Monday 30 September 2013

Team Ratings: Manchester United vs West Bromwich Albion 28/09/2013




1. David De Gea - 6 - Was let down by his defence. Couldn't do much about either goal and made some great saves including a superb one with his finger tips from Amalfitano's free kick.
4. Phil Jones - 5 - Was as bad today as he was good on Wednesday night against Liverpool but to be fair to him he does not look comfortable playing out of position and was often exposed on the right. United always seem to miss Rafael in this position.
5. Rio Ferdinand - 4 - Slow in possession, struggled against the direct runs from Sessegnon and Amalfitano and nutmegged for the second goal. Really starting to look his age.
6. Jonny Evans - 5 - Was bullied by Anichebe who won almost everything in the air. Seems to struggle against physical forwards.
28. Alexander Buttner - 4 - Seemed to think he was playing left wing. Left Evans and Ferdinand exposed far too often which also led to the first goal. Also showed no end product going forward.
17. Nani - 7 - Put some great crosses in and was one of United's only players that looked to create something and cause West Brom problems with his runs. Frustratingly inconsistent though.
16. Michael Carrick - 5 - Passed the ball far too slow and showed no urgency when United went behind. Struggled to dictate play and has had a slow start to the season after his brilliant displays in last year's campaign.
8. Anderson - 4 - Went close with a header but apart from that offered virtually nothing going forward or defensively. Has scored 5 goals in 5 years at United. Not good enough.
26. Shinji Kagawa - 6 - Was taken off at half time despite being one of United's better players. However, he does not look disciplined enough for the left wing role and would suit a role behind the striker far better.
10. Wayne Rooney - 7 - Scored the equaliser with another free kick that missed everybody and went in. Did other people's jobs for them down the left and in defence.
14. Javier Chicharito Hernandez - 5 - Didn't get much service and still trying to find his fitness. Perhaps would have done better as a sub.

Substitutions-

44. Adnan Januzaj - 6 - Replaced Kagawa. Tried his best to make things happen with direct runs, one which forced a save for Myhill. Can take people on left or right and will improve with experience.
20. Robin Van Persie - 5 - Replaced Chicharito. Struggled to get into the game due to the lack of service.
31. Marouanne Fellaini - 5 - Replaced Anderson. Tried hard but it was too little, too late.

Match Report: Manchester United vs West Bromwich Albion 28/09/2013

Amalfitano and Berahino strikes help West Brom seal dramatic win at Old Trafford to hand Manchester United their worst League start in 24 years.





West Bromwich Albion were Manchester United's opponents in their sixth game of the season, a home tie for the red devils that was the first meeting between the two since the final game of last season at The Hawthorns, a bizarre 5-5 draw in Sir Alex Ferguson's farewell match as manager.

After knocking Liverpool out in the Capital One Cup in mid-week, United were hoping to take some winning momentum into their next game and get back to winning ways in the Premier League after last weekend's disappointing derby defeat. West Brom gave Arsenal a scare in their Capital One Cup game, taking the tie to a penalties decider that Arsenal just edged. The Baggies were hoping to go one step further in this game and earn themselves a first win against United in almost thirty years.

The United line up handed Jones, Evans, Buttner, Nani, Kagawa and Hernandez their first Premier League starts of the season after they all started in the win against Liverpool. United's best chance of the early period came down the right as three of these players were involved. Nani and Kagawa linked up inside 4 minutes before a one-two with the Portuguese winger saw Jones spin a cross into the box that drifted harmlessly out of play after nobody in a red shirt could get a touch on it.

The game came to life around the 15 minute mark with West Brom going close after Sessegnon's pace caused problems for United down the right as he squeezed between Kagawa and Rooney with a dangerous run into the box. The Beninese player then hit the ball into the United defence and saw it scrambled away unconvincingly by Ferdinand and Carrick into the path of Rooney who cleverly lifted the ball out of danger and into the path of Nani on the right wing. Nani frustrated United fans with his lack of end product as he burst into the Baggies' half with pace and beat two players before his shot was easily blocked and cleared.

