Moyes and Woodward shut selves out of transfer window

As debut’s go, it was not the best start for Manchester United’s David Moyes and Ed Woodward.

BAD START: Woodward and Moyes

The transfer market, on so many occasions a convenience store for United, was more a Supermarket Sweep for the club’s new chief executive and manager, not knowing where to turn next for their prize signing.

The duo, eager to splash the cash to kick-start the post-Ferguson, David Gill era with a big name, stumbled from snub to failure until a hair raising deadline-day at least gave them something to show for their money.

But an eleventh hour signing of Marouane Fellani, a player who will improve the champions, wasn’t enough to quell supporters’ anger that more hadn’t been done to secure a marquee signing, chiefly an architect in midfield.

It was left to Arsenal, of all clubs, to deliver the final poke in the eye for United when they swooped for Mesut Ozil – the world’s best number 10, according to Jose Mourinho – the type of player coveted at Old Trafford since Paul Scholes' legs dictated he played a deeper role.

United’s impotent summer started back in July when Thiago Alcantara, then a Barcelona player, opted to join former boss Pep Guardiola's Bayern Munich instead of the Red Devils.

The narrative at the time was simple: Alcantara says adios to Europe’s greatest side for the emerging Bavarian super power.

But after observing United’s behaviour since that failed bid, namely the repeated attempts at prising Cesc Fabregas from his beloved Barcelona and the “derisory” bid for both Fellani and Leighton Baines, perhaps alarm bells should have been ringing as early as the Alcantara move.

Has Woodward, whose voracious ability to wring every last dollar, yen and euro out of sponsors is undeniable, been caught out of his depth when it comes to getting footballers, not business executives, to sign along the dotted line?

Or was, as Fergie would bark, the market to blame for its bizarre interpretation of the rule of supply and demand?

The answer is somewhere in between.

The significant signing, or, ironically, non-signing, was that of Wayne Rooney. Though the striker agitated for a switch to Chelsea, his refusal to submit a transfer request was kudos to United’s management.

This season’s opening three games revealed how important the forward's presence at the club is, even if his powers have dimmed.

Rooney still remains a fulcrum in United’s starting 11, and without any stellar attack-minded signings he is as vital as Robin Van Persie is to the team’s success this season.

Credit must also go to Moyes for allowing interest in Ander Herrera to cool after reportedly balking at the Spanish midfielder’s £30.5 million price tag.

But leaving the Fellani bid, and a £40 million punt on Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira as well as rumoured inquiries about Daniele de Rossi and Mesut Ozil, until late on gave the impression of a scramble, a salvage mission after promising much but delivering little.

The positive is that Woodward and Moyes should learn to develop a strategy whereby targets are systemically approached, bids made, signings secured, weeks before the clock strikes 11 on deadline day.

Out the pairs’ hands is the market itself.

Both bloated and disproportionate, were the transfer market a set of real market indices, with players listed as the companies, the continuing trend would be boom, boom, boom.

If one club sells their 20-goal midfielder for £50 million, that must make your club’s similar asset worth £50 million, right?

Wrong.

Exorbitant fees create a bubble, which is inflated more each time an over-valued, judged on technical ability, player seals a deal to another club. No wonder Arsene Wenger has taken so long to stump up his considerable wedge.  

     

Woodward and Moyes moved too slowly this summer and have unintentionally put themselves in a damned if you do, damned if you don’t position for the winter’s window.

Damned if they jump straight back into the market, and risk paying a premium, and damned if they don’t for not making amends for the summer.

One more window like this and the shadows of Sir Alex and Gill would loom ever larger.    

Hernandez Brace Resurrects United

A Javier Hernandez double inspired yet another Manchester United comeback in a hard fought victory against a deflated Aston Villa.

Hernandez, a second half substitute, left Villa feeling a sense of de ja vu after United came from 2-0 down to turn the game on its head.

A pulsating second half was barely five minutes old when Andreas Weimann doubled Villa’s lead, after opening the scoring on the stroke of half time, with a close range finish from Gabriel Agbonlahor’s cross.

But the introduction of Hernandez was the catalyst for a dramatic turn around and three goals in half an hour which captured all three points for the league leaders.

Were Villa architects of their own downfall?

Emphatically not.

Paul Lambert’s side won’t be win the league with kids but on this performance his youthful side must be favourites to pull themselves out of their slump. 

Villa made it hard for United, who were not at their best, by pressing their midfielders, particularly Paul Scholes, into submitting possession.

Indeed it was Lambert’s men who for an hour looked good value for their lead but Villa Park has been a happy hunting ground for United, the ground where they have prised the most Premier League points away from Old Trafford.

Villa’s lead came after 45 minutes of counter attacking play from both sides, Austrian striker Weimann placing above David de Gea in the United goal after a well measured pull-back from the lively Christian Benteke.

Though Ashley Young, who was booed from the outset, swung a shot side wide and Wayne Rooney drove one from afar, United failed to threaten Brad Guzan’s goal; Robin Van Persie cut a peripheral figure up front.

It was when the second half got under way, with Hernandez replacing the futile Young, that United’s rhythm improved. 

But when an errant pass from Scholes was latched onto by Stephen Ireland, Agbonlahor tore up the left wing in support. His cross-goal effort was diverted past De Gea from close range by Weimann and with 50 minutes on the clock Villa should have been favourites for an unlikely victory.

