Barcelona [2 - 0] Manchester United
10' [1 - 0] S. Eto´o
70' [2 - 0] L. Messi
1-0 S.Eto'o 10' // Alternative | Download
2-0 L.Messi 70' // Alternative | Download
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Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Manchester United Individual Award Presentation 2009
Man Utd Stars Arrive, Backstage & On Stage At 2009 Awards
Cristiano Ronaldo Wins Goal of the Season 2009 Award
Cristiano Ronaldo Interview
Federico Macheda Wins Young Player Award 2009
Nemanja Vidic Wins Fans & Players Award 2009
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Cristiano Ronaldo Wins Goal of the Season 2009 Award
Cristiano Ronaldo Interview
Federico Macheda Wins Young Player Award 2009
Nemanja Vidic Wins Fans & Players Award 2009
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Saturday, May 16, 2009
Manchester Vs. Arsenal Match Report
United are once again champions of England and inevitably, it was achieved the hard way, with a nail-biting goalless draw against Arsenal at Old Trafford.
A tense, nerve-wracking afternoon saw few chances at either at end, as a largely dour match dragged agonisingly to its conclusion. Hearts were in mouths for United fans throughout the afternoon, and never more than when Cesc Fabregas struck the post with six minutes remaining.
Victories over Manchester City and Wigan had the champions six points clear of second-placed Liverpool going into the match, meaning a point would secure a record-equalling 18th league title. Mindful of the dangers of playing for a draw, the Reds were quick out of the traps.
Barely 15 seconds had passed before Cristiano Ronaldo got the better of Kieran Gibbs, exposing the space behind the young full-back to race onto Darren Fletcher’s through-ball. The Portuguese declined to continue his sprint, however, and his cross was cleared before it could reach Ryan Giggs.
That early opening heralded a sustained spell of United pressure, which only served to heighten the expectant buzz which had hummed around Old Trafford long before kick-off.
However, Arsenal, still reeling from their Champions League exit at the hands of United, and the subsequent scrutiny of their silverware drought of recent years, were not at Old Trafford to simply roll over for the champions-elect.
Robin van Persie headed wastefully over from Andrey Arshavin’s pinpoint right-wing cross, despite having no United defenders in his immediate vicinity, while it took a last ditch challenge from Jonny Evans to halt an Arshavin run which had bypassed three of the Reds’ backline.
Slowly, United began to find gaps in the Gunners’ midfield and defence, and Wayne Rooney was agonisingly close to opening the scoring after 17 minutes, as he glanced Michael Carrick’s measured back-post cross narrowly past the upright.
From there, chances were few and far between for either side. United found Arsenal’s reshuffled backline hard to penetrate, while the visitors struggled to find the killer ball to crown their impressive approach play.
Giggs drilled over the bar from a difficult angle, but the half ended on a nervous note for United as Samir Nasri lashed a half-cleared corner goalwards. The Frenchman’s effort was heading off target, but could have deviated anywhere as it hit the unmarked van Persie. Fortunately for the Reds, the loose ball fell kindly and Nemanja Vidic was able to clear.
At the break, United had the required point to seal the title. However, the growing air of nervousness inside Old Trafford suggested a foreboding that Arsenal, with no great motivation of their own, could still gatecrash the party.
The Gunners were clearly in the mood to do so. The second half was barely underway when Cesc Fabregas was booked for following through on Evra. Moments later van Persie, already booked for hacking Ronaldo down, also caught the Frenchman. Referee Mike Dean lectured the Dutchman on his behaviour, before promptly booking Nasri for a cynical trip, again on the battered and bruised Evra.
As if to add a more dramatic backdrop to the now simmering atmosphere, proceedings were subjected to a brief, but torrential downpour which the the turf further zip. Both sides continued to pop passes around, regardless of the saturated conditions, and United's first clear chance of the game was quickly forthcoming.
Giggs' cross from the right wing found Tevez, who rolled Kolo Toure but was quickly pressurised by goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski. The Argentine was unable to fire shot off, and Ronaldo blazed the rebound high into the Stretford End.
Arsenal were still retaining possession with more authority than their hosts, and Sir Alex Ferguson responded by throwing Ji-sung Park into the fray, at the expense of Tevez. The Korean soon had the ball in the Arsenal net, bursting through and swapping passes with Ronaldo before tapping in, only for the goal to be ruled offside. To the naked eye it was comfortably the right decision, only for television replays to reveal that Ronaldo had been played onside by Bacary Sagna.
A goal would have lifted all the growing tension on and around the field, but instead it was allowed to fester as United dropped deep, looking to counter as Arsenal pressed for a heartbreaking winner.
