Match Report: Manchester United 4-0 WBA
Manchester United brushed aside West Bromwich Albion this evening after a scintillating second half display with four different scorers getting on the score sheet.
Fergie had opted to hand another start at right full back for young Brazilian Rafael and due to injuries to Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes and with jet lagged Anderson, Giggs and Fletcher were handed centre midfield roles. Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney continued to start up front for United who had won the previous four games.
West Bromwich Albion got off to a good start, passing the ball around quite confidently with United taking time to get into an early groove. Ryan Giggs was particular sloppy with his passing and it took some time for United to get their passing game going.
Wayne Rooney did opening the scoring after being played in by Cristiano Ronaldo - however was penalised for a foul on Zuiverloon. Rooney had appeared to out muscle the West Brom defender, however referee Mark Halsey felt that Rooney had unfairly beaten his man. Rooney was clearly annoyed with the decision and proceeded to contest it.
United's dominance was growing with a number of corners being won and penalty claims being turned down as United turned up the heat. Rooney had another chance to beat Carson after heading towards goal from a Ryan Giggs cross which was impressively saved by the Baggies goalkeeper. Fergie was then forced, on the 35th minute, to make a change when Patrice Evra was replaced by John O'shea. Evra had apparently picked up a knock and was immediately replaced by the Irishman. United went into the half time interval at 0-0 and would have been frustrated at their inability to break the deadlock in the opening 45 minutes.
The second half was a completely different story, with Dimitar Berbatov sparking into life and nearly created an opening goal for Wayne Rooney. However, Rooney made not mistake in the 55th minute, when United broke and the ball dropped to Berbatov on the half way line who proceeded to play the play to the left, against a very high Baggies defense, to the accelerating Rooney. Rooney burst down the left towards the Stretford End and turned inside onto his right foot once he got into the penalty box. He then struck a low drive past Carson who failed to stop the ball passing him on his right. United were 1-0 up and never looked back.
Gary Neville replaced Rafael Da Silva in the 65th minute and three minutes later Ronaldo added a second having been put through by Wayne Rooney. Ronaldo struck the ball with his left foot past the oncoming Carson and scored his third goal of the season. United added a third after a Nani cross, which was poorly defended, was converted by Dimitar Berbatov. The Bulgarian raised his arms in delight and then struck a smile after being congratulated by his team mates.
Ismael Miller had the visitors best chance when he broke down the right side and struck a shot towards Edwin Van Der Sar's near post. Miller had immense pressure by the defending Ryan Giggs and did well to get his shot which was impressively saved by Van Der Sar - who had little to do all game.
Nani completed the rout after converting a simple tap in from a superb Wayne Rooney cross. United put in an extremely impressive display even though a number of first team regulars, including two of the most creative players in Carrick and Scholes.
Wayne Rooney put in a superb performance on the back of his recent displays and added to his goal tally, which is now mounting up. He also added another two assists to his name. Fergie commented in the week that Rooney improve even further as he reaches his mid-twenties - something he is nearing with his 23rd birthday coming on Friday. Celtic are up next for United and with Rooney in this form - Gordan Strachan's men should expect a tough night.
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Source:(Stretford-end)