Thursday 28 November 2013

Match Report: Bayer Leverkusen vs Manchester United 27/11/2013

Forever young: Ryan runs rings around Germans in 5-0 thrashing as strong team performance sees United condemn Leverkusen to first home defeat in eight months.



Manchester United had the chance to secure qualification from Group A in the Champions League if they could claim victory away in Germany last night. Although they beat Bayer Leverkusen relatively comfortably 4-2 at home back in September, this tie looked to be trickier as Leverkusen held an impressive home record and had not been beaten at the BayArena since March. United had their own unbeaten run to maintain as victory would give them their 11th consecutive game in which they have picked up points. 

With injuries still ruling out key players such as Robin Van Persie, Michael Carrick and Nemanja Vidic, David Moyes had the opportunity to gift other players the chance to take centre stage. Notably Shinji Kagawa earned a start in his preferred position behind the striker as he sat in the hole behind Wayne Rooney. Antonio Valencia and Nani provided the width for the away side with 21 year old Phil Jones returning from injury to play in the middle alongside veteran Ryan Giggs, two days before the Welshman turns 40. 

The first real chance of the match came just after the quarter-hour mark as Giggs saw a gap in the defence and fed in Nani. Nani then brought it inside and tried to curl it into the far corner but it was just too high. Spahic then went close for Leverkusen with a headed effort off a corner that also went over the bar. The game soon became more of a spectacle as Evans put in a fantastic challenge to deny Kiessling after he had evaded Jones in the box. United then countered quickly and scored a brilliant team goal. Kagawa won the ball off Reinartz deep in United's half and carried the ball forward before squaring well to Giggs on his left. Giggs then spread the play out to Rooney on the left who took it into the box and lofted a wonderful ball to the far post that was tapped in by Valencia to end a fantastic move and give United the lead. 



United began to look confident and their midfield play showcased a fluidity that has often been lacking for them this season. Less than ten minutes after they had scored the opener they went on to double their lead as Rooney once again provided the assist. This time it came from a free-kick as his ball in from the left was headed in for an own goal by Spahic after pressure in the air from Smalling. It was yet another example of the improvement Rooney has made from set-piece situations this season.



Not content with a simple two-goal lead United continued to press until half time as they dominated possession and caused countless problems, particularly down the right with crosses from Valencia and Smalling. Unluckily for the home side, after the break United maintained their dominance in all aspects of the game and nearly scored a third in the 58th minute through Nani. Spahic gifted the winger possession with a poor pass out of defence, Nani then played a lovely one-two with Rooney and hit a diagonal shot from the edge of the box that went agonisingly wide of the far post.

It was then a post at the other end that saved United from conceding as a corner in from the right caused chaos in the box when a Spahic header rebounded off Giggs and struck De Gea's left-hand upright. It then came back out for Spahic whose shot was well saved by the legs of De Gea. It was a rare chance for the home side and United soon regained their composure and created chances of their own. Rooney nutmegged Rolfes with ease to make space for a shot from range that just dipped past Leno's right post. 

Rooney then turned creator again for United when they got a third on 65 minutes. A Giggs corner from the right found Evra in the box who did well to head down for Rooney. United's number 10 shot first time but it was saved by Leno. Evans picked up the rebound and carefully slotted in to put clear daylight between United and Leverkusen.


Moyes then made a change in the 70th minute as Buttner replaced Evra but this didn't mean United sat back and their persistence rewarded them with a goal seven minutes later as another unlikely goalscorer put them 4-0 up. A Valencia cross was poorly cleared by Spahic to Jones who quickly passed to Kagawa on the edge of the area. Kagawa then displayed exactly why his best position is behind the striker as he turned and lofted a delicious short pass to Rooney in the box. Rooney then chipped the ball over the advancing keeper to claim his fourth assist of the night and gift Smalling the chance to tap in for United's fourth. It was another magnificent move from the away side who looked like they might score whenever they attacked.


United's manager then took the chance to make more changes in the final ten minutes as Rooney and Valencia departed the field for Anderson and Young respectively. Anderson had the chance to make an immediate impact and add United's fifth but scuffed a shot wide after a brilliant run with the ball from the edge of his own area and a one-two with Nani gifted him the opportunity in the Leverkusen box. 

There was still time for United to get the fifth though and they did in the 90th minute thanks to sheer genius from Ryan Giggs. Kagawa did well to get the ball to Anderson on the half way line who then squared it to Giggs in space in the centre-circle just inside the Leverkusen half. The Welsh wonder then hit a sublime first-time ball over the Leverkusen defence to Nani on the left who let it bounce, chested it down and past the on-rushing Leverkusen goalkeeper and flicked it into the open net with a finish that was equally as brilliant as the assist.