It meant the game was increasingly being watched between parted fingers for plenty of United fans, although hands were briefly transferred to heads when Ronaldo, felled after a lightning breakaway, drilled a free-kick fractionally past Fabianski's top left-hand corner.
Arsenal came even closer with six minutes remaining. Another fine build-up culminated in the ball reaching Fabregas, and the Spaniard's shot took the merest of flicks from Edwin van der Sar's fingertips before rattling against the outside of the post.
United were, by now, simply running down the clock. There was just about time for one last scare as Rooney was ruled to have fouled Sagna on the edge of the area, only for van Persie's free-kick to flick wide of the far post.
The final whistle prompted delirium among the fans who could finally exhale. Once again, success had been reached. Once again, United had straddled a knife-edge all the way there.
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A tense, nerve-wracking afternoon saw few chances at either at end, as a largely dour match dragged agonisingly to its conclusion. Hearts were in mouths for United fans throughout the afternoon, and never more than when Cesc Fabregas struck the post with six minutes remaining.
Victories over Manchester City and Wigan had the champions six points clear of second-placed Liverpool going into the match, meaning a point would secure a record-equalling 18th league title. Mindful of the dangers of playing for a draw, the Reds were quick out of the traps.
Barely 15 seconds had passed before Cristiano Ronaldo got the better of Kieran Gibbs, exposing the space behind the young full-back to race onto Darren Fletcher’s through-ball. The Portuguese declined to continue his sprint, however, and his cross was cleared before it could reach Ryan Giggs.
That early opening heralded a sustained spell of United pressure, which only served to heighten the expectant buzz which had hummed around Old Trafford long before kick-off.
However, Arsenal, still reeling from their Champions League exit at the hands of United, and the subsequent scrutiny of their silverware drought of recent years, were not at Old Trafford to simply roll over for the champions-elect.
Robin van Persie headed wastefully over from Andrey Arshavin’s pinpoint right-wing cross, despite having no United defenders in his immediate vicinity, while it took a last ditch challenge from Jonny Evans to halt an Arshavin run which had bypassed three of the Reds’ backline.
Slowly, United began to find gaps in the Gunners’ midfield and defence, and Wayne Rooney was agonisingly close to opening the scoring after 17 minutes, as he glanced Michael Carrick’s measured back-post cross narrowly past the upright.
From there, chances were few and far between for either side. United found Arsenal’s reshuffled backline hard to penetrate, while the visitors struggled to find the killer ball to crown their impressive approach play.
Giggs drilled over the bar from a difficult angle, but the half ended on a nervous note for United as Samir Nasri lashed a half-cleared corner goalwards. The Frenchman’s effort was heading off target, but could have deviated anywhere as it hit the unmarked van Persie. Fortunately for the Reds, the loose ball fell kindly and Nemanja Vidic was able to clear.
At the break, United had the required point to seal the title. However, the growing air of nervousness inside Old Trafford suggested a foreboding that Arsenal, with no great motivation of their own, could still gatecrash the party.
The Gunners were clearly in the mood to do so. The second half was barely underway when Cesc Fabregas was booked for following through on Evra. Moments later van Persie, already booked for hacking Ronaldo down, also caught the Frenchman. Referee Mike Dean lectured the Dutchman on his behaviour, before promptly booking Nasri for a cynical trip, again on the battered and bruised Evra.
As if to add a more dramatic backdrop to the now simmering atmosphere, proceedings were subjected to a brief, but torrential downpour which the the turf further zip. Both sides continued to pop passes around, regardless of the saturated conditions, and United's first clear chance of the game was quickly forthcoming.
Giggs' cross from the right wing found Tevez, who rolled Kolo Toure but was quickly pressurised by goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski. The Argentine was unable to fire shot off, and Ronaldo blazed the rebound high into the Stretford End.
Arsenal were still retaining possession with more authority than their hosts, and Sir Alex Ferguson responded by throwing Ji-sung Park into the fray, at the expense of Tevez. The Korean soon had the ball in the Arsenal net, bursting through and swapping passes with Ronaldo before tapping in, only for the goal to be ruled offside. To the naked eye it was comfortably the right decision, only for television replays to reveal that Ronaldo had been played onside by Bacary Sagna.
A goal would have lifted all the growing tension on and around the field, but instead it was allowed to fester as United dropped deep, looking to counter as Arsenal pressed for a heartbreaking winner.
It meant the game was increasingly being watched between parted fingers for plenty of United fans, although hands were briefly transferred to heads when Ronaldo, felled after a lightning breakaway, drilled a free-kick fractionally past Fabianski's top left-hand corner.
