author: Nik

Follow Nik on Twitter

United came away with 3 points from a tricky trip to Villa Park, but importantly seem to be finding an extra gear at last. Jones scored the all-important goal, and there was another clean-sheet, which will please Ferguson. Here are the talking points to come out of the game; we welcome both Villa and United fans to get involved in some discussion.

Can Vidic get even better?

Since his return from injury Vidic has seemingly switched from left CH to right CH, a position he has rarely played and one that Fergie has described simply as ‘tactical’. This was Vidic’s 5th game back in the league since his return at Everton, and whilst I don’t want to dwell too much on possible theories around the switch – accommodating Evans in his natural left position; allowing Ferdinand to conduct his natural ‘sweeping duties’ in behind the much more advanced Evra this term; providing cover (in the form of aerially attacking the ball for e.g.) for our inexperienced right-backs (Jones, Smalling, Rafael), are all possible – it is clear from the Serbian’s form that the move has suited him.

Arguably his main area of weakness was distribution, and Vidic’s move has seen him more able to pass out from the back with greater fluidity on his stronger right side. This has also had positive effects on his overall defensive game, and yesterday was no different, as Vidic had his best game of the season so far against Villa, dominating in and around United’s penalty area in a performance reminiscent of his thoroughbred display at Manchester City last season. The United stalwart won 7/7 aerial duels and made 7 interceptions – the majority of which occurred just before the halfway line to the right side of the pitch, again assisting the attack minded Chris Smalling, who was doing an excellent job in marshalling Abonglohor. When Vidic is in the ‘zone’ like this there is no-one better in world football, and his headed clearance on the 6 yard area in the dying minutes typified his captain’s performance today, just shading the impressive Carrick for the man of the match award.

Chalkboard 1: Vidic interceptions and tackles

Carrick and Jones: another ‘unlikely couple’

We talked earlier in the season about how surprising it was to see how complimentary the playing styles of Cleverley and Anderson were – as both players are attack minded in theory, neither renowned for their defensive acumen and tackling ability. But they were largely responsible for our flying start to the season in central midfield and it was only Cleverley’s injury that seemed to halt our dazzling run. Yesterday saw something similar, as Jones was asked to play in midfield for the second time this season, accompanying the resurgent Michael Carrick in a central two. Fergie, perhaps learning from Capello’s usage of Jones versus Spain recently, instructed both to sit relatively high up the pitch (they are both ‘defensive minded’ I think it is fair to say), staying close to Rooney who tends to drop deep in between the lines performing somewhat of a playmaking role. Jonathan Wilson elaborates:

“By definition, by being only a short pass away from the creator, the two midfield holders are more involved in the attacking aspect and at least one of them can be encouraged to press forwards at times, as Xabi Alonso did for Spain, and as Seydou Keita does for Barcelona. So immediately the range of attacking options is increased.”

Yesterday then, United (in a broadly 4-2-3-1 shape) were able to match Villa’s compact middle, but also ensure our front 6 were pressing high up the pitch, intercepting the ball in attacking positions. That Jones and Carrick seem like a defensive partnership on paper is not important – more their positional instruction and application; they jointly made 12 interceptions and attempted over 100 passes, most of which were beyond the halfway line, with a substantial number made in the attacking third, as you can see from the chalkboard.

Chalkboard 2: Carrick and Jones passing

For the goal, United forced Villa into a defensive error, and Evra was quick to penetrate coming inside from a wide left position; Nani overlapped (coming outside from the centre), and Jones was able to time his run to perfection as Nani clipped one back for the teenager to latch onto and open his account for the reds.

Flexible Nani

Nani had a mixed afternoon, despite assisting the goal – but this was largely due to the tinkering that was largely forced on Sir Alex. Very early on, Javier Hernandez had to be replaced by Valencia due to a seemingly innocuous ankle injury that could set him back 4-5 weeks – This meant a shift from a wide right position to a central ‘forward’ one for Nani, with Young staying out on the left. This wasn’t an entirely unexpected move by the manager, given Nani’s varied ‘wide-play’ this season and for a large part of last; the Portuguese is at his best when combining his crossing ability from a wide right position, to forging his way to goal in-field, combining beautifully at times with Rooney, Young and Hernandez. In fact, it was something this blogger asked around 12 months ago, pondering whether Nani could follow in Ronaldo’s footsteps and start to have a greater influence on the game by playing in a front two, or just off the strikers.

Chalkboard 3: Nani shots on goal

For me, Nani has all the right attributes in order to play more in this position: Pace, trickery, awareness and creativity, strength, and most importantly, the ability to finish with both feet and with variety. Yesterday, Nani was a threat once moved centrally, having 5 shots (4 on target) until he was switched a second time midway through the second half, to the left this time to accommodate substitutions. I don’t suspect we will see him often in that position with the likes of Welbeck and Berbatov waiting in the wings, but what is clear is that we can rely on him to fulfil striking duties where necessary – and it is something Ferguson should give more thought to on the training ground given Ronaldo’s explosive response to Fergie’s tactical switch a couple of seasons into his United career.

Rooney doesn’t like Christmas

Roughly this time last season (in the two months prior to the festive period), Rooney had perhaps his worst time in a United shirt; and whilst his current form is in no way comparable to that gloomy period, it is notable that he isn’t quite in the form that he showed in his first 5 or 6 games. Rooney has now gone 7 games without a goal (roughly the time I gave him the captaincy of my fantasy football team!), but more worryingly is his apparent lack of vitality and his intermittent positional indiscipline. Given that Rooney was playing with Nani for the majority of the game at Villa, it seemed illogical that he should come as deep as the former for the ball, often crowding middle zone. At times United were playing with four men in this area of the field, with Jones and Carrick starting high (as depicted above), leaving only Young and Valencia as attacking outlets, but mainly from wide. This meant that Rooney was only ever in the penalty area once, and had two unsuccessful attempts on goal all game – which was largely representative of our last handful of games in which the side as struggled to score more than once.