Leverkusen could have claimed a consolation at the death had it not been for De Gea who, much like his teammates, was in top form and saved well from the 10-yard shot from Derdiyok to ensure United kept a clean sheet. The whistle went to end United's fantastic night in Germany where they have recorded their biggest away victory in the Champions League. No doubt they will have left the country in good spirits after taking five goals, a clean sheet and qualification away from this trip alongside many other positives. Next they travel to White Hart Lane on Sunday in the Premier League safe in the knowledge that they need only a point in their final game of Group A at home to Shakhtar Donetsk to ensure that they finish top of the Group. After tonight's performance, you wouldn't bet against them.





Team Ratings: Bayer Leverkusen vs Manchester United 27/11/2013


1. David De Gea - 7 - Rarely tested but showed his composure when there was danger such as late on in the second half when he was alert to make a good save from Derdiyok. A deserved clean sheet.
12. Chris Smalling - 8 - Commanding in defence and a threat going forward, grabbing one goal and forcing an own goal. This performance will do wonders for his confidence.
5. Rio Ferdinand - 7 - Improved as the game went on showing vital experience and leadership to ensure United kept the clean sheet.
6. Jonny Evans - 8 - Made a fine tackle to deny Kiessling in the first half that allowed United to counter and score themselves. Deserves a run in the team and like Smalling was an unlikely goalscorer.
3. Patrice Evra - 7 - A good performance from the Frenchman who was solid in defence and creative in attack until he was subbed in the 70th minute for a deserved rest.
25. Antonio Valencia - 8.5 - The performance United fans have been waiting for. He was almost unplayable and terrorised the Leverkusen defence all night. He also scored the all-important first goal that set United on the path to an emphatic victory.
4. Phil Jones - 7 - Did his job well and kept it simple to ensure the back four wasn't exposed.
11. Ryan Giggs - 9 - How is he 40 on Friday? He was playing beside a 21 year old in Jones but did not look out of place and ran the show from the centre of midfield. He can still pick a wonderful pass as he proved with the assist for Nani's goal.
17. Nani - 7 - Didn't play as well as Valencia on the other wing but still looked dangerous and ended the game with a superb goal that will hopefully give him confidence to perform as well as he did back in 2010.
26. Shinji Kagawa - 8 - It's amazing what a change in position can do for him. Playing in his natural role he excelled and was integral to the attack. Moyes needs to find a way to play him, Van Persie and Rooney together because in this form he deserves a run of games.
10. Wayne Rooney - 9 - He may not have scored but he made 4 brilliant assists without breaking into much of a sweat. Another brilliant Rooney performance to add to an ever-growing list this season.


Substitutions-

28. Alexander Buttner - 6 - Replaced Evra. Did okay in his 20 minute cameo.
18. Ashley Young - 5 - Replaced Valencia. Didn't have much of an impact coming on in the final 10.
8. Anderson - 5 - Replaced Rooney. Should have scored but his finishing was poor as always.

Monday 25 November 2013

Team Ratings: Cardiff City vs Manchester United 24/11/2013


1. David De Gea - 6 - Let down by his defence again really as he could do little about either goal.
12. Chris Smalling - 5 - Gave away a needless free kick that led to their equaliser and his passing was poor on countless occasions.
5. Rio Ferdinand - 6 - Decent in possession and didn't do too much wrong.
6. Jonny Evans - 5 - Got caught flat-footed for Campbell's goal and should probably have done better with the striker who looked dangerous all afternoon.
3. Patrice Evra - 7 - Looked great on the attack and scored a brilliant header but probably needs a rest after a long run of games for club and country. He was one of United's better players until he switched off right at the death to allow Kim to bypass him and head it in for Cardiff's equaliser. Also caught out of position a number of times yet again.
25. Antonio Valencia- 4 - Had a hand in the first goal with a cross that Chicharito flicked on for Rooney but other than that was largely anonymous. Seems to be lacking in confidence and should really be providing more of a battle with the full-back.
31. Marouane Fellaini - 5 - Had a couple of decent headed efforts on goal but was sloppy in possession and gave away several free kicks.
23. Tom Cleverley - 4 - Almost gifted Campbell a second goal with a misplaced pass that summed up his day. Poor throughout.
44. Adnan Januzaj - 5 - Struggled to make a mark on the game but is still learning his trade and the experience will have done him good.
10. Wayne Rooney - 5 - Made a rash challenge early on that could have left his team with 10 men . However, he was at the heart of everything good United did with a goal and an assist and he did look dangerous on set pieces but he really should have scored in extra time after Cardiff equalised. 
14. Javier Chicharito Hernandez - 5 - Starved of service all game but did well for the first goal with a nice flick on for Rooney. Definitely has more of an impact as a sub.