Arsenal came even closer with six minutes remaining. Another fine build-up culminated in the ball reaching Fabregas, and the Spaniard's shot took the merest of flicks from Edwin van der Sar's fingertips before rattling against the outside of the post.
United were, by now, simply running down the clock. There was just about time for one last scare as Rooney was ruled to have fouled Sagna on the edge of the area, only for van Persie's free-kick to flick wide of the far post.
The final whistle prompted delirium among the fans who could finally exhale. Once again, success had been reached. Once again, United had straddled a knife-edge all the way there.
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Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Wigan Athletic [Vs. Manchester United Match Report
United moved to the brink of the Barclays Premier League title with a pulsating second-half performance and two wonderful goals at Wigan.
Man of the moment Carlos Tevez came off the bench to equalise before midfield maestro Michael Carrick sealed a superb away win for the champions with five minutes remaining. This rally put Steve Bruce’s plucky Wigan side to the sword and no doubt destroyed the morale of a certain club on Merseyside, who’d no doubt been buoyed by Hugo Rodallega’s shock opener for the home team.
Sir Alex made five changes to his derby-winning side, the return of John O’Shea, Anderson, Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney suggesting this eleven was picked with the Reds’ next midweek fixure in mind, the Champions League final.
United were given an early fright when Antonio Valencia’s searing pace enabled him to break between Jonny Evans and Nemanja Vidic close to the halfway line and carry the ball menacingly into the box. Fortunately, the Reds’ senior centre-back made a sufficiently quick recovery to put the Ecuadorian off his stride, Valencia chipping his shot off target from six yards instead of beating Edwin van der Sar.
The Reds crafted two better opportunities to take the lead in quick succession around the 10th minute, with Dimitar Berbatov involved in both. First the Bulgarian laid on a peach of a right-wing cross that Rooney, so often the scourge of Wigan, unfortunately headed wide. Then Berbatov fed Cristiano Ronaldo and his low centre, again from the right, was steered agonisingly over the top left corner by Michael Carrick.
Charles N’Zogbia succeeded where Valencia had failed by forcing a fine save from Van der Sar; the Dutchman diving to his right to flick away the former Newcastle midfielder’s curling free-kick. Van der Sar’s next stop was more straightforward, gathering a low shot into his midriff after Evans misjudged a header and Wigan’s lone striker Hugo Rodallega made a Valencia-style surge forward.
The Colombian wasn’t to be denied with his next effort, however; after leaping with Vidic to contest a long pass forward, he reacted quickest as the ball dropped and lashed a close-range shot past van der Sar to give Wigan a shock lead. Vidic was incensed – he felt Rodallega had unfairly impeded him in their duel and TV replays supported this claim. Match referee Rob Styles, however, had no such view and a few minutes later he summoned van der Sar, as captain, and Vidic for a lecture on dissent.
Styles remained a central figure as Wigan’s muscular approach rattled a few men in red shirts but no serious punishment was delivered, either from the referee’s pocket or from the right boot of Ronaldo in a dead-ball situation. If Lee Cattermole upset Michael Carrick with a rash challenge, he almost embossed his villain status with an accurate shot that was well held by van der Sar, then a back-heel which helped to tee up Rodallega for an effort that only just skidded wide in first-half injury time. There was still time for United to attempt an equaliser but when Vidic’s deflected shot flew over the bar and the whistle blew, his grimace was apt for a first half of frustration.
Neither manager made a personnel change at the break, instead sending out the same players to grapple on the greasy surface, at least for the next ten minutes. One muscular tussle in this spell drew cries of ‘penalty’ from the vocal away support, only for Styles to rightly permit Paul Scharner’s perfectly executed tackle on Rooney.
The next piece of precision in Wigan’s box brought United onto level terms – courtesy of ‘impact substitute’ Carlos Tevez just minutes after replacing Anderson. The Argentine’s introduction instantly put the Latics on red alert but they were left red-faced when, with his back to the target, Carlos diverted Carrick’s shot home with a sublime flick. It was his fifth league goal of the season and undoubtedly his finest, not to mention the most important bar his Boxing Day winner at Stoke City.
The Reds had a more legitimate shout for a penalty when Ronaldo, at full tilt, tumbled after a collision with Latics’ left-back Maynor Figueroa but referee Styles rejected the appeals of the aghast Portuguese.
Sir Alex swopped his veterans as the game entered its nail-biting final phase, taking off Scholes and sending on Giggs, a decisive scorer in last season’s glorious corresponding fixture.