West Brom had a great chance to take the lead 30 minutes in when Sessegnon was involved again. He headed wide after a lovely cross from Amalfitano on the left found him between Evans and Ferdinand in the area. Two minutes later United had a headed chance themselves, Rooney given the opportunity from a curled cross in from the right from Nani after good work from Kagawa in midfield. United's number 10 couldn't keep his header down and it flew over the bar. 

United started to gain momentum and went even closer moments later with Kagawa's cross allowing Anderson a header that crashed against the crossbar. The linesman ruled it offside anyway but replays showed he was well onside and had he scored United would have had plenty to say about the decision. However, it was West Brom who ended the half strongly with Sessegnon blasting over after a flick on from a corner found him in space to the left of the goal.

Sessegnon showcased more attacking flair after the break with a darting run from his own half that exploited the holes in the United defence and left Buttner behind far too easily. He then slid the ball through to substitute Berahino, on for the injured Scott Sinclair in the first half. The England Under-21 player's low shot from the left forced a save from De Gea, the Spaniard putting the ball out of play for a corner with his feet.

Inside 53 minutes West Brom deservedly took the lead. United's half time substitute Januzaj's through ball to Buttner was intercepted by Jones, which left United's left back way up the field as the Baggies broke with pace. Morgan Amalfitano took the ball from his own half and ran all the way into the United box. Poor positional play allowed the Frenchman to get one-on-one with the goalkeeper with ease as United's line of defence was non existent. The Marseille loanee first nutmegged Ferdinand and then fooled De Gea with a stutter before chipping it into the net with an assured and composed finish.

It didn't take long for a United response as the stand-in captain Wayne Rooney led by example and equalised less than 4 minutes later with yet another free kick after Buttner was fouled by Jones. The striker's direct hit missed everybody and bounced in front of Myhill before finding its way into the net. 




West Brom pressed for another goal rather than holding on for the draw and went close on 50 minutes after Rooney got back well to save his defence and clear the ball for a corner. Amalfitano drifted the ball in for their towering centre-back Olsson who headed the ball into the ground and saw his effort hit the frame of the goal. 

Amalfitano then went close with a free-kick on 65 minutes after yet another Sessegnon direct run caused problems for United's defence. De Gea stopped the Frenchman's curling effort with an athletic finger-tip save. It was no surprise when West Brom's pressure finally warranted a goal, Sessegnon finding Amalfitano in the box who laid the ball off to Berahino. He took his shot first time from the edge of the area and saw it nestle in the back of the net to give the 20 year old his 5th goal in 6 games for the Baggies.

United's own talented youngster Adnan Januzaj seemed the only player likely to get United back on terms, forcing a save from Myhill near the end after he beat Ridgewell with a good run down the right. Minutes later United thought they had the equaliser, Nani crossed the ball for Fellaini to tap in after good work from Van Persie but the Belgian midfielder was rightly adjudged offside.

United could have equalised at the death after Carrick saw his shot well saved and Januzaj shot wide but it wasn't enough and the whistle went to condemn United to their third defeat of the season after only six games. It was deserved after West Brom caused countless problems and highlighted United's ineptitude defensively. 

It was a shock defeat for David Moyes and his players who were expected to go on a winning run after their defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City. No doubt United fans will be hoping they can find some form in their next league game away at manager-less Sunderland who lie bottom of the table with one point from their first six games. Although this is the worst start for United in 24 years they will take solace from the fact that there are still 32 games to go in a season where their rivals are also dropping points unexpectedly with Manchester City also losing to Aston Villa at the weekend. However, there is no doubt that this is proving to be a difficult season for the reds as they face the transitional period without Sir Alex Ferguson's winning aura and leadership.