Ferguson’s United, though, are never dead and buried and a second half resurrection was given life when Hernandez ran onto Scholes’ lob over the Villa defence to slip past the ensuing Guzan.

United have made a habit of falling behind this season, eight times in all competitions, before recovering  to earn a victory, but when Van Persie twice hit the wood work, firstly with a close header and seconds later with a curling effort, Villa could have been forgiven for thinking this was their night.

But United don’t do sympathy and when Hernandez’s deflected second at the back post drew his side level there was only going to be one outcome.

With less than five minutes to go Van Persie swept a delivery into Villa’s penalty area to find an unmarked Hernandez to stoop low and head home to conquer.  

The last time United came from two down at this ground and won was when Ruud Van Nistelrooy fired two past Villa. 

Partnering the Dutchman that day was a Norwegian striker whose habit of conjuring match winning goals earned him cult status in the Stretford End.

Hernandez might have earned a place in the starting 11 next week.   

No Delight After Turkish Win

ALL journeys must begin somewhere and Manchester United have started on the road to Wembley with an unconvincing victory over Galatasaray.

Michael Carrick’s seventh minute goal tonight was enough to give United all three points in their opening Champions League group game but the Turkish champions could easily have turned back the clocks on last season’s Premier League runners up and leave Old Trafford with at least a point. United were never in control and risked throwing away early kudos in Group H, much as they had in last seasons competition when they were eliminated at the group stages for the first time since 2005. Had luck been on the Turkish champions’ side Selcuk Inan’s first half glancing header or Hamit Altintop’s whipped effort would have glanced the inside of David De Gea’s up-right and not bounce out for a goal kick. Fatih Terim can also feel aggrieved his side were not awarded a penalty in each half, firstly when after only 30 seconds Nemanja Vidic dangled a leg at Umut Bulut and also in the dying minutes when the returning Johnny Evans scythed down substitute Johan Elmander inside the United box. Carrick’s goal came while United were gaining their stride. Afforded greater possession after Terim started with a 4-4-2, Carrick advanced forward, receiving a return pass fro Robin Van Persie. After a tidy exchange with Shinji Kagawa on the edge of the box, Carrick steadied himself and rounded Fernando Muslera in the away side’s goal before finishing. Carrick, who is often criticised for being inert going forward, showed the composure of a Rolls Royce rather than a striker’s instinct. As Old Trafford settled to what it assumed would be a formality, Galatasaray, buoyed by their deafening 2,500 fans, took the game to United. A misplaced Paul Scholes opened up space for the lively Nordin Amrabat to arch a shot beyond De Gea which ricochet off the crossbar. Inan and Altintop also hit the woodwork. Galtasaray’s counter attacking style was akin to United’s own but Ferguson’s men were wasteful in possession, none more so than Nani who squandered the ball and ran into dead-ends. The Portuguese topped off a dismal performance with a missed penalty. Rafael had darted into the penalty area before being clipped from the side but Nani’s resulting penalty was easily pushed away by Muslera. The winger has been told by Sir Alex to pull his socks up in the wake of recent weak performances. On the basis of tonight you wonder how far above the ankle they go. He was, however, not solely to blame for United’s fragmented look. Scholes, Van Persie and Antonio Valencia all were disappointing, though the latter had a penalty appeal turned down after a burst inside the penalty box. Other than three points on the opening night of the European campaign, the only welcoming news for Sir Alex was the appearance of Darren Fletcher, on as a 80th minute substitute to replace Scholes. Fletcher has not played a competitive match for United since November and his tenacity will help prevent United get overrun by more ubiquitous midfields than the Turkish sides’. If United are to progress in this tournament they must improve on this standing start.