United’s sumptuous second-half football deserved a second goal and it fittingly came from one of many sweeping team moves. The ball flowed from Vidic to Ronaldo and on to O’Shea, and when the Irishman cut back to the edge of the area, Carrick stepped up to fire a stunning left-foot shot into the top left-hand corner.
Ecstatic Reds rushed from every position to celebrate the goal; another positive result in a few days’ time and those same players will be celebrating the ultimate triumph.
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Wigan Athletic Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clip
Wigan Athletic [1 - 2] Manchester United
28' [1 - 0] H.R. Martinez
61' [1 - 1] C.A. Tevez
86' [1 - 2] M. Carrick
1-0 H.Rodallega 28'
1-1 C.Tevez 61'
1-2 M.Carrick 86'
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28' [1 - 0] H.R. Martinez
61' [1 - 1] C.A. Tevez
86' [1 - 2] M. Carrick
1-0 H.Rodallega 28'
1-1 C.Tevez 61'
1-2 M.Carrick 86'
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Sunday, May 10, 2009
Manchester United Vs. Manchester City Match Report
United now need just four points from three games to win a third successive league title after the Reds brushed aside Mark Hughes’ men in the Manchester derby on Sunday.
First-half goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez sealed the points on a day when United’s back four were rarely troubled. The Blues were no match for a United side determined to regain top spot after Liverpool’s win at West Ham on Saturday had sent the Scousers temporarily to the summit.
Now, however, three points clear and with a game in hand, the Reds are favourites to secure an 11th Premier League trophy and could do so at Old Trafford next Saturday should Sir Alex's men beat Wigan Athletic on Wednesday night.
For Sunday's derby battle, the United boss made five changes to the side that beat Arsenal at the Emirates on Tuesday night. Jonny Evans and Rafael came into the back four for Rio Ferdinand and John O’Shea, while Ryan Giggs slotted into the centre of midfield. Up front, Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov started together for the 11th time in the league this season.
It was Ji-sung Park, however, who had the first chance of the game. The South Korean, who’s scored in United’s last two matches, collected Ronaldo’s knock-down inside the box on three minutes but dragged his shot wide of Shay Given’s post.
The Reds enjoyed a lot of early possession and both Tevez and Ronaldo forced Given into routine saves in the opening 10 minutes. City looked dangerous on occasion too, Robinho proving a handful for young Rafael at right back.
But it was United who went in front and it was that man Ronaldo with yet another free-kick. Against Arsenal in midweek he’d scored from 41 yards; this time it was a mere 28. Slightly left of centre, Ronaldo struck the ball sweetly and it flew past the City wall, bouncing once before nestling in the back of Given’s net.
Carlos Tevez almost added a second just after the half-hour with a brilliant effort that cannoned off the frame of the goal from the corner of the penalty area. The Argentinean, subject to intense pre-match speculation surrounding his future at Old Trafford, worked hard all afternoon and was involved in many of the Reds’ best attacking forays.
Indeed, it was Tevez who provided the final flourish to round off a superb move on the stroke of half-time and send the Reds 2-0 up. Darren Fletcher pumped a long ball forward, which Dimitar Berbatov cushioned with the delicacy of a father cradling his newborn. The Bulgarian then rolled the ball across the edge of the box to Tevez, who took two touches before rifling into the net off the inside of Given’s left-hand post.
The second goal was thoroughly deserved after a half in which United had dominated possession and continually found space in the final third. At the back, too, the Reds had looked solid with Nemanja Vidic marshalling the defence in Rio Ferdinand’s absence. One full-bloodied yet perfectly-timed sliding challenge, in particular, exemplified why the Serbian centre-back is hotly tipped to win the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award next weekend.
Neither manager made substitutions at half-time – Sir Alex certainly had no reason to – although City emerged from the break determined to pull a goal back. Robinho was presented with a golden chance to do just that on 50 minutes, but fired over from 10 yards. At the other end, Rafael’s cross-come-shot had Given scrambling momentarily as the ball looped onto the roof of the net.
With an hour gone, Sir Alex withdrew Ji-sung Park and Cristiano Ronaldo, who despite scoring the Reds’ opener had struggled to assert himself on the game. Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney entered the fray, with Rooney taking Park’s place on the right and Giggs shifting onto the opposite wing to make way for Scholes in the centre. There he joined Darren Fletcher, who was superb all day and won countless tackles and loose balls.
City’s search for a goal continued but substitute Martin Petrov’s late strike from distance, which drew a stunning finger-tip save from Edwin van der Sar, was as close as the visitors came.