Substitutions-

19. Danny Welbeck - 4 - Replaced Januzaj. Should have done better with the chance he had but was a little rusty.
11. Ryan Giggs - 5 - Replaced Hernandez. Put a cracking ball over the top for Rooney that should have given the Welshman an assist.

Match Report: Cardiff City vs Manchester United 24/11/2013

Bluebirds on song as United stunned by Kim Bo-Kyung: 
Rooney and Evra put United ahead twice in 2-2 draw as Cardiff snatch injury-time equaliser.


The international break couldn't have come at a worse time for Manchester United, a team in form that were just starting to find some momentum after a rocky start to the season. United were nine-games unbeaten in all competitions as they travelled to South Wales for their 12th game of the campaign and had a great chance to jump up to fourth in the table after Liverpool, Everton and Southampton had all dropped points.

Cardiff, on the other hand, had welcomed the international break that meant a chance to re-group after a disappointing performance and result in the 2-0 loss away to Aston Villa. The Bluebirds were hopeful that this rest, coupled with their home form, could inspire them to take some points off the Champions after impressive victories against Manchester City and Swansea at the Cardiff City Stadium had ensured that they stayed clear of the relegation places.

United were left without five of the eleven that started in the home win against Arsenal as injuries hit David Moyes' squad. Their top goalscorer Robin Van Persie was left out of the side due to continued toe and groin problems that also prevented the striker's involvement with Holland last week. The Captain Nemanja Vidic was ruled out after he was left concussed from a nasty collision with De Gea in the victory against the league leaders. United were also without Shinji Kagawa, who picked up a foot injury whilst on international duty with Japan. The versatile Phil Jones missed out with a groin strain whilst Michael Carrick has just begun a lengthy six-week lay-off due to an Achilles injury. 

Javier Hernandez, Rio Ferdinand, Adnan Januzaj, Tom Cleverley and Marouane Fellaini replaced the injured players in United's starting line-up. The home side had a fully-fit squad to choose from as Andreas Cornelius returned from injury to take a place on the bench. Malky Mackay chose to start former United player Frazier Campbell as a lone striker whilst Peter Odemwingie passed a late fitness test to add some much-needed attacking flair to the Welsh side's five man midfield.

Rooney was heavily involved in the opening half's talking points, firstly when he picked up an early yellow card inside eight minutes for a rash kick out at Cardiff midfielder Mutch. It was a deliberate tackle out of frustration that was nowhere near the ball and was reminiscent of the England man's younger days when he struggled with his discipline and anger on the pitch. However, it was the Cardiff supporters who were left angriest as Rooney remained on the field and went on to put his side ahead less than eight minutes later.



The majority of the 28,000 supporters inside the Cardiff City Stadium felt that the striker's malicious challenge should have been punished with a red card and there was a huge sense of injustice when he was the man to score the goal that put them behind. Cardiff could only have themselves to blame for the goal though, as Turner's woeful pass out of defence was straight to Valencia. This gifted the Ecuadorian the chance to cross for Hernandez who sent a lovely flick into the path of Rooney. Cardiff's villain then evaded Medel with a clever turn in the box before seeing his shot goalwards take a slight deflection off the defensive midfielder and bounce over Cardiff keeper Marshall and into the net.

Three minutes later United should have had another when Fellaini was allowed a free header off a Januzaj set piece. His cross in from the right found the midfielder by the far post but his effort at goal was thwarted by the hands of Marshall who got both hands to it with a fine stop. Cardiff then produced a chance at the other end through Odemwingie after Januzaj was caught in possession and a Cowie cross then fell nicely for the Nigerian. Much to the frustration of the Cardiff fans he couldn't keep his shot down and the ball sailed over the bar.


Fortunately for Cardiff this wasn't their only opportunity to get back on level terms and around ten minutes later they managed to create something of more worth. Whittingham started the move as he passed the ball to Mutch in space in the centre. Mutch then threaded through a wonderful ball for Campbell who had made a dangerous run into the box. The ex-United man beat Evans to the ball on the right and slotted home with ease past De Gea and into the far corner.

Unfortunately for the home side the celebrations were short-lived as United notched another goal just before half time to ensure they kept a slender lead. Evra was the unlikely goalscorer, who was having a great week after France had successfully secured their place in next year's World Cup. Rooney was involved again as he set up the goal from a corner. United's left-back got his head on the cross after some poor zonal marking from Cardiff allowed him to run from the edge of the box to the near post and head it in unmarked.