On-Song City Annihilate United

In a city synonymous with its music scene a cacophony of silence rumbled through Old Trafford yesterday.
It was interrupted by a jubilant away end, by fans so used to being shouted down at the famous stadium.
Manchester United supporters had been mute long before Edin Dzeko made it 6-1, but for Manchester City supporters this was a chance to revel in their greatest victory over their famous neighbours.
Only the euphoric blue quadrant of the stadium sang out loud, buoyed by the slamming of seats as reds headed for the exits. “Cheerio” rang out the chant.
They were mad for it.
For Manchester United this was a humbling of incredible proportions, the “worst day ever” for Sir Alex Ferguson.
The last time Old Trafford emptied so quickly was when rivals Liverpool waltzed into town two years ago and crushed them 4-1.
Yesterday would have hurt more.
Talk before the match was about Mario Balotelli’s impromptu firework display at his home.
Not content with last season’s Carrington flare up’s, Balotelli sparked his own domestic bonfire but waited a further day before putting a rocket under United.
His first goal was coolness personified. The magnificent David Silva played in James Milner, preferred to Samir Nasri, who rolled a ball back towards the edge of the United penalty area. Balotelli dispatched into the far corner past a sprawling David De Gea.
“Why Always Me?” read his undergarment in celebration. Well, as Roberto Mancini put it afterwards, he’s “crazy” yet has the potential to be in the “top five players in the world”.
He is also one of the games greatest characters, both marvellous and Machiavellian.     
Balotelli may have been the rock and roll star but Silva was the conductor, giving as luscious a performance as Old Trafford has seen in recent memory.
The Spaniard, up until recently a relative outcast for the World Champions, hovered across the pitch, constantly at ease with a ball that at times seemed to be an extension of him.
Such is his respect for the ball that he also works tirelessly to earn it back. He was the player of last season and, so far, this one too.
How Ferguson may wish he had such a player amongst his midfield ranks.
Instead he opted for the energetic combination of Darren Fletcher and Anderson, a partnership built on industry rather than invention.
But not even those two could close down a City midfield that consisted of Yaya Toure and Gareth Barry as well as Milner and Silva. City had mettle and the gold dust to accompany it.
Two minutes after the restart came what Ferguson saw as the turning point in the match. In truth City were simmering in the face of United’s possession. 
Johnny Evans, incapable of coping with Balotelli and Aguero during the opening half, hauled down the Italian striker a yard outside his own penalty box. As the last man Mark Clattenburg had no choice but to dismiss Evans.
The Northern Irish defender has enjoyed Ferguson’s vote of confidence in the opening months of this campaign, preferring him at the heart of his defence over both Chris Smalling and Phil Jones.
How unwavering that faith is remains to be seen. Evans was having a torrid time, his red card was the second he has received in seven months.
City capitalised on their numerical advantage. Silva managed to wriggle the ball through to Milner who from deep within the United area squared a tempting ball across goal. Balotelli was left the simplest of finishes. Big mouth strikes again.
The third goal sealed the points for City, Aguero getting onto the score sheet after a subdued performance judging by his start this term.
Milner was instrumental again showing craft to play in Micah Richards who put it on a plate for the Argentinean.
Once Richards asserted himself down the right flank, battling against Ashley Young and Patrice Evra, the young Englishman was a constant threat going forward and impenetrable when defending. It was arguably his best game in a blue shirt after two years of stagnation. Take note, Fabio Capello.    
Balotelli was denied his first hat trick for City when he was replaced upon the hour mark by Dzeko. Little did City's or United's fans know that the party was only getting started.
After Silva had flashed over and Dzeko dragged wide, Fletcher played a neat one-two with substitute Javier Hernandez and from twenty yards guided a shot into the top corner.
It was to prove a false dawn. There would be no Community Shield style comeback this time for the champions. Instead there was capitulation.
In a frightening show of strength City doubled their tally in matter of only five minutes. United, rendered frail defensively were exposed two against three for the fourth when Dzeko got his first from close range after a flick at the near post found an unmarked Joleen Lescott. Whether the defender intended to cross or shoot didn’t matter as the Bosnian forward kneed it into an empty net.
United, all hope of salvation having evaporated, had surrendered.
It was left to Silva and Dzeko, running onto one of the passes of the season from Silva, to slot in one on one’s with De Gea to round off United’s most substantial loss in over 70 years.  
Today will not be a happy Monday for Ferguson but Mancini has ignited City and they are rightly installed as favourites for the league title.
A power shift to across the citadel? City have the personnel to compete across all competitions and resources managers would adore. 
City have risen but United will not slide away. 

Ranting Rooney Settles Semi Final First Leg

He came, he scored, he celebrated. But gone was the irascible reproach, replaced by a exuberant smirk. Wayne Rooney let his feet do the talking last night and put Manchester United on the verge the Champions League semi final.
 
Chelsea for all their probing and prodding failed to nudge through United although they will once again feel aggrieved at a penalty. Ramires hurtled towards the United goal when Patrice Evra wrapped himself around the midfielder, felling him just inside the area.
 
It should have been a simple decision for Alberto Undiano Mallenco, the night's mediator, but John Terry should have also aimed his post-match criticism at the fifth official. UEFA's grand plan of placing officials on the goal line will prove vacuous if they fail to spot flashpoints within their vicinity.
 
Carlo Ancelotti will prove expendable also if he fails to overturn the 1 goal deficit at Old Trafford and provide Roman Abramovich the one thing money has not bought.
 
The Italian stuck Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba together from the start, so committed is he to afford the Spaniard a place within a double winning side, a decision he may later regret as the arranged marriage failed to spark into life once again.  
 
How Nando needs a goal. This was the night when Torres was supposed to terrorise Nemanja Vidic like he had in 2007, firing his way into the hearts of the Shed.. 

In the end it belonged to United and in particular an energised Rooney and the evergreen Ryan Giggs.
 
Rooney was everywhere. Partnered by Javier Hernandez, the forward reverted to a role in front of the Chelsea midfield but out of touch from the defence.
 
Michael Essien's tracking of the number 10 was like that of lost boy scout although the freedom Rooney exerted was not the responsibility of the Ghanaian alone. How could it be with Rooney marauding such vast expanses of Stamford Bridge?
 
Giggs goes on to defy all logical expectations of a sportsman in his twilight years. Operating in tandem with Michael Carrick, Giggs uses his sublime reading and penetration of the game in spurts these days but chose precisely the correct moment to do so last night. He was deployed with devastating effect.
 
When Carrick swept a darting cross field ball over the head of Jose Bosingwa at right back Giggs, in one continuous, fluid movement, took the ball into his path and beyond the Portuguese international. 

Cutting to the byline United's most capped player showed the experience he is imbued with. Looking up he picked out Rooney, moving centrally and away from the congestion caused by his Mexican strike partner, who slid the ball into the corner past Petr Cech.
 
Like in their heavyweight encounter in the Premier League last month, United were not impervious to Chelsea’s pressing. Only this time they proved impenetrable.
 
Reinforced by the return of Rio Ferdinand, United’s defence stood strong and guarded their lead ferociously. Ferdinand adds a sense of calmness and reassurance to a jittery back line when he partners Vidic. How Ferguson will be glad he came through the match injury free for the end of season run in.
 