Thursday 26 September 2013

Team Ratings: Manchester United vs Liverpool 25/09/2013


1. David De Gea - 8 - Was alert to the danger in the first half and dived on the ball to deny Suarez. Also produced a fine save from Moses to keep it 1-0 and looked comfortable throughout.
2. Rafael - 8 - Proved what United have been missing and looked like he'd never been away. Gives an extra attacking option, makes clever runs and defended well throughout.
12. Chris Smalling - 8 - After a nightmare at the weekend he showed character to bounce back with a great performance, albeit in his more favoured position. Made some fantastic clearances and kept Suarez relatively quiet.
6. Jonny Evans - 8 - You wouldn't have guessed this was his first start of the season. Continued his terrific form from last season with smart clearances and commanding headers. A performance that should see him start more regularly.
28. Alexander Buttner - 7 - Was impressive on the attack, his defending sometimes leaves a lot to be desired but he did well tonight.
17. Nani - 7 - Will only get better with more game time. Played some clever football and gives more to the team than Young. Was a little selfish opting to shoot rather than return the ball to Kagawa in the second half though.
4. Phil Jones - 8 - Fantastic performance. Anticipated play well making some key interceptions and made it difficult for Gerrard and co. Suits the role well.
11. Ryan Giggs - 7 - Cool, calm and collected. Hard to believe he's 40 in two months' time.
26. Shinji Kagawa - 7 - Still needs game time and it is clear he prefers to play more centrally but he performed well in the second half and looked better when United passed the ball around quicker. Unlucky not to score.
10. Wayne Rooney - 9 - Captained the team, got an assist and continued his string of stunning performances. Dictated play and forced a couple of decent saves from Mignolet. 
14. Javier Chicharito Hernandez - 8 - Scored the winner and showcased great movement as always. Needs more games but impressed tonight and caused Liverpool problems.

Substitutions-

44. Adnan Januzaj - 6 - Replaced Kagawa. Looked good, was impressed at his strength to hold Enrique off late on.
16. Michael Carrick - 5 - Replaced Chicharito. Did his job.
19. Danny Welbeck - N/A - Replaced Nani. Not enough time to show anything.

Match Report: Manchester United vs Liverpool 25/09/2013

Hernandez hammers home only goal to ruin Suarez return: Manchester United defeat Liverpool 1-0 in the third round of the Capital One Cup at Old Trafford.




Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool side made the short trip along the East Lancs road for last night's third round Capital One Cup clash at Old Trafford. Both managers chose to field strong teams as they looked to bounce back from defeats in the Premier League at the weekend with United also hoping to avoid a second defeat in three weeks against their fierce North West rivals.

Liverpool started Luis Suarez in his first game back from a lengthy 10 match ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic last season whilst United opted to make 8 changes from the team that was well beaten at the Etihad on Sunday. Unused substitutes from the Manchester derby, Evans, Buttner, Kagawa, Nani and Hernandez all came into the side whilst Giggs, Jones and Rafael also returned to the starting eleven after spells on the sidelines.

The game started with the type of intensity one would expect from a game between England's two most successful clubs with United putting pressure on the Liverpool defence right from the get-go. Shinji Kagawa had arguably the best chance of the early period inside 9 minutes after Rooney won the ball well and laid it off to Nani behind him whose first time pass found Kagawa out on the left. The Japanese international got the better of Toure and chose to cut inside to hit a driven shot that was held easily by Mignolet in the keeper's first test of the night.

It was then Liverpool's turn to press with twenty minutes gone. Sakho gave Enrique the ball just inside the United half and the Spaniard sent a brilliant curling pass over the United defence and into the path of Suarez whose wayward touch let him down as De Gea scurried out of his goal to pounce on the ball. Minutes later Lucas and Gerrard showed neat interplay down the right, the former's ball finding Suarez just inside the box on the far left. It was taken well but his final shot went wide of the right top corner which just proved he is missing the sharpness that would have come from playing more had he not been banned.

Just before half time United showcased their attacking play, Kagawa's ball over the top was met by Rafael on the right who beat Sakho with a cute backheel into the path of Hernandez who kept the ball well before he returned it to the Brazilian. Rafael then found Hernandez again on the edge of the area, the Mexican did a clever one-two inside the box with Kagawa but saw his shot blocked by Skrtel.

The referee blew for half time and the game remained open with another 45 minutes set to come for either side to find the clinical finish to send them into the fourth round. Seconds after the re-start and before most of the stadium and indeed David Moyes had even sat back down for the second half, United found it in the form of Javier Hernandez. Nani switched to the left wing to take on Toure and he immediately got the better of the Ivorian, winning a corner. Wayne Rooney stepped up to take it from the left and swung it in for Hernandez who lost Enrique expertly in the box to allow himself the room to steer home a volley from close range and give United the perfect start to the second half.

