One down, two to go.
After Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Manchester City, the FA Cup is out of reach. But Manchester United remain in pole position to win a record 19th league title and face German side Schalke over two legs for a place in the European Cup final. Life could be worse.Of course, on Saturday at Wembley that was scant consolation for the 40-odd-thousand Reds who travelled to London to watch only the second ever Manchester derby to be played outside of the city. Unfortunately, it went the same way as the first. On that occasion, back in 1926, City won an FA Cup final 3-0 at Bramall Lane. This time there was only one goal in it but the result was just as devastating.
After an evenly contested first period, a defensive lapse at the beginning of the second was pounced on and United punished dearly. The task was then made even more difficult when Paul Scholes was sent off on 72 minutes for a studs-up challenge on Pablo Zabaleta that left the Argentinian with two nasty cuts on his right thigh.
When the Reds' FA Cup dream came to an end at the semi-final stage in 2009 at least there the “weakened team” argument to play. On Saturday there were no such excuses. Despite Tuesday's looming trip to St James' Park, United fielded a full-strength side at Wembley. This was a derby, after all. And, for that matter, an FA Cup semi-final.
Sir Alex named his strongest available back five. There was also room in the starting XI for three traditional wingers, although Ji-sung Park played tucked in centrally alongside Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes, with Nani and Antonio Valencia on the flanks.
Up front, Dimitar Berbatov got the nod ahead of Javier Hernandez – Wayne Rooney, remember, was serving the second of a two-game ban – and the Bulgarian was left to rue two spurned chances in the space of 30 seconds with the game just 15 minutes old.
Neat one-touch football from Carrick, Scholes and Park on the edge of City's penalty area released Berbatov, but the striker saw his shot saved superbly by the onrushing Joe Hart. Then, from the resulting quickly-taken throw-in, Nani advanced into the penalty area, passed low across the six-yard box and Berbatov, no more than three yards out and with an open goal at his mercy, stretched to meet the ball but sliced his effort over the bar.
City, meanwhile, struggled to assert themselves early on and didn't seriously threaten Edwin van der Sar's goal until the 31 st minute. Even then, Gareth Barry's shot missed its mark, although Blues fans at the opposite end of the stadium were convinced it had found the net.
Perhaps Manchester City's unfamiliarity with life on the big stage played its part in their sluggish start. After all, this was their first visit to the new Wembley. But while United dominated the opening half-hour, the game remained goalless. To their credit, City had defended well and even enjoyed their own spell of sustained pressure before the interval.
Balotelli forced van der Sar into a smart save when he unleashed a swerving effort from 35 yards before Joleon Lescott volleyed over when he was left unattended at the back post. Yaya Toure then strode forward and earned City a corner, which was taken quickly and worked to Nigel de Jong, whose curling shot from 20 yards breezed just past van der Sar's left-hand upright. The half-time whistle almost came as a relief.
The break did little to curb City's momentum and the Blues took the lead seven minutes after the restart following sloppy United defending. First, van der Sar fluffed a clearance, which fell to Silva 35 yards from goal. O'Shea won back possession well and fed the ball square to Carrick, who aimed to shift the ball again to Scholes. But Toure read his intentions, intercepted the pass and strode confidently into the area. His pace took him past Vidic before he kept his cool to roll his shot through van der Sar's legs and into the net. Advantage City.
Sir Alex's men barely had a kick for the next 10 minutes as the Blues, eyeing a first FA Cup final since 1981, peppered van der Sar's goal in search of a second. It didn't come, though, and United then inched back into the game when Hart pushed Nani's deflected free-kick onto the bar and Javier Hernandez entered the fray.
Scholes' dismissal then effectively ended the game, although there was still time for Carrick to shoot on target, Hernandez to have an effort blocked and Park to head tamely at Hart. But this wasn't United's day. Even the five minutes of injury time failed to yield a presentable chance.
So, City move on to the FA Cup final after a disappointing day out in the capital. Still, at least there are other opportunites for silverware.
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Showing posts with label FA Cup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FA Cup. Show all posts
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Manchester United Vs. Arsenal Highlights Video Clips
Manchester United [2 - 0] Arsenal
28' [1 - 0] F.d. Silva
49' [2 - 0] W. Rooney
1-0 Fabio 28'
2-0 Rooney 49'
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28' [1 - 0] F.d. Silva
49' [2 - 0] W. Rooney
1-0 Fabio 28'
2-0 Rooney 49'
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Saturday, February 19, 2011
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Manchester United Vs. Everton Match Report
United are out of the FA Cup after a brave semi-final showing from a very young Reds team, losing 4-2 on penalty kicks at Wembley.
Ironically, it was Phil Jagielka, the man whose foul should have given United a second-half penalty, who scored the winning spot-kick after the two teams could not be separated in 120 minutes of entertaining football. It's Sir Alex's first FA Cup semi-final defeat and ends the chance of an unprecedented quintuple. However, Sir Alex's team selection suggests he has his sights set on the league and Europe.