Special mention should also go to Carrick who played like a number 16 of old. The midfielder is yet to reaffirm himself with United fans after that night in Rome when he looked infused with inertness. 

Last night he looked a different player all together, guarding the ball defiantly, making tackles and tracking Essien and Lampard. Crucially afforded Giggs space to manoeveur.  

Chelsea were not without their chances. Frank Lampard failed to bundle home a goal mouth scramble towards the end of the first half and Didier Drogba stung the fingers of Edwin Van Der Sar with a fierce near post drive.  

Torres later brought an acrobatic stop out of the Dutchman from a header, the keeper displaying agility beyond what his age would suggest.
 
Chelsea must find a way of beating him and stopping the smiling assassin to stand a chance of progressing at Old Trafford. 
 

Rooney Conjures Stunner to Silence City

The resonance of any magic trick lies in the initial deception. The curator will create the set-up, develop the spectacle before reaching the most improbable of crescendos. It is what precedes the finale that makes it all the more incredible.

Those who have followed Wayne Rooney's spectacular rise and fall over the past year may be better placed to see the relevance of the aforementioned sorcery.

Almost a year since Rooney's life, on and off the pitch, capitulated the striker delivered an emphatic moment of self expression to claim all three points against Manchester City. 

Nullified for most of the match by a superb Vincent Kompany - who marvelled in his role as the magicians assistant by keeping Rooney on a tight leash throughout the game - it took until the 78th minute for the Manchester United striker to pull the biggest rabbit from his hat.

After shanking a pass into the air, a passage of play that typified Rooney's so-far miserable day, Paul Scholes delivered a driven pass to the flanks where Nani was occupied.

The winger's cross was hoisted further into the air, the pace of the ball, crucially, dissipating, having skimmed Pablo Zabaleta. Rooney, cloaked in red, sensed his opportunity, leaping into the air and with his back to the goal unleashed a violent scissor kick into the far top corner. Joe Hart stood rooted in the middle of his goal, spellbound.  

Sir Alex Ferguson recalled Dennis Law when he described it as the best goal he had seen scored at Old Trafford. As flattering as it was for Rooney to be compared to The King, the goal was more akin to something another former red, Mark Hughes, might have scored. Sprinkled with the exuberance of Eric Cantona. 

Much of the prelude to Rooney's goal will have been confined to distant memory by the time The striker was reeling away but United were, for large swathes of the game, especially the second half, on the back foot. 

City should have been up in the opening minutes when David Silva, permeating the gaps behind midfield and defence, lacked curl on his close range effort to find Edwin Van der Sar's bottom corner. The Spaniard, a constant fixture in City's nest spells, had another attempt blocked by Patrice Evra.

If Silva was City's biggest threat it was his Iberian counterpart Nani who shone for United. The Portuguese winger tormented Zabaleta throughout, cutting and weaving into shooting positions. 

He as rewarded with a goal just before half time. Ryan Giggs, selected in a 5 man midfield, slid the ball into Nani's path who easily out-paced Aleksandar Kolarov to side foot pass Hart.

Roberto Mancini would have been right to feel slightly hard done by as his side were the more probing of the two. It was unfortunate for the Sky Blue's that their attacks were stubbed out by Nemanja Vidic and a classy Chris Smalling who stepped into replace the injured Rio Ferdinand.
 
The way Smalling contained Carlos Tevez would have delighted Ferguson especially given Johnny Evans' continuing nightmare and upcoming fixtures against Chelsea and Liverpool in the league.

City though were rewarded for their positive approach. Shawn Wright-Phillips, yes, him, cut in from the right flank and squared a ball to substitute Edin Dzeko. The Bosnian's strike clattered against Silva and fell into the net. 

But with only twelve minutes remaining Rooney's perfectly executed scissor kick left United with all three points and City's title hopes disappearing in a puff of smoke.

Park Acrobats Send United Top

Manchester United nudged Arsenal off the top of the Premier League last night after Ji Sung Park scored the only goal in a 1-0 win against their north London rivals.

Park’s spontaneous header proved enough to gain three points for United, a result that would have been confirmed had Wayne Rooney found the net from the penalty spot late on and not the Stretford End.

Arsenal, for all their possession, proved fallible towards the United goal and failed to create any decent opportunities. Credit however must also be given to the strong United defence lead by a steely Nemanja Vidic and collected Rio Ferdinand.

The win sends United 2 points clear of second place Arsenal with a game in hand and means Arsene Wenger has not recorded a victory against United or fellow title contenders Chelsea in eleven attempts, losing ten of them.

Dimitar Berbatov was rewarded a place on the bench for his 5-goals in mauling of Blackburn, United’s last league game, as Sir Alex Ferguson opted for the oft effective Park, especially against the Gunners, in a five man midfield instead.

The tactic was reciprocated by Wenger and was the main cause of a match that failed to live up to its hyperbolic pre-match amble: it was scrappy and lacking, mostly, in fluidity.

Perhaps surprisingly it was Anderson who, operating off a lone Rooney, made the most impact throughout. The Brazilian eclipsed Arsenal’s young Englishman Jack Wilshere, his opposite: marauding going forward, pugilistic tracking back. With performances like this the midfielder will have no problem securing an extended contract.

Buoyed on by the Old Trafford faithful the home side exerted greater pressure than Wenger’s side. Rooney harried Arsenal’s defence and rushed debut goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny into sliced clearances, Nani went at Gael Clichy encouraged by the holding Michael Carrick and tireless Darren Fletcher.

