tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68183629482937637242024-03-08T03:07:34.578-05:00Manchester United FanBlog about Manchester United posted by die hard Manchester United fan. Latest news, match preview, result, video clips, and player profile will be posted.zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.comBlogger1553125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818362948293763724.post-64447191441562861392011-11-22T20:21:00.000-05:002011-11-22T20:21:20.228-05:00Manchester United Vs. Benfica Highlights Video ClipsFor those who criticise the Champions League group stages, this fabulous affair was evidence of the sort of entertainment it can provide.<br />
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United went behind to an early Phil Jones own goal but battled back valiantly with goals from Dimitar Berbatov, spearheading the team in Wayne Rooney's absence, and Darren Fletcher. The Portuguese visitors responded swiftly through Pablo Aimar to keep their unbeaten run this season intact and a Nani cross that deflected behind in injury time proved the final throw of the dice.<br />
<span class="fullpost">As it stands, United are second in Group C - level on points with Benfica but crucially behind Tuesday's opponents on the head-to-head format - with Jorge Jesus' outfit due to play Otelul Galati in the final round. Basel held out for a 3-2 victory in Romania and they sit only a point behind last season's runners-up in the table.<br />
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The Reds got off to a nightmare start when an incisive move down the right in the third minute saw Maxi Pereira feed Nicolas Gaitan and the winger's cross was shinned into his own net by Jones, giving David De Gea no chance.<br />
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Gradually, Sir Alex's side responded, largely through Nani's adventurous dribbling, with Artur brought into action by the Portugal international's free-kick and a shot from Ashley Young. The visitors continued to try and disrupt the Reds' flow but the breakthrough came on the half-hour mark. Young worked a free-kick short to Patrice Evra who helped it on to Nani, always likely to be the source of any inspiration. The wide man's left-wing cross was perfect for Berbatov to guide a splendid header wide of Artur and into the net for the equaliser.<br />
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The goal sparked a frantic spell, with Young firing a one-on-one opportunity against Artur's legs after linking well with Berbatov and Aimar bringing a smart stop out of De Gea seconds later. Although Berbatov later tapped the ball into the net, Evra had long since been flagged offside and Artur was yellow-carded for his attempts to get the Bulgarian booked.<br />
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Clearly gaining in influence since his leveller, Berbatov had a drive deflected over by Ezequiel Garay's desperate block following some neat work by Young as the sides went into the break all-square, allowing the fans to catch their breath.<br />
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The second half was just as exciting and began with Young's side-foot shot being blocked at close range following some fine work by Nani. Fabio spurned a glorious chance on 54 minutes when Jones' strong pressing led to him being in the clear with only Artur to beat but the keeper saved the attempted chip.<br />
<br />
Undeterred, the Reds kept knocking on the door and, soon after Benfica lost Luisao to injury, Fletcher edged his team in front. Evra's superb ball into the box allowed the Scot to find the net, at the second time of asking after Artur did superbly to block his initial shot. Old Trafford's joy was short-lived, however, as De Gea's misplaced kick-out gifted possession to the Portuguese side and Bruno Cesar's cross hit Rio Ferdinand and fell kindly for Aimar, who gratefully smashed home from close range.<br />
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Berbatov had the ball in the net again but Young was flagged offside, probably incorrectly, before the officials got it right when Nani appealed for a penalty under Javi Garcia's challenge. Referee Cuneyt Cakir merely waved play on. Goalscorers Aimar and Fletcher traded off-target efforts, before Berbatov really should have restored the Reds' lead. Fletcher's intelligent pass freed Fabio and the Brazilian's cross was volleyed over by the unmarked Bulgarian inside the box.<br />
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It proved a costly miss as, despite the introduction of Javier Hernandez for Antonio Valencia, the Reds were unable to gain the victory that would have made the qualification process considerably easier. Indeed, Rodrigo went closest to a winner when easing past Fletcher but firing wide with his left foot. As it is, the final group fixture in Basel next month carries great significance and any hope of topping the group may have vanished in the cold Manchester air. </span>zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818362948293763724.post-73391356633172993862011-11-22T20:20:00.000-05:002011-11-22T20:20:05.933-05:00Manchester United Vs. Benfica Highlights Video ClipsManchester United [2 - 2] Benfica<br />
3' [0 - 1] P. Jones (o.g.) <br />
30' [1 - 1] D. Berbatov <br />
59' [2 - 1] D. Fletcher <br />
61' [2 - 2] P. Aimar<br />
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<object height="320" width="520"><param name="video" value="http://static.video.yandex.ru/lite/freekicker17/eph8efzz3o.4006/"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="scale" value="noscale"><embed src="http://static.video.yandex.ru/lite/freekicker17/eph8efzz3o.4006/" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" scale="noscale" height="320" width="520"> </object>zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818362948293763724.post-77392934491134995112011-11-19T14:35:00.000-05:002011-11-19T14:35:41.335-05:00Swansea Vs. Manchester United Match Report ResultUnited ensured they remained hot on the heels of their Manchester neighbours with a first-ever victory over Swansea City in Wales.<br />
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This was the first meeting between the two teams in 28 years with the Reds never having beaten the Welsh side on their own patch in eight previous attempts. Brendan Rodgers’ side were intent on maintaining that record and indeed this season’s unbeaten run at the Liberty Stadium, but Javier Hernandez’s 11th-minute strike proved decisive as Sir Alex’s men, who were professional in their play, rather than prolific, overcame a spirited display from the Swans.<br />
<span class="fullpost">With Manchester City eight points clear at the top of the table at kick-off though, Sir Alex knew victory was imperative and he sent out a strong team with that very much in mind. There were three changes to the side that beat Sunderland with David De Gea returning in goal, Michael Carrick starting his first league game of the season and Ryan Giggs back in action in his native Wales and featuring in his first match for five weeks after a spell in the treatment room. And it was the Welshman who ensured the Reds got off to the perfect start on 11 minutes.<br />
<br />
Angel Rangel dithered on the ball at the back and his attempted pass was easily cut out by Giggs. The midfielder powered into the area before sliding a low cross into the path of Javier Hernandez who side-footed home from five yards to keep up his impressive run of goals away from home.<br />
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Swansea, who had come out of the blocks with real intent, remained buoyant despite the early blow and went close to restoring parity on 22 minutes; indeed, Scott Sinclair will still be wondering how he didn’t get his name on the score-sheet. Just after Patrice Evra had seen a low drive well held by Michel Vorm, Danny Graham, the Swans’ lone front-man, shrugged off a challenge at the other end to put Wayne Routledge in. His cross cannoned off Carrick and into the path of Sinclair who, with the goal gaping and De Gea struggling to get back in position, completely missed the ball from eight yards out.<br />
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After breathing a sigh of relief, the Reds, who were in relative control thereafter, set about building on their advantage. After Giggs had flashed a free-kick just wide nine minutes from the break, Hernandez found himself clear down the right but he over-hit his cross towards the onrushing Rooney and the chance was gone.<br />
<br />
It was the Swans who had the first sight of goal after the restart. Joe Allen, brought on to replace Routledge, rolled the ball out to Sinclair who sent a powerful left-foot drive goalwards, but it was well parried by De Gea. Gary Monk then miscued a free header from the resulting corner.<br />
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The Swans continued to battle but De Gea and co. held firm. At the other end, Hernandez was always a threat on the break, while Rooney was involved in virtually all of United’s good play. Indeed, the England striker tried his luck from long range on 70 minutes, but Vorm claimed well.<br />