Chalkboard 4: Rooney passing and shooting

Granted, Fergie’s tinkering in the game didn’t help (and his rotation policy at large), and we know the team and him come ‘alive’ in the New Year, but Rooney (as per the criticism of him in the Champions League final) must use his fantastic football brain with greater effect at times; knowing when to lead the line, when to drop deep and when to apply defensive acumen (sitting on the opposition’s deep midfielder for example). His performance yesterday was typified by his run from deep in the closing minutes; having pulled defenders out of position, slipping Welbeck in through on goal was the simplest of passes to make yet he delayed the pass by almost two seconds. I still believe this is a season where Rooney will come of age, but he needs to re-gain his creative enthusiasm quickly, become more focused and importantly, forget about Christmas.

In Summary

United will be happy with the result and although Fergie will be concerned about the lack of goals in the side at present, there have been positives to take from the last two league outings. Versus Newcastle, it was only some kamikaze defending and excellent keeping that prevented United from taking all three points; and at Villa Park United never looked like conceding, whilst having 14 shots on goal. With the return of Carrick and Vidic to the side (amongst various tweakings to the 4-4-2 formation) the team seem to have rectified the problem of conceding goal scoring opportunities (conceding just one goal in the last 5 league games).

United pressed high throughout the game (holding a high line was important), intercepted the ball in attacking positions in much the same way the side did at the outset of the season. This had the effect of restricting Villa to few opportunities on goal, and concentrated our game in and around the opposition penalty area. In fact, the problem yesterday was more to do with too much movement in the final third, and plenty of poor decision making if truth be told. Positives include Nani’s variation, Valencia’s improvement in form, Evra’s concentration, the Jones and Carrick partnership and of course, Vidic’s majestic defensive display.

AUTHOR: – Doron

United’s second foray into the transfer market this summer has seen versatile midfielder/winger/forward, Ashley Young join from Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee believed to be around £15m.

Young, turns 26 this summer has been linked with a move to United for the past few months. Liverpool are said to have been interested too but it seems Young wanted to play Champions League football as he moves towards the peak years of his career.

It’s three and a half years since Young made his England debut and he’s gone on to play 15 times for his country, scoring two goals. Most recently he came on at half time to change England’s fortune against Switzerland. Despite being predominantly right footed, Young is able to play on either wing and has built a reputation as a great crosser and set piece taker. His versatility will no doubt be an attraction too – he’s able to play as a central midfielder and as a second striker as well. He would provide good competition for the current set of wingers, maybe not a priority, but something that is probably needed.

Young was born in Stevenage and was at Watford as a youth player. Aged 18 he was given his debut in their first team and impressed early on, scoring three goals in his first six league games. The 2005/06 was his big breakthrough year as he scored 15 in 43 for Watford as well as laying on 13 assists. In the January of 2007 he moved to Aston Villa for a total fee of just under £10m. He’s continued to impress in a series of different roles at Villa, he’s scored 37 goals in 188 games and assisted a further 57 goals. So far in his short career he averages a contribution (goal or assist) every 2.25 games – an incredibly impressive return. Here’s hoping he can step up to the next level.

Young has signed a 5 year deal and told MUTV:

“To get the opportunity to come and play for one of the biggest clubs in the world is one I couldn’t turn down. I’ll get to play with such great players who play for the club and hopefully become part of the club’s history in winning the 20th title. It’s a prospect I’ve always looked at as a child, to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I’ve got that opportunity now so I’ve just got to take it with two hands.”

The full interview will be shown at 6.30pm BST on MUTV.

We’ve had our own say on why this deal may make sense for United, you can read that by clicking here.

You can discuss the Ashley Young signing in our forum.

AUTHOR: – Doron

AUTHOR: – Doron

Ashley Young has been linked to Man United for over six months now. Indeed, even in previous seasons, the young English winger has been the subject of transfer speculation columns. Rumours of a January bid have never been confirmed or denied but recent murmurs suggest a deal is imminent. Today, word from the Man United doctors via Mr Mujac was that Young had undergone a medical last Friday. With that and speculation in mind, here are a few reasons why signing Young may make sense…

1. Need for another winger in the squad?

It may not be the most obvious area to strengthen but is arguably necessary. The club currently have Nani, Valencia, Park, Giggs, Obertan and Bebe as ‘first team’ wide players. However the latter two have yet to to feature regularly at the top level and Obertan may well move on this summer. Giggs is more often used centrally rather than out wide today whilst Park is similarly often used in a tactical role rather than a purely wide role. Tom Cleverley is returning from his loan spell at Wigan and whilst he’s able to play wide, he is naturally a central player.

As witnessed this year, a couple of injuries have really stretched United’s resources in the wide areas. Valencia’s long spell out came at the same time as a couple of small Giggs injuries and Park’s long January international call-up. Situations like that are rare but injuries are unpredictable. It meant Nani was left alone to shoulder the burden of responsibility from September until the start of February. An additional winger would therefore give us complete cover in this part of the pitch.

2. Cost

Despite potentially having a sizeable transfer kitty, these are times where signings are often linked to ‘value’. Young is out of contract in a year so despite being English and therefore a victim of the inflated transfer fee, he would probably arrive at a very acceptable price, something between £10-15m. Additionally his wages would be in line with average wages at the club – a pay rise from Aston Villa wouldn’t need United to make him a top earner.