It had been something of a gamble and there were raised eyebrows when United’s team-sheet was submitted an hour before kick-off, with eight changes from the side that beat FC Porto four days previously. The absentees all stayed in Manchester, though reports that a broken metatarsal would rule Wayne Rooney out for the rest of the season proved woefully wide of the mark.
The average age of the starting team was just 22, the line-up including four teenagers, and seven players aged 25 or under. Sir Alex insisted he couldn’t ask many of his players involved in a taxing battle in Portugal to go again on a heavy Wembley pitch – only Anderson, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic from the team that started at Estadio do Dragao survived. Few, however, could have predicted the boss’ team.
United’s fixture schedule is so hectic that Sir Alex had little choice than to shuffle the pack. Rafael and Fabio started for the first time together (in fact, the first time they’ve been on the pitch together in a competitive Reds match). There was also a first start for Federico Macheda – of recent Premier League match-winning fame. He started up front with Carlos Tevez. Danny Welbeck was deployed at left midfield, Ji-sung Park on the right, with impressive duo, Darron Gibson and Anderson, in the centre.
It would be difficult to argue that, individually, each of the starting eleven had not earned their Wembley opportunity through their performances this season; and it’s in keeping with the youth-first policy in the domestic cups this term. What the selection does suggest is that maximum importance is being placed on clinching the title.
The youthful Reds started very well in a very open game, with Macheda looking exceptionally lively up front. There were few signs of nerves in front of a record FA Cup semi-final crowd of 88,141, and United went closest to scoring first on 22 minutes, when Welbeck’s glancing touch from Rafael’s cross was deflected wide by Joleon Lescott. It coincided with a sustained period of pressure on Everton in the middle of the half.
Welbeck was again wide of the target five minutes before the break in one of United’s best moves of the half. After neat football down the left flank, Macheda slid a wonderful pass between Tony Hibbert and Phil Jagielka, but Welbeck’s shot was wayward. Although the critics will have been queuing up for a chance to criticise the manager’s team selection, the players did him proud in an encouraging 45 minutes, which, although lacking in goalmouth action, saw United control possession.
Everton started the second half with much greater intensity, Tim Cahill forcing a brilliant low save from a previously inactive Ben Foster shortly after the break. Everton were resurgent, and their fans urged them on. It was proving a test of character as much of talent for United’s youngsters. They responded well. With the game becoming stretched, the Reds countered and Park fired just wide of the post.
The Reds had regained control in what was becoming an engrossing game. Gibson was next to strike, fizzing a shot towards the top corner from 25 yards which Tim Howard tipped over. But the breakthrough should have arrived on 68 minutes when Welbeck was blatantly brought down by Jagielka in the box. Somehow Mike Riley adjudged the challenge to be fair. Sir Alex and the United players were understandably furious because that could, and should, have been the Reds’ chance to win it.
Anderson went close with a long-range effort as the game edged into the final fifteen minutes, while the increasingly involved Welbeck curled a shot just over the bar. Both teams patently wanted to end this tie inside 90 minutes. United made the best of the opportunities, but neither side could find the breakthrough as the match headed into extra time, with Dimitar Berbatov replacing Macheda.
Extra time offered few major incidents as both teams seemed settled on deciding this tie on penalties. Neither side could find the breakthrough, largely down to both team’s immovable defences. Jagielka and Lescott impressed, while Ferdinand was solid and Vidic was absolutely immense all afternoon.
It’s the fourth time United have been forced to spot-kicks in the last year (the Champions League final, Community Shield and Carling Cup final being the others), but this would be the first time the Reds tasted defeat. Cahill fluffed the first kick, blazing well over, but Berbatov also missed. Baines made it 1-0, an advantage upheld when Howard saved Ferdinand’s kick. Phil Neville converted, as did Vidic to make it 2-1. But Everton edged closer to the final when Foster could only get a finger tip to Vaughan’s kick. Anderson scored to level, but Jagielka grabbed the decisive goal to win the shoot-out 4-2.
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Ironically, it was Phil Jagielka, the man whose foul should have given United a second-half penalty, who scored the winning spot-kick after the two teams could not be separated in 120 minutes of entertaining football. It's Sir Alex's first FA Cup semi-final defeat and ends the chance of an unprecedented quintuple. However, Sir Alex's team selection suggests he has his sights set on the league and Europe.
It had been something of a gamble and there were raised eyebrows when United’s team-sheet was submitted an hour before kick-off, with eight changes from the side that beat FC Porto four days previously. The absentees all stayed in Manchester, though reports that a broken metatarsal would rule Wayne Rooney out for the rest of the season proved woefully wide of the mark.
The average age of the starting team was just 22, the line-up including four teenagers, and seven players aged 25 or under. Sir Alex insisted he couldn’t ask many of his players involved in a taxing battle in Portugal to go again on a heavy Wembley pitch – only Anderson, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic from the team that started at Estadio do Dragao survived. Few, however, could have predicted the boss’ team.