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With only one goal in it, the Swans continued to probe. Sinclair escaped the attentions of Rooney down the left and picked out Graham in the box. His shot was well blocked by Carrick, while Ashley Williams saw his follow-up effort cleared by Ferdinand.<br />
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With time almost up, the Reds went close to doubling their lead. Rooney chipped the ball onto the roof, before Jones, on one of his now renowned bursts forward, fired a low drive, from inside the area, against the far post. Then Nani curled another effort just wide in then dying seconds.<br />
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United held out for the victory - their fifth in a row - and ensured they kept up the heat on City. </span>zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818362948293763724.post-22703739158762786632011-11-19T14:34:00.001-05:002011-11-19T14:34:19.771-05:00Swansea Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video ClipsSwansea [0 - 1] Manchester United<br />
11' [0 - 1] J. Hernandez <br />
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<div align="center" style="margin-top:-10px;">0-1 Hernandez 11'<br><object width="520" height="320"><param name="movie" value="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=oPApNKvk6VTRLN14" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="520" height="320" src="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=oPApNKvk6VTRLN14" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" /></object><br></div>zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818362948293763724.post-10262953695705704772011-11-05T13:09:00.000-04:002011-11-05T13:09:09.105-04:00Manchester United Vs. Sunderland Highlights Video ClipsManchester United [1 - 0] Sunderland <br />
45' [1 - 0] W. Brown (o.g.) <br />
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1-0 Brown (Own goal) 45'+1<br />
<object width="520" height="320"><param name="movie" value="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=1ahT2bFf10sRnqdc" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="520" height="320" src="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=1ahT2bFf10sRnqdc" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" /></object>zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818362948293763724.post-58044333287334446912011-11-02T20:15:00.000-04:002011-11-02T20:15:03.515-04:00Manchester United Vs. Otelul Galati Match Result ReportUnited's Champions League victory over Romania's Otelul Galati was workmanlike rather than wonderful. But a win's a win and this one was enough to leave Sir Alex's men in a commanding position at the top of Group C, with two games to play.<br />
<span class="fullpost">Antonio Valencia's eighth-minute tap-in was all that separated the sides on the scoreboard until Wayne Rooney's late long-range effort deflected off Cristian Sarghi and past the Galati goalkeeper. But it wasn't as if United found the going particularly tough against Galati; the Reds actually looked comfortable, if not wholly convincing, for long periods.<br />
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It was a similar story a fortnight ago in Bucharest when two second-half spot-kicks, both won and converted by Rooney, handed United the three points. Rooney didn't quite get his name on the scoresheet again in this match (UEFA have declared the Reds' second an own goal), but he still had a big impact, albeit from a much different area of the pitch.<br />
<br />
Indeed, Sir Alex took the unusual step of deploying Wayne in a deep-lying midfield role. And although it was unfamiliar teriitory, the Reds' no.10 didn't disappoint. Within 40 seconds he had chased Liviu Antal down towards the corner flag and harried the Romanian into coughing up possession.<br />
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Rooney then went on to demonstrate, in understated fashion, a knack for keeping the ball moving with simple first-time passes, interspersing these with a steady array of more ambitious long balls. In many ways, his performance was reminiscent of the way Paul Scholes used to quietly dictate a game's rhythmn.<br />
<br />
Indeed, it was the Reds' no.10 who was responsible for launching the attack that yielded the early opener. His long, raking pass to the right wing found Dimitar Berbatov, who held the ball up briefly before releasing Phil Jones on the overlap. His ball to the near post just eluded Michael Owen’s stretch, but waiting behind, unmarked and only three yards from goal, was Antonio Valencia. He was never going to miss.<br />
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The joy in the stands was tempered a minute later when Owen, who appeared to have injured himself while attempting to reach Jones' cross, limped down the tunnel and was replaced by Javier Hernandez. It was United's two full-backs, though, who came closest to adding a second before half-time. First Fabio embarked on a dribble from the left-back position that only ended when his attempt to roll the ball across goal for Berbatov was blocked by a last-ditch tackle. Along the way he'd left countless Romanians in his wake.<br />
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Then Jones surged down the right, cut inside the penalty area and unleashed a curling left-footed effort that looked bound for the far corner until Sergiu Costin intervened with a headed clearance. Galati, too, almost troubled the scorers on 42 minutes when Ionut Neagu pounced on Anderson's loose pass and advanced on goal. His effort took a touch off Rio Ferdinand, which forced David De Gea, hitherto unworked and untroubled, into a smart reflex save.<br />
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Just after the break, Berbatov, Jones and Hernandez sparked brief panic inside the Galati penalty area with some neat interplay that cut the Romanian defence apart before goalkeeper Grahovac spread himself well to snuff out the danger. Down the other end, De Gea had to be equally alert to punch the ball clear as Antal raced to get on the end of a left-wing centre. Minutes later he gleefully clutched the ball to his chest after Costin rose at the back post to meet subsitute Sorin Frunza's corner.<br />
<br />
Costin was in the thick of the action again when he raced back to clear off the line after Anderson combined with Berbatov to reach the return pass first and lift the ball past the onrushing Grahovac. Hernandez had a long-range shot saved and Berbatov poked a presentable chance wide of the near post on 75 minutes before Rooney added the icing on the cake with his deflected effort.<br />
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It made the final scoreline look more respectable and probably reflected more accurately the balance of play (although Galati did try and force their way back into it late on). In many ways, though, the sloppy nature of the goal summed up a match that probably won't live long in the memory of many United fans. </span>zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818362948293763724.post-48812994284677795032011-11-02T20:11:00.002-04:002011-11-02T20:11:50.326-04:00Manchester United Vs. Otelul Galati Highlights Video ClipsManchester United [2 - 0] Otelul Galati<br />
8' [1 - 0] L.A. Valencia <br />
87' [2 - 0] W. Rooney <br />
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<object width="520" height="320"><param name="movie" value="http://video.rutube.ru/c4a8a8181e60841d5ccc6e4648868fb5"><param name="wmode" value="window"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="flashVars" value="uid=4427168"><embed src="http://video.rutube.ru/c4a8a8181e60841d5ccc6e4648868fb5" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="window" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="uid=4427168" width="520" height="320"></object><hr>1-0 Valencia A. 8'<br><object width="520" height="320"><param name="movie" value="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=p2x1KZr0uscyhq2M"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=p2x1KZr0uscyhq2M" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="520" height="320"></object> <br>0-2 Rooney W. 87'<br><object width="520" height="320"><param name="movie" value="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=LFFOAAyTcb1SAUru"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=LFFOAAyTcb1SAUru" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="520" height="320"></object>zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818362948293763724.post-31089866580350195082011-10-29T12:55:00.002-04:002011-10-29T12:55:41.297-04:00Everton Vs. Manchester United Match Result ReportThree points were required at Everton after last week's dismal derby defeat and the champions ground out a 1-0 victory to muster the right response.<br />
<span class="fullpost">Admittedly, the Reds weren't at their most fluent - and Tom Cleverley's injury after a bright return to Barclays Premier League action was a real setback - but Javier Hernandez's 19th-minute goal proved decisive. Any suggestion that the Merseysiders would tire after being taken into extra-time by Chelsea in a midweek cup tie proved ill-founded as United had to batten down the hatches for much of the second half.<br />