The first chance came when an miss-cued clearance fell enticingly to Nani who, off balance, blasted a volley inches wide past the far post. Rooney was thrice afforded too much time to turn, his shooting though failed to draw inspiration from Szczesny.

The half was approaching its end when a deep Edwin Van Der Sar clearance was met by Darren Fletcher who flicked towards the Rooney. The England strikers first time glance to Nani sent the Portuguese winger goalwards.

When Nani eventually cut in to shoot on his left his drive was deflected off of Clichy’s heel and into the cold Mancunian air. Park, who had ran off of the left into the box and appearing off-balance and augmented, managed to adjust himself in seemingly contrasting directions to loop a header beyond the despairing Szczesny.

Arsenal, although having greater possession than United, were prevented from playing their characteristic football as Ferguson’s tactics to double up on Samir Nasri and Andrei Arshavin paid dividends.

Their only chances during the ninety minutes both fell to Marouane Chamakh who firstly headed into the arms of Van Der Sar from a difficult cross and then allowed Vidic time to recover and block after the United keeper parried a Nasri effort.

The late introduction of Theo Walcott, Robin Van Persie and returning captain Cesc Fabregas failed to penetrate an indomitable defence and Rooney could have instantly atoned for his penalty miss with a delicious half-volleyed lob but was denied by the impressive Szczesny.

United Avoid Giants With Draw

A rare Anderson goal ensured Manchester United progressed to the knockout stages of the Champions League last night.

The Brazilian’s equaliser cancelled out Pablo Hernandez’s first half strike for Valencia and means United qualify top of group C.

The English side will subsequently avoid some of Europe’s heavyweights in the next round of the competition, including Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

The only sour footnote was that Rio Ferdinand had to be replaced shortly after the restart and is now a doubt for his sides Premier League clash against Arsenal next Monday.

United were made to work for their share of the points despite coming up against a weakened Valencia side that included 8 changes from the team that lost to Madrid at the weekend.

The Spanish established an early dominance against a united midfield pairing of Michael Carrick and Anderson. Indeed it was Carrick who was dispossessed deep within his own half that lead to the first goal.

Jose Dominguez, who had enjoyed a lively start for the visitors, was gifted an opening when Carrick turned 360° before sloppily miss-cueing a short pass back to Ferdinand.

Dominguez took advantage of the England midfielder’s premature festive generosity taking the ball to the edge of United’s area and sliding a square ball onto the ensuing Pablo Hernandez.

Hernandez took one touch to steady himself before driving the ball through European debutant Ben Amos’ legs.

The goal came against the run of play and thirty seconds after a Wayne Rooney cross was met by a diving Ji Sung Park whose volley had the necessary power but not direction to guide the ball past Vicenti Guaita.

Rooney was centre to United’s most penetrable attacks and was denied only by the crossbar in the first half when he floated a dipping shot over a scrambling Guaita. A resurgent Rooney was also the architect of chances for Anderson and Dimitar Berbatov.

Firstly for the Brazilian who when one on one with Guaita in the first half hit a timid shot into the keeper when he had time to compose himself and then the Bulgarian, one usually renowned for close touches, took a heavy side-step that allowed the Valencia keeper to again prevent United a lead.

When United scored on the hour mark it failed to spark them into life and, as Rooney said afterwards, they looked to be hanging on for an important point. Berbatov headed wide from a Rooney cross and provider could have turned scorer with three decent efforts towards goal.

Given United’s profligacy a draw was a fair outcome but Ferguson’s will need to enforce the midfield and be clinical in front of goal if they are to make it to Wembley.

Villain’s Robbed By Late United Show

A youthful Aston Villa side were denied what would have been a deserved victory over Manchester United following two late goals that rescued a point for the travelling side.

A Villa win had looked inevitable after goals from Ashley Young and Mark Albrighton put them 2-0 up with ten minutes of normal time remaining. But such is the indefatigable desire instilled in Sir Alex Ferguson’s men that his side were able to register their first shot on target only in the 80th minute but still go on to earn the most unlikely of points.

Villa’s line up included a first Premier League start for 21 year-old Jonathan Hogg and a place for Barry Bannan, 20. Gerard Houllier also welcomed Gabriel Agbonlahor into his starting XI after recovering from a lengthy injury. With John Carew and Emile Heskey both out Villa would seek to use the pace of Agbonlahor and Ashley Young to trouble Rio Ferndinand and Nemanja Vidic. United started with the side that finished at City last Wednesday, the only change being Javier Hernandez in for the suspended Paul Scholes. Park Ji Sung was playing in his fourth consecutive league match, a fete he last achieved 2 years ago.

A match that ended memorably started poorly. For the first half an hour neither side could carve an opening but Dimitar Berbatov should have put United in front from 10 yards. The Bulgarian, who hasn’t scored in 8 league games now, was through to the left of goal but toed his shot wide with his left foot. Ashley Young then called Edwin Van Der Sar into action with a quick volley from outside the United area.

A clever United free-kick before the stroke of half time was the best chance of the opening forty five minutes. Evra was released wide in the opposing penalty area but both Berbatov and Hernandez failed to read his squared pass across the six yard line. It was the last act of a half where United had been careless with the ball and Villa looked the more probing.

As the second instalment got under way it was the home side that sought to leverage a victory. Stewart Downing was sweeping classy crosses into the box, one of them Albrighton ought to have converted after eluding Patrice Evra. The right back then had an opportunity to pull back to the oncoming Young but instead youthful exuberance prevailed and the England U-21 lashed wide.

