Showing posts with label Match Review. Show all posts

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Man United On Their Way To Wembley

Manchester United took a two goal lead against Schalke into the second leg of the Champions League semi-final at Old Trafford. United will now play Barcelona in the Champions Leagie Final after beating Schalke 4-1 at Old Trafford (6-1 on aggregate).

Man United starting XI- Van der Sar, Rafael Da Silva, Smalling, Evans, O'Shea, Gibson, Scholes, Anderson, Valencia, Berbatov, Nani.

Subs: Kuszczak, Evra, Owen, Giggs, Hernandez, Vidic, Fletcher.

Jefferson Farfan had Schalke's first shot at goal but his low effort fell just wide of the post. Some brilliant work by Dimitar Berbatov almost created an opening for United, but he was unable to get the ball to a team-mate.

Man United took a 1-0 lead on the night (3-0 on aggregate) in the 26th minute. Darron Gibson put Antonio Valencia through on goal and the winger slotted the ball past Schalke keeper Manuel Neuer.

Man United doubled their lead five minutes later after a bad mistake from Neuer. Gibson's low shot slipped through the keepers hands and over the line to give United a 2-0 lead (4-0 on aggregate).

Schalke pulled a goal back in the 34th minute. After a cross in, the ball took a deflection off Jonny Evans, fell to Jurado who hit the ball past Edwin Van Der Sar.

Immediately after the Schalke goal, United went down the other end and almost replied with another goal but Valencia's effort was cleared off the line.

Anderson brought out a fantastic save by Neuer in the second half. Berbatov
found the Brazilian and his effort had to be forced behind by Neuer for a corner.

Man United's first substitution will be to bring Patrice Evra on for Rafael Da Silva. Smalling did have the ball in the back of the net but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Minutes later Man United did score their third of the night. Luis Nani pulled the ball back to Anderson, who was challenged by Atsuto Uchida in the penalty area but it was Anderson who got to the ball first and he hit it past Neuer.

Immediately after the goal, Darren Fletcher was brought on for Scholes after recovering from an illness. Man United's fourth goal of the game came on the 76th minute. Berbatov's cross in from the right fell to Anderson, who tapped the ball in from close range. That was then followed by United's final substitution of the game, which was to bring on Michael Owen for Berbatov.

Substitute Klass-Jan Huntelaar did score for the away side, but just like Smalling, his was ruled out for offside. Van Der Sar made a brilliant save from Edu, Hunterlaar was the first to the rebound, he did put the ball past the United keeper but he was ruled offside.

Three minutes were added on at the end, which saw Owen curl an effort on goal but he was denied by Neuer.

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Title Race Wide Open After United Lose To Arsenal

Manchester United go into next weeks game against Chelsea needing a win after a 1-0 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates today.

Man United starting XI- Van der Sar, Fabio, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Park, Carrick, Anderson, Nani, Hernandez and Rooney.

Subs- Kuszczak, Owen, Berbatov, Smalling, Rafael Da Silva, O'Shea and Valencia.

It was Arsenal who started brightly, their first chance came only minute into the game after Nemanja Vidic only half-cleared the ball, which fell to Jack Wilshere but he hit his effort wide. Then Theo Walcott came close after getting onto the end of a cross from Gael Clichy but he hit the ball over the bar.

Man United didn't threaten the Arsenal goal until the 20th minute, Luis Nani found Fabio Da Silva who ran into Arsenal's penalty area, he pulled the ball back towards Javier Hernandez but the ball was put behind from Arsenal for a corner.

Arsenal should have been awarded a penalty in the 33rd minute after Vidic handled the ball in the area. Walcott's ball into the area came off Vidic's outstretched arm and behind for a corner.

Man United were testing Wojciech Szczesny minutes into the second half. United were awarded a free-kick after Alexandre Song fouled Ji-Sung Park. Rooney took the free-kick, which was saved by Szczesny, the ball rebounded to Patrice Evra who hit the ball into the side-netting.

Man United made their first substitution on the 54th minute bringing on Antonio Valencia. A minute later, Arsenal took the lead. Robin Van Persie cut in from the right, he pulled the ball back to Aaron Ramsey who slotted the ball low into the corner.