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Sir Alex made five changes to the team that lost to City last Sunday with Wayne Rooney starting in a withdrawn role alongside Cleverley and Darren Fletcher, and Jonny Evans returning from the suspension he served at Aldershot.<br />
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In a breathless opening, Seamus Coleman cut inside Patrice Evra to shoot at David De Gea within the first 18 seconds and Tim Howard pulled off a good stop at the other end when Ji-sung Park tried to convert a Danny Welbeck cross inside two minutes.<br />
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United took a firm grip on proceedings and some sustained pressure led to a well-worked opener. Cleverley and Welbeck helped the ball wide to Evra and the full-back's dangerous low cross was tapped home by Hernandez with his left foot. Although Welbeck nearly latched onto a risky headed backpass by Phil Jagielka, the champions were unable to carve out too many openings and Everton came back into the match.<br />
<br />
De Gea saved from Leon Osman after Marouane Fellaini beat Evans in the air and Jack Rodwell fired wide when afforded far too much space after Evra conceded possession cheaply. The hosts were unlucky not to draw level with 40 minutes gone as Fletcher's foul allowed Leighton Baines to curl a free-kick over the wall and past the stationary De Gea but against the bar.<br />
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Although Hernandez had a weak attempt at Howard following a slick build-up, there was no doubt Everton ended the half on the front feet as Louis Saha twice worked De Gea.<br />
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After introducing young Ross Barkley at the break, David Moyes' side continued to press but De Gea blocked a Rodwell drive after Evans gifted the ball to Coleman on the right. The champions were dealt a blow when the lively Cleverley was forced off injured and continued to make heavy weather of a tough assignement.<br />
<br />
Welbeck finally brought Howard into action when the American pushed over the striker's shot from Hernandez's intelligent pass with the team's only real goal attempt of the second period. But, after making all three subsitutions, United struggled to find any rhythm and Everton built up another head of steam. Saha dragged wastefully wide when Coleman was better placed and was then blocked during a real goalmouth scramble.<br />
<br />
Despite their weary legs, the hosts ensured it was a nervous finale for everybody of a Red persuasion. Coleman managed a couple of efforts through to De Gea but the Spain Under-21 keeper was rarely over-extended, in truth.<br />
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Six minutes of injury time were agonising for the away fans and Evra escaped when Magaye Guaye went down under his challenge inside the box with Mark Halsey making the right call and waving away the desperate penalty appeals. It wasn't pretty but it's three away wins in the league already this term after only five were secured during the title-winning campaign last term. </span>zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818362948293763724.post-29404568974407106002011-10-29T12:54:00.001-04:002011-10-29T12:54:29.765-04:00Everton Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video ClipsEverton [0 - 1] Manchester United<br />
19' [0 - 1] J. Hernandez <br />
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<iframe src="http://www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/xm0mdt" frameborder="0" height="320" width="520"></iframe><hr>0-1 Hernandez J. 19'<br />
<object height="320" width="520"><param name="movie" value="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=9bnqY4cF6ZVotTx0"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=9bnqY4cF6ZVotTx0" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="320" width="520"></object>zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818362948293763724.post-64679826818294749332011-10-25T20:39:00.002-04:002011-10-25T20:39:54.383-04:00Aldershot T. Vs. Manchester United Match Report ResultThe vultures may have been circling at Aldershot hoping a Carling Cup giantkilling could lead to talk of a crisis at United. However, Sir Alex Ferguson's side swiftly sent out a message that it's business as usual after the derby day disaster by cruising into the fifth round with a convincing 3-0 triumph.<br />
<span class="fullpost">Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen pressed their claims by making the most of rare starts with goals in the first half before Antonio Valencia's outstanding long-range drive ended the match as a contest. A mixture of youth and experience accounted for the Shots as easily as Leeds had been disposed of in the previous round to illustrate the strength in depth at the manager's disposal.<br />
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The Reds quickly slipped into gear with Tom Cleverley firing over the bar on his return from injury when Berbatov touched a Mame Biram Diouf header back to him. Nemanja Vidic picked up a yellow card for a clumsy foul on Alex Rodman but United were soon ahead after quarter of an hour. Ji-sung Park played an incisive one-two with Cleverley and nudged an instant pass to Berbatov, who took one touch before swivelling to sweep past Aldershot goalkeeper Ross Worner.<br />
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Berbatov should have had a clear penalty when he was felled by Luke Guttridge inside the box as Sir Alex's side threatened to overwhelm the League Two team. Fabio's shot deflected wide, Berbatov's dangerous header into the six-yard box was cleared and United forced seven corners inside the first 25 minutes. <br />
<br />
But, to their credit, Town rallied and traded goal attempts with their illustrious opponents for a spell - even if Ben Amos was only worked by one effort, from top scorer Danny Hylton. As if to emphasis the obvious gulf in quality, Owen doubled the lead to quieten the capacity crowd. After picking out Berbatov with a raking pass, the number seven showed his thirst for goals by arriving in the box on cue to convert the Bulgarian's inviting assist, despite Worner getting a touch to the shot.<br />
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The second half started in a similar vein as Valencia collected a Cleverley pass and hit a stunning drive with whip and bend that crashed high into the net over Worner's despairing dive. Berbatov was working harder than anybody and, after feeling aggrieved when having another penalty appeal waved away, as Aaron Morris handled, he stormed through when linking up with Park and dragged his finish wide when really deserving another goal.<br />
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Paul Pogba was introduced, for Cleverley, and soon had a shot well wide before Ravel Morrison and Michael Keane, for his debut, also came on for a taste of the action. United kept pressing but Park drilled wide when picked out from a corner by Owen and only a fine Darren Jones tackle thwarted Morrison following an exquisite exchange of flicks with Berbatov. Park's dynamic solo run ended with referee Peter Walton pulling play back for a free-kick on the edge of the box with Berbatov's set-piece pushed away by Worner as the Shots continued the process of damage limitation.<br />
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The game finished with a flurry of threats - Valencia spurned a glorious late chance after bursting through and Guttridge hammered a shot wide as the hosts sought a consolation goal that would at least have cheered their support. Guttridge also brought a flying save out of Amos in the closing stages with the keeper showing his concentration when it mattered most. There was to be no joy for Aldershot - nor for those hoping United's weekend misery would be prolonged any longer. </span>zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818362948293763724.post-88442165948705192462011-10-25T20:38:00.001-04:002011-10-25T20:38:15.488-04:00Aldershot T. Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video ClipsAldershot T. [0 - 3] Manchester United<br />
15' [0 - 1] D. Berbatov <br />
41' [0 - 2] M. Owen <br />
48' [0 - 3] L.A. Valencia <br />
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<object height="320" width="520"><param name="movie" value="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=jYrNJon3T9YxM1ro"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=jYrNJon3T9YxM1ro" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="320" width="520"></object>zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818362948293763724.post-6256648812181433852011-10-23T12:20:00.000-04:002011-10-23T12:20:14.959-04:00Manchester United Vs. Manchester City Match Report ResultIt had been billed as the biggest Manchester derby in decades, but it turned out to be a derby day to forget for United as City celebrated a historic 6-1 victory at Old Trafford.<span class="fullpost">The Reds started as the brighter of the two teams but it was the Blues who made the crucial breakthrough when Mario Balotelli sidefooted past David De Gea after 20 minutes. Jonny Evans’ red card just after the break made it a real uphill fight for the champions and it got worse thereafter as Balotelli grabbed a second goal before further strikes from Sergio Aguero, David Silva and two from substitute Edin Dzeko left Old Trafford stunned. United’s 18-month unbeaten run at home was well and truly over.<br />