United’s fixture schedule is so hectic that Sir Alex had little choice than to shuffle the pack. Rafael and Fabio started for the first time together (in fact, the first time they’ve been on the pitch together in a competitive Reds match). There was also a first start for Federico Macheda – of recent Premier League match-winning fame. He started up front with Carlos Tevez. Danny Welbeck was deployed at left midfield, Ji-sung Park on the right, with impressive duo, Darron Gibson and Anderson, in the centre.
It would be difficult to argue that, individually, each of the starting eleven had not earned their Wembley opportunity through their performances this season; and it’s in keeping with the youth-first policy in the domestic cups this term. What the selection does suggest is that maximum importance is being placed on clinching the title.
The youthful Reds started very well in a very open game, with Macheda looking exceptionally lively up front. There were few signs of nerves in front of a record FA Cup semi-final crowd of 88,141, and United went closest to scoring first on 22 minutes, when Welbeck’s glancing touch from Rafael’s cross was deflected wide by Joleon Lescott. It coincided with a sustained period of pressure on Everton in the middle of the half.
Welbeck was again wide of the target five minutes before the break in one of United’s best moves of the half. After neat football down the left flank, Macheda slid a wonderful pass between Tony Hibbert and Phil Jagielka, but Welbeck’s shot was wayward. Although the critics will have been queuing up for a chance to criticise the manager’s team selection, the players did him proud in an encouraging 45 minutes, which, although lacking in goalmouth action, saw United control possession.
Everton started the second half with much greater intensity, Tim Cahill forcing a brilliant low save from a previously inactive Ben Foster shortly after the break. Everton were resurgent, and their fans urged them on. It was proving a test of character as much of talent for United’s youngsters. They responded well. With the game becoming stretched, the Reds countered and Park fired just wide of the post.
The Reds had regained control in what was becoming an engrossing game. Gibson was next to strike, fizzing a shot towards the top corner from 25 yards which Tim Howard tipped over. But the breakthrough should have arrived on 68 minutes when Welbeck was blatantly brought down by Jagielka in the box. Somehow Mike Riley adjudged the challenge to be fair. Sir Alex and the United players were understandably furious because that could, and should, have been the Reds’ chance to win it.
Anderson went close with a long-range effort as the game edged into the final fifteen minutes, while the increasingly involved Welbeck curled a shot just over the bar. Both teams patently wanted to end this tie inside 90 minutes. United made the best of the opportunities, but neither side could find the breakthrough as the match headed into extra time, with Dimitar Berbatov replacing Macheda.
Extra time offered few major incidents as both teams seemed settled on deciding this tie on penalties. Neither side could find the breakthrough, largely down to both team’s immovable defences. Jagielka and Lescott impressed, while Ferdinand was solid and Vidic was absolutely immense all afternoon.
It’s the fourth time United have been forced to spot-kicks in the last year (the Champions League final, Community Shield and Carling Cup final being the others), but this would be the first time the Reds tasted defeat. Cahill fluffed the first kick, blazing well over, but Berbatov also missed. Baines made it 1-0, an advantage upheld when Howard saved Ferdinand’s kick. Phil Neville converted, as did Vidic to make it 2-1. But Everton edged closer to the final when Foster could only get a finger tip to Vaughan’s kick. Anderson scored to level, but Jagielka grabbed the decisive goal to win the shoot-out 4-2.
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Saturday, March 7, 2009
Fulham Vs. Manchester United Match Report
United booked a return trip to Wembley after a sublime display at Craven Cottage earned them a 4-0 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Fulham.
After a slow start, the Reds soon clicked into gear with Carlos Tevez putting Sir Alex’s men 2-0 up in the first half with a close-range header and right-foot rasper. Wayne Rooney curled home a third after the break, before Ji-sung Park added a fourth nine minutes from time as the rampant Reds sealed an FA Cup semi-final spot in style.
With Internazionale and Liverpool both looming, Sir Alex was expected to make wholesale changes to the side that had earned a hard fought victory at Newcastle three days earlier. As it turned out, the United manager made just two, bringing in Anderson, in place of the rested Cristiano Ronaldo, and Tevez who took Dimitar Berbatov’s position up front with the Bulgarian dropping to the bench. It was the first time since Boxing Day that Tevez had started alongside Rooney and it didn’t take the duo long to create United’s first opening of the game after just three minutes.
Rooney pounced on a poor clearance from Brede Hangeland and lifted the ball into Tevez’s path. The Argentine set himself and as the ball dropped fired a powerful low drive goalwards. Only an excellent palmed clearance from Mark Schwarzer prevented the ball from nestling in the far corner, while the rebound just eluded Rooney as Fulham cleared their lines.