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First-half goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez sealed the points on a day when United’s back four were rarely troubled. The Blues were no match for a United side determined to regain top spot after Liverpool’s win at West Ham on Saturday had sent the Scousers temporarily to the summit.
Now, however, three points clear and with a game in hand, the Reds are favourites to secure an 11th Premier League trophy and could do so at Old Trafford next Saturday should Sir Alex's men beat Wigan Athletic on Wednesday night.
For Sunday's derby battle, the United boss made five changes to the side that beat Arsenal at the Emirates on Tuesday night. Jonny Evans and Rafael came into the back four for Rio Ferdinand and John O’Shea, while Ryan Giggs slotted into the centre of midfield. Up front, Tevez and Dimitar Berbatov started together for the 11th time in the league this season.
It was Ji-sung Park, however, who had the first chance of the game. The South Korean, who’s scored in United’s last two matches, collected Ronaldo’s knock-down inside the box on three minutes but dragged his shot wide of Shay Given’s post.
The Reds enjoyed a lot of early possession and both Tevez and Ronaldo forced Given into routine saves in the opening 10 minutes. City looked dangerous on occasion too, Robinho proving a handful for young Rafael at right back.
But it was United who went in front and it was that man Ronaldo with yet another free-kick. Against Arsenal in midweek he’d scored from 41 yards; this time it was a mere 28. Slightly left of centre, Ronaldo struck the ball sweetly and it flew past the City wall, bouncing once before nestling in the back of Given’s net.
Carlos Tevez almost added a second just after the half-hour with a brilliant effort that cannoned off the frame of the goal from the corner of the penalty area. The Argentinean, subject to intense pre-match speculation surrounding his future at Old Trafford, worked hard all afternoon and was involved in many of the Reds’ best attacking forays.
Indeed, it was Tevez who provided the final flourish to round off a superb move on the stroke of half-time and send the Reds 2-0 up. Darren Fletcher pumped a long ball forward, which Dimitar Berbatov cushioned with the delicacy of a father cradling his newborn. The Bulgarian then rolled the ball across the edge of the box to Tevez, who took two touches before rifling into the net off the inside of Given’s left-hand post.
The second goal was thoroughly deserved after a half in which United had dominated possession and continually found space in the final third. At the back, too, the Reds had looked solid with Nemanja Vidic marshalling the defence in Rio Ferdinand’s absence. One full-bloodied yet perfectly-timed sliding challenge, in particular, exemplified why the Serbian centre-back is hotly tipped to win the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award next weekend.
Neither manager made substitutions at half-time – Sir Alex certainly had no reason to – although City emerged from the break determined to pull a goal back. Robinho was presented with a golden chance to do just that on 50 minutes, but fired over from 10 yards. At the other end, Rafael’s cross-come-shot had Given scrambling momentarily as the ball looped onto the roof of the net.
With an hour gone, Sir Alex withdrew Ji-sung Park and Cristiano Ronaldo, who despite scoring the Reds’ opener had struggled to assert himself on the game. Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney entered the fray, with Rooney taking Park’s place on the right and Giggs shifting onto the opposite wing to make way for Scholes in the centre. There he joined Darren Fletcher, who was superb all day and won countless tackles and loose balls.
City’s search for a goal continued but substitute Martin Petrov’s late strike from distance, which drew a stunning finger-tip save from Edwin van der Sar, was as close as the visitors came.
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Manchester United Vs. Manchester City Highlights Video Clip
Manchester United [2 - 0] Manchester City
18' [1 - 0] C. Ronaldo
45' [2 - 0] C.A. Tevez
1-0 C.Ronaldo 18'
2-0 C.Tevez 45'
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18' [1 - 0] C. Ronaldo
45' [2 - 0] C.A. Tevez
1-0 C.Ronaldo 18'
2-0 C.Tevez 45'
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Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Arsenal Vs. Manchester United Match Report
Bring on Barça or the Blues. United will be in Rome on 27 May to defend the Champions League trophy.
The Champions League holders turned in a flawless away performance to completely dismantle Arsene Wenger's Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, killing the tie through early goals from Ji-sung Park and Cristiano Ronaldo, before the Portuguese added gloss to the scoreline with a breakaway third.
The only sour note for United came through the late dismissal of Darren Fletcher. The Scot will miss the final after being incorrectly punished for bringing down Cesc Fabregas inside the United area, allowing Robin van Persie to hammer home a late penalty.
That made for a cruel end to the evening for Fletcher who, like each and every one of his colleagues, had been magnificent in overcoming the Gunners. It was in stark contrast to the manner in which the evening began, as United put the tie to bed inside 11 minutes.