<br />
Sir Alex Ferguson made three changes to the side that had earned a point at Anfield eight days earlier with Wayne Rooney, Anderson and Nani all returning. Meanwhile, Jonny Evans partnered Rio Ferdinand in the back four, with Nemanja Vidic - sent off in the Champions League in midweek - not in the 18. City boss Roberto Mancini, meanwhile, opted for a five-man midfield of Yaya Toure, Gareth Barry, James Milner, Mario Balotelli and David Silva with Sergio Aguero up front on his own.<br />
<br />
United dominated the early possession with Nani and Ashley Young looking lively on both flanks, and Wayne Rooney seemingly very much in the mood, dropping deep to dictate the play for much of the opening 20 minutes. But tellingly, as it turned out, the Reds failed to create any real clear-cut chances.<br />
<br />
City saw very little of the ball in that period but whenever they did the men in blue were always quick to try and find the man that makes them tick – David Silva. The Spaniard looked a threat every time he gained possession indeed it was his pass into James Milner which led to City taking the lead on 22 minutes. Silva collected possession on the edge of the area before slipping the ball into Milner who had burst down the left. His pull-back fell perfectly for Balotelli who cleverly steered the ball into the far corner and out of the reach of David De Gea.<br />
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It was harsh on United who had barely given City a look-in up to that point. The Blues visibly grew in confidence on the back of the breakthrough as the game livened up. Balotelli just failed to connect with an Aguero cross soon after the goal, while Yaya Toure flashed a 30-yarder over the bar.<br />
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After the initial shock of falling behind, the United players got back into their earlier stride and cranked up the pressure on City. Young curled an effort just wide, while Anderson and Rooney both stung the palms of Joe Hart in quick succession. Jonny Evans spurned United’s best chance five minutes from the break when, after being found by Rooney via a short corner, the defender completely missed his kick from five yards out.<br />
<br />
Evans was at the centre of the game’s big moment two minutes after the restart when he pulled Balotelli back as the Italian striker bore down on goal. Referee Mark Clattenburg had no choice but to give the Northern Ireland international his marching orders and in turn make United’s afternoon a whole lot harder.<br />
<br />
Despite the setback the Reds seemed to be galvanised and, buoyed on by a raucous Old Trafford crowd, duly bombed forward despite the numerical disadvantage. Young saw his ricocheted effort drop just wide, while Rooney blasted a shot straight at Hart. United’s new-found optimism was short-lived however when Balotelli’s doubled his and City’s tally on the hour-mark. Silva was again at the heart of City’s good play as he flicked a lovely pass into Milner who had burst into the area and once again delivered a pass to Balotelli who was on hand to slot home from close range.<br />
<br />
United’s misery was compounded eight minutes later when Aguero made it 3-0 to City, at the end of another excellent move. Balotelli backheeled the ball to Milner who put Micah Richards in down the right and crossed for Aguero to convert from three yards.<br />
<br />
It almost got worse for United soon after when Silva blasted over and substitute Edin Dzeko rolled a shot wide and then saw another saved by De Gea as City broke forward.<br />
<br />
Darren Fletcher handed the champions a lifeline nine minutes from time with a sublime curling finish into the top corner after a one-two with Reds substitute Hernandez, but City made sure of the victory and a painful for afternoon for the found the net in injury-time. Bragging rights - and more worryingly, a five-point lead - belong to the Blues. </span>zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818362948293763724.post-40428741144029981662011-10-23T12:17:00.002-04:002011-10-23T12:17:09.810-04:00Manchester United Vs. Manchester City Highlights Video ClipsManchester United [1 - 6] Manchester City<br />
22' [0 - 1] M. Balotelli <br />
60' [0 - 2] M. Balotelli <br />
69' [0 - 3] S. Agüero <br />
81' [1 - 3] D. Fletcher <br />
90' [1 - 4] E. Dzeko <br />
90' [1 - 5] D. Silva <br />
90' [1 - 6] E. Dzeko <br />
<br />
<object height="320px" width="520px"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="movie" value="http://mediaservices.myspace.com/services/media/embed.aspx/m=108287229,t=1,mt=video"><embed src="http://mediaservices.myspace.com/services/media/embed.aspx/m=108287229,t=1,mt=video" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="320" width="520"></embed></object>zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818362948293763724.post-36464124716180929592011-10-18T20:47:00.000-04:002011-10-18T20:47:13.722-04:00Otelul Galati Vs. Manchester United Match Report ResultUnited endured a difficult night in the UEFA Champions League, needing two Wayne Rooney penalties to defeat unfancied Otelul Galati and playing the last 25 minutes with ten men after Nemanja Vidic's controversial red card.<br />
<span class="fullpost">Both Rooney's first goal and the skipper's dismissal came just after the hour mark as the Reds critically upped the ante after an uninspiring first period at the impressive National Arena in Bucharest. There wasn't a huge improvement in the second half but the English champions did just enough to claim a first win in this Group C campaign and inflict a third slender defeat on the Romanian hosts.<br />
<br />
Sir Alex Ferguson's eleven showed nine changes from the side that started at Anfield, retaining only Patrice Evra and, moving from right- to centre-back, Chris Smalling. Nemanja Vidic made his first appearance for the Reds since the opening league win at West Brom, and behind him Anders Lindegaard came in for his third start in goal this term, having impressed on the previous European trip to Benfica.<br />
<br />
United's hosts - with their record-signing centre-back Milan Perendija reportedly costing just £85,000 - were massively underdogs, despite only losing by the odd goal in their first ever games in the Champions League group stage - to Basel (1-2 away) and Benfica (0-1 home), the two sides who limited the Reds to just two points prior to this excursion into the unknown in Romania. <br />
<br />
As expected, Galati conceded the lion’s share of possession to the English champions but they were comfortable behind the ball for the first 20 minutes. In fact, it was the Romanians who drew first blood in terms of shooting opportunities, the first gifted by the Reds’ rusty skipper Vidic to lone striker Bratislav Punosevac. The latter failed to pack sufficient power into his effort to concern Lindegaard and his second strike, from a similar spot just outside the box, found the same fate – straight into the Dane’s hands. United’s keeper almost contrived to create a third chance in a row for the Romanians when his careless clearance cannoned back off his captain but the Reds survived the scare.<br />
<br />
Failing to clear their lines from a free-kick almost cost United’s rearguard dear when defensive midfielder Iaon Filip strode forward to fire a shot just over Lindegaard’s bar. But this latest in a handful of half-chances was hardly reflective of the overall play, with United dominant in midfield where Rooney dropped in to join Anderson and Carrick in patiently trying to pick a way through the massed ranks of white shirts. However, Carrick’s most important early contribution - on his third consecutive start in the Champions League – was to throw his body in the way of Ionut Neagu’s effort.<br />
<br />
Rooney went closest to a first-half breakthrough when his free-kick, not dissimilar to Steven Gerrard’s at Anfield, crept through the wall and was scrambled away less than convincingly by Branko Grahovac. The Galati goalkeeper made a better save from a better shot, unleashed by Patrice Evra on a typical burst down the left flank. The Bosnian shot-stopper also blocked a right-foot strike from Nani, moments after watching Carrick spurn United's best opening of the half by sidefooting Nani's pull-back over the bar. The frame at the other end was also cleared vertically, by Liviu Antal's header just before the break, from the only corner of a disappointing first half. The absence of injury time was a blessing.<br />
<br />