A foul by Song on Evra started a fracas, the Arsenal player was booked. Park was booked a minute later after a high challenge on Bakari Sagna.

Man United wanted a penalty on the 66th minute after Walcott pulled down Evra in the penalty area but nothing was given.

Man United had another free-kick after Ramsey handled the ball, Rooney took the free-kick but it caught by Szczesny. With 14 minutes remaining, Szczesny parried away Nani's shot from 12 yards out.

A counter attack from Arsenal, Jack Wilshere found Van Persie, his cross into the area was missed by the Arsenal players. Then Arsenal had a free-kick from 22 yards out but the ball was hit straight into the arms of Edwin Van Der Sar.

The final substitution of the game for United was to bring on Michael Owen for Michael Carrick.

United should have been given a penalty on the 87th minute, Owen was brought down in the penalty area but Chris Foy waved away the penalty claims.

Four minutes were added on but Man United failed to score and now have to win against Chelsea next week. Man United are now only three points clear of Chelsea, they have the same goal difference so if the London side win at Old Trafford, they will go top of the table.

Written by manuniteddevils in ,


Man United Have The Advantage After Win In Germany

Manchester United have a two goal advantage going into second leg against Schalke next week after beating the German side 2-0.

Man United starting XI: Van Der Sar, Fabio Da Silva, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Giggs, Park, Rooney and Hernandez.

Subs: Kuszczak, Anderson, Smalling, Nani, Scholes, Rafael Da Silva, Evans.

Schalke had a very early opportunity, but Alexander Baumjohann fired his shot straight at Edwin Van Der Sar. Minutes later a right footed shot by Wayne Rooney caused problems for Manuel Neuer after taking a deflection, but the keeper flicked the ball away for a corner.

Not long after Neuer was called into action again, Ji-Sung Park cut in from the left, his shot was saved and the ball rebounded to Javier Hernandez but the Mexican was ruled offside. That was immediately followed by another chance for United, Antonio Valencia's cross found Hernandez, who brought out another save from Neuer.

Then it was Schalke who came close to opening up the scoring. Jefferson Farfan came close to curling the ball into the bottom corner but his effort was just wide of the post.

Neuer was forced to make another save after Hernandez beat the offside trap but his low shot was saved by Neuer's legs. Man United continued to have opportunities; Hernandez came close but his shot hit the side netting, then the Mexican broke into the box again but pulled the ball back to Rooney instead of shooting.

Hernandez had another chance in the 25th minute but hit his shot across the face of goal. Ryan Giggs came close with a header but a fantastic save from Neuer on the line prevented the goal.

Half an hour into the game, Schalke made a rare break into the Man United penalty area but Giggs was there to dispossess Baumjohann.

Man United had many chances within seconds to score, somehow the ball was kept out of the back of the net. Hernandez had the first shot, which was saved, then Park had a shot blocked by a defender, the rebound fell to to Giggs who shot wide.

An unmarked Fabio Da Silva shot over the bar, then Schalke went down the other end of the field and wanted a penalty. Baumjohann went down in the area after a challenge from Valencia but the referee waved away the penalty appeals.
Manchester United should have scored yet again with only a minute left of the first half but Neuer made another brilliant save.

Neuer was called into action again only minutes into the second half. A free-kick taken by Giggs was glanced on by Patrice Evra but Neuer denied the Frenchman.

Then came another miss from Giggs, Valencia's cross found Giggs but he skewed his shot wide. United did have the ball in the back of the net through Hernandez on the 49th minute but he was ruled offside.

Schalke had a few chances, Jefferson Farfan's cross was half cleared by Nemanja Vidic. The ball fell to Jose Jurado but he hit his shot wide. Vidic came close to giving United the lead with a flick towards goal from a cross in by Valencia but his effort was blocked.

Schalke had a few opportunities after the hour mark, Raul Gonzalez found Peer Kluge from a corner, his shot was blocked but the ball fell to Raul, his cross was headed behind for a corner by Rio Ferdinand. A couple of minutes later, Edu had a shot saved by Van Der Sar.

Man United finally took the lead after Rooney's through ball found Giggs who was clean through and hit the ball through Neuer's legs.

United had another goal only a few minutes later, Hernandez won the ball, he played in Rooney who slotted the ball past Neuer.