Nemanja Vidic, a tower of strength all afternoon, had to literally clear off his own line on 14 minutes when Simon Davies’ lofted pass was flicked towards goal by Andy Johnson as Edwin van der Sar rushed to meet him. The Dutchman got a slight touch on the ball, but he had Vidic to thank as the Serbian raced back to maintain parity.
A minute or so later Clint Dempsey rose above John O’Shea to meet Bobby Zamora’s right wing cross, but van der Sar was on hand to make a smart save.
United had begun the game in much the same vein as they did at St. James’ Park – second best. But whereas the Magpies had made their most of their early possession, Fulham failed to make theirs count and were made to pay on 20 minutes when the Reds took the lead.
A Michael Carrick corner was flicked on by Rooney towards the far post where Tevez was waiting to sneak a header past Paul Konchesky on the line from the tightest of angles.
The goal brought a reassurance and a confidence to United’s play which had been missing for the opening quarter of the match. The increasingly influential Rooney chanced his luck from the centre circle three minutes later, but his Beckham-esque effort dropped onto the roof of Schwarzer’s net. The striker then had a goal ruled out for offside, despite the 23-year-old looking level with the last defender.
A minute after Davies had thrashed a volley over van der Sar’s goal, Rooney should have netted United’s second when he connected with Park’s low centre from the right wing. Unfortunately, the ball rebounded off Schwarzer’s right-hand post and away from danger.
Carrick saw a finely struck 25-yarder clasped by Schwarzer, but the Australian keeper was powerless to prevent United doubling their lead in the 35th minute. Having collected a pass from Fletcher on the halfway line, Tevez jinked inside before firing a right-foot rasper into the top corner for a glorious second goal.
It was a bitter blow for the home side who had started so brightly, but they still posed a threat to United’s backline and almost struck an immediate reply when Andy Johnson found himself through on goal after a tangle with Rio Ferdinand. Thankfully, the Reds’ skipper recovered in time to make a vital last-ditch tackle as Johnson looked to pull the trigger. Soon after van der Sar dived at the feet of Zamora to win the ball after the Fulham striker had got in behind John O’Shea.
Just before the break, the United defender found himself in the thick of the action at the other end after being found by an exquisite pass from Michael Carrick following an excellent passage of play from the Reds. But O’Shea’s powerful shot was repelled by Schwarzer as the visitors threatened to put the game beyond Fulham.
Jonny Evans replaced Rio Ferdinand at the restart as a precaution after the captain went over on his ankle in the first half. The change did little to disturb United’s rhythm with Rooney and Tevez continuing to torment the Cottagers. And it was the former this time who got his name on the scoresheet five minutes in the second period, curling a brilliant effort round John Pantsil and past the outstretched arm of Schwarzer from just inside the area.
A three-goal cushion allowed Sir Alex the luxury of making some changes ahead of the crucial Champions League clash against Jose Mourinho’s men with Richard Eckersley and Danny Welbeck replacing John O’Shea, who was feeling his hamstring, and Rooney.
United weren’t about to sit back though and Ji-sung Park went close to grabbing a fourth, twice in quick succession. First, he saw a daisycutter well held by Schwarzer, before the Australian parried a low drive from the Korean soon after.
Park would not be deterred, however, and he finally found a way past Schwarzer on 81 minutes and calmly curled a right-foot effort into the net. Wembley here we come!
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After a slow start, the Reds soon clicked into gear with Carlos Tevez putting Sir Alex’s men 2-0 up in the first half with a close-range header and right-foot rasper. Wayne Rooney curled home a third after the break, before Ji-sung Park added a fourth nine minutes from time as the rampant Reds sealed an FA Cup semi-final spot in style.
With Internazionale and Liverpool both looming, Sir Alex was expected to make wholesale changes to the side that had earned a hard fought victory at Newcastle three days earlier. As it turned out, the United manager made just two, bringing in Anderson, in place of the rested Cristiano Ronaldo, and Tevez who took Dimitar Berbatov’s position up front with the Bulgarian dropping to the bench. It was the first time since Boxing Day that Tevez had started alongside Rooney and it didn’t take the duo long to create United’s first opening of the game after just three minutes.
Rooney pounced on a poor clearance from Brede Hangeland and lifted the ball into Tevez’s path. The Argentine set himself and as the ball dropped fired a powerful low drive goalwards. Only an excellent palmed clearance from Mark Schwarzer prevented the ball from nestling in the far corner, while the rebound just eluded Rooney as Fulham cleared their lines.
Nemanja Vidic, a tower of strength all afternoon, had to literally clear off his own line on 14 minutes when Simon Davies’ lofted pass was flicked towards goal by Andy Johnson as Edwin van der Sar rushed to meet him. The Dutchman got a slight touch on the ball, but he had Vidic to thank as the Serbian raced back to maintain parity.
A minute or so later Clint Dempsey rose above John O’Shea to meet Bobby Zamora’s right wing cross, but van der Sar was on hand to make a smart save.