United’s bid to raise the tempo at the start of the second half was met with some rough-house tactics from the Romanians with Nani on the receiving end of two fouls by right-back Cornel Rapa, the second of which was punished by a yellow card. Perendija was also cautioned for going through the back of Rooney but the Reds weren’t angels either, with Carrick entering the book for a clumsy challenge on Antal. Neagu continued the flurry of cards when he cynically took Nani out as the Portuguese winger tried a spot of ball-juggling in midfield.<br />
<br />
Undeterred, Nani teed up Rooney for a shot on the turn that just whistled past the left-hand post and fed the same team-mate again in the move that finally made the breakthrough in the 64th minute. When Wayne’s attempt to find Hernandez unmarked on the other side of the box was thwarted by Sergiu Costin’s blatant handball, the striker stepped up to sidefoot home the resulting penalty with Grahovac diving the wrong way, right.<br />
<br />
If Costin was lucky to escape with a yellow card – Galati’s fourth – then Vidic was very unfortunate to see red when he caught Gabriel Giurgiu with a raised right boot. The shock on the Serbian’s face was plain to see but away he trooped, to leave ten men facing fired-up Galati who might have equalised had Carrick not blocked Antal’s venomous volley. Moments later Sir Alex sent on Jonny Evans to play alongside Smalling, with Antonio Valencia sacrificed. A further change followed at the back with Phil Jones coming on for Fabio who’d earlier been treated after an awkward fall.<br />
<br />
Nani nearly made it 2-0 with a free-kick saved by Grahovac, after Giurgiu was booked for a foul on Chicharito, but Punosevac was off-target at the other end - just - having connected first time with Filip's cross. Nani tried again with the clock just shy of 90 minutes but this time his shot struck the right-hand post, this coming moments after Perendija's second yellow card - for another foul on Chicharito - evened up the personnel.<br />
<br />
Rooney's second penalty, after the striker himself was tripped in the box by Antal, made the points absolutely safe and took some of the pressure off the Reds with the Galati home game coming next in this campaign. </span>zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818362948293763724.post-28440671570762941212011-10-18T20:40:00.002-04:002011-10-18T20:40:47.969-04:00Otelul Galati Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video ClipsOtelul Galati [0 - 2] Manchester United <br />
64' [0 - 1] W. Rooney (pen.) <br />
90' [0 - 2] W. Rooney (pen.) <br />
<br />
Highlights<br />
<object width="520" height="323"><param name="movie" value="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=inT7l7VGdAQPmlu8"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=inT7l7VGdAQPmlu8" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="520" height="323"></object><hr>0-1 Wayne Rooney (pen) 64'<br />
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0-2 Wayne Rooney (pen) 90'<br />
<object width="520" height="320"><param name="movie" value="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=idFpjRsgiveaC8bi"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=idFpjRsgiveaC8bi" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="520" height="320"></object>zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818362948293763724.post-13625060903427422042011-09-27T20:36:00.000-04:002011-09-27T20:36:46.462-04:00Manchester United Vs. FC Basel Match Report ResultTwo quick-fire braces in either half – United's in the first, Basel's in the second – lit up an entertaining encounter at Old Trafford that swung both ways before eventually ending even thanks to a 90th-minute Ashley Young equaliser.<br />
<span class="fullpost">When Danny Welbeck sent United 2-0 up after just 17 minutes, United looked to be cruising. But as Basel stayed true to their footballing principles, attacked in numbers and pressed the Reds high up the pitch, they created chances and, with 14 minutes to play, had taken three of them.<br />
<br />
That sent United in search of a late equaliser and, in the 90th minute, Young arrived at the far post to head home substitute Nani's cross and rescue a valuable point.<br />
<br />
Sir Alex was visibly relieved to have snatched a draw at the final whistle, and yet the Reds had been two goals to the good with barely a quarter-of-an-hour on the clock. That said, the warning signs had been there. Basel even fashioned the first chance of the game. Midfielder Fabian Frei found space beyond Rio Ferdinand and Phil Jones but blazed over from 18 yards when clean through after only five minutes.<br />
<br />
Young then provided Antonio Valencia with a gift as inviting as a box of Swiss chocolates when he twisted and turned on the left flank before curling a sumptuous ball to the back post. The Ecuadorian's header, from all of two yards, flashed agonisingly across the face of goal.<br />
<br />
Basel custodian Yann Sommer then did well to hold Young's firm volley, hit into the ground, before Welbeck netted the first of his double on 16 minutes. It wasn't the prettiest goal Welbeck, or United, will score this season. But they all count and Danny's scuffed shot from 12 yards, which appeared to dribble goalwards in slow-motion before spinning in off the post, was just reward for a bright start.<br />
<br />
A minute later it was 2-0. Giggs, who'd calmly laid the ball back to Welbeck for the opener, provided a rather more incisive pass this time. Collecting the ball in the inside left channel about 30 yards from goal, the Welshman advanced briefly before looking up and picking out Welbeck with a low cross that succeeded in cutting out two Basel defenders and leaving Danny with a simple side-footed finish at the back post. Basel boss Thorsten Fink will have been furious with the defending, but Giggs, in his 750th United start, showed his worth once more on the European stage.<br />
<br />
To their credit, Basel kept plugging away and both Alexander Frei and Jacques Zoua wasted presentable chances to reduce the deficit before the interval. Neither manager made changes at half-time and both sides flew out of the traps. Young had the ball in the net after a matter of minutes but was correctly ruled offside, while Phil Jones and then David De Gea had to be at their sharpest to repel big Basel forward Marco Streller.<br />
<br />
De Gea's denial – an instinctive save from close range with an outstretched leg – was most impressive and further showcased the supreme shot-stopping ability the Spaniard has displayed in recent weeks.<br />
<br />
There was little he could do about Basel's opener, though. Indeed, the stopper made a smart save to get down to Streller's near-post header from a corner on the right wing. But when the ball bounced out to Fabian Frei the 22-year-old lashed it home from 12 yards to send the travelling fans wild.<br />
<br />
They were cheering again two minutes later when Basel's other Frei, Alexander, found himself unmarked in the penalty area and with plenty of time to calmly nod Fabian's curling centre back across goal and into the net.<br />
<br />
Suddenly Basel were level. In truth, they had never really looked beaten, even at 2-0 down. The Swiss side had played without fear – a rare trait in visiting teams at Old Trafford – and they were rewarded yet further on 75 minutes when referee Paolo Tagliavento pointed to the spot after Valencia tangled clumsily with Streller. Alexander Frei stepped up and buried the kick to send Basel in front, but this is Manchester United and drama lurks around every corner.<br />
<br />
True enough, after probing and prodding for what seemed an age, the Reds broke through, Ashley Young heading in at the far post with only seconds of normal time to spare. United had earned a dramatic point.<br />
</span>zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818362948293763724.post-52186791673590364922011-09-27T20:34:00.002-04:002011-09-27T20:34:45.857-04:00Manchester United Vs. FC Basel Highlights Video ClipsManchester United [3-3] FC Basel<br />
Danny Welbeck (16') Fabian Frei (58')<br />
Danny Welbeck (17') Alexander Frei (60')<br />
Ashley Young (90') Alexander Frei (pen 76')<br />
<br />
<object height="323" width="520"><param name="movie" value="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=xjsE4NKQm456iyuu"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=xjsE4NKQm456iyuu" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="323" width="520"></object><hr>1-0 Danny Welbeck 16'<br />
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2-0 Danny Welbeck 17'<br />
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2-1 Fabian Frei 58'<br />
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2-2 Alexander Frei 60'<br />
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2-3 Alexander Frei 76'<br />
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3-3 Ashley Cole 90'<br />