Liverpool tried to get back on terms as first Suarez and Sturridge almost completed a one-two inside the United box before the ball fell to Henderson who side-footed it wide of the left post. United also had chances, Shinji Kagawa going close to making it two in the 64th minute as he turned away from Lucas and struck the bar with a wonderful long-range effort.

Liverpool began to pass quicker and almost got their reward, Henderson's cross just missed Sturridge but fell to Enrique who crossed the ball from inside the box to Moses who saw his powerful headed effort parried away well by De Gea. Suarez and Rooney then both went close with free kicks, Suarez seeing his effort saved by the crossbar after Jones had fouled him on the edge of the area whilst Rooney's forced a fine save from Mignolet after Henderson had fouled Rafael.

Rooney completed a one-two with Nani off the resulting corner and tested Mignolet again with a shot from outside the box that was punched away by the Belgian keeper. It proved to be the last decent effort of the game as Liverpool tried in vain to get an equaliser in the closing stages. It is United that now progress to the fourth round of the competition. 

Although arguably the smallest of Manchester United's priorities trophy-wise, Moyes will have been more than happy to watch his side progress at the expense of one of their biggest rivals. This type of performance was exactly what they needed to get Sunday's embarrassing derby defeat out of their system. The Old Trafford crowd showed the new manager that he still has their backing in the last half hour with chants of 'David Moyes' red and white army' ringing around Old Trafford. United fans will hope that with Norwich City awaiting their side in the 4th round, Moyes' boys can take advantage of a home tie that should give them a good chance of reaching the quarter final.







Monday 23 September 2013

Team Ratings: Manchester City vs Manchester United 22/09/2013




1. David De Gea - 4 - Looked shaky throughout with bad kicks and punches. Not helped at all by his defence but never looked commanding.
12. Chris Smalling - 2 - After a good performance mid-week he had an absolute nightmare at the Etihad. Kolarov and Nasri had a field day down the right. The sooner Rafael is fit, the better.
5. Rio Ferdinand - 3 - 3 games in a week showed and the soon-to-be 35 year old really struggled with Negredo. Poor headers and clearances capped a miserable performance. Needs a rest.
15. Nemanja Vidic - 5 - 3 games in a week seemed to make him struggle too but he did well to ensure United didn't concede any more after 50 minutes. Should have done better with Aguero though and a day to forget.
3. Patrice Evra - 3 - Struggled against the pace of Navas. Caught way out of position for the fourth, and it is not the first time this season he's been struggling to get back. Will be glad United didn't get Baines as he would be nowhere near the team sheet on this performance.
25. Antonio Valencia - 2 - Terrible. Was he wearing the number 7 shirt again? Should have exploited Kolarov with Clichy missing but only beat the left-back once all game. Even worse defensively and gave Smalling no protection.
16. Michael Carrick - 4 - Taught a lesson by Toure and needs to be more commanding. Poor passing and movement throughout.
31. Marouane Fellaini - 3 - Seemed lost in the middle and was often caught static and ball watching. Needs to adapt fast. Didn't show anywhere near enough strength for someone of his build.
18. Ashley Young - 2 - Shocking. Should have been taken off earlier after proving time and time again he is unable to pass let alone create chances. 
10. Wayne Rooney - 7 - Played well in a team that looked completely clueless. Tried his best to get the team going but was limited. Scored a brilliant free-kick and is the top scorer in Manchester derbies. Thank God he wasn't sold.
19. Danny Welbeck - 3 - Offered nothing going forward. Will be lucky to get a game ahead of Rooney and RVP in future if this is how he performs.

Substitutions-

23. Tom Cleverley - 5 - Replaced Young. Calmed the team and made the game more even when he came on. Unfortunately the game was well gone at this point.

Match Report: Manchester City vs Manchester United 22/09/2013

United outfought and outclassed by classy City in 149th League Manchester derby as the hosts run out defiant 4-1 winners.


Photo: EPA


The Manchester derbies are always billed as two of the biggest games of the season and the first of the 2013/14 season was no different. The Etihad was the stage for two teams with new managers, in Manuel Pellegrini and David Moyes, to go out and prove who has the upper-hand in this early stage of the season.

With Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney in amongst the goals in recent games it seemed obvious who two of the first names on the United team sheet would be. It came as a shock, therefore, when an hour before kick off the news drifted in that Van Persie was out of the game with a groin strain and the line would be led by Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney instead. United fans complained, heads went down and there was an air of pessimism surrounding the United performance before the players had even kicked a ball.

Seconds after the game began it seemed maybe the doubters would be proved wrong as Welbeck jumped on a mistake from Kompany who has just returned from injury, but the striker couldn't keep the ball under control well enough to get a shot away. However, after the first five minutes the gulf in class began to show, particularly in midfield as Yaya Toure and Fernandinho outplayed Carrick and Fellaini with every move they made, pushing them further back all the time. The City midfield partnership worked perfectly with Fernandinho allowing Toure to get forward whilst he shielded the defence. 

It was in contrast to the United midfield two who couldn't seem to decide who should help the attack and who was meant to defend as United set up so deep that when the ball was theirs to counter-attack with it was quickly won back with ease by City. This wasn't helped by a distinct lack of support from Young and Valencia out wide who were shown up by Nasri and Navas on the City wings, who caused countless problems for the United full-backs. It was down the left that City began the move for the first of their goals, Kolarov and Nasri linking up well down the left and exploiting the lack of understanding between Smalling and Valencia as the Ecuadorian let his man go far too easily allowing Nasri to get his cross away. It was met by United nemesis Aguero in the box who volleyed it in effortlessly, a superb finish that will surely make the shortlist for Goal of the Season in May.

Surprisingly the goal triggered no fight back from United who spent the rest of the 45 rarely making it out of their own half as City attacked with purpose. The team in blue were rewarded too right before half time when Toure lost his marker Fellaini and was found by Negredo's flick on off Nasri's corner. The Ivorian was somehow left unmarked and allowed to put the ball in easily with his knee. It was a devastating blow for United who would have relished the opportunity to re-group at half time having only been a goal down.

Somewhat strangely David Moyes opted to make no changes at half time and with a bench that included the likes of Kagawa, Nani and Hernandez it seemed odd not to make use of three of their most attacking players when United were struggling for a goal.

As the second half kicked off you'd have been forgiven for thinking it was City that were 2-0 down and desperate for a goal as they scored two more within five minutes. It was hard to tell whether the contributing factor was more that City were remarkable on the attack or that United were woeful in defence. Either way, United were being embarrassed and it was looking like another repeat of the 6-1 scoreline two years ago at Old Trafford, except this time no-one had been sent off.

City's third came from a Nasri through ball to Negredo which was controlled well in the box despite the presence of Vidic and crossed over to Aguero on the back post who side footed it in on the volley for his second of the afternoon. The fourth was the result of a misplaced Ashley Young pass deep in City's half as United desperately tried to attack. Kompany won the ball back which left Evra miles out of position and gave Navas the chance to showcase his blistering pace down the right. The Spaniard left everybody for dead as Fellaini desperately tried to make up ground but it was in vain as the wide man's cross flew across the face of goal to find Nasri at the far post who calmly volleyed it past De Gea to further add to United's misery.

This finally prompted a United substitution but it was the central midfielder Tom Cleverley who replaced the woeful Ashley Young rather than one of United's attacking outlets. It seemed Moyes was more anxious for United not to concede any more than to see them score any themselves. However, this move did seem to aid the midfield and Cleverley's input helped the game become more even and United began to pass the ball around better. They even managed to create some chances, first Rooney shooting over the bar before Fellaini finally showed some ability on 68 minutes with a long-range shot that caused Joe Hart to save with his fingertips.

United's day was summed up during this small period of dominance late on when an Evra header struck the post rather than going in. The silver lining for United will be that they still have Wayne Rooney in a red shirt. Rooney, arguably the only United player worthy of a decent match rating, gave United the smallest of consolations with a wonderful free kick that flew into the right hand corner and left Joe Hart with no chance. Rooney is now the highest scorer in Manchester derbies with 11 goals and continues an impressive goal-scoring run but his goal will have done little to ease the pain for United fans turning up to work on Monday morning.