United had begun the game in much the same vein as they did at St. James’ Park – second best. But whereas the Magpies had made their most of their early possession, Fulham failed to make theirs count and were made to pay on 20 minutes when the Reds took the lead.
A Michael Carrick corner was flicked on by Rooney towards the far post where Tevez was waiting to sneak a header past Paul Konchesky on the line from the tightest of angles.
The goal brought a reassurance and a confidence to United’s play which had been missing for the opening quarter of the match. The increasingly influential Rooney chanced his luck from the centre circle three minutes later, but his Beckham-esque effort dropped onto the roof of Schwarzer’s net. The striker then had a goal ruled out for offside, despite the 23-year-old looking level with the last defender.
A minute after Davies had thrashed a volley over van der Sar’s goal, Rooney should have netted United’s second when he connected with Park’s low centre from the right wing. Unfortunately, the ball rebounded off Schwarzer’s right-hand post and away from danger.
Carrick saw a finely struck 25-yarder clasped by Schwarzer, but the Australian keeper was powerless to prevent United doubling their lead in the 35th minute. Having collected a pass from Fletcher on the halfway line, Tevez jinked inside before firing a right-foot rasper into the top corner for a glorious second goal.
It was a bitter blow for the home side who had started so brightly, but they still posed a threat to United’s backline and almost struck an immediate reply when Andy Johnson found himself through on goal after a tangle with Rio Ferdinand. Thankfully, the Reds’ skipper recovered in time to make a vital last-ditch tackle as Johnson looked to pull the trigger. Soon after van der Sar dived at the feet of Zamora to win the ball after the Fulham striker had got in behind John O’Shea.
Just before the break, the United defender found himself in the thick of the action at the other end after being found by an exquisite pass from Michael Carrick following an excellent passage of play from the Reds. But O’Shea’s powerful shot was repelled by Schwarzer as the visitors threatened to put the game beyond Fulham.
Jonny Evans replaced Rio Ferdinand at the restart as a precaution after the captain went over on his ankle in the first half. The change did little to disturb United’s rhythm with Rooney and Tevez continuing to torment the Cottagers. And it was the former this time who got his name on the scoresheet five minutes in the second period, curling a brilliant effort round John Pantsil and past the outstretched arm of Schwarzer from just inside the area.
A three-goal cushion allowed Sir Alex the luxury of making some changes ahead of the crucial Champions League clash against Jose Mourinho’s men with Richard Eckersley and Danny Welbeck replacing John O’Shea, who was feeling his hamstring, and Rooney.
United weren’t about to sit back though and Ji-sung Park went close to grabbing a fourth, twice in quick succession. First, he saw a daisycutter well held by Schwarzer, before the Australian parried a low drive from the Korean soon after.
Park would not be deterred, however, and he finally found a way past Schwarzer on 81 minutes and calmly curled a right-foot effort into the net. Wembley here we come!
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Fulham Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clip
Fulham [0 - 3] Manchester United
20' [0 - 1] C.A. Tevez
35' [0 - 2] C.A. Tevez
50' [0 - 3] W. Rooney
0-1 C.Tevez 20'
0-2 C.Tevez 35'
0-3 W.Rooney 50'
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20' [0 - 1] C.A. Tevez
35' [0 - 2] C.A. Tevez
50' [0 - 3] W. Rooney
0-1 C.Tevez 20'
0-2 C.Tevez 35'
0-3 W.Rooney 50'
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Sunday, February 15, 2009
Derby Vs. Manchester United Match Report
United cruised into the FA Cup quarter-finals after a professional demolition of Derby at Pride Park.
Nani’s thunderous sixth of the season and a fine volley from Darron Gibson put the Reds in control at the break, before Cristiano Ronaldo’s bullet header made it three.
Derby, the only side who can claim to have beaten the world champions, got back into the game through Miles Addison’s header but never seriously threatened to complete an unlikely comeback and Reds substitute Danny Welbeck netted an exquisite fourth.
The Reds’ performance was all the more impressive given that it was achieved with a much-changed line-up. Sir Alex Ferguson made no fewer than seven changes to the side that beat West Ham, with Patrice Evra back from a seven-game absence and Jonny Evans also returning from injury alongside Rio Ferdinand in defence.
Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs were named as the two forwards with Ben Foster in goal, while Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov were rested from the squad entirely.
Gibson took up his preferred central midfield role and in the first minute he flashed a left-footed shot just over Stephen Bywater's goal.
That set the tone for a dominant display, in contrast to what the Reds had produced in the Carling Cup defeat on the same ground 39 days previously.
A flowing move involving Ronaldo and Giggs led to Darren Fletcher forcing Bywater into a smart stop, and a minute later the Rams keeper was called into action again to tip over a Ji-sung Park volley from an acute angle.
Derby hurried and harassed United in midfield but struggled to create any openings of their own until Rob Hulse volleyed a snap-shot just over Foster’s bar in the 21st minute.