With a two goal cushion and an important Premier League game away to Arsenal at the weekend, Sir Alex Ferguson brought on Oliveira Anderson and Paul Scholes for Hernandez and Park.

Schalke did force a good save out of Van Der Sar, Sergio Escudero hit a shot from 25-yards out but was well saved by United's keeper.

A couple of minutes later Luis Nani was brought on for Rooney. Evra came inches away from giving United a three goal lead after Nani hit the ball over Schalke's defence, Evra got onto the end of the ball but hit his shot just wide of the post.

The game finished 2-0 and Man United go into the game against Schalke next week at Old Trafford with a two goal lead.

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Late Hernandez Header Clinches All Three Points

Man United have gone nine points clear of Arsenal and Chelsea with a 1-0 win over Everton at Old Trafford.

With one eye on the Champions League semi-final against Schalke on Tuesday, Sir Alex Ferguson made five changes to the side who played against Newcastle.

Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, Fabio Da Silva, Darron Gibson and Antonio Valencia replaced Chris Smalling, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs.

Starting XI: Van Der Sar, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Evans, Fabio, Valencia, Gibson, Anderson, Nani, Rooney and Hernandez.

Subs: Kuszczak, Evra, Brown, Rafael, Carrick, Giggs and Owen.

For the first 10 minutes Man United were dominating the game but failing to test Tim Howard. The first meaningful attack came when Wayne Rooney played in Luis Nani down the left but Portuguese's shot was straight at Howard.

Man United were on top but still unable to create any notable chances. Rooney had a low cross in cleared by Phil Jagielka, that was followed by a poor shot from O'Shea, which went wide of the post.

25 minutes in a shot from Hernandez was finger-tipped behind by Howard for a corner. Soon after Gibson hit the ball well wide of the post. Minutes later Valencia picked out Rooney, who found Hernandez. The Mexican's shot was parried away by Howard.

Jermaine Beckford was calling for a penalty 10 minutes before half time after tangling with Evans in the penalty area. Beckford went down easily and the penalty correctly wasn't given.

Man United should have scored in the 38th minute. Valencia brushed Leighton Baines aside, he cut the ball back for Nani, his strike hit Hernandez and went wide.

During the second half, Everton had strong claims for a penalty after Victor Anichebe went down in the area after a challenge from Ferdinand but referee Peter Walton waved away the appeals.

Man United's first substitution was to bring on Evra, who replaces O'Shea.

Gibson with a shot from 25 yards out but his effort was blocked by Jagielka and went for a corner. From the resulting corner, Wayne Rooney had a shot blocked.

The second substitution by United was to bring on Michael Owen for Nani.

Everton started to put some pressure on the United goal, Leon Osman's cross in was cleared by Jonny Evans with Seamus Coleman ready to strike. Then a low shot by Jack Rodwell, which took a deflection off Evans brought out a great save from Edwin Van Der Sar.

Man United came very close to opening up the scoring after Owen hit the bar from six yards out.

The final sub made by United was to bring on Ryan Giggs for Gibson.

Man United were awarded a free-kick 25 yards out from goal, after Javier Hernandez was fouled. Rooney took it, his curling shot was tipped over the bar by Howard.

United continued to attack the Everton goal. Rooney had a shot go wide, Valencia had a shot blocked by Jagielka and then Howard saved an effort from Hernandez.

Man United finally took the lead with only seven minutes remaining. Valencia's cross towards the far post was headed in past Howard by Hernandez.

Three vital points were picked up by United. Next up in the league is Arsenal at the Emirates, that is followed by a league game against Chelsea at Old Trafford. In between those games are the two semi-final matches against Schalke in the Champions League.

Written by manuniteddevils in ,


City Beat The 10-Men Of United At Wembley

Manchester City will play either Stoke or Bolton in the final of the FA Cup after beating Manchester United 1-0 at Wembley.

Teams:

Man United starting XI- Van der Sar, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Park, Scholes, Carrick, Valencia, Berbatov and Nani.

Subs- Kuszczak, Owen, Fabio, Smalling, Anderson, Hernandez and Gibson.

Man City starting XI- Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov, De Jong, Barry, A Johnson, Yaya Toure, Silva and Balotelli.