Shortly after half time a Rooney set piece almost created another goal as his free kick in from the left located the head of Fellaini. With his back to goal the Belgian still managed to force a save from Marshall who was alert to the danger and pushed it round his left-hand post and out for a corner. Rooney took it and found a United head again but this time it was Smalling who failed to put the ball in the net and Marshall this time managed to save it with his legs.

Whilst United should have gone further ahead Cardiff continued to press and could have got another themselves after Cleverley misplaced a pass back to his defence and inadvertently set Campbell up for an audacious chip from the edge of the box. It was beautifully executed and had beaten De Gea but United were let off as the effort came crashing back off the frame of the goal.



United made changes as Welbeck and Giggs replaced Januzaj and Hernandez respectively. In the 81st minute Welbeck could have made the tie safe for the away team after brilliant link-up play with Rooney. However, when Welbeck collected Rooney's lovely return ball in space to the right of Cardiff's goal he sent his shot way over the bar rather than on target. 

It was a chance United were left to rue as Cardiff took advantage of their misses in injury time when Smalling gave away a free kick on the edge of the area with a needless foul on Noone. Whittingham stepped up to take it and sent in a superb cross for substitute Kim to head in after Evra switched off and allowed the South Korean the space to convert from close range. It was this time United who failed to pull off zonal marking although, like Cardiff fans in the first half, they will have felt aggrieved after Medel appeared to strike Fellaini's face in the build up to the set piece. 

Cardiff fans were in dream land but had to suffer through the final minutes of injury time as United went so close to scoring a third right at the death. Cardiff-born Giggs sent the perfect ball over the top to Rooney who was clean through on goal and looked certain to find the back of the net. Much to the delight of Cardiff City fans the game's most controversial player failed to shoot and instead tried to square it for Welbeck to his left. However, his casual touch was too short and Cardiff cleared to ensure they kept the vital point, which was no more than they deserved after a courageous performance.

Whilst David Moyes' side maintain their unbeaten run, they will be bitterly disappointed not to have taken advantage of other teams dropping points and the chance to move up to fourth in the table. Their attention now turns to their Champions League group game against Bayer Leverkusen in Germany on Wednesday where a win will secure qualification in the competition. Their next league game is away at Tottenham, who were humiliated at Manchester City over the weekend. It will certainly be interesting to see how both sides bounce back from disappointing results.



Monday 18 November 2013

11 things to do during the international break.

1. Cry. You can't watch your team, you can't win fantasy league points. What is life?



2. Have the age-old 'Lampard, Gerrard or Scholes?' argument with someone new.


3. Laugh at how the commentators pronounce international players' names wrong and then proceed to get them wrong yourself. Ozil? Uh-zil? I give up.


4. Sort out your fantasy team and tell everybody that now you mean business and will easily make up the 120 points.



5. Try to keep a 'dive tally' to see which country is worst. (Hint: Try Portugal.)



6. Ensure your team shirt is clean and ready to put on as soon as the break is over and we're 'back to the proper football'.



7. Have the Ronaldo/Messi/Neither argument with someone new.


8. Go and practice being a complete idiot behind a reporter in preparation for the January transfer window. (We're looking at you, Stoke fans.)



9. Have a good laugh at whichever team doesn't make it to the World Cup even though they probably should have. (France?)


10. Get your bets in early on what stage England will fail miserably at during next year's World Cup.



11. Rejoice that this is the last of these stupid breaks till March where you may repeat steps 1-10 accordingly.





Sunday 10 November 2013

Team Ratings: Manchester United vs Arsenal 10/11/2013


1. David De Gea - 7 - Made a couple of good punches to clear the danger well on a surprisingly quiet afternoon.
12. Chris Smalling - 8 - Probably his best game at right back. Worked really hard in defence and kept Carzola quiet. Also got forward well but should probably have done better when found by a Van Persie free kick in the second half.
6. Jonny Evans - 6 - His passing was well below par and many of his clearances went straight to Arsenal players. Looked a little nervous but helped United keep the clean sheet in the end.
15. Nemanja Vidic - 7 - Looked comfortable and was winning the aerial battle with Giroud until a nasty head injury forced him off at half time.
3. Patrice Evra - 6 - Attacked well but needs to be more disciplined in defence as he is so often caught out of position and this allowed Sagna to put in two dangerous crosses in the second half.
25. Antonio Valencia- 6 - Had the ability to beat Gibbs but sometimes looked to be lacking in confidence. Helped out defensively but just needs to work on that final cross.
4. Phil Jones - 8 -  Superb first half display in midfield with a 100% pass completion and showcased his versatility yet again as he replaced Vidic in defence in the second half where he made vital clearances to ensure United kept a clean sheet. Easy to forget he's only 21.
16. Michael Carrick - 7 - Sometimes a little hesitant on the ball but stood in front of the defence and made United hard to break down in the second half.
26. Shinji Kagawa - 6 - Faded as the game went on but got stuck in well in his unfavoured position and helped out defensively.
10. Wayne Rooney - 8 - Worked his socks off. Got the vital assist for the goal and was unlucky not to score himself after he beat Sagna and sent a shot wide in the second half. Knew the importance of the match and led by example by putting himself all over the park to ensure United got the win.
20. Robin Van Persie - 7 - Got the all-important goal against his former club after good movement in the box and a lovely headed finish. Dropped into the midfield and helped out defensively in the second half too. Seems to be finding some of his form from last season.