Arsenal supporters had been encouraged to whip up a frenzied atmosphere to try and help their side overcome a single goal deficit brought about by John O'Shea's first leg strike at Old Trafford, but the Emirates' noise levels dipped irretrievably after seven minutes.
United's mantra had been obvious from the first whistle: counter attack. On the Reds' second such foray, Anderson slipped in Ronaldo, who had been detailed with the lone striker's role by virtue of his searing pace, and the Portuguese fizzed a low ball across the area. Teenage full-back Kieran Gibbs slipped at the crucial moment, allowing Park to pinch the ball and slip a shot over Manuel Almunia and into the goal.
The pocket of some 3,500 United fans behind the opposite goal burst into a frenzied celebration, one which was still ongoing when Ronaldo put the tie out of sight just four minutes later. Having won a free-kick 40 yards from goal, he sent a trademark rocket towards Almunia's left-hand corner, and the Spaniard was unable to read the ball's flight. Game over, tie over, start packing the bags for Rome.
Arsenal, understandably, were rocked. The half-hour mark had arrived before the hosts even tested Edwin van der Sar, and it was a tame header from Fabregas which called the Dutchman into action. Either side of the Spaniard's effort, Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo drew impressive saves from Almunia.
With the Reds' backline in imperious, unbreachable mood, it was left to the forwards to surge forward and exploit the inevitable gaps in Arsenal's foraging formation. Ronaldo had already seen one breakaway end with an Almunia save before he struck a superb third goal.
Nemanja Vidic headed an Arsenal corner as far as the Portuguese, who impishly backheeled a pass to Park before high-tailing it towards the Gunners' area. He reached his destination at the same time as Rooney's perfectly-weighted pass, and drilled a fine shot high into Almunia's goal. Cue delirium among the United supporters, and a mass exodus by their Arsenal counterparts.
With Patrice Evra and Rooney at risk of missing the final with another booking, they were quickly hooked for Rafael and Dimitar Berbatov, while Ryan Giggs replaced Anderson after another impressive outing from the young Brazilian.
There was more of a hint of irony, then, when Fletcher raced back to superbly touch the ball away from Fabregas deep inside the United area, only for referee Roberto Rosetti to award a penalty and brandish the red card at the heartbroken Scot.
Van Persie drilled home the resultant kick as Fletcher trudged down the tunnel, joining Roy Keane and Paul Scholes on the list of United players unfortunate enough to have been ruled out of European football's greatest showpiece by suspension.
While dismay was ultimately the order of the day for Fletch, the overall mood among the United camp must be one of elation after one of the most emphatic European away displays in memory. The Reds are off to Rome, where Barcelona or Chelsea - both vanquished last season - will await. Forza United!
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The Champions League holders turned in a flawless away performance to completely dismantle Arsene Wenger's Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, killing the tie through early goals from Ji-sung Park and Cristiano Ronaldo, before the Portuguese added gloss to the scoreline with a breakaway third.
The only sour note for United came through the late dismissal of Darren Fletcher. The Scot will miss the final after being incorrectly punished for bringing down Cesc Fabregas inside the United area, allowing Robin van Persie to hammer home a late penalty.
That made for a cruel end to the evening for Fletcher who, like each and every one of his colleagues, had been magnificent in overcoming the Gunners. It was in stark contrast to the manner in which the evening began, as United put the tie to bed inside 11 minutes.
Arsenal supporters had been encouraged to whip up a frenzied atmosphere to try and help their side overcome a single goal deficit brought about by John O'Shea's first leg strike at Old Trafford, but the Emirates' noise levels dipped irretrievably after seven minutes.
United's mantra had been obvious from the first whistle: counter attack. On the Reds' second such foray, Anderson slipped in Ronaldo, who had been detailed with the lone striker's role by virtue of his searing pace, and the Portuguese fizzed a low ball across the area. Teenage full-back Kieran Gibbs slipped at the crucial moment, allowing Park to pinch the ball and slip a shot over Manuel Almunia and into the goal.
The pocket of some 3,500 United fans behind the opposite goal burst into a frenzied celebration, one which was still ongoing when Ronaldo put the tie out of sight just four minutes later. Having won a free-kick 40 yards from goal, he sent a trademark rocket towards Almunia's left-hand corner, and the Spaniard was unable to read the ball's flight. Game over, tie over, start packing the bags for Rome.
Arsenal, understandably, were rocked. The half-hour mark had arrived before the hosts even tested Edwin van der Sar, and it was a tame header from Fabregas which called the Dutchman into action. Either side of the Spaniard's effort, Wayne Rooney and Ronaldo drew impressive saves from Almunia.