United need to move on starting with Wednesday's visit of Liverpool at Old Trafford in the Capital One Cup. No doubt the team will be relishing the opportunity to prove that yesterday's defeat was just a blip but it has to be said that the difference in class between City and United was alarming. United will have to make use of their talented youngsters such as Wilfried Zaha who impressed on the pre-season tour alongside Adnan Januzaj, a fearless 18 year old that has the ability to make a difference at such a young age as Wayne Rooney did at 16 scoring on his Everton debut against Arsenal. United will also be looking forward to re-calling Jesse Lingard from his one-month loan as the youngster impressed with 4 stunning goals on his Birmingham debut.

As regards to the League, United now face a much easier period of fixtures starting with a home game against West Brom where they will be boosted by the returns of Robin Van Persie and Rafael Da Silva. There will also be chance for players like Nani, Kagawa and Hernandez to prove to Moyes that they have the abilities to help United win in these big games. Although City won emphatically it is important to remember that a win is only 3 points no matter what the scoreline is. There are plenty more points to be won and an interesting January transfer window that lie between now and the more crucial of the two Manchester derbies, hosted at Old Trafford in March. 




Wednesday 18 September 2013

Match Report: Manchester United vs Bayer Leverkusen 17/09/2013

Who put the ball in the Germans' net?- Rooney reaches 200 goal landmark as Van Persie and Valencia are also on target to give Moyes a 4-2 win over Bayer Leverkusen on his Champions League debut at Old Trafford.




Champions League football returned to Old Trafford last night in the form of German Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen, managed by Liverpool old boy Sami Hyypia Leverkusen are currently sitting third domestically, winning four out their first five games and all eyes were on David Moyes to see how he handled his first European test as United manager.

Shinji Kagawa fans will have been happy to see Moyes finally hand the Japan international a starting place whilst Marouane Fellaini earned his first start in a reds shirt. With Rafael still out with a hamstring injury, Chris Smalling took over at right back with Antonio Valencia ahead of him on the right flank as Nani was sidelined courtesy of the ban brought on by his red card in last season's disappointing exit to Real Madrid.

United began the game comfortably and Valencia and Rooney looked impressive early on. Rooney just missed out on connecting with one of the Ecuadorian's dangerous crosses inside the first ten minutes. Moments later it was Fellaini that turned provider handing Van Persie the ball with a driven first time pass that the Dutchman dragged wide of the far right post from 30 yards out.

Leverkusen finally had a spell of possession shortly after, forcing two quick corners but both were cleared with ease by the United defence and the Germans struggled to trouble De Gea. Their best outlet was down the right hand side as Evra was sometimes caught out of position as he committed himself to United's attack.  However, Leverkusen failed to capitalise and it was the Frenchman who finally created the opener for United on 22 minutes after clever trickery from Van Persie on the left. Quick interplay between Carrick and Fellaini then allowed Kagawa to flick the ball on with his head into the path of Evra on the left wing who curled his cross into the box providing Rooney with the perfect opportunity to half volley the ball into the ground and see it rise over the young Bernd Leno in Leverkusen's net.

It was the perfect start for the reds and Rooney looked in confident mood again seconds after the re-start with a cheeky nutmeg as United attacked on the break but Leverkusen managed to clear his resulting cross-field pass to Van Persie. United were enjoying plenty of possession down the right hand side as Valencia looked to be enjoying his battle with the full back.

The second half started at a similar tempo, with Rooney linking up well with the United midfield. The United number 10 should have put the home side 2-0 up early on as Toprak slipped and allowed him to round the keeper, but his effort on goal ended up well wide. It was a shock, therefore, when Leverkusen sneaked an equaliser in the 54th minute. Captain Simon Rolfes' left foot shot took a crucial deflection off Carrick which left De Gea flat-footed and caught the defence off guard.

However, United didn't have to wait long to get back in front when less than five minutes later one of their stand-out performers Antonio Valencia floated a cross in from the right which found Van Persie in the box who somehow managed to volley the ball in with his back to goal. It was a typical athletic finish from the striker and put United back in command.




Rooney managed his landmark 200th goal twenty minutes from time to put United 3-1 up as De Gea supplied him with a fantastic ball over the top that was controlled well. This time Rooney made no mistake, drilling the ball in past the near post and past Leno, who had a difficult night all round. 