3. Experience and langauge

Young turns 26 this summer and may have only played 11 games in Europe, none of which in the Champions League, but he has 177 Premier League games to his name and understands the league well. He does of course speak English too, coupling that with the fact he knows the league, it should mean that any ‘settling-in’ period is reduced. Compare this with say a Neymar or Alexis Sanchez – both of whom would cost significantly more anyway – neither know the league or speak the language. Remember, it took Nani a good two and a half years to really find some consistent form. Even as a squad player, any signing who settles somewhat instantaneously is a bonus.

4. He scores and he assists

Young’s been incredibly consistent in the past four seasons. He’s scored 9 goals in each of them (yes some were penalties) but he has amassed 60 assists over that time. United’s wide areas have been fruitful in terms of both goals and assists since Ronaldo’s departure and Young would seemingly fit the bill in that respect.

5. Set piece taking and other strengths

If there’s been one area that has frustrated United fans regularly throughout the season, it’s been set piece taking – mainly from free kicks indirect and direct, and corners. Given United have players who can score from set pieces, Vidic being the obvious example, it’s disappointing that corners in particular rarely beat the front man. Ashley Young though is an excellent set piece taker. He’s shown his worth in that respect even against United, providing some undefendable balls in. Clearly it would be advantageous for United to have someone in their ranks who can take good set pieces, both indirect and direct.

The blueprint for a ‘United winger’ would generally have someone who is fast, a good dribbler, a player who wants the ball, and a good crosser. In truth, Young, fits those specifications. He may not excel in every category and there may be better players than him but he’s reliable and capable at all of those various facets. His crossing is something that would be interesting – United’s strikers tend to feed off good balls in, certainly Rooney’s best season directly coincided with Valencia’s good crossing. Chicharito too, has shown this year he likes to get on the end of crosses. Despite being right footed, Young is comfortable on the left hand side, two good crossers on either side would be handy.

6. Chasing a win, and away from home he’d be a good choice

What United don’t have right now is a third attacking winger. Young is probably under-appreciated in terms of the defensive work he does but he is an attacking player. When needing a win or wanting to switch to be more positive away from home, Young would represent a good option off the bench. Valencia and Nani are the two key attacking wingers we have right now but if both start and one needs replacing then Young would probably be a better option to bring on than Park if a win is needed.

7. Ability to play at a better level?

Young’s attitude is questionable, he has a cocky arrogance about him and has played recently like he wants to leave Aston Villa. However, plenty of United players have that arrogance and indeed some is needed. Young has carried Villa along with a couple of other players and a step-up may be the challenge he needs. Plenty of players before him have proven that when playing with better footballers their game naturally improves – i.e. Yorke, Valencia, Smalling etc.

Conclusion

Young may not be the player every fan would want but arguably the wide positions are an area that could do with some added competition. Clearly many fans believe that the central area needs improving more than out wide and should a central player not be signed then it would make this potential signing a strange one. There is the belief United need to improve the starting XI rather than the squad, but I do believe that we are a natural winger short out wide. However, financially it makes sense and Young fits the bill in terms of what is required of a winger at United. Certainly, a player who can take set pieces and contribute to the side would be a good acquisition.

Should this deal go through at an acceptable fee then this will make sense for United in both the short-term and the long-term. Underwhelming? Maybe, but there’s some logic to this.

AUTHOR: – Doron

AUTHOR: – Doron

Aston Villa’s poor record continued at Old Trafford showed no signs of changing as Man United swept them aside in a 3-1 win (a result that echoes our predicted score in the match preview for a change). Only last year a resolute Villa team kept United out at Old Trafford to win one nil but this time round United ensured that their home record for the season remained almost perfect – it’s now 37 points from a possible 39. Two goals from Wayne Rooney and a thunderous effort from captain Vidic also meant that a club record was equaled – the longest unbeaten run in the top flight. After tough away games at Blackpool and Southampton it was a welcome relief that last night was much more of a formality.

Talking Points

Early goals

Wayne Rooney’s strike within the first minute of the game was the fourth time in the past five home games (all competitions) that United have scored within the first five minutes. In each of those games United have gone on to win with comfortable and convincing performances. The early goal is something not really associated with United in recent years. It’s certainly had a settling effect of late and forced our opponents to to rethink their tactics and game plan early on. It certainly seemed to unsettle Villa who struggled to impose themselves on the game. The fact Villa were chasing from the start allowed United to play a lot of football on the counter-attack (it’s little surprise that Villa played over 100 more passes than United as they tried to break a solid defence down); exactly the style that suits the club.

The best thing about the performances recently is that bar the Liverpool game, United have rarely been content with a single goal lead. The football played last night was very positive. It’s often been thought that United need a shock or a kick to actually play – going behind often brings out the best in the team. However at home this year we’ve seen United take the initiative and entertain.

Nani

One feature of Nani’s game that can infuriate is his inconsistency when shooting. Recently he’s been having efforts on goal but getting few on target. His poor shooting was at it’s worst against Birmingham recently when 6 out of 8 efforts were off target. Last night however Nani was much less wasteful in front of goal. Despite not scoring he made Brad Freidel pull off a few very good saves. Here’s Nani’s improvement in front of goal in his last four league appearances (NB Spurs isn’t included as he didn’t have a single shot in the game):

The area of Nani’s game that was impressive last night was his movement. Nani likes to cut inside but he’s also disciplined at sticking wide when he needs to. He combined an all-area performance with accurate passing – only 5 of his 48 passes were unsuccessful (see diagram below).

What’s intriguing is that 43% of Nani’s play last night was in the centre of the pitch. Ronaldo was famously released by Ferguson with a free role to roam the centre of the pitch as well as the wings and this brought out the best in him. Is it possible that this could bring out the best in Nani? We’ve certainly seen signs of it this season.