With the Reds' backline in imperious, unbreachable mood, it was left to the forwards to surge forward and exploit the inevitable gaps in Arsenal's foraging formation. Ronaldo had already seen one breakaway end with an Almunia save before he struck a superb third goal.
Nemanja Vidic headed an Arsenal corner as far as the Portuguese, who impishly backheeled a pass to Park before high-tailing it towards the Gunners' area. He reached his destination at the same time as Rooney's perfectly-weighted pass, and drilled a fine shot high into Almunia's goal. Cue delirium among the United supporters, and a mass exodus by their Arsenal counterparts.
With Patrice Evra and Rooney at risk of missing the final with another booking, they were quickly hooked for Rafael and Dimitar Berbatov, while Ryan Giggs replaced Anderson after another impressive outing from the young Brazilian.
There was more of a hint of irony, then, when Fletcher raced back to superbly touch the ball away from Fabregas deep inside the United area, only for referee Roberto Rosetti to award a penalty and brandish the red card at the heartbroken Scot.
Van Persie drilled home the resultant kick as Fletcher trudged down the tunnel, joining Roy Keane and Paul Scholes on the list of United players unfortunate enough to have been ruled out of European football's greatest showpiece by suspension.
While dismay was ultimately the order of the day for Fletch, the overall mood among the United camp must be one of elation after one of the most emphatic European away displays in memory. The Reds are off to Rome, where Barcelona or Chelsea - both vanquished last season - will await. Forza United!
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Arsenal Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clip
Arsenal [1 - 3] Manchester United
8' [0 - 1] J. Park
11' [0 - 2] C. Ronaldo
61' [0 - 3] C. Ronaldo
76' [1 - 3] R.v. Persie (pen.)
0-1 J.Park 8'
0-2 C.Ronaldo 11'
0-3 C.Ronaldo 61'
1-3 R.van Persie (P) 76'
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8' [0 - 1] J. Park
11' [0 - 2] C. Ronaldo
61' [0 - 3] C. Ronaldo
76' [1 - 3] R.v. Persie (pen.)
0-1 J.Park 8'
0-2 C.Ronaldo 11'
0-3 C.Ronaldo 61'
1-3 R.van Persie (P) 76'
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Saturday, May 2, 2009
Middlesbrough Vs. Manchester United Match Report
A near-perfect afternoon's work at the Riverside Stadium allowed United to open up a six-point lead at the head of the Premier League table, and rest a number of key players ahead of Tuesday's Champions League semi-final trip to the Emirates Stadium.
Ryan Giggs and Ji-sung Park struck in either half to give the Reds three priceless domestic points, as the annually tricky trip to Middlesbrough evolved into a Saturday afternoon stroll on Teesside. United's defensive resolve and attacking incision bore the hallmark of champions, and barely gave the relegation-haunted hosts a sniff of encouragement.
As expected, Sir Alex Ferguson shuffled his pack with next week's clash with Arsenal at the core of his thinking. Edwin van der Sar, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and the injured Rio Ferdinand were omitted from the squad entirely, while Anderson, Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez were held in reserve on the substitutes' bench.
That meant only John O'Shea, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Wayne Rooney started after lining up against the Gunners last Wednesday, and Middlesbrough - desperate for points to stave off the very real threat of relegation - were keen to check for any signs that the Reds' collective attentions were already drifting to European matters.
There were certainly none apparent in a keenly-contested opening in which both sides harrassed the other for possession. John O'Shea had to be alert to head Jeremie Aliadiere's cross away from Stewart Downing, while Rooney drilled narrowly over from distance as the first 20 minutes carried little threat of either side opening the scoring.
Boro were the first to genuinely threaten as Marlon King fed Aliadiere deep inside the United area but, with Vidic hurtling across the box to apply vital pressure, the Frenchman could only muster a half-hit shot, which Foster saved well with his feet.
That scare sparked United into life, and within three minutes the champions had forged ahead. After Matthew Bates had brilliantly prevented Giggs from firing off a shot at the expense of a corner, the ball arrived at Vidic on the edge of the area. Bates and Kiko Macheda collided in going for the Serbian's pass and it fell to Giggs, who took a touch and sent an unstoppable low shot skidding into Brad Jones' bottom left-hand corner.
The goal took Giggs to 148 career goals for the Reds, but of more importance was that it largely extinguished the limited vim and vigour in Boro's display, and Paul Scholes might have doubled United's lead on two occasions in the dying stages of the half, but snatched both efforts wide from the edge of the area.