Kagawa, who understandably tired late on, was then substituted off for Ashley Young who was involved in United's fourth and final goal of the match, a wonderfully quick counter-attack that began when Van Persie won the ball in the United area. He did well to find Young on the left who showcased his pace and gave the ball to Rooney who rounded off his near-perfect performance with an inviting ball for Valencia to hit with venom and claim his first goal of the season. 

Leverkusen managed another goal late on as United's defence seemed to switch off, De Gea failed to deal with a corner and Toprak put the ball in the net to make the final score seem a little more respectable for the Germans. United should have made it 5-2 right at the death though, Van Persie uncharacteristically missing an open goal that seemed harder to miss.

Overall it was a good night for United with both strikers continuing to score goals and David Moyes will be hoping they can take their great form to the Etihad on Sunday in a match against Manchester City that could prove vital come the end of the season.












Team Ratings: Manchester United vs Bayer Leverkusen 17/09/2013



1. David De Gea - 6 - A mixed bag, made some good saves but the young Spaniard is still learning. Perhaps harsh to say he could have done better on the first goal as it took a crucial deflection but should have done far better for the second.
12. Chris Smalling - 7 - One of his better performances. Did well in a position that is not his favourite and won some vital headers. Got forward well although United are missing Rafael in this position.
5. Rio Ferdinand - 5 - Made a few errors and unusually struggled to clear the ball at times. Will be punished against City if he does not retain his usual composure.
15. Nemanja Vidic - 7 - A rock at the back, the captain put in some good blocks.
3. Patrice Evra - 6 - Great cross for Rooney's first goal. Sometimes caught out defensively as he was always looking to get forward. Looked more comfortable with the protection of Ashley Young when he came on.
25. Antonio Valencia - 8 - One of his better performances in recent times, impressed with a goal and an assist. Had the beating of the full back and looks to be enjoying being the number 25 again.
16. Michael Carrick - 7 - Was his usual calm self. Played well with Fellaini.
31. Marouane Fellaini - 6 - Looked decent in a deep-lying role but will improve when he is more settled and adjusted to the step up in intensity from Everton.
26. Shinji Kagawa - 6 - Started well but tired as the game went on. The left wing is not his natural position and it shows. United looked more assured when he went off.
10. Wayne Rooney - 9 - The star man reached 200 goals for the club. In fantastic form and linked up play well. Enjoying his football and scored two fine goals. Only criticism would be that he should have scored more.
20. Robin Van Persie - 8 - Dropped deep well and even contributed with some defensive headers. Good second half display, great goal and a classy finish with his wrong foot. We'll excuse him the horror miss late on!

Substitutions-

18. Ashley Young - 6 - Replaced Kagawa. Did his job well and contributed to the fantastic counterattack for Valencia's goal.
23. Tom Cleverley - 5 - Replaced Fellaini. Not much time to make an impact.
14. Javier Chicharito Hernandez - 5 - Replaced Rooney. Again not much time to make an impact but looks to be lacking in fitness.

Sunday 15 September 2013

Team Ratings: Manchester United vs Crystal Palace 14/09/2013




1. David De Gea- 7 - Not much to do but solid.
22. Fabio Da Silva - 7 - Attacked well, not really tested defensively.
5. Rio Ferdinand - 6 - Slip in first half could have proved costly.
15. Nemanja Vidic - 7 - Did what was needed, good in the air.
3. Patrice Evra - 7 - Linked up well with Young, on another day could have had an assist.
25. Antonio Valencia - 6 - Not much service in first half, livelier in the second but with a lack of end product.
16. Michael Carrick - 8 - Hard to get his passing going in a packed midfield. Terrific turn in the first half.
8. Anderson - 6 - Struggled to fight for his place and replaced in the second half by new boy Fellaini.
18. Ashley Young - 6 - Frustrating. Needs to apply himself better to earn those assists and goals.
10. Wayne Rooney - 9 - Excellent work rate as always. Scored a fantastic free-kick. The key to United's success.
20. Robin Van Persie - 7 - Scored the penalty but looked a little tired after two international games with Holland.

Substitutions-

31. Marouane Fellaini - 8 - Replaced Anderson. Very lively debut. Won every header and tackle he went in for. Unlucky not to score.
44. Adnan Januzaj - 8 - Replaced Young. Great cameo from the youngster, terrorised the Crystal Palace defence.
14. Javier Chicharito Hernandez - 6 - Replaced Van Persie. Not much to go off but probably should have scored at the end.