The chances continued to fall to Villa and the best to James Collins who from a Downing cross thundered a header 6 inches too high against the rattling crossbar. The woodwork again came to United’s rescue when a blocked shot fell to Agbonlahor who snapped a drive against the up-right.

The clarets’ profligacy and persistence eventually paid dividends when the pace of Villa’s front two, Agbonlahor and Young, got the better of Ferdinand and Vidic before Brown impeded Young as he took aim inside the box. The winger made no mistake with his penalty, hitting it hard byond a wrong-footed Van Der Sar.

Ferguson, clearly irked, responded by hauling off Berbatov and Hernandez, replacing the two strikers with Kiko Macheda and Gabriel Obertan. The Italian’s impact was instant. Giving the ball away on the edge of Villa’s area Young catapulted forward and was ushered Downing down the flank with a well-weighted ball. Downing in an instant switched the play across the fabled channel that exists between goalkeeper and defender for Albrighton to side-foot past a despairing Van Der Sar. The pace at which Villa attacked was reminiscent of United in their ‘Fergie Fledgling’ heyday. An onlooking Fabio Capello would have noted all participants were eligible for his selection.

The goal all but sealed the Villain’s first home win against United since 1995, the year kids were deemed incapable of winning a league title by one pundit. But like Alan Hansen should have hedged his bets, Villa should have seen out the game. Instead United embarked on a remarkable ten minute comeback initiated when Macheda drove the ball high into the net following an astute back hell from Darren Fletcher. Villa Park twitched as wave after wave of, finally, meaningful attacks threatened to find a breakthrough. Inevitably it came.

Nani, who had had a disappointing game, crossed beautifully to the back post for Nemanja Vidic to dive and head beyond Brad Friedel. At 2-2 Villa felt hard done by but as Houllier accepted afterwards he would have taken the score before the match. Ferguson chastised his side describing them as “all over the place” and said Villa could have had 6 goals in the second half but, in a stark contrast to United mantra of past years, the kids weren't quite ready.

Derby Fails To Pack Punch

A rivalry year’s in the making. A relationship that was formerly amicable but now soured and intensified. A supposed underdog living in the shadow of a champion. Whether Audley Harrison can cause one of boxing’s great upsets and defeat David Haye in Manchester this Saturday remains to be seen but first of all there was the small matter of one of the most eagerly awaited Manchester derbies.

But if Haye-Harrison put on a ‘show’ like this one, people, spend your £15 elsewhere. Fireworks were expected but other than the garish, red flare waved by fans in the Manchester United end during City’s obligatory rendition of ‘Blue Moon’, the match was sparse of spark or gunpowder.

Manchester City were without Mario Ballotelli, the Italian suspended after being sent off against West Brom the weekend before. Rather than replace the strikier with attacking impetus, Roberto Mancini opted for the three central midfielders of Gareth Barry, Nigel De Jong and Yaya Toure. Adam Johnson’s threat would be limited to only twenty minutes as he was once again named as a substitute. Carlos Tevez, who prior to the match reiterated his contentment at City after switching from United two seasons ago, was the lone striker but David Silva was expected to assist the Argentine.

Sir Alex Ferguson, in his thirty ninth match against the Sky Blues, also named 5 midfielders with Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes, who dramatically headed United a last gasp winner in the same fixture in May, flanked by Park Ji Sung and Nani. Ryan Giggs was deemed unfit still and Wayne Rooney’s conditioning in America meant he was unavailable. Dimitar Berbatov was hoping to end a barren spell 7 league games without scoring.

A first half stymied by a crowded midfield and an inability by both teams to penetrate the opposing final third gave the impression that both teams would settle for a share of the points. That United scored three last minute winners against City last season perhaps suggested that the longer City didn’t score, the more likely United would.

The only chances of the half came to a player from either side. Patrice Evra, who seems to be suffering from quite a throbbing World Cup hangover, played a tidy one-two with Park but the shot that followed went straight into Joe Hart’s arms. Tevez was then awarded a free-kick towards the right of the area. Had the City captain struck it with more of his usual venom then Edwin Van Der Sar may have been beaten. Instead the Dutchman dived high to his left to make a less than troubling save. The half finished with United having had more possession, with Fletcher, Scholes and Carrick all retaining the ball confidently if not probingly.

A second half that lacked the guile of even the preceding one was made more interesting as United started to push higher up the field. If City were to score it needed to be when capatalising on the high full backs of Wes Brown , who had replaced Rafael, and John O’Shea, who came on for an injured Evra. They didn’t, and as a result even the introduction of Johnson, on for an ineffective and out of position James Milner, couldn’t supply Tevez with any opportunities.

An decent overhead kick by Berbatov could not find a way past Hart in goal and although they looked more likely to break the deadlock United failed in their quest to claim belated bragging rights. An echo of boo’s rang around Eastland’s, City fans only too aware that scoreless draws, especially at home, will not get them a coveted Champions League place. It might, however, give them a new manager.

There were cautious jabs, quick feet and ducks and dives but the knockout match that many expected may come Saturday night after all.

Gomes Gift Seals United Win

Brazilian’s, as we are oft reminded every four years, cannot defend. Referee’s, Tottenham Hotspur fans will retort, are none better at their job and it was a through bizarre cocktail of both perceptions that Manchester United gained three points after a controversial goal.