Subs- Taylor, Boyata, Vieira, Milner, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Dzeko and Jo.

The Game:

Man United started off the better side at Wembley, with Dimitar Berbatov having two fantastic chances in the opening few minutes. Ji-Sung Park put Berbatov through on goal but Joe Hart came out and blocked the Bulgarian's shot. Second later, Nani picked up the ball from a throw-in, he turned and his cross across goal was hit over the bar by Berbatov from two yards out.

United continued to attack City's goal, Michael Carrick had an effort from 20 yards out but it was charged down by the City defence.

Man United then had a couple of opportunities from corners. The first saw Berbatov loop his header from Antonio Valencia's corner over the bar and onto the netting. Then from another corner taken by Valencia, Vidic couldn't direct his header towards goal.

Man City didn't threaten the Man United goal until just after the half hour mark. Gareth Barry turned in Man United's penalty area, his shot hit the side netting.

Then a powerful long distance strike from Mario Balotelli had to be knocked over the bar from Edwin Van Der Sar. City came close to opening up the scoring minutes before half time but Vincent Kompany's curling shot went just wide of Van Der Sar's post.

Manchester City took the lead on the 52nd minute after a mistake from Carrick. The midfielder lost possession just outside the area, the ball was picked up by Yaya Toure, he ran past Vidic and hit the ball past Van Der Sar.

David Silva almost found Toure at the far post but Van Der Sar claimed the ball. That was followed by two shots by Balotteli, which were blocked by Ferdinand and Vidic.

Man United were awarded a free-kick after Pablo Zabaleta fouled Park. Before the free-kick was taken, Antonio Valencia was replaced by Javier Hernandez. Nani took the free-kick, which took a deflection and was pushed onto the bar by Hart.

Things went from bad to worse after Paul Scholes was shown a straight red card after a high challenge on Zabaleta. Sir Alex Ferguson's response to the red card was to bring on Anderson for Berbatov.

Man United had to play just less than 20 minutes with 10-men but they still had a few chances. Hernandez tried to equalise for United but his shot was saved by Hart. Evra had a good chance to put the ball into the area but instead he tried to hit the ball past Hart and the near post but his effort went wide.

Toure had a very good chance to score City's second just before full time. Toure burst into the United penalty area, the ball was finally cleared by a combination of Vidic and Van Der Sar.

City won the game 1-0 and will now play in the FA Cup final.

Written by manuniteddevils in ,


Man United Through To The Semi's

Manchester United are through to the semi-finals of the Champions League after beating Chelsea at Old Trafford this evening.

Teams:

Man United starting XI- Van Der Sar, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Nani, Carrick, Park, Giggs, Hernandez and Rooney.

Subs- Kuszczak, Brown, Berbatov, Smalling, Scholes, Valencia and Gibson.

Chelsea starting XI- Cech, Ivanovic, Alex, Terry, Cole, Ramires, Essien, Lampard, Anelka, Torres and Malouda.

Subs- Turnbull, Benayoun, Drogba, Mikel, Zhirkov, Ferreira and Kalou.

The Game:

Man United got off to the better start. Luis Nani was fouled by Branislav Ivanovic but the resulting free-kick was poor, then Wayne Rooney volleyed the ball from 35 yards out but was caught by Petr Cech.

Chelsea's first opportunity fell to Fernando Torres, who got onto the end of a cross by Nicolas Anelka and his header fell wide of the post. That was followed by two great chances for the away side. Anelka had a strike fall just wide of the post, then Frank Lampard hit a close range effort straight at Edwin Van Der Sar.

Javier Hernandez had the ball in the back of the net on the 27th minute but he was ruled offside. Rooney's cross in was headed past Cech by Hernandez but the goal was ruled out.

Van Der Sar had to make a fantastic save, just as it looked like Anelka might beat him to the ball, United's keeper made a brilliant tackle outside the box.

Man United took the lead in the 44th minute with a goal from Hernandez, after he was picked out by Ryan Giggs and the Mexican tapped home.

Carlo Ancelotti made an immediate change after half time, which was to bring on Didier Drogba for Torres. Drogba was an instant threat, who got on the end of a cross by Ivanovic but Vidic was there to block the ball.