No matter. The Reds' dominance relented only for the interval and, after Macheda had fired Rooney's pull-back just wide, Park struck a sumptuous second goal with just five minutes of the second period gone. Crisp passing and undetectable movement characterised a delicious build-up, crowned by a superb reverse ball from Rooney which allowed Park to strike a clinical first-time effort just inside Jones' post.
The Korean had his first goal since September's strike at Chelsea, and had also secured three vital points in the ongoing title race. Boro were now devoid of any belief that they could mount a comeback, and Sir Alex gradually freshened up his team with the introduction of Carlos Tevez, Nani and Rafael for Macheda, Park and Evra.
Despite the absence of Ferdinand, United's defence was rarely troubled, and only a last-ditch challenge from David Wheater prevented Tevez from capping a winding run with a goal of his own. Similarly desperate defending allowed Robert Huth to deny O'Shea a second goal in a week, while Rooney curled a 20-yard free-kick just wide.
The earlier goals from Giggs and Park had already done enough, though, and United could canter to the finish line. Only seven points from four remaining domestic games will secure a third successive Premier League title, and attentions can switch to Tuesday's Champions League trip to the Emirates Stadium.
Read more...
Ryan Giggs and Ji-sung Park struck in either half to give the Reds three priceless domestic points, as the annually tricky trip to Middlesbrough evolved into a Saturday afternoon stroll on Teesside. United's defensive resolve and attacking incision bore the hallmark of champions, and barely gave the relegation-haunted hosts a sniff of encouragement.
As expected, Sir Alex Ferguson shuffled his pack with next week's clash with Arsenal at the core of his thinking. Edwin van der Sar, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and the injured Rio Ferdinand were omitted from the squad entirely, while Anderson, Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez were held in reserve on the substitutes' bench.
That meant only John O'Shea, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Wayne Rooney started after lining up against the Gunners last Wednesday, and Middlesbrough - desperate for points to stave off the very real threat of relegation - were keen to check for any signs that the Reds' collective attentions were already drifting to European matters.
There were certainly none apparent in a keenly-contested opening in which both sides harrassed the other for possession. John O'Shea had to be alert to head Jeremie Aliadiere's cross away from Stewart Downing, while Rooney drilled narrowly over from distance as the first 20 minutes carried little threat of either side opening the scoring.
Boro were the first to genuinely threaten as Marlon King fed Aliadiere deep inside the United area but, with Vidic hurtling across the box to apply vital pressure, the Frenchman could only muster a half-hit shot, which Foster saved well with his feet.
That scare sparked United into life, and within three minutes the champions had forged ahead. After Matthew Bates had brilliantly prevented Giggs from firing off a shot at the expense of a corner, the ball arrived at Vidic on the edge of the area. Bates and Kiko Macheda collided in going for the Serbian's pass and it fell to Giggs, who took a touch and sent an unstoppable low shot skidding into Brad Jones' bottom left-hand corner.
The goal took Giggs to 148 career goals for the Reds, but of more importance was that it largely extinguished the limited vim and vigour in Boro's display, and Paul Scholes might have doubled United's lead on two occasions in the dying stages of the half, but snatched both efforts wide from the edge of the area.
No matter. The Reds' dominance relented only for the interval and, after Macheda had fired Rooney's pull-back just wide, Park struck a sumptuous second goal with just five minutes of the second period gone. Crisp passing and undetectable movement characterised a delicious build-up, crowned by a superb reverse ball from Rooney which allowed Park to strike a clinical first-time effort just inside Jones' post.
The Korean had his first goal since September's strike at Chelsea, and had also secured three vital points in the ongoing title race. Boro were now devoid of any belief that they could mount a comeback, and Sir Alex gradually freshened up his team with the introduction of Carlos Tevez, Nani and Rafael for Macheda, Park and Evra.
Despite the absence of Ferdinand, United's defence was rarely troubled, and only a last-ditch challenge from David Wheater prevented Tevez from capping a winding run with a goal of his own. Similarly desperate defending allowed Robert Huth to deny O'Shea a second goal in a week, while Rooney curled a 20-yard free-kick just wide.
The earlier goals from Giggs and Park had already done enough, though, and United could canter to the finish line. Only seven points from four remaining domestic games will secure a third successive Premier League title, and attentions can switch to Tuesday's Champions League trip to the Emirates Stadium.
Read more...
Middlesbrough Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clip
Middlesbrough [0 - 2] Manchester United
25' [0 - 1] R. Giggs
51' [0 - 2] J. Park
0-1 R.Giggs 25'
0-2 J.Park 51'
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25' [0 - 1] R. Giggs
51' [0 - 2] J. Park
0-1 R.Giggs 25'
0-2 J.Park 51'
Read more...
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