United were already 1-0 up when the second goal, coming in the 84^th minute , all but diminished any hope that Harry Redknapp had of rescuing a point. The goal came when Wes Brown neatly flicked the ball over Younes Kaboul for Nani to run onto towards goal. The Portuguese winger went down in the area under a tug with the type of force a man of Kaboul’s frame musters in his sleep.

Nani, theatrically expressing his disappointed with referee Mark Clattenburg’s decision, then clearly, although perhaps not to Clattenburg, grasped the ball within his vicinity in what can only be described as a sign of impudence.

As Nani left the ball in its position, unawares that Clattenburg had not blown his whistle, Heurelho Gomes strode forward and rolled the ball into his path.

The Brazilian keeper, known as ‘the octopus’, will wish that he the same foresight as fellow cephalopod, and recently deceased, Paul for he failed to envisage that Nani would take advantage of what was technically still an live situation and slide the ball into the empty net.

Spurs, lead by Luka Modric and Gareth Bale, were inevitably furious and were further miffed when the linesman held his flag to indicate an offence inside the box. Clattenburg, the only man in Old Trafford not to have seen Pedro Mendes’ 40-yard ‘goal’ in January 2005, ushered the barrage of Spurs players away to confer with his assistant only to conclude the goal was legal. That Rio Ferdinand was allowed to voice his two-pennies worth during the collusion further plunged Clattenburg’s reputation, especially at Old Trafford, into contention.

“A real cock-up” was how Redknapp described the incident, the Spurs manager saying the decision was “scandalous”. That United were 1-0 up with six minutes remaining may render the decision obsolete in terms of the outcome of the match but what must be of concern to Spurs fans is that the result further cements their teams dismal record away to the ‘Big Four’ in the Premier League: zero wins from sixty eight attempts.

It could have been different for Spurs when they made lively start after Park Ji Sung struck the outside of Gomes’ post early on. That outcome was reciprocated by Rafael van der Vaart who shuddered United’s post before Nemanja Vidic headed home a Nani freekick on the half hour mark. That the United captain was free to header echoes the stature and importance of Ledley King and Michael Dawson to the Spurs back four.

Luka Modric tested Edwin van der Sar with a clean strike but, despite a malfunctioning midfield combination of Park, Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were able to stymie the attacking quartet of Bale, van der Vaart, Modric and Peter Crouch.

The match will undoubtedly be remembered for ‘Clattenburg 2’ but it is Spurs’ away from that should trouble Redknapp in his pursuit for fourth spot and beyond. United meanwhile are now 4 wins in as many matches, with or without the referee’s assistance.

Rooney contemplates United exit

Wayne Rooney has reportedly shunned contract negotiations with Manchester United and privately admitted his willingness to cross the Mancunian border and join the blue revolution following a monumental breakdown in relations with Sir Alex Ferguson.

United must now gauge Rooney’s market value and decide whether to sell him during the winter transfer window or wait until the summer when the strikers value may have dwindled. Conversely Ferguson may seek to repair the acrimony that has festered in recent weeks since Rooney’s private life became tabloid fodder.

The damage though is allegedly irreparable and unlike previous falling’s out involving United icons, it is the player who might have the final say and not Ferguson.

Things are said to have soured between the two in the wake of reports in national newspapers of Rooney’s affair with the prostitute Jennifer Thompson. Ferguson reportedly blamed his striker for bringing his club into disrepute before omitting him from the side that travelled to Everton, on the grounds of the “vile” abuse Rooney would receive, and Valencia due to a persistent ankle injury suffered last season in Munich.

Or so Ferguson said. What has transpired since is that Rooney may have been left out of the squad, like he was left out of the starting XI on Saturday, as punishment for his off-pitch behaviour and his blatant contradiction of Ferguson’s assertion that he was injured during an interview.

This, coupled with United’s staggeringly sluggish and, according to Rooney’s camp, underwhelming contract talks has created the perfect storm over Old Trafford.

The odds on Rooney leaving in January have been slashed to 2/1 but the suitors are limited to new football money with Manchester City and Chelsea potential buyers. The thought of Rooney, for most fans the quintessential talismanic leader, wearing the blue of City would be unbearable for most of the United faithful. But it would take the most short –sighted to rule it out. Rooney has after all already ditched Everton (“once a blue, always a blue”) for greater riches and success at United. Who says he will not do the same to the Manchester club like Carlos Tevez did last summer. Rooney may even look to Tevez as an example of the adoration and opportunities he would command.

Although Chelsea have become more prudent in more recent seasons a move for Rooney could be viable despite Abramovich’s remuneration and transfer fee ceiling. A potential stumbling block could be Rooney’s apparent reluctance to move away from the north: a factor that may render Real Madrid and Barcelona a undesirable destinations.

Where would this leave United? Ferguson has repeatedly stated his admiration for Rooney and how his desire fuels his own to continue at the helm. As loss such as this would therefore hurt Ferguson and consequently United. Who would the players look to for that decisive moment? Who would fans urge to beat everyone in front of them? The irony may be that Rooney, a player bought to succeed Van Nistelrooy, has no natural heir and this may be another reason why the striker seeks to ply his trade elsewhere, somewhere where the burden is less strenuous.

Indeed it has been rumoured that Rooney is concerned at the lack of quality players brought in and vision of the future at the club. Having won 6 major trophies at United and sitting unbeaten in the current season you must wonder quite what Rooney’s idea of a successful future is.