Rooney’s contribution

Much has been made on Wayne Rooney’s lack of goalscoring in the past few weeks. Sir Alex Ferguson even admitted it was probably “getting to him”. Striker’s are naturally judged on goals and after a bumper 26 goal haul in the league last year some criticism of Rooney’s meagre 2 goals before this game was warranted. Whilst many will talk about Rooney’s brilliant finish and control for his first goal; it was his second that stood out for me:

Not only was the cross from Nani excellent but the fact Rooney was in the six yard box in between defenders was a very positive sign to see. Even more so was his deadly instinctive finish – a real striker’s goal. Rooney’s all round contribution last night was outstanding. Whilst his passing could have been sharper in the final third of the pitch he was running around with a confident swagger. His two goals and one assist mean that in 15 league games this season, Rooney has now scored 4 goals and assisted 10 – he’s contributed to 14 goals in 15 league games. This strikes me as a very healthy return for a player who is yet to hit close to his peak in terms of form.

Match Conclusion

Manchester United produced a very good performance to see off a spirited Aston Villa side. Unlike recent games there was no drama or necessity for United to come from behind to win. An early strike from Rooney meant Villa would always be chasing the game. Van der Sar’s vision and accurate pass was taken down well by Rooney who smashed the ball past Friedel from 20 yards. The second goal game on the stroke of half-time. Good work from Nani down the right created space for him to produce a brilliant swerving cross at pace that Rooney was able to turn home from close range. Villa did come back into the game and were rewarded for all their possession when Stewart Downing broke clear and played in Darren Bent to slot the ball into the goal with John O’Shea napping. A two goal cushion was restored soon after though. A cross wasn’t cleared by Villa and Rooney laid the ball off for Vidic of all people to thunder in a curling effort. United arguably could have won by more had Friedel, on a record-breaking appearance (becoming the oldest player to play for Aston Villa), not had a typically fantastic game.

Next up are Wolves away on Saturday. Wolves are struggling at the wrong end of the table but will try to play themselves into some form before the United game when they travel to Bolton tomorrow night.

strong>AUTHOR: – Doron

AUTHOR: – Doron

A resurgent Aston Villa come to Old Trafford having not lost a game in nearly a month. Whilst they’re still closer to the bottom of the table than the top, the club under Houllier are finally starting to move in the right direction. Meanwhile United’s unbeaten league run continue and their home form is pretty ominous for the visiting Villa side.

Villa fans could be forgiven for feeling frustrated with how this year has panned out. They finished 6th last season with a very respectable 64 points. We’re now five games past the half way point of this season and Villa haven’t even got half the number of points and find themselves in 13th. The position doesn’t really tell the whole story for Villa have been lower this season and are, whether they like it or not, on the fringes of a relegation battle (as are so many teams this year). The man in charge at the moment, Houllier is an ex-Liverpool boss, but despite his allegiances with Merseyside, there seems to be a fair amount of respect for him from Reds and he’s certainly well-known as being a close friend of Fergie.

What to expect from Villa? The temptation must surely be to revert to a 5 man midfield that so many teams seem to play at Old Trafford. Villa though have favoured a more traditional 4-4-2 lately and whilst this could open up the game – suiting United – I believe that attacking United is often the best way of defending against them. Villa will for sure play with their natural width – Downing and Young have both had good seasons and top the club’s scoring chart (Bent is their top scorer but scored 11 of his 12 goals for Sunderland). Villa’s record at Old Trafford in the Premier League isn’t great. They score a goal every other game and have only won once. That win came in their most recent visit, a little over a year ago – a sole Agbonlahor header won a game which United dominated but created few chances.

I stated before that it’s nearly a month since Villa last lost. Their last defeat was against Sunderland at the start of January. This recent run is a contrast to a forgettable December which saw them lose four out of 5 games. Their most recent league form shows two wins – good results away at Wigan and home to Man City; as well as a draw against rivals Birmingham. Their league position directly reflects their most recent form – they are 13th in the form with 8 points from a possible last 18. Their away form has been shoddy though. Only twice have they won away from home and they’ve lost 7 of 12 games. Worryingly, no team has conceded more goals away from home. The task facing Villa seems even bigger when I point out that United have won 11 from 12 at home scoring more goals than any other team – nearly three a game.

Villa will definitely be without youngster, Baker who is suspended. They have a few injury doubts too. Key player Agbonlahor has a hamstring problem and new signing Makoun had his debut cut short when he came of with a minor thigh injury. Villa brought in Michael Bradley on loan yesterday and it’s unclear if he’ll feature or not. Record signing Darren Bent will return though after being cup-tied at the weekend. Villa were able to rest players such as Collins, Petrov, A Young and Downing at the weekend when they beat Blackburn.

Villa’s goalkeeper, Brad Friedel is like Edwin one of the league’s older statesman; and tonight, if he plays he will become the oldest player to have played for the club. Villa do in Houllier have a manager who’s had some success against United. Only Wenger has beaten Ferguson more times than Houllier (9 for Wenger, 5 for Houllier). Finally, Villa have dropped 14 points this season having been in a winning position – one of those games was against United. They’ll be hoping for better things tonight.

Enough on Aston Villa…onto United and my predicted line up:

This almost feels like one of the easiest line-ups I’ve had to predict. That said, there’s usually a surprise in there nowadays and as I’ll explain it may not be totally clear-cut.

Edwin in goal is simple, as should be the back four. Rafael, Ferdinand and Vidic are all set to return from injuries and Evra is back with United following a bereavement. Fabio was taken off with a minor injury against Southampton but nothing has been said about him being injured so bar Gary Neville who does have an ankle injury, there is good back up in the form of Smalling, Evans, Brown, O’Shea and Fabio all fit to take a place on the bench.