Substitutions-

23. Tom Cleverley - 7 - Replaced Vidic. Didn't see too much of the ball but when he did he made 90% of his passes.
11. Ryan Giggs - 6 - Replaced Kagawa. Made a couple of good clearances on the edge of the box and showed his experience.
31. Marouane Fellaini - 6 - Replaced Van Persie. Took some of the pressure off by winning headers and helped United see the game out.

Match Report: Manchester United vs Arsenal 10/11/2013

Arsenal man? Robin Van Persie shows he's all United with winning goal and celebration in 1-0 victory that sends United up to fifth.


Manchester United began Remembrance Sunday eight points behind League leaders Arsenal and were looking to extend a good run in form and take advantage as Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham had all dropped points over the weekend. Arsenal, on the other hand, were confident of strengthening their lead at the top after an encouraging win away at Borussia Dortmund in mid-week.

An illness in the Arsenal camp meant Arsene Wenger had to send home Per Mertesacker and Tomas Rosicky before the game but the Gunners had Mathieu Flamini back after injury. Nemanja Vidic captained United alongside Jonny Evans at the back whilst Michael Carrick and Phil Jones shared the midfield responsibilities. Shinji Kagawa was the chosen man on the left, achieving a rare Premier League start ahead of up-and-coming youngster Adnan Januzaj. Robin Van Persie also started up front against his former club.



United looked the better out of the two sides early on as Rooney caused problems. Just inside ten minutes the England man hit a shot from 25 yards that was deflected off Arteta and saved by Arsenal stopper Szczesny. Fifteen minutes later Kagawa did well to win the ball for Rooney to put in a dangerous cross that had to be headed away for a corner by Vermaelen. Rooney took the corner kick and Arsenal fans were left reeling when their former striker Van Persie got in front of Giroud and headed it in towards the far post to put the home side ahead. It was a fantastic goal from the Dutchman and proved exactly why United were so desperate to prise him away from the London club.

Arsenal tried to respond but failed to create anything of worth as their first real effort came from a weak header over the bar by Giroud after a cross had deflected off fellow Frenchman Evra. The rest of the half was marred by two unfortunate head injuries as first Szczesny collided with Jones and needed lengthy treatment. It was an honest attempt to head the ball from Jones and he was unlucky to be booked afterwards. Fortunately Szczesny was fine and able to continue but United's captain Vidic was less fortunate after a collision at the other end between him and De Gea meant his game was over. As De Gea came to punch clear from a Ramsey cross his hip caught the face of the Serbian defender in a nasty clash that saw him go straight off down the tunnel to receive treatment before being substituted at the start of the second half.


Cleverley came on to replace Vidic which meant the versatile Jones took his place in the centre of defence alongside Evans. It was interesting to see how the change-up would affect United's play but they still coped relatively comfortably with Arsenal as the away side struggled to get an effort on target. They had an excellent chance shortly after winning a controversial corner on 58 minutes as Sagna put in a dangerous cross from the right that found its way to Ozil in space in the box. The travelling supporters were celebrating for a few seconds before they realised the German had hit his shot into the side netting rather than past De Gea.

United continued to press for a second goal that would make the game more comfortable and came agonisingly close on the hour mark after a flick on from Kagawa eventually came into the path of Rooney. He beat Sagna with ease as he took the ball down just inside the box and struck a shot with his left foot that went through the legs of Koscielny and just wide of the post. 



Arsenal brought on Wilshere for Flamini and enjoyed a nice spell of possession in the closing 15 minutes that should have resulted in a goal. Arteta sent the ball out wide to Sagna who had space and time to send in a perfect cross into the United box. It just needed a touch from Gibbs waiting in the centre, but the defender missed it and Evans ensured it was cleared from danger.


Minutes later and it was United who rued a chance missed by one of their defenders as Smalling managed to connect with a Van Persie free kick but headed the ball down and hopelessly wide for a goal kick. However, United's right back made up for it at the other end with a well-timed tackle in the box to deny Giroud a chance to pull the trigger after he was found well by substitute Gnabry. Not long after Giroud did get a shot away after Ramsey showed tenacity in the United box to get the ball to the striker. His shot on the turn was under pressure though and De Gea had it covered as it went wide of his left-hand post.