Sunderland 0-0 Manchester United: Match Report

Steve Bruce must wonder what he has to do to beat Manchester United. His Sunderland side fought hard and dominated play on Saturday but the former United captain left the Stadium of Light having failed to beat his former employers for the 16^th time as a manager. It’s unlikely Bruce will ever come as close.

Sunderland were up for this one. They challenged every loose ball and 50-50 with a pugnacious tenacity typified none-more so than by the magnificent Lee Cattermole. They created five goal scoring opportunities and had United on the ropes until Chris Foy’s whistle eliminated the chance of what would have been a knockout blow.

United put simply, were not at the races. They weren’t even in the paddock. Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic looked uncomfortable throughout and had to rely on goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar to prevent the defenders’ blushes. Of all of the Black Cats’ chances, and the one Bruce would have rather fallen to Darren Bent and not Steed Malbranque saw the French midfielder squander a one-on-one with Van Der Sar. Malbranque out-ran Vidic and Ferdinand and onto a Cattermole pass but his shot was saved by the diving United keeper. Moments later Bouedewjin Zenden hit the outside of the post with a drive from outside of the box. United were rattled, Sunderland’s fans were raucous.

Going forward United were at their worst. So often a potent counter attacking side, it wasn’t until the second half that Ferguson’s side even had a shot on target. Michael Owen was given a rare start ahead of Dimitar Berbatov, partnering Frederico Macheda at the forefront of attack. Forty five minutes later Owen was withdrawn. His role for United will now surely be as a substitute and in cup matches against lesser teams before he heads down the M5 towards Birmingham and Gerard Houllier’s first team.

United’s midfield again seemed to be the weak link. Fletcher and, especially, Scholes were not given the commodities of time and space they have taken for granted in previous home matches and were stifled by the busy Cattermole.

Anderson was used on the left side of midfield and almost immediately provided another stymie for United’s midfield and John O’Shea. The Brazilian’s positional discipline was at best poor and worst potentially devastating, especially when leaving a vacuum behind him and exposing O’Shea to attacks. Saturday showed how Antonio Valencia’s injury has hampered United defensively as well as offensively.

In the second half United gained more possession but were foiled whenever they neared a position of any danger. Nani shot from far without threatening Mignolet in the Sunderland goal and Berbatov dragged a shot wide when he should have hit the target.

This was three points lost by Sunderland who have taken points from Arsenal, Liverpool and all three off of Manchester City. For United however it was a point that was barely deserved and clung onto.

Valencia 0-1 Manchester United: Match Report

Javier Hernandez fired Manchester United a late victory over Valencia last night in what was only Sir Alex Ferguson’s second win in 19 attempts against Spanish opposition in the Champions League.

The Mexican striker came off the substitute’s bench to fizz a left foot shot past Cesar Sanchez in the 85^th minute scoring his first European goal since his £7million arrival in the summer.

The result sends United top of group C joint with Rangers, who recorded their first win in the tournament in three seasons, and will in all likeliness qualify for the knockout stages with another four points.

Against a backdrop of industrial strikes over government cuts fans inside the Mestalla stadium – Iberian and sunburnt Mancunian’s alike - must have feared that Spanish austerity had manifested into their beloved football: this match threatened to never burst into live.

As is often the case away from Old Trafford in this tournament Ferguson preferred a five-man midfield with Dimitar Berbatov, whose rejuvenated finishing has been lethal in recent weeks, deployed as the lone striker in Wayne Rooney’s absence.

That Berbatov’s appearance marked his first start in the competition since CSKA Moscow in the corresponding stages last season shows how important the Bulgarian has become, especially as Rooney’s form evades him, to United. An early pot-strike from the Bulgarian was closer than either Sanchez or television angles seemed willing to accept.

As Valencia were without influential winger Joaquin, injured during training, the responsibility of carving open United, a hallmark of this summer’s World Cup winning Spanish side, fell to Pablo Hernandez. The midfielder was too often allowed space, afforded by the returning Michael Carrick and left-back Patrice Evra, and played a couple of bewitching balls across the penalty box.

The best chance of a lacklustre half fell, quite literally, to Roberto Solando. Hernandez outwitted Evra to play a ball that was subsequently spilled by Edwin Van Der Sar onto Solando’s head. The ball though dropped just over the net.

In the second half United shifted the ball with greater venom and purpose but it was only when Ferguson replaced the isolated Berbatov and ineffective Anderson with Frederico Macheda and Javier Hernandez that things clicked.

Almost immediately Darren Fletcher sought a lunging Hernandez who half-connected with a volley that struck the post. Both he and Macheda, preferred over the more natural poacher Michael Owen, linked for what would prove the decisive effort.

Macheda cutting into the box from the right passed into Hernandez who with his first touch guided the ball out of the defence’s way for him to find half a second to crash a shot into the bottom corner with his left foot.

United, confirming patterns discerned in the start to their season, were sub-standard and a better side may have punished their lack of midfield guile and defensive assuredness. Although Rio Ferdinand was given the opportunity to rekindle his partnership with Nemanja Vidic it will take time to form the sort of understanding that made them the best pairing in Europe two seasons ago.

Ferguson will also have to rely on better closing down and initiative from his midfield. Fletcher and Carrick were caught leaving large gaps in midfield for Valencia to waltz into and the pair didn’t manage test Sanchez a single time. There must be greater on-field cohesiveness between midfield and forward’s and a return of defensive astuteness if United are to reclaim their greatest prize.