Giggs’s influence off the bench should come to an end. It will be a big surprise if he doesn’t start on the left with Nani on the right. After two away games where United have tried experimental systems a standard and tried 4-4-2 should be the formation of choice tonight. Who starts in the middle is one of the small areas for discussion. I chose Fletcher and Anderson – an energetic midfield that can defend and attack. Carrick it seems is a doubt still following his leg injury and Scholes played 90 minutes at both Blackpool and Southampton. I’m also not sure Scholes would be a wise choice in a 2-man midfield against an energetic Villa side. Gibson is fit and may take a place on the bench. Hargreaves and Valencia are both making progress but are still unavailable. Park is back having been at the Asian Cup but I don’t think he’ll be involved as his fitness is assessed and he has some time off.

The second discussion area is upfront. Having both not featured against Southampton, I think it’s safe to assume that Berbatov and Rooney will start together. To me this seems somewhat harsh on Chicharito who has played very well in the past two games. Certainly it would be a just reward if Chicharito is picked.

United remain to and have opened a small 5 point gap over Arsenal. The next game is on Saturday away at Wolves and I don’t believe there is any need to rest anyone tonight with a view to looking ahead to that one. There will be opportunities for players to have a break after the Wolves game and probably the weekend of the Crawley FA Cup tie.

Recent form shows United sitting top of the form league with 14 points taken from a possible 18 in the last six games. At home, the record is even better – played 12, won 11, drawn 1. Villa will of course be trying to remove the “unbeaten” tag from United – not that the players or staff seem too bothered by this unbeaten league run. Villa will try to get a second consecutive league win at Old Trafford – a ground that has always had more luck for United than Villa. In the two most recent seasons, games have not been easy against Villa. Certainly the 08/09 match will forever go down as a classic as 17 year old Macheda scored off the bench on his debut (see video below)

For those interested in the unbeaten run and how it compares to Arsenal’s at the same stage, United are four points down on Arsenal’s ‘invincible’ squad of 2003/04. United have 14 wins and nine draws from 23 games, compared with the Gunners’ 16 wins and seven draws. Avoiding defeat tonight will see the run come to an incredible 29 Premier League fixtures dating back to April 2010, matching United’s best-ever top-flight run set between December 1998 and October 1999. Finally in Dimitar Berbatov United have the league’s top goalscorer and in Nani the league’s top assister.

I think that the fitness of Makoun could be key for Villa and how they set up. I do expect a United win but the Villa side has pace in it, something United tend to struggle against. Therefore I don’t think we’ll keep a clean sheet and I predict a 3-1 win for United.

As promised, here are the highlights from Villa in 08/09 and that goal:

You can share with us your thoughts ahead of the match and your favourite moments from games at home to Aston Villa on our forum.

Nemanja Vidic scored an 85^th minute equaliser to rescue a point for Manchester United who displayed trademark resolve to rally from 2 goals down and escape from Villa Park with their long unbeaten run intact. With the club having recently celebrated Sir Alex Ferguson’s 24^th year in charge, the team once again demonstrated that sometimes just the will to win can be the single most determining and thrilling attribute, in sports.

Aston Villa had taken a 2-0 lead in the 76^th minute and were full value for that lead – but although there will be justifiable euphoria at the way the game was turned around, United fans will likely be given a sobering return to the ground as a Chelsea win tomorrow will open up a 6 point gap at the top of the table.

With both sides struggling through injury crisis’, the line ups were far from first choice. United were missing a handful of stars but to their credit started the game rather well. Dimitar Berbatov has had a terrible run in front of goal since his stunning Liverpool hattrick, and he missed a great chance to turn that around on the quarter hour after being put in by Chicharito.

Wes Brown almost converted a Nani free kick midway through the first half but after that Villa really turned up the pressure and dominated proceedings. Ashley Young had an effort that was easily saved on the half hour but that was merely testing the waters for a storming second half. Marc Albrighton has been one of the stars of Villa’s admittedly below par (by their standards) start to the season and he had a brilliant second half, almost scoring twice early on – the first chance, capitalising on a Vidic error to fire into the side netting, and the second, a header that glanced across goal that was begging for someone to convert.

One began to wonder if the hosts would live to regret their missed opportunities; that feeling only intensified midway through the second half when they hit the woodwork twice in a crazy 90 second spell. James Collins rattled the crossbar with a header and as United struggled to cope with the next wave of attack, Agbonlahor pounced to fire a shot against the post. The Red Devils couldn’t compose themselves but were fortunate further still when Downing’s effort on the rebound was deflected wide.

United’s respite lasted only 3 minutes, as Villa’s next attack finally paid off. Ashley Young fizzed a pass for Agbonlahor to race onto; Vidic remarkably kept pace with the lightning quick forward and got in to tackle, but the ball rolled into the path of the onrushing Young. The winger became the meat in a Ferdinand and Brown sandwich and the latter succumbed to temptation to pull off a clumsy tackle and concede a penalty. Young duly picked himself up and sent van der Sar the wrong way.

Ferguson’s response was bizarre; off came the admittedly terrible duo of Chicharito and Berbatov and replaced them with Kiko Macheda and Gabriel Obertan. The decision looked even worse just 2 minutes after the change when Villa scored their second; it was a stunning goal, the kind which United themselves have been renowned for scoring in the past. Macheda’s pass was astray and after receiving the ball, Young attacked like a savage cat through the heart of the defence, piercing it with a cute pass to Downing. Downing’s ball across goal was perfect and Albrighton got the goal he fully deserved with a finish at the far post.