<object height="320" width="520"><param name="movie" value="http://video.rutube.ru/09e7b36d3c22fd138375463dd82b40eb"><param name="wmode" value="window"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://video.rutube.ru/09e7b36d3c22fd138375463dd82b40eb" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="window" allowfullscreen="true" height="320" width="520"></object>zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818362948293763724.post-47424529031452511042011-09-20T20:08:00.000-04:002011-09-20T20:08:20.123-04:00Leeds United Vs. Manchester United Match Result ReportUnited defused a potentially explosive Carling Cup tie at Leeds with a first-half display of composure, control and devastating football.<br />
<span class="fullpost">Michael Owen is simply a natural goalscorer. Within 15 minutes of his first involvement of the campaign, the striker had silenced the home fans and his second strike was a thing of beauty. Captain Ryan Giggs capped of 45 minutes of dominant play with a stunning solo effort that he could have been scoring here in the mid-nineties.<br />
<br />
Even with a side designed to give players a game under their belt, hence the inclusion of Michael Carrick alongside Ezekiel Fryers at centre-back and four forwards in the line-up, the Reds were a cut above their rivals from across the Pennines.<br />
<br />
The game’s first opening fell to the hosts, and spawned a melee of desperate interventions in the United ranks. Tom Lees’ powerful header was blocked by Dimitar Berbatov, Ben Amos repelled the defender’s follow-up and Berbatov was again on hand to thwart Ross McCormack’s attempts to turn in the loose ball.<br />
<br />
Around a game largely devoid of early inspiration, however, the most compelling contest was taking place off the field, as both factions of supporters waged choral war on one another. On the quarter-hour mark, only the visiting section was audible as United moved ahead in devastatingly simple circumstances.<br />
<br />
Berbatov slid an inch-perfect pass into the path of Ji-sung Park, who had timed his run perfectly. The South Korean fed Owen, who needed only two touches: one with his right foot to tee up the shot; the second with his left foot to roll a finish in-between Aidan White’s legs and into the net, via the base of Andy Lonergan’s left-hand post.<br />
<br />
Leeds’ response was gradual, as Adam Clayton thudded a decent effort into Amos’ midriff and Robert Snodgrass curled a shot just past the upright, but the hosts’ growing menace was soon nipped in the bud, and again in clinical fashion.<br />
<br />
Mame Biram Diouf rolled off the attentions of Leigh Bromby and advanced down the right flank before slipping a neat pass into the path of Owen. Again, the striker’s predatory instincts kicked in. One touch to kill the ball, another to send it hurtling into Lonergan’s top corner with hardly any backlift.<br />
<br />
Thereafter, Leeds’ defence creaked under pressure every time United picked up the ball in midfield, with Giggs and Park pulling the attacking strings and Owen and Berbatov dropping between the hosts’ lines to link play. Antonio Valencia slid horribly wide from the six-yard box, then forced Lonergan into a scrambling save as he tried to drill a low cross to the lurking Owen, but a third goal finally arrived in the final moments of the half.<br />
<br />
Giggs took a short corner to Park, received the ball back and nutmegged Snodgrass with regal ease, before advancing into the box and stabbing a finish which nicked Luciano Becchio’s shin on its way past Lonergan. That was the veteran’s final contribution of the half, as he made way for Paul Pogba during the interval.<br />
<br />
Leeds had no answer and were unable to muster a significant response with Owen close to completing a hat-trick with a chip that drifted wide, after latching onto a Berbatov through ball and displaying composure inside the box. Another threaded through ball by Berbatov released Federico Macheda but the Italian shot wide when offside in any case.<br />
<br />
Amos was rarely tested but handled well under pressure from Ross McCormack as Sir Alex introduced fit-again Danny Welbeck and another debutant in Larnell Cole in place of Diouf and Macheda.<br />
<br />
Clayton, a self-confessed City fan, was unable to grab a consolation he'd remember when his effort blazed over the top with United limiting the hosts to sporadic attacks and moments of danger. Even an injury to Fryers, who was flawless at the back, which led to Park and then Berbatov filling in for the ten men at the heart of the defence, seemed to add insult to injury to Simon Grayson's team. Ramon Nunez's late shot wide proved to be the final effort as the Reds eased through.<br />
</span>zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818362948293763724.post-24228927446252559812011-09-20T20:04:00.001-04:002011-09-20T20:04:39.561-04:00Leeds United Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video ClipsLeeds United [0 - 3] Manchester United<br />
15' [0 - 1] M. Owen <br />
32' [0 - 2] M. Owen <br />
45' [0 - 3] R. Giggs<br />
<br />
<object height="323" width="520"><param name="movie" value="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=unlSIAfqix8z8wPV"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=unlSIAfqix8z8wPV" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="323" width="520"></object>zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818362948293763724.post-25650947771116629732011-09-18T13:10:00.000-04:002011-09-18T13:10:49.255-04:00Manchester United Vs. Chelsea Match Result ReportAn action-packed clash saw the champions see off Chelsea 3-1 thanks to goals from Chris Smalling, Nani and Wayne Rooney. Although Fernando Torries replied for the Londoners at the start of the second half, his dreadful miss late on only added to the ecstatic mood around the ground.<span class="fullpost">Sir Alex's side could even afford a missed penalty from Rooney and several spurned chances en route to a fifth straight victory in the Barclays Premier League to go clear at the top of the table.<br />
<br />
United were slower into their stride than in this fixture last term, and yet still led after only eight minutes. David De Gea had been called into drastic action to hook away a Ramires shot early on but the opener soon arrived, in front of the Stretford End.<br />
<br />
Ashley Young was fouled and swung the free-kick over for Smalling to bury an unstoppable header for his first Barclays Premier League goal for the Reds. Replays showed the defender may have been marginally offside and the goal provoked a decent response from the visitors. Torres had already received a stray pass from Javier Hernandez when Anderson misplaced the ball straight to the Spaniard but, as Old Trafford held its breath, the £50million man dragged his shot wastefully wide of the far post.<br />
<br />
De Gea caught a Bransilav Ivanovic header and saw Frank Lampard lash wide, after the England international midfielder rightly escaped a handball shout inside his own area. There was an almighty let-off on 26 minutes when Torres was onside and in the clear but squared the ball. Ramires stretched to force a wonderful, improbable stop out of De Gea with Daniel Sturridge waiting behind him for a simple tap-in.<br />
<br />
The Reds' No1 gathered the resulting corner at the second attempt and also kept out an unmarked Sturridge while Torres sent an unconvincing overhead kick wide as Chelsea had few problems creating chances. But Nani showed them how to finish with a piece of individual magic, collecting Jonny Evans' diagonal pass, advancing on goal and fizzing a firecracker of a finish past Petr Cech's flailing right hand.<br />
<br />
With a two-goal advantage, United continued to look menacing and, just before half-time, Rooney was involved early on in a move that saw Phil Jones maraud forward from centre-back. Eventually, John Terry's clearance bounced fortuitously off Nani and into the path of Rooney who calmly despatched a third.<br />
<br />
This was never going to be a cakewalk for the champions and substitute Nicolas Anelka made an immediate impact at the start of the second half when setting up Torres for a clever finish over De Gea. Mata forced De Gea into action but United should have extended the lead when Nani broke onto a Rooney pass and, after seeing his shot come back off the bar, was fouled by Jose Bosingwa as he latched onto the rebound. Phil Dowd opted against carding the Portuguese defender and no punishment was meted out as Rooney slipped when taking the spot-kick, evoking memories of John Terry's miss in Moscow by United continued to press after Antonio Valencia and Michael Carrick were introduced but Jones headed a delicious cross by Young wide and Chelsea worked hard to get back into the game. Romelu Lukaku was denied a goal soon coming off the bench by a saving challenge from Patrice Evra and Torres fired a rebound over after De Gea parried his initial shot. But the woodwork saved the visitors when Rooney hit a post from an Evra cross and Javier Hernandez was hurt by Ashley Cole's challenge as he crashed the ball into the side-netting. Cole was booked but there was no penalty as the Mexican limped off.<br />
<br />