Saturday 14 September 2013

Match Report: Manchester United vs Crystal Palace 14/09/2013

A cut above the rest: Sublime Rooney free-kick secures the 3 points as United brush aside 10-man Palace.



David Moyes' second game in charge of Manchester United at Old Trafford came after a two week international break and a frantic deadline day that saw the club secure the services of Belgian International Marouane Fellaini- one of Moyes' key men from his days as Everton manager.

Old Trafford welcomed the arrival of not only Ian Holloway's promoted Crystal Palace side but also hordes of United fans armed with curly wigs eagerly awaiting the debut of the new 'United Afro'. However, the fans had to wait as Moyes opted to start with Anderson and Carrick in the centre, the latter almost putting the reds one nil up inside three minutes with an excellent dipping drive that forced a good save from Julian Speroni.

Wayne Rooney earned a surprise start after acquiring a nasty head injury at the start of the month. He seemed to show no sign of it, however, with his head and feet looking in perfect condition as the England international displayed some superb passing early on.

Ashley Young continued to frustrate fans with a mixed performance in the first half, providing fantastic link up play down the left with Patrice Evra one moment and then a poor cross the next. The winger's day seemed to go from bad to worse as he was then booked for diving by referee Jon Moss.

Just when it was looking unlikely the United midfield could provide adequate service for the breakthrough before half time, Carrick turned skilfully away from two Palace players in the middle of the park with great footwork before Anderson won the ball with a crunching tackle that gifted the ball to Rooney. Rooney then lofted a beautifully weighted pass to Van Persie which was taken expertly by the Dutchman who found himself alone between two Palace defenders in the box. He chested it down and was unlucky to see his sweetly hit volley crash against Speroni's cross bar. Palace were lucky to be let off as United began to play more like champions.

A Young cross just missed Rooney's bandaged head before Crystal Palace finally got into the United box. Dwight Gayle getting the better of Ferdinand who let the forward get away a dinked effort which just missed the goal and sidled past the far post.

Just before half time, Ashley Young went down in the box for a second time under a foul by Kagisho Dikgacoi and this time Jon Moss adjudged it to be a penalty although it looked to be outside the box. Dikgacoi was then sent off much to Palace's dismay and undoubtedly Ian Holloway who will have thought the decision harsh but could not vent his frustration properly as he serves a two-game touchline ban.

Robin Van Persie stepped up to take the spot kick and sent Speroni the wrong way to claim his third of the season and delight the Old Trafford crowd as the game went into half time. United started the second half lively with an Ashley Young long range curling shot going inches past the post. United continued to up the tempo but when an Anderson through ball to Young was hit straight at the keeper, Moyes decided to make his first change. Anderson left the field for Fellaini who was received by the Old Trafford crowd with a standing ovation and rapturous applause. Ashley Young made way shortly after for another Belgian, 18 year old Adnan Januzaj, last year's Reserve Team Player of the Year. The changes seemed to bring the team to life and it wasn't long before Fellaini got his first chance at goal as the United faithful spurred him on with chants of 'attack, attack, attack!'

A tricky low cross from Januzaj on the left forced a save that fell to Fellaini who chested and volleyed it with great technique and was unlucky to see it saved well by Speroni. Fellaini provided some much needed steel in United's midfield, winning headers and tackles whilst also dispatching the ball well out wide helping get Antonio Valencia more involved.



Van Persie was subbed off for Chicharito just before Januzaj 's fast footwork won United a free-kick 25 yards out. Wayne Rooney stepped up and scored a wonderful curling free-kick leaving Palace's star man Speroni with no chance. Rooney almost went close again moments later after good link up play with Fellaini and Januzaj but perhaps should not have opted to shoot himself as his chip went wide. Chicharito went close in extra time but his lack of match fitness showed after another disrupted pre-season.



The match finished 2-0 to United who have plenty of positives to take from David Moyes' first Old Trafford win of his career. Lively cameos from Fellaini and Januzaj lit up the game for the reds and the two Belgians have a bright future at the club. However, it is once again Wayne Rooney who will grab the headlines with another fine performance and goal to prove why he really is a cut above the rest.