One of the features of United’s season so far has been the surrendering of two goal leads; with their unbeaten record at the risk of evaporating, their pride was taking a battering. Performance wise they were second best; ability wise they were not giving a good representation of themselves. In these circumstances, it is a hallmark of Sir Alex’s teams that they at least persevere for some kind of result. Perhaps fearing a hairdryer, but more likely concerned by the manager’s startling removal of the front pair and the potential repercussion that nobody on the pitch was safe, the team responded like wounded animals.

Ferdinand was first to test the waters with a shot that was cleared off the line by the omnipresent Albrighton, but United were given instant cause for hope in the 81^st minute when Macheda reduced the deficit with a fine strike. Fletcher dallied on the ball 18 yards out, and the young Italian almost demanded the ball from him and fired it into the top corner.

The goal in itself provided a direct symmetrical link with United’s last defeat; Macheda, as a sub, scored what turned out to be a consolation against Chelsea last season in a game officiated by Mike Dean. There was barely time to dwell on that oddity as, with 5 minutes left, Nemanja Vidic equalised. Nani’s own performance was typical of his season; frustrating for so much, but easily United’s most penetrative force, and so it was again here, after spending most of the game breaking out of anonymity only to argue with the officials, he teased Luke Young and flashed in a fantastic cross which Vidic could not fail to head home.

Fergie made his last roll of the dice replacing Park with Smalling and putting the expensive young defender up front. Unlike his other changes, it didn’t really pay off, but the other of the changes still did enough to knock on the door for a possible start next weekend. Obertan had a hat-trick of chances to win the game in injury time, 2 created for himself and one that was well saved by Friedel – typically with his face.

Despite United’s poor performance, they ended the game with credit, much as they did at Eastlands, as the team pushing for all 3 points in injury time. But even after another thrilling game this season, United can only look disappointingly at the single point they’ve taken from it, and try and decide at which point will it be that the points thrown away will start to become decisive.

Ratings : van der Sar 6, Brown 5, Ferdinand 6, *Vidic 7, Evra 7, Nani 7, Fletcher 6, Carrick 6, Park 6 (Smalling), Chicharito 6 (Obertan), Berbatov 5 (Macheda)

Fixtures against Aston Villa have been a mixed bag of disappointment and excitement in recent seasons, the last of which ended with United lifting the Carling Cup at Wembley. Just a few weeks prior to that cup glory, United were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against the Villans after Nani’s sending off. And before that United fell to a 1-0 loss against Villa in December. Of course, there’s been plenty of highlights too. Paul Scholes’ volley at Villa Park in the 06-07 campaign comes to mind. And of course, who could forget when Kiko Macheda introduced himself to the world in April 2009? There’s no telling what this match may have in store for us.

I suspected that Aston Villa would struggle in the wake of Martin O’Neill’s departure this summer, which has been somewhat true. Under Gerard Houllier the club has not been at risk of relegation, but they’re also not pushing for the Champions League. The Villans have suffered from inconsistency this season; they were hammered 6-0 by newly-promoted Newcastle, but managed to grind out a 0-0 draw against Chelsea. It just makes for even more uncertainty in the build up to United’s visit to Villa Park. Will this be the Villa we saw against Newcastle or the one that got a point against Chelsea?

I doubt we’ll see too much variation from the squad that got a draw against City on Wednesday, of course with the exception of changes enforced by injury and suspension. Edwin van der Sar will most likely retain his place in goal with Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic the centre back paring in front of him. Patrice Evra went off injured against City, but is expected to return for the trip to Villa Park. The same cannot be said for his fellow full back Rafael. The young Brazilian also went of injured on Wednesday and is unlikely to feature over the weekend. Wes Brown will be a more than adequate deputy in Rafa’s absence.

Paul Scholes misses out after picking up a suspension, but Darren Fletcher and the rejuvenated Michael Carrick should both start in the centre of midfield. With injuries still plaguing our wingers, Nani and Ji-Sung Park are the most likely selections to face Villa. I suspect, or rather hope, that United will revert to a 4-4-2 for this fixture. Neither Dimitar Berbatov nor Javier Hernandez operate well as the lone striker, but as partners they could be very lethal. Berbatov has gone nearly two months without a goal following his hat trick against Liverpool and the Bulgarian badly needs to get back amongst the goals.

As for Aston Villa, fortunately their main threat Emile Heskey has been ruled out. Also, pigs can fly. On a more serious note, the biggest threat from Villa will be Ashley Young. Young’s pace on the left wing will be tough for United to cope with, especially the quick and energetic Rafa sidelined. Gabriel Agbonlahor is another one to look out for despite a slow start to the season. Injury has limited Agbonlahor to a solitary Premier League appearance and no goals. However, when he is on form there is no doubting that he is a threat.

So this brings us to the prediction. I predict a 2-1 United win; Nani and Berbatov to get the goals.

And now a few videos of recent highlights against Villa:

Discuss this match in the forum

You can follow Kyle on Twitter at KDill_MUFC

Manchester United retained the League Cup today having beaten Aston Villa 2-1 at Wembley today. Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney scored the crucial goals to give United their fourth League cup win, with our number ten getting lots of superlatives thrown in his direction. Wayne Rooney is without doubt the best player on the planet and our star player by a mile – however, United demonstrated their strength in depth today with superb performances from Dimitar Berbatov, Antonio Valencia and Ji-Sung Park as we enter the business end of the season.

Dimitar Berbatov contributed to both United goals and was a constant threat, despite some wayward shooting. His hurrying of Richard Dunne resulted in Michael Owen’s strike to equalise, whilst his superb flick out to Antonio Valencia for Rooney’s winner was different class. He demonstrated today, in a big game, as to why Ferguson spent £30million on him. Yes, you will argue that he should be bought to challenge for major European honours, rather than a tournament that was born in 1960. I would agree that his purchase hasn’t worked out as best as we all would have hoped, especially considering Fergie stated recently that he doesn’t believe he can include Berbatov and Rooney in the same side when playing a 4-3-3 formation – which of course is our preferred formation in the latter stages of the Champions League.