United were in command and were rewarded just before the half-hour as Nani fired home an almost identical goal to the one he scored in the 4-2 win over the Rams last month. The ball was played from left to right through Gibson, Fletcher and Giggs to Nani, who cut infield and let fly with a trademark dipping shot that flew past Bywater.
It seemed for all the world as though Ronaldo had doubled the lead eight minutes before the break when he ran onto a delicious Giggs flick-on to slot home – only for referee Alan Wiley to rule it out for offside a full 20 seconds later after consultation with his linesman.
But it mattered little as United were two goals to the good just before half-time. Ronaldo’s 30-yard free-kick hit the wall, spooned up and Gibson smartly steered his volley from the edge of the box into the bottom right-hand corner.
Three minutes into the second half Ronaldo had his goal, thumping home a header from eight yards from Giggs’ corner from the right.
United were threatening to run riot and almost immediately Bywater made a good double save from Ronaldo and Fletcher after the Reds had carved the Derby defence open again.
That was the cue for Ferguson to bring on John O’Shea and Welbeck for Park and Evra. But the home side gave themselves a lifeline when an unmarked Addison neatly headed Kris Commons’ right-wing cross past Foster.
Unsurprisingly, the goal galvanised the Rams and Gary Teale’s pacy run almost created an opening for Commons.
With 20 minutes left another thrilling link-up between Giggs and Ronaldo led to the latter blazing over from 20 yards. That was the Portuguese’s last meaningful contribution as he was replaced by Rodrigo Possebon.
Teale’s arrowing shot forced Foster into a fantastic save low to his right – and four minutes later Welbeck finally killed off Derby’s hopes.
Fletcher played a neat one-two with Giggs before finding Welbeck on the left of the box, and the youngster curled the ball delightfully past Bywater.
It was the striker’s third goal for United and it capped a thoroughly satisfactory evening for Ferguson’s men, who completed a ninth successive win to march into the last eight.
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Nani’s thunderous sixth of the season and a fine volley from Darron Gibson put the Reds in control at the break, before Cristiano Ronaldo’s bullet header made it three.
Derby, the only side who can claim to have beaten the world champions, got back into the game through Miles Addison’s header but never seriously threatened to complete an unlikely comeback and Reds substitute Danny Welbeck netted an exquisite fourth.
The Reds’ performance was all the more impressive given that it was achieved with a much-changed line-up. Sir Alex Ferguson made no fewer than seven changes to the side that beat West Ham, with Patrice Evra back from a seven-game absence and Jonny Evans also returning from injury alongside Rio Ferdinand in defence.
Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs were named as the two forwards with Ben Foster in goal, while Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov were rested from the squad entirely.
Gibson took up his preferred central midfield role and in the first minute he flashed a left-footed shot just over Stephen Bywater's goal.
That set the tone for a dominant display, in contrast to what the Reds had produced in the Carling Cup defeat on the same ground 39 days previously.
A flowing move involving Ronaldo and Giggs led to Darren Fletcher forcing Bywater into a smart stop, and a minute later the Rams keeper was called into action again to tip over a Ji-sung Park volley from an acute angle.
Derby hurried and harassed United in midfield but struggled to create any openings of their own until Rob Hulse volleyed a snap-shot just over Foster’s bar in the 21st minute.
United were in command and were rewarded just before the half-hour as Nani fired home an almost identical goal to the one he scored in the 4-2 win over the Rams last month. The ball was played from left to right through Gibson, Fletcher and Giggs to Nani, who cut infield and let fly with a trademark dipping shot that flew past Bywater.
It seemed for all the world as though Ronaldo had doubled the lead eight minutes before the break when he ran onto a delicious Giggs flick-on to slot home – only for referee Alan Wiley to rule it out for offside a full 20 seconds later after consultation with his linesman.
But it mattered little as United were two goals to the good just before half-time. Ronaldo’s 30-yard free-kick hit the wall, spooned up and Gibson smartly steered his volley from the edge of the box into the bottom right-hand corner.
Three minutes into the second half Ronaldo had his goal, thumping home a header from eight yards from Giggs’ corner from the right.
United were threatening to run riot and almost immediately Bywater made a good double save from Ronaldo and Fletcher after the Reds had carved the Derby defence open again.
That was the cue for Ferguson to bring on John O’Shea and Welbeck for Park and Evra. But the home side gave themselves a lifeline when an unmarked Addison neatly headed Kris Commons’ right-wing cross past Foster.
Unsurprisingly, the goal galvanised the Rams and Gary Teale’s pacy run almost created an opening for Commons.
With 20 minutes left another thrilling link-up between Giggs and Ronaldo led to the latter blazing over from 20 yards. That was the Portuguese’s last meaningful contribution as he was replaced by Rodrigo Possebon.
Teale’s arrowing shot forced Foster into a fantastic save low to his right – and four minutes later Welbeck finally killed off Derby’s hopes.
Fletcher played a neat one-two with Giggs before finding Welbeck on the left of the box, and the youngster curled the ball delightfully past Bywater.
It was the striker’s third goal for United and it capped a thoroughly satisfactory evening for Ferguson’s men, who completed a ninth successive win to march into the last eight.
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Derby County Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clip
Derby County [1 - 4] Manchester United
29' [0 - 1] Nani
44' [0 - 2] D. Gibson
48' [0 - 3] C. Ronaldo
56' [1 - 3] M. Addison
81' [1 - 4] D. Welbeck
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29' [0 - 1] Nani
44' [0 - 2] D. Gibson
48' [0 - 3] C. Ronaldo
56' [1 - 3] M. Addison
81' [1 - 4] D. Welbeck
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Saturday, January 24, 2009
Manchester United Vs. Tottenham Match Report
United’s quest five major trophies continues apace in spite of a crippling injury list, as the Reds beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in the FA Cup fourth round.
Harry Redknapp’s men took a surprise early lead through Roman Pavlyuchenko, but United’s first half display was otherwise outstanding as goals from Paul Scholes (albeit via a wicked deflection off Tom Huddlestone) and Dimitar Berbatov against his former club secured the win.
Even with injuries limiting Sir Alex’s selections, the boss has the ability to surprise with his line-ups. Fabio, twin brother of Rafael who has impressed this season, was drafted in for his debut at left-back, with John O’Shea moving across the back four to right-back. Fellow teenager Danny Welbeck was asked to play in a wide-right position. While not his preferred position, it isn’t an altogether unfamiliar role for the 18-year-old forward who played there in his first season with the U18s. The six changes to United’s line-up from the midweek victory over Derby County are a sign of how injuries have hit the Reds, but Sir Alex could still boast nine internationals in his starting eleven.
Redknapp has also struggled with injuries. But, despite widespread reports that he would field his weakest available team, he made only three changes to the team that, despite losing 3-2 to Burnley on Wednesday, booked their place in the Carling Cup final against United on 1 March with a 6-4 aggregate victory.
With selection problems for both teams it was little surprise that the game was open from the start. But it was Tottenham who made the first coherent attack, and scored from it. Having penned United into the corner, Huddlestone's cross from the left saw Pavlyuchenko do what so few forwards have this season – beat Nemanja Vidic to a header. And the Russian’s glancing touch took the ball past the stranded Ben Foster.
The goal came after just five minutes and sparked the home crowd into life, while the away section fans sang, “…we’re going to Wem-ber-ley” – premature perhaps, unless they were stating mere fact at their impending visit in the other domestic cup competition. United upped a gear and soon asked serious questions of Tottenham’s resilience. Berbatov sent a low shot skimming wide on 10 minutes, while Tevez thundered a left-footed effort against the bar on 18. Welbeck was next up with a jinking run into the area. He was only denied a shot when Chris Gunter made a last-ditch intervention. Seconds later Tevez forced a fine save from Spurs keeper Ben Alnwick when he volleyed goalwards from Berbatov’s knockdown.
There was plenty more to be positive about – with Welbeck’s enthusiasm and skill on the right, and Fabio’s attacking intent on the left a welcome surprise. In fact, United had every reason to feel unlucky to be behind. But that was soon put right. The ceaseless pressure paid off on 34 minutes when Carrick’s corner found Scholes unmarked on the edge of the area – never a good idea for opponents – and his shot beat Alnwick via a hefty deflection off Huddlestone.
Two minutes later United had the lead when Carrick again provided the killer pass. His lofted ball put Berbatov through and the former Spurs man ruthlessly fired his shot into the bottom corner. The United fans gleefully turned to the away supporters and sang “que sera sera…”, scolding the Spurs fans’ for their earlier bragging, and shortly after added a “that’s why we’re champions” and “you’re going down with City” for good measure.
Fabio’s impressive debut unfortunately came to an end shortly after half time when he was forced off with an injury. The young Brazilian was replaced by another debutant, Richard Eckersley. The Salford-born right-back is a more traditional, defensive player compared to Fabio’s flair and penchant for creeping forward, but it was an equally proud day for the young defender.
The tempo dropped dramatically in the second half; perhaps the motivation to expend maximum energy in the midst of hectic fixture schedule wasn’t top priority. It was a shame because the first half had been so entertaining but, in the long run, was probably necessary for both teams. Redknapp offered one final attempt to inject vim and vigour into his side’s display by bringing on Jermain Defoe with 20 minutes left, while Sir Alex gave a third debut of the day to Zoran Tosic, who replaced Ronaldo. The changes – though good for United fans to see the latest sprightly addition to the first-team ranks – made no impact on the scoreline as the Reds booked a place in Sunday’s fifth round draw, and edged a step closer to another Wembley outing.
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Harry Redknapp’s men took a surprise early lead through Roman Pavlyuchenko, but United’s first half display was otherwise outstanding as goals from Paul Scholes (albeit via a wicked deflection off Tom Huddlestone) and Dimitar Berbatov against his former club secured the win.
Even with injuries limiting Sir Alex’s selections, the boss has the ability to surprise with his line-ups. Fabio, twin brother of Rafael who has impressed this season, was drafted in for his debut at left-back, with John O’Shea moving across the back four to right-back. Fellow teenager Danny Welbeck was asked to play in a wide-right position. While not his preferred position, it isn’t an altogether unfamiliar role for the 18-year-old forward who played there in his first season with the U18s. The six changes to United’s line-up from the midweek victory over Derby County are a sign of how injuries have hit the Reds, but Sir Alex could still boast nine internationals in his starting eleven.
Redknapp has also struggled with injuries. But, despite widespread reports that he would field his weakest available team, he made only three changes to the team that, despite losing 3-2 to Burnley on Wednesday, booked their place in the Carling Cup final against United on 1 March with a 6-4 aggregate victory.
With selection problems for both teams it was little surprise that the game was open from the start. But it was Tottenham who made the first coherent attack, and scored from it. Having penned United into the corner, Huddlestone's cross from the left saw Pavlyuchenko do what so few forwards have this season – beat Nemanja Vidic to a header. And the Russian’s glancing touch took the ball past the stranded Ben Foster.
The goal came after just five minutes and sparked the home crowd into life, while the away section fans sang, “…we’re going to Wem-ber-ley” – premature perhaps, unless they were stating mere fact at their impending visit in the other domestic cup competition. United upped a gear and soon asked serious questions of Tottenham’s resilience. Berbatov sent a low shot skimming wide on 10 minutes, while Tevez thundered a left-footed effort against the bar on 18. Welbeck was next up with a jinking run into the area. He was only denied a shot when Chris Gunter made a last-ditch intervention. Seconds later Tevez forced a fine save from Spurs keeper Ben Alnwick when he volleyed goalwards from Berbatov’s knockdown.
There was plenty more to be positive about – with Welbeck’s enthusiasm and skill on the right, and Fabio’s attacking intent on the left a welcome surprise. In fact, United had every reason to feel unlucky to be behind. But that was soon put right. The ceaseless pressure paid off on 34 minutes when Carrick’s corner found Scholes unmarked on the edge of the area – never a good idea for opponents – and his shot beat Alnwick via a hefty deflection off Huddlestone.
Two minutes later United had the lead when Carrick again provided the killer pass. His lofted ball put Berbatov through and the former Spurs man ruthlessly fired his shot into the bottom corner. The United fans gleefully turned to the away supporters and sang “que sera sera…”, scolding the Spurs fans’ for their earlier bragging, and shortly after added a “that’s why we’re champions” and “you’re going down with City” for good measure.
Fabio’s impressive debut unfortunately came to an end shortly after half time when he was forced off with an injury. The young Brazilian was replaced by another debutant, Richard Eckersley. The Salford-born right-back is a more traditional, defensive player compared to Fabio’s flair and penchant for creeping forward, but it was an equally proud day for the young defender.
The tempo dropped dramatically in the second half; perhaps the motivation to expend maximum energy in the midst of hectic fixture schedule wasn’t top priority. It was a shame because the first half had been so entertaining but, in the long run, was probably necessary for both teams. Redknapp offered one final attempt to inject vim and vigour into his side’s display by bringing on Jermain Defoe with 20 minutes left, while Sir Alex gave a third debut of the day to Zoran Tosic, who replaced Ronaldo. The changes – though good for United fans to see the latest sprightly addition to the first-team ranks – made no impact on the scoreline as the Reds booked a place in Sunday’s fifth round draw, and edged a step closer to another Wembley outing.
Read more...
Manchester United Vs. Tottenham Highlights Video Clip
Manchester United [2 - 1] Tottenham
5' [0 - 1] R. Pavlyuchenko
35' [1 - 1] P. Scholes
36' [2 - 1] D. Berbatov
0-1 Pavlyuchenko 5'
1-1 Scholes 34'
2-1 Berbatov 36'
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5' [0 - 1] R. Pavlyuchenko
35' [1 - 1] P. Scholes
36' [2 - 1] D. Berbatov
0-1 Pavlyuchenko 5'
1-1 Scholes 34'
2-1 Berbatov 36'
Read more...
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Southampton Vs. Manchester United Highlights Video Clip
Southampton [0 - 3] Manchester United
21' [0 - 1] D. Welbeck
48' [0 - 2] Nani (pen.)
81' [0 - 3] D. Gibson
FC Southampton 0:3 Manchester United-FA CUP - MyVideo
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21' [0 - 1] D. Welbeck
48' [0 - 2] Nani (pen.)
81' [0 - 3] D. Gibson
FC Southampton 0:3 Manchester United-FA CUP - MyVideo
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