Lampard and Florent Malouda both had efforts at goal within the opening minutes of the second half. Lampard scuffed his shot wide and Malouda volleyed wide from outside the area.
Drogba came close to pulling a goal back for Chelsea 57 minutes in after he turned past Rio Ferdinand but his shot drifted wide of the far post. Seconds later, Patrice Evra handed Chelsea a brilliant chance to threaten the Man United goal after the Frenchman fouled Drogba just outside the penalty area. The free-kick was cleared by United, Rooney down ran down the other end of the pitch and was fouled just outside the area by Lampard.

Nani came close to putting United 2-0 up (3-0 on aggregate) but Cech saved his low effort and pushed the ball behind for a corner. Giggs had an even better opportunity after a wonderful cross for Giggs, who miss-cued his header.

Chelsea were down to 10 men after Ramires was shown a second yellow card for a foul challenge from behind on Nani.

Man United's first and only substitution came in the 75th minute after Antonio Valencia came on for Nani.

It looked like the match was set for a nervy finish after Drogba gave Chelsea a glimmer of hope. Drogba was put through on goal by Michael Essien, he was judged to have been onside and he hit the ball past Van Der Sar.

Chelsea's celebrations didn't last long, literally only second later, Ji-Sung Park gave Man United the lead again. Giggs found Park on the left of the box and the South Korean smashed a low shot past Cech.

Chelsea continued to attack the United goal, Malouda forced a great save from Van Der Sar.

The game finished 2-1 to Manchester United (3-1 on aggregate) and Man United have made it through to the semi-final's of the UEFA Champions League.

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Man United Go 10 Points Clear

Manchester United have gone 10 points clear of Arsenal after a routine 2-0 win over Fulham at Old Trafford.

Team News:

Man United starting XI- Kuszczak, O'Shea, Smalling, Vidic, Evra, Gibson, Scholes, Anderson, Valencia, Nani and Berbatov.

Subs- Van Der Sar; Brown, Fabio, Carrick, Park, Hernandez and Owen.

Sir Alex Ferguson made eight changes to the side who beat Chelsea in the Champions League on Wednesday. Tomasz Kuszczak, John O'Shea, Chris Smalling, Darron Gibson, Anderson, Paul Scholes, Luis Nani and Dimitar Berbatov all came into the side.

The Game:

Fulham had an early effort, which was a 25-yard shot from Gael Kakuta but it was well saved by Kuszczak. Man United's first attempt on goal came from Nani, the ball was deflected over by Aaron Hughes and went for a corner.

Kuszczak had to make two good saves within the first five minutes, the second was a 20-yard shot from Moussa Dembele, Kuszczak punched the ball away for a corner.

Despite a sloppy start, it was Manchester United who took the lead in the 11th minute. Nani played a one-two with Anderson, who played in Berbatov and the Bulgarian scored from 10 yards out.

Anderson should have put United 2-0 up after a brilliant run by Berbatov, he squared the ball to Anderson but the Brazilian screwed his shot wide.

Man United continued to push for a second goal with both Antonio Valencia, Nani and Smalling all having chances.

Man United did have a second goal just after the half hour mark. Nani picked up the ball down the left, Mark Schwarzer came off his line, Nani went past him and hit the ball towards goal. Valencia was there to head the ball into an empty net.

Man United almost had a third just before half time. Valencia burst into the area he crossed the ball towards Berbatov but Hughes was there to clear, if he hadn't it would have been a simple tap-in for Berbatov.

Second half and Man United had another brilliant chance only two minutes in; Anderson's strike was palmed away by Schwarzer for a corner.

Bobby Zamora looked like he could trouble United in the 53rd minute but Kuszczak was quickly off his goal line to claim the ball. Immediately down the other end Berbatov shot wide from eight yards out.

Fulham had two chances in a matter of minutes. The first was a long range strike from Clint Dempsey, the ball was deflected away by Smalling. The second looked like it was in after an effort from Eidur Gudjohnsen. The ball hit the boards and hit the net behind the goal.

Anderson had another long range effort, this time from 25 yards out but it was a comfortable save for Schwarzer. Seconds later, Fulham were awarded a free kick right on the edge of the area after Nemanja Vidic was judged to have fouled Kakuta.

Man United went on to win the game 2-0 and are now 10 points clear of Arsenal, