Manchester United left Italy yesterday with a 3-2 advantage going into the return leg at Old Trafford. Everyone within the club will be happy to take a 1 goal lead back to England but will also feel that they could have been heading home in a better position hadn't they allowed Clarence Seedorf to claw one back late in the match.
Many United supporters would have been pleased with a point, prior to the trip to Aston Villa. However, once the match began and they witnessed Villa sitting back a bit they probably started to believe that they would take the full 3 points. That is until, Nani went in recklessly on Stiliyan Petrov. At that instance, they were more likely praying that they'd be able to hold on for a single point.
United have put the sword to Arsenal with a stunning performance of counter-attacking football and some excellent individual displays. It was a performance of experience which stopped the Arsenal attacking play in it's tracks.
The Game
The first half belonged to United as they ripped Arsenal to pieces with some brilliant counter-attacking play. The first goal however, came from some unbelievable individual play from Nani to five United the lead. Then came a stunning counter-attack which brought home memories of that game against Le Arse in last years Champions League semi-final. It was a goal you will want to see time and time again.
Nani
In the last three game we have spoke about Nani's performance and again we cannot leave the Portuguese Winger out of a great performance. The first-half belonged to Nani as he terrorized Clichy with his skill and pace. He had a less momentous second-half but nevertheless it was a man of the match performance.
Rooney
Rooney has put in a hell of a shift this season and today was another tireless performance. With another goal added to his tally this season, he certainly looks set to beat his record of 23 goals in one season. Sir Alex may rest him for the game against relegation strugglers Portsmouth but there is significant cover with Berbatov, Owen and Diouf waiting for their chance to shine.
The Title Race
The victory puts United 1 point behind Chelsea and 4 points above Arsenal. United have played one more game, but Chelsea will welcome the wounded Gooners to Stamford Bridge next Sunday. United fans will be hoping that Arsenal can pick themselves up and go to the Bridge and get something, as a point would be perfect for United.
Ratings
VDS - 7 - Did what he could but can't blame him for the goal
Rafael - 7 - A rollercoaster match, in parts good but the opposite in others
Brown - 7 - Did well aswell and cleaning up after Rafael's not-so-great defending
Evans - 7.5 - A solid performance, giving the Arsenal attacking play a kick in the teeth
Evra - 7 - A under-par perfomance but still did well on his defensive side
Carrick - 7.5 - Did well to patrol the midfield and had Fabregas in his pocket after the switch around
Fletcher - 7 - Quieter after the City performance
Scholes - 8 - Was switched around with Carrick and gave him the freedom to control the game
Nani - 8.5 - Another performance worthy of his Man of the Match award
Park - 7.5 - Passed the ball well and got on the scoresheet with a nice finish
Rooney - 9 - A thorn in the backside of Le Arse all match.
Subs
Valencia - 6
Berbatov - 6
Giggs - 6
What's Next
United vs Portsmouth (h)
Portsmouth are fighting for relegation and will certainly put up a fight next week at Old Trafford. Sir Alex may decide he will rest some of his players such as Rooney and Fletcher to give them much-needed breaks.
We will post some download links here for you to enjoy the match in HQ
Last Updated on Monday, 01 February 2010 00:05
Manchester United 3-1 Manchester City
Wednesday, 27 January 2010 22:11Written by Indy
If your like me you'll be picking yourself up off the floor after doing a head first dive across my own living or you might just do the sensible thing and get yourself over to Simplyreds to watch the highlights of the game. Don't worry, we're one the case as we speak because this is a game you will want to see time and time again.
The Game
United deserved the victory in both legs and today was a result to make amends for the first leg. United had the majority of possession but in the first half it was City who looked the most threatening.
The second half was our half and we took control of the game with a goal on the 52nd minute. It was a sigh of relief after the first half in which we failed to create any clear cut chances.
United then went in front on the 71st minute but then Ugly Betty stuck out a leg and managed to claw one back for City, who had been outplayed until that goal.
It was a sucker punch to United who had a host of chances to put the game to bed. You won't see Rooney miss from yards out but he did tonight. To be fair to Rooney it wasn't as easy as it looks on the TV.
In the last 10 minutes of the match it looked like going to extra-time but United never wanted it. Rooney headed in the winner in injury time to send fans at Old Trafford, home and around the world jumping for joy.
There was a big question mark over whether Nani could take his performance from Hull City and revive his season. Tonight he had a great game and some would give him the man-of-the-match award. His final ball has improved massively and he's oozing confidence which I've never seen from him before.
I'm sure if he carries on in the same vein him will be a massive player for us for the season to come.
Bellamy Incident
It's hard to keep yourself calm when you can see Bellamy mouthing off and winding up our fans. There was an incident where Bellamy was his with a coin and it will surely be picked up in tomorrow's papers. Hopefully it doesn't overshadow the victory but we need the fans to keep their cool because it's United who will be hit with the fine.
The Crowd
The crowd was as loud as it's been all season although it did quieten down after the City goal. At the end of the game the fans were in buoyant mood and the sound of 76,000 fans chanting Glory Glory Man Utd was truly special.
Ratings
Van Der Sar: 7
Some great saves and can't really take blame for the goal conceded- Was also quick to notice the counter-attacks with some nice kicks down the pitch.
Rafael: 7
Got forward well and defended well even though Bellamy got past a couple of times
Ferdinand: 8
Canceled out most of City's attacks with his only fault for the City goal.
Evans: 7
Along with Rio, he defended well and took control of most of everything City had to throw at United
Evra: 8
A consistent performer for United. As always he defended well and looked a threat going forward. Had Wright Phillips in his back pocket.
Nani: 8
Looks like a new player and the fans are starting to show him support. His final balls are now a constant threat and took Garrido apart in the 2nd half.
Fletcher: 9
A complete midfielders performance. Full of energy and made the 2nd goal for United.
Carrick: 7
Passed the ball well and scored the 2nd goal with a cool finish into the corner of the net
Scholes: 8
Scored the first goal and made some sublime passes. A big F**k off to his critics who say he should retire.
Giggs: 8
A fantastic cross in injury time led to the third goal. Made some great runs and along with Evra, caused Richards problems on left side of midfield
Rooney: 8
Should have finished City off but made up for the missed chances with an injury time winner. He was alone up front but proved that he is capable of performing alone.
What's next
Arsenal (a)
The attention turns to the capital as United travel down for a clash against Le Arse. United will take a lot of confidence from this performance and will look to take home the three points.
United go top of the league thanks to four goals from Wazza and a great performance Nani.
United could have had 6 or 7 goals but Hull City also had their chances to get a goal. For 82 minutes fans were on the edge of the seats willing United to get that second goal.
There was only going to be one man to step up to the plate. Rooney got a second and then went on a mad rally and bagged himself four goals by the time the whistle was blown.
Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen Partnership
Some said the partnership wouldn't work but it did. They created many chances and Owen's movement was fantastic. However, Michael Owen didn't have his finishing boots on and may have lacked the sharpness from the lack of matches he has appeared in.
Nani
Well, for all the criticism he has faced he has finally been given a kick-start. He created so many chances and if Owen would have finished them he would have had 4 or 5 assists. Hopefully this will give him the confidence and give us some well needed creativity on the flanks.
The Crowd
United agreed to turn off the music before the game to let the fans voice their own soundtrack. With the 'Love United, Hate Glazer' campaign getting stronger, the chants all game were directed at the Yanks. Chants like 'We want Glazer' and Love United, Hate Glazer', it was a lively atmosphere but nothing like what you can expect on Wednesday against City.
Comments
Wayne Rooney was the undoubted highlight of the match. It’s the first time that he’s scored four goals for us. That is very pleasing and he is in excellent goalscoring form at the moment.
Sir Alex Ferguson
What's next
Vs City (h) Carling Cup Semi-Final 2nd Leg
We look to have hit some form and City should be worried. United will have picked up some confidence and Sir Alex is likely to field a similar line-up to the one used today.
eft Italy yesterday with a 3-2 advantage going into the return leg at Old Trafford. Everyone within the club will be happy to take a 1 goal lead back to England but will also feel that they could have been heading home in a better position hadn't they allowed Clarence Seedorf to claw one back late in the match.
the 52nd minute. It was a sigh of relief after the first half in which we failed to create any clear cut chances.
The crowd was as loud as it's been all season although it did quieten down after the City goal. At the end of the game the fans were in buoyant mood and the sound of 76,000 fans chanting Glory Glory Man Utd was truly special.
Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen Partnership