The home fans were celebrating as though a goal had been scored when Torres rounded De Gea with seven minutes left but still displayed a lack of confidence when inexplicably shooting wide of the empty net with his left foot. There should have been another strike to enjoy in injury time but Rooney's unselfish pass was a little over-hit to Dimitar Berbatov, who could only send his shot against Cole on the line. Nonetheless, this was another impressive three points for the Reds, who continue to look unbeatable at Old Trafford. Chelsea's fans were chanting: 'We're going to win the league" in the dying seconds but it was more out of hope than expectation on this evidence. </span>zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818362948293763724.post-3547892809427035012011-09-18T12:59:00.002-04:002011-09-18T12:59:49.733-04:00Manchester United Vs. Chelsea Highlights Video ClipsManchester United [3 - 1] Chelsea<br />
8' [1 - 0] C. Smalling <br />
37' [2 - 0] Nani <br />
45' [3 - 0] W. Rooney <br />
46' [3 - 1] F. Torres<br />
<br />
1-0 Smalling 8' // <a href="http://www.multiupload.com/DHAH7QKYWH">Download</a><br><iframe frameborder="0" width="520" height="320" src="http://www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/xl5wz8"></iframe><br><br />
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2-0 Nani 37' // <a href="http://www.multiupload.com/YBJA70CWEZ">Download</a><br><iframe frameborder="0" width="520" height="320" src="http://www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/xl5xff"></iframe><br><br />
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3-0 Rooney 45' // <a href="http://www.multiupload.com/MMLJXB06SL">Download</a><br><iframe frameborder="0" width="520" height="320" src="http://www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/xl5xop"></iframe><br><br />
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3-1 Torrents 46' // <a href="http://www.multiupload.com/US9BEOVRMJ">Download</a><br><iframe frameborder="0" width="520" height="320" src="http://www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/xl5xwa"></iframe><br><br />
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Penalty Missed - Wayne Rooney<br><iframe frameborder="0" width="520" height="320" src="http://www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/xl5y29"></iframe>zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818362948293763724.post-46979041954093807002011-09-14T23:07:00.001-04:002011-09-14T23:07:57.056-04:00Benfica Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video ClipsBenfica [1 - 1] Manchester United<br />
24' [1 - 0] O. Cardozo <br />
42' [1 - 1] R. Giggs<br />
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Highlights<br />
<embed src="http://www.metacafe.com/fplayer/7232183/Match_Highlights.swf" wmode="transparent" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" name="Metacafe_7232183" height="320" width="520"> <hr>Extended Highlights<br />
<object height="320" width="520"><param name="movie" value="http://video.rutube.ru/865df25966ef7025f73ca6547c46563b"><param name="wmode" value="window"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://video.rutube.ru/865df25966ef7025f73ca6547c46563b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="window" allowfullscreen="true" height="320" width="520"></object><hr>Alternative Highlights<br />
<object height="323" width="520"><param name="movie" value="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=scaXAt5olyW6sB8A"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=scaXAt5olyW6sB8A" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="323" width="520"></object><hr>1-0 Cardozo 23'<br />
<object height="320" width="520"><param name="movie" value="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=LAxnvrtx8LYLMSzF"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=LAxnvrtx8LYLMSzF" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="320" width="520"></object><br />
1-1 Ryan Giggs 42'<br />
<object height="320" width="520"><param name="movie" value="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=6YSud2cJG0HbaUQX"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=6YSud2cJG0HbaUQX" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="320" width="520"></object>zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818362948293763724.post-91113096045309728202011-09-10T15:06:00.001-04:002011-09-10T15:06:48.993-04:00Bolton Vs. Manchester Untied Match Result ReportUnited's mesmerising start to the Barclays Premier League season continued with a five-goal stroll at Bolton's Reebok Stadium, as Javier Hernandez struck his first goals of the campaign and Wayne Rooney extended his fine form with a second successive hat-trick.<br />
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The Reds turned in a devastating showcase of finishing, bagging three goals inside the first half-hour and a further pair after the break, and also demonstrated promising defensive resolve in the face of a characteristically direct bombardment from the hosts. <br />
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The only sour note of the afternoon was a derivative of the Trotters' trademark vigour, as Tom Cleverley left the Reebok Stadium on crutches after a heavy challenge from Bolton skipper Kevin Davies, having apparently suffered a damaged ankle.<br />
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Hitherto, Sir Alex Ferguson had enjoyed good news with injuries after the recent international break, and made only minimal changes to the line-up which started last month's romp against Arsenal. Danny Welbeck, who suffered a hamstring strain against the Gunners, was replaced by Hernandez, while Rio Ferdinand returned at the expense of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones shunted over to right-back.<br />
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As had been the case in the Reds' opening three league games, United began in proactive fashion. Indeed, it took the visitors just five minutes to forge ahead. As a United attack built on the right wing, with Rooney releasing Nani, Chicharito outwitted Gary Cahill by shaping to move to the near post, feinting to the back and then sprinted forward just in time to redirect Nani’s centre past the sprawling Jussi Jaaskelainen. <br />
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United had actually taken the lead without a full compliment of players. At the time of the goal, Cleverley was receiving treatment for an ankle injury after a poor challenge from Davies. Bolton had their best opening of the half while Cleverley was en route to the dressing room, but Rooney was on hand to hack Chris Eagles’ volley off the line after a goalmouth scramble. Michael Carrick was duly introduced to restore equality in personnel.<br />
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Bolton skipper Davies was booked for a lunging challenge on Evra and Ivan Klasnic brought a spectacular save from De Gea with a stinging effort from the edge of the box, but the hosts’ defiance was soon doused by a devastating spell of attacking from United.<br />
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Jones took a quick throw-in and, upon receiving the ball straight back from Chicharito, arced an unplayable cross into the heart of the Bolton area, where the onrushing Rooney needed only brush the ball with the studs of his right boot to double United’s lead.<br />
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Jones was the epicentre of the Reds’ celebratory huddle, and the makeshift right-back was again the hub of joy five minutes later. Having swapped passes with Nani, the marauding youngster strode through the Bolton midfield and defence and, although his shot was saved by Jaaskelainen, Rooney carefully tucked the rebound between the desperate lunges of Cahill and Dedryck Boyata to heap further misery on the hosts.<br />
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Fresh from the eight-goal salute to Arsenal, another attacking frenzy was underway. Hernandez appeared to have turned in United’s fourth just two minutes later, but his neat finish applied to a Nani cross was correctly rendered illegal by an assistant’s flag.<br />
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The game lulled for the final third of the half, as rampant visitors and shell-shocked hosts drew breath. Kevin Davies swiped air rather than ball after a decent Martin Petrov cross and Nani fired into the side-netting from close-range, but the interval came with United exuding comfort.<br />
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Were any reminder required that Bolton can never be taken lightly, especially at home, it was served by Klasnic within two minutes of the restart. Fortunately, De Gea had the smart reflexes and handling to field the Croatian's low snapshot.<br />
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At the opposite end, Jaaskelainen did well to flick Anderson's wicked free-kick wide of the post, but relied on his defenders to dig him out of a hole after Hernandez had stolen possession outside the area. The Mexican didn't have to wait long, however, to double his tally, sliding home from close range after Michael Carrick's shot had rolled through a thicket of bodies.<br />