Berbatov is our joint second highest goal scorer (other than ‘own goal’ of course) and has a 0.38 goals per game ratio in the Premier League – a decent return for a forward that isn’t a renowned goal scorer. Regular readers of this blog might be a tad confused with this praise for the Bulgarian considering I have blogged about him running out of time at Old Trafford. I still believe that the purchase of the Bulgarian hasn’t been as successful as Sir Alex would have hoped for. I stated that the transfer fee was a major factor combined with the results in big games that he has played in. I’ve always thought (and stated) that I think he is a superb footballer with one of the best touches I have ever seen. But I think the next two months are a big two months, for Berbatov especially. He needs to persuade Fergie that he can play in a 4-3-3 with Rooney, which would result in our top scoring operating on the left of the front three. You only have to look at the Arsenal and Barcelona games last season, with Ronaldo being the main forward in a 4-3-3 – at the expensive of our most expensive player. We will have to wait and see what the line up will be against Milan, but Berbatov put in a great performance today and was pivotal in both goals.

Antonio Valencia has been a major hit since signing from Wigan last summer. £18million looks a snip for the qualities he brings to the side. Pace, athleticism, versatility and most importance in recent games – accurate delivery from a wide area. He is more direct winger, like Andrei Kanchelskis over Ronaldo for example, which is great when there is space in behind the full back for him to gallop into. In the second half he set up Wayne Rooney for his 28th goal of the season and five minutes later put in another superb cross for Rooney to smash against the post. You may be surprised to learn that Valencia has the most appearances for United so far this season – with 38. Ferguson has recently rested the Ecuadorian International, whilst before Christmas he was present in most starting line ups. There is no doubt he is being rested for the final push and will be present in the starting line up against Milan Wednesday week. He received the man of the match award for his performance today and added yet another assist to his statistics this season.

Ji-Sung Park, for me, was the best player on the pitch. Some fans still question the quality of the Korean and Ferguson’s decision to include him within the side. If you asked the majority of United fans to pick their ideal starting Xi, when all players are available – I guarantee that Park wouldn’t feature in 95% of the them. So its a good thing that Fergie picks the side and not us! Today, he really showed why Ferguson does include him in the side for major games. Park usually occupies the left hand side, but recently against Milan he drifted inside to occupy the space in front of Carrick, Scholes and Fletcher. He may well have been put there to nullify the impact of deep lying playmaker Andrea Pirlo, however his attacking quality where on show in abundance today. He was unlucky not to score as his first half strike smashed the post just before half time, whilst his movement from left to the centre of the park – saw him pick up the ball behind Milner and Petrov and drive forward. I have always been a big fan of Park and believe that he is an important part of the squad that Ferguson has. His performances against Arsenal over the past two season have been exceptional and he was excellent against Barcelona at Old Trafford in May 2008. He hasn’t featured too much this season (less than Vidic and Nani) and i’m pleased he is showing his qualities as we approach the final hurdle. For me he was man of the match today.

Sir Alex Ferguson steered his Manchester United side into the record books once again as it was the first time in history that the club had ever successfully defended a cup competition – a result that wasn’t without fortune, though, and a result that was secured with a familiar combination.

Antonio Valencia confirmed his rise from Premier League potential to Manchester United star in the making with a man of the match display from the Cup sponsors but it was Wayne Rooney who scored with a header from the Ecuadorians cross to win the game against Aston Villa, fittingly saving his best header of the season for this cup final.

In another re-writing of the domestic games’ history the Red Devils followed up last seasons equalling of league titles with Liverpool with a levelling of domestic and major club trophy hauls – while some may downplay the importance of winning this trophy, it has twice acted as a springboard for further success for Ferguson’s side and this success has indicated that there is a lot of life in this side that was written off after high profile pre-season departures.

Predictably it was done the hard way but admittedly it should have been much harder; Gabby Agbonlahor got goal-side of Nemanja Vidic in the opening stages and the Serbian could barely cope with the strikers pace. After seemingly – almost literally – getting to grips, the big defender felled his foe in the box leaving Phil Dowd no option but to award a penalty. And, according to the rule book, send Vidic off as he was the last man but Dowd – not exactly heralded for his lenience towards the holders given his decisions in the past – not only let Vidic reain on the pitch, but didn’t even book him, leaving to justifiable incredulous disbelief from the Villa faithful. James Milner wasn’t caught cold on the big stage, however, coolly turning his penalty past Tomas Kuszczak to give Villa a 1-0 lead after just 4 minutes.

It was a goal that immediately cast aspersions on Ferguson’s decision to bench the blisteringly in form Rooney (with the official line being a bout of influenza) and caused panic given the impressingly talented list of absentees of United players that included Ferdinand, Hargreaves, Anderson, Nani and Giggs to name just five. But before the United faithful even had choice to voice their displeasure at the selection, on 12 minutes, Richard Dunne provided an intervention, slipping on the ball long enough to invite Dimitar Berbatov in. Berbatov cantered towards goal and almost apologetically, and criminally, let Dunne back in, and while the big Irish defender won the ball, he only succeeded in diverting it into the path of Michael Owen. Owen has been the subject of press speculation recently regarding his World Cup pretensions but he grabbed this chance with both hands to slot home from 18 yards, on what was incredibly his first Wembley Cup Final appearance.