In injury time Arsenal had a golden chance to get an equaliser after Sagna whipped in another brilliant cross from the right. Luckily for United's fantastic home support it failed to make contact with any Arsenal players in the box and bounced in front of substitute Bendtner and out of danger. The whistle then went to condemn Arsenal to their second league defeat of the season. It means United are now only five points off the Gunners and climb up to fifth in the table. David Moyes will be hopeful of continuing their nine-game unbeaten run after the international break as they travel away to Cardiff on November 24th.




Wednesday 6 November 2013

Team Ratings: Real Sociedad vs Manchester United 05/11/2013


1. David De Gea - 6 - Had a very quiet evening back in his native Spain. Never tested and will be pleased to keep a clean sheet.
12. Chris Smalling - 5 - Always looks awkward in this position and his crossing is often poor when he makes it into attacking positions.
5. Rio Ferdinand - 6 - Showed the composure and experience needed.
15. Nemanja Vidic - 7 - In a better run of form now and was United's best player on the night limiting Sociedad to poor shots from range at best. Made a good well-timed tackle too to prevent a chance for Vela.
3. Patrice Evra - 6 - Attacked well but could have cost United a goal as he switched off and let Vela past him at the end of the first half. Luckily Vidic put it out for a corner.
25. Antonio Valencia - 6 - His final ball let him down at times and he tried to cut inside sometimes when the cross would have been a better option.
31. Marouane Fellaini - 6 - Had one of his better games until he got sent off in the final minute. Got stuck in well and was a presence in the centre of the pitch but needs to adapt his play or he'll be in danger of more red cards in Europe.
11. Ryan Giggs - 5 - Didn't contribute much and at nearly 40 years of age he would surely do better as a substitute when United have midfielders 15 years younger in the squad.
23. Shinji Kagawa - 7 - Quiet in the first half but much improved in the second. First he created a wonderful chance for Hernandez, who should have converted. Then when he moved into a central position he looked dangerous and creative.
10. Wayne Rooney - 6 - Quiet game by his standards. Didn't have much of an impact and was rightly taken off and saved for Sunday.
14. Javier Chicharito Hernandez - 5 - Missed a sitter and always has more of an impact coming off the bench.


Substitutions-

18. Ashley Young - 6 - Replaced Chicharito. Won the penalty with an embarrassing dive but besides that was dangerous and United improved when he came on. Set up Van Persie to hit the post and looked lively.
20. Robin Van Persie - 7 - Replaced Rooney. Almost put United 1-0 up with his first touch after hitting the post with a thunderous shot. Then saw his penalty rebound off the same upright. Linked up well with Kagawa too.
4. Phil Jones - N/A - Replaced Kagawa. Came on in injury time with almost no time to make an impact.

Match Report: Real Sociedad vs Manchester United 05/11/2013

A stalemate in Spain: United lack spark on bonfire night as RVP misses pen and Fellaini sees late red.




Manchester United don't have the best record on Spanish soil and were hoping to avenge this at the Anoeta Stadium after beating the same opponents two weeks ago at Old Trafford. After an unbeaten Champions League campaign so far, David Moyes was hoping for a continuation of their recent good form. Sociedad were in confident mood themselves having just won 5-0 against Osasuna at the weekend. United's dominant performance at Fulham should have probably warranted a similar result rather than the final 3-1 scoreline.

With one eye on their home clash with Arsenal on Sunday David Moyes fielded a team that, whilst maybe not their strongest, still held plenty of potential. They weren't short of experience either as Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand started together in defence whilst Ryan Giggs made an astonishing 950th appearance. Shinji Kagawa, Marouane Fellaini and Javier Hernandez were also handed rare starts.

In a first half of little opportunities, United's best chance came just inside 10 minutes through Kagawa as he gave the ball to Evra on the left flank. The Frenchman crossed for Rooney, who cleverly laid the ball off for Kagawa but unfortunately for United his first-time shot rolled past the far post. The Japanese international had another chance less than ten minutes later after more good work from Rooney allowed him the opportunity to shoot from just outside the box. Although his effort was this time kept on target, it was hit straight at Bravo and forced nothing besides an easy catch for the Chilean.

United looked comfortable but were yet to put their mark on the match, unlike Fellaini who was given a yellow card for putting his on Bergara in a 50/50 challenge after half an hour. Shortly before half time Sociedad had their first real effort on goal through De la Bella. The left-back beat Valencia to allow himself space to shoot but couldn't keep his shot on target and it curled just past the far post.