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Bolton's response to the fourth goal was positive, as Nigel Reo-Coker crashed a shot against De Gea's crossbar, before both sides rang the changes. Kevin Davies made way for David N'gog and Darren Pratley replaced ex-Red Chris Eagles for the hosts, while Sir Alex introduced Ryan Giggs and Smalling at the expense of Ashley Young and the limping Evans.<br />
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The amendments did little to stifle the flow of the game, as United popped passes around with abandon. Nor did it stem the tide of goals, as Rooney smashed home his second successive hat-trick. A raking ball from Giggs found Nani, who rolled the ball across the edge of the area for Rooney to curl an unstoppable shot into Jaaskelainen's bottom right-hand corner.<br />
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Hat-trick secured, Rooney soon attempted to serve up another treble for Chicharito, but his centre was narrowly behind the Mexican striker. Late on, Chicharito was played in by Nani, but unselfishly attempted to square for the excellent Anderson, who couldn't quite convert into the gaping goal.<br />
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No matter, five more than sufficed to prolong the early-season excitement surrounding this United team. There's enough experience in the Reds' ranks to avoid getting giddy just over a week into September, but the verve and swagger about this bunch of twinkling talents renders caution harder by the week. </span>zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818362948293763724.post-82874829035492925312011-09-10T14:56:00.001-04:002011-09-10T14:56:45.133-04:00Bolton Vs. Manchester Untied Highlights Video ClipsBolton [0 - 5] Manchester Untied<br /><br />
5' [0 - 1] J. Hernandez <br /><br />
20' [0 - 2] W. Rooney <br /><br />
25' [0 - 3] W. Rooney <br /><br />
59' [0 - 4] J. Hernandez <br /><br />
68' [0 - 5] W. Rooney<br /><br />
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0-1 Hernandez 5'<br><object width="520" height="320"><param name="movie" value="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=wK8rcFKtc0ag61ym" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="520" height="320" src="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=wK8rcFKtc0ag61ym" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" /></object><br> 0-2 Rooney 20'<br><object width="520" height="320"><param name="movie" value="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=ES5t2KoFxXSY55ZX" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="520" height="320" src="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=ES5t2KoFxXSY55ZX" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" /></object><br> 0-3 Rooney 25'<br><object width="520" height="320"><param name="movie" value="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=lTIuNbrCRY0roW2y" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="520" height="320" src="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=lTIuNbrCRY0roW2y" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" /></object><br><br /><br />
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0-4 Hernandez 59'<br><object width="520" height="320"><param name="movie" value="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=UraOjf1ZIRNSLj5A" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="520" height="320" src="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=UraOjf1ZIRNSLj5A" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" /></object><br><br /><br />
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0-5 Rooney 68'<br><object width="520" height="320"><param name="movie" value="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=pFBEOQbUYwjUNaYJ" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="520" height="320" src="http://videa.hu/flvplayer.swf?v=pFBEOQbUYwjUNaYJ" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" /></object>zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818362948293763724.post-49992173557802705382011-08-28T13:53:00.002-04:002011-08-28T13:53:42.780-04:00Manchester United Vs. Arsenal Match Result ReportWhile the blue half of Manchester looked set to dominate the footballing agenda with a stunning 5-1 win at Spurs, United went goal crazy against a depleted Arsenal side to steal the headlines and hammer home a warning to Roberto Mancini's team and the rest of the Barclays Premier League.<br />
<span class="fullpost">In a game that had everything - a missed penalty, a converted spot-kick, a hat-trick for Wayne Rooney, a red card and 10 goals, United simply romped home 8-2.<br />
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Danny Welbeck, Ashley Young (2), Nani and sub Ji-sung Park also hit the net with David De Gea superbly saving a penalty when the lead was a slender one. Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie replied for the crestfallen Gunners, who had Carl Jenkinson sent off in the second half.<br />
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United made their intentions clear from the start with Welbeck charging down Wojciech Szczesny and looking a real threat. Tom Cleverley and Welbeck shot wide and some of the Reds' passing was mesmeric.<br />
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So it was no surprise when the hesitant visiting defence failed to deal with Anderson's clever lofted pass and Welbeck steered a looping header over Szczesny for the opener. Chris Smalling dragged wide after setting up the chance for himself beautifully but, against the run of play, Arsenal were awarded a penalty when Jonny Evans pulled at Walcott's shoulder. De Gea dived to his right to push van Persie's spot-kick around the post and earn the congratulations of his team-mates. And, from United's next attack, Young collected a header out by Armand Traore and bent an inch-perfect curler past Szczesny's despairing fingertips for 2-0.<br />
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De Gea had to be alert to make a double save from Andriy Arshavin and van Persie but the champions carried the greater threat with Welbeck diving to head Rooney's cross off target. A hamstring injury cruelly ruined the young striker's afternoon, and Arshavin, who was very fortunate to still be on the pitch after a foul on Young when already booked, flashed a warning shot over the bar at the other end.<br />
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Jenkinson was also lucky to avoid a red card when hauling Young down as he sprinted through on goal but Rooney ensured his own justice was meted out by rolling the free-kick for Young to trap and then sweeping past Szczesny with the power on the shot too much for the Polish keeper.<br />
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Rooney showed the confidence flowing through the team when testing Szczesny from his own half but there was real complacency seconds before the interval to allow Tomas Rosicky to feed Walcott, whose drive from an angle whistled through De Gea's legs for 3-1.<br />
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It was a message that the job was still far from done, and one that was taken on board as Sir Alex's side turned up the heat again in the second half. Szczesny saved well from Young and Nani chipped wastefully off target as the hosts pressed but the Gunners responded with De Gea superbly stopping a van Persie volley and Arshavin firing wide when Smalling was caught up the pitch.<br />
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Tom Cleverley shot weakly at Szczesny after a brilliant one-two with Young and Nani failed to convert a cross from the former Aston Villa winger but the dam broke again when Rooney repeated his free-kick feat in the first half by whipping home for 4-1 and becoming United's all-time record scorer in the Premier League.<br />
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Smelling blood, Smalling tore forward and ignored Phil Jones on the overlap to instead feed Rooney, who prodded through for Nani to net with the most outrageous of cheeky finishes. Nani then made way, along with Anderson, for Ryan Giggs and Park but the relentless attacking continued.<br />
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Rooney wedged a golf-like shot of sheer class against an upright before Park exchanged passes with Young to bury a low finish into the corner of the net. Van Persie restored a semblance of pride with emphatic finish after being played onside by Jones but United simply stepped up a gear again.<br />
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Jenkinson received a second yellow card for bundling Javier Hernandez over when he was through on goal and there were more illegal tactics used to halt the red tidal wave when Walcott tripped Patrice Evra inside the box. Rooney stepped up to seal his hat-trick with a confident spot-kick and it got even worse for the North Londoners when Young curled in to add his second from a Giggs pass.<br />
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Park shot over in stoppage time but enough damage had been inflicted to the Gunners' battered pride as the home fans rejoiced on a day to remember at Old Trafford. </span>zephyrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10103012102449820892noreply@blogger.com0