The goal was the sweet part of a bittersweet afternoon for the veteran forward who probably gave watching England boss Capello a full exclosure of his career in a nutshell – coming off after pulling up with what was clearly a hamstring injury when presented with a goalscoring opportunity. Owen was replaced by Rooney on the 40th minute, by which time both sides had only conjured up one notable chance each – Milner was allowed to drift with the ball unchallenged on the 15th minute and once he found himself with a reasonable sight of goal opened fire but Kuzszcak was equal to it, and in the 20th minute, Park and Berbatov worked an opening well with the South Korean failing to trouble Brad Friedel.

Rooney’s introduction gave the opposition defenders an instant new headache, although it was lack of concentration on marking his partner in crime in recent weeks, Valencia, that almost gifted United a half time lead. Valencia skipped past Warnock who slipped unfortunately, and then played the ball to Park 10 yards out. Park shifted feet quite smartly but his shot hit the post, went across goal and was cleared by Cuellar on the line.

After the break, though, United were clearly the team in the ascendancy, even if the open feel of the first period gave way to a more traditional, cagey, final feel. Villa were obviously wary of the threat posed by the Valencia/Rooney combo but it was another Berbatov back heel that almost exposed them in the 49th minute, finding Carrick who moved the ball onto his right and forced a smart stop from Friedel.

The tentative approach from either side was finally blasted away when a patient build up finally broke the deadlock – United were trying to exploit their most potent option, and they managed to do that in the 74th minute when Fletcher made space to turn the latest passing movement into Valencia’s area. The winger played the pass into Berbatov, whose flick was extravagant and functional, and Valencia’s cross was right into the path of Rooney. Admittedly, the recent combination has afforded United’s leading scorer the luxury of just moving into the right space to finish the move, however the cross, though accurate, was lacking in pace and required a demonstration of Rooney’s reported aerial improvement over the last 12 months. That demonstration was duly delivered beyond the flailing hand of Friedel. The frightening combination almost struck again just 4 minutes later, but Rooney’s header hit the post and was moved to safety.

Villa did, in fairness, push to equalise and did hit the woodwork themselves when Stewart Downing’s cross was met by Heskey and deflected by Vidic onto the crossbar, but aside from that and a last minute cross, again from Downing, that was met by Dunne and was unlikely to trouble the keeper, you could sense that the belief was gone through the majority of the second half. Indeed, had United had been more inclined, you had the feeling that they could have extended the advantage. In the end, though, Sir Alex Ferguson’s men had done enough to once again ensure English football history was due another re-write.

Ratings : Kuszczak 7, Rafael 7 (Neville 6), Evans 6, Vidic 6, Evra 7 , Valencia 8, Fletcher 8, Carrick 7, Park 8 (Gibson), Berbatov 7, Owen 7 (*Rooney

A chance missed; a man light but Manchester United came from behind to draw against Aston Villa. Carlos Cuellar’s header was almost immediately leveled by a James Collins own goal to send United to within a point of leaders Chelsea who lost at Everton.

The Champions played well but were desperately handicapped by referee Peter Walton’s decision to send Nani off in the first half – Sir Alex Ferguson’s second half tactical reshuffle was constantly negated by Villa’s almost incessant refusal to take the initiative on their own ground.

Despite a bright start from the visitors it was Villa who got the first goal – Carlos Cuellar reacted quickest to an attempted Rafael clearance to head a looping effort over van der Sar and into the goal. Cuellar had earlier headed a similar chance over but United were asleep for the second, but fortunately their response was pretty rapid. Nani had started well (an 8th minute free kick was struck well enough to give Friedel problems) and his cross was accurate to Giggs – the Welshman’s volley went across goal and Collins diverted it into his own goal, taking “OG” for the Red Devils into double figures in the league.

5 minutes later, on the half hour, the whole approach of the game shifted for both managers – Nani was sent off by Walton for a reckless tackle where both feet left the ground. There was a case for complaint by the in-form winger who claimed he won the ball – a claim replays later backed up – but the truth is having lost control of his body the referee had no option and he had to go. To best describe, it was the kind of tackle that had it happened against your team you would want the player sent off for it, and it was the right decision.

Not that the decision suddenly influenced Villa to go all guns blazing. With Milner, Dowing and Young the home side have serious pace and creativity with genuine aspirations of a top four finish but their blunt refusal to take the game to a lessened United side ruined the game as a spectacle. The visitors could in fact have taken the lead in the remainder of the first half but Carrick’s shot was tipped over and Friedel reacted well to snuff out Rooney who had been imaginatively put through by Giggs, though the hosts did have a shout for a penalty when Rooney’s charging down of a free kick looked like it was assisted by a hand.

The second half promised much when Scholes was replaced by Valencia – Ferguson was making his intentions clear by still trying to exploit the width but Martin O’Neill was presumably more than happy with the point. Valencia almost made a real impact with his first contribution, Giggs’ cross found him but he fired over. Villa’s only meaningful effort in the second half came when Milner received an Agbonlahor pass to work van der Sar but the shot was still comfortable.

Chances were at a distinct premium in the second half – Giggs again found Rooney who found space but fired over before the English striker worked a chance of his own only to see it saved by Friedel, and other than that the most you could say is that the visitors were restricted by their hosts’ own lack of ambition. Unlike the return fixture though, United could claim to have put in a real show this time round, at least until the last 20 minutes when Giggs was replaced by Berbatov which severely impacted on the forward mobility. The feeling after Chelsea dropped points may justifiably be one of frustration but the reality is that United did gain ground on the leaders in difficult circumstances, and every point counts in the run in.

Ratings : van der Sar 6, Rafael 7, Brown 6, Evans 7, Evra 6, Fletcher 7, Carrick 7, Scholes 7 (Valencia 6), Nani 6, Rooney 7, *Giggs 7 (Berbatov 5)