The second half saw United create the game's biggest, and easiest, opportunity. Inside the opening five minutes Valencia crossed from the right for Kagawa, who picked the ball up and took on two players before crossing himself for Hernandez. The Mexican collected the ball from 6 yards out but could only blast an effort over the bar for a horror miss. It is not what you come to expect from the striker who is often the poacher of such opportunities.

United had a penalty appeal turned down after Kagawa was felled in the box by Gonzalez. Moyes then made two substitutions in an effort to enhance the quality of United's play. He opted to take Rooney off, possibly thinking of the upcoming Arsenal fixture, and replaced him with Van Persie. Hernandez also made way for Young after that awful second-half miss.




The changes had an immediate effect and United suddenly looked dangerous on the attack as Kagawa moved into his natural position behind the striker. On 65 minutes Kagawa made an excellent run at the Sociedad back four and sent the ball out wide to Young. The winger drilled in a brilliant ball for Van Persie but the Dutchman's powerful shot could only sting Bravo's left post and fly back out to Valencia. Van Persie then collected the ball again but sent his second shot wide of the other post.

Kagawa, clearly enjoying being in his preferred position, then lofted a wonderful ball out to the right for Van Persie. He beat the defender easily to reach the byline but his cutback just missed Kagawa, who had made a darting run into the box to collect the return pass. Seconds later United's second penalty shout of the night was given by referee Nicola Rizzoli. Young made a good run into the box and passed to Kagawa who looked to complete a one-two and sent it back into the path of the England winger. There then appeared to be minimal contact from Bergara as Young went down claiming he had been pulled back. Although it seemed questionable, the referee gave the spot-kick and Van Persie stepped up to take it. However, he was thwarted once again by Bravo's left-hand post as his shot struck the upright and bounced away to safety. Sociedad will have felt that it was justice done, while United will have felt they should be ahead after a period of second-half dominance.

United's night went from bad to worse as Fellaini was then given a second yellow card and sent off in the 89th minute for a foul on Zurutuza. Both of his bookings looked harsh but seemed to be the result of persistent fouling by the Belgian.



The game finished 0-0 and although United should have taken at least one of their chances, they will be pleased to remain top of Group A and unbeaten in the competition. Their attention now turns to a much more significant game against Arsenal on Sunday where an expected changed starting eleven must take three points off the League leaders if they are to have any hope of challenging for back-to-back titles.

Sunday 3 November 2013

Team Ratings: Fulham vs Manchester United 02/11/2013


1. David De Gea - 7 - Looked comfortable throughout and made some good saves. Once again he could do nothing about the goal that took away his clean sheet.
3. Rafael - 6 - Only played one half after picking up an injury before the break. Hopefully it's not too serious as he linked up well with Valencia and is clearly United's best option at right-back.
15. Nemanja Vidic - 8 - Was turned too easily by Berbatov once in the first half but apart from that he was fantastic. He made 12 clearances in the game and ensured United didn't concede any more in the second half when Fulham looked more dangerous.
6. Jonny Evans - 6 - A solid, comfortable performance before he was withdrawn at half time.
3. Patrice Evra - 7 -  Looked to be enjoying getting forward and put in some dangerous crosses. Rarely troubled at the back.
25. Antonio Valencia- 7 - Scored the opener and looked in confident form. Showed his versatility by playing right-back during the second half.
4. Phil Jones - 8 -  Had a 91% pass completion rate and was a commanding presence in the centre of the park. 
23. Tom Cleverley - 7 - .Played a wonderful ball through to Van Persie that allowed the Dutchman to set up the third goal and showed great energy until he was substituted with possible concussion at half time. A shame as he was having a good game and had a 97% pass completion rate.
44. Adnan Januzaj - 7 - Troubled Fulham all afternoon and showed great promise. Set up Van Persie's goal with a quality pass. 
10. Wayne Rooney - 8 - Linked up brilliantly with Van Persie and was unselfish in setting up the opener by squaring for Valencia. Later got a goal himself to put United 3-0 up but was also unfortunate to be the scorer of Fulham's goal after the ball deflected off him. Still, a great performance.
20. Robin Van Persie - 8 - Fulham struggled to cope with him in the first half, he was first class and instrumental in all of United's goals. A little more isolated in the second half but the damage had already been done and his partnership with Rooney is starting to look very dangerous.

Substitutions-

26. Shinji Kagawa - 5 - Replaced Rafael. Never really got into the game having been introduced at half time and was quite sloppy in possession.
12. Chris Smalling - 6 - Replaced Evans. Slotted into the defence relatively easily and made a couple of decent clearances.
31. Marouane Fellaini - 5 - Replaced Cleverley. Retained possession well but slowed down United's play and they never seemed to hit the tempo they had in the first half. Could have scored with a header too.

Match Report: Fulham vs Manchester United 02/11/2013

Happy Hallowayne! First half masterclass enough for United as Rooney gets a goal at each end and an assist in 3-1 win at Fulham.



United travelled to South-West London on the back of a six game unbeaten run and hoping to achieve their fourth straight win in all competitions. Fulham, on the other hand, were coming in off the back of a loss to Championship side Leicester City in the Capital One Cup and were hoping to get back to winning ways to ensure United were not the victors for a sixth consecutive Premier League match against the Cottagers.

United fielded a strong team with Nemanja Vidic and Jonny Evans in central defence. Tom Cleverley and Phil Jones were chosen in central midfield with Adnan Januzaj and Antonio Valencia providing the wide support. Fulham gave starts to two ex-United players in Kieran Richardson and Dimitar Berbatov.

It was a bright opening five minutes for the home side as they created the game's first chance through Kasami. He got the ball off Ruiz on the left and cut inside to shoot but his drive was straight at De Gea and easily saved by the Spaniard. However, their lack of cutting edge was punished and United soon began to take control of the game. The away side went 1-0 up inside 10 minutes after Van Persie threaded a neat through ball to Rooney inside the box. Rooney waited and drew Stekelenburg out from his goal before he picked out the perfect square pass for Valencia to side foot it home near the far post.

United passed Fulham around easily after the goal and they were left chasing shadows as Rooney played some lovely one-twos with Januzaj and Van Persie. The home side's only decent chance came on 19 minutes as Scott Parker's wonderful through ball cut through United's back four and found Berbatov. He was unable to convert as Rafael got back to dispossess the ex-United striker before he could get his shot away.

Fulham were left to rue that chance as seconds later United went down the field and got their second goal. Januzaj took the ball off Parker just inside the Fulham half, the former West Ham midfielder felt it was a foul but replays suggested the Englishman slipped. Januzaj then sent a wonderful pass out left to Van Persie in the box who smashed it into the roof of the net with a fantastic finish. Fulham looked all over the place and United capitalised as they struck again two minutes later after more brilliance from Van Persie, who is now the Premier League's highest scoring Dutchman. Cleverley sent a lovely long ball through to the striker, who beat the offside trap and waited out on the right before picking out Rooney in the box who finished off a tantalising opening 22 minutes for United with an easy tap-in.

Fulham were as hopeless as United were brilliant and it seemed that the away side were destined to score even more. However, the game settled down and Fulham regained some composure to set up another chance for Berbatov. Ruiz' flick on allowed the Bulgarian half a yard on Vidic which he used to get a shot away but it was a weak hit and was easily held by De Gea.

United went into half time 3-0 up and David Moyes looked delighted at their clinical finishing. However, the manager was forced to make an unusual triple substitution at half time. With one eye on their European clash away at Real Sociedad on Tuesday he took off Rafael, Cleverley and Evans, who all looked like they may have picked up slight knocks. Their replacements were Kagawa, Fellaini and Smalling and these changes disrupted some of Manchester United's momentum which allowed Fulham a chance to get more of a foothold in the game. Inside the opening two minutes of the second half Kagawa gave away possession in the centre of the field to Richardson who set up Kasami for a shot from range. He hit it well but just couldn't keep it on target and it whistled past De Gea's left-hand post. 

Fellaini then had a chance for United but his header from a Rooney free kick was also wide. Fulham then went up the other end and finally scored but even they needed help from Rooney and it was a touch off the United forward's outstretched right leg that diverted Kacaniklic's shot on target and past De Gea. It was good pressure from Fulham and United never looked like the same side that scored three goals in 13 minutes in the first half, but the away team still looked comfortable and likely to hold onto their 3-1 lead.

However, it didn't stop Fulham having a go at reducing the deficit and they almost got a second late on through substitute Bent. It was a lovely move from Fulham that started off with a dangerous cross in from Richardson. Berbatov eventually picked up the ball in the box and lofted it in for Bent just outside the six-yard box who sent his headed effort against the top of the crossbar and out for a goal kick. Richardson then had a great chance in the 89th minute with a header himself after Kacaniklic put in a good cross but he could only head wide against his former club.

The end of the game was marred by some ugly scenes in injury time as Riether stamped on Januzaj prompting a fracas between both sets of players. The Fulham man was lucky the referee missed it as it would have been a definite sending off and could have condemned the Cottagers to an even more miserable afternoon. Overall, they improved in the second half as United took their foot off the gas but it was a job well done by the away side who will take great confidence from their finishing abilities and in particular that powerful opening 22 minutes where they tore Fulham apart. It sets up an interesting clash at Old Trafford next Sunday against League leaders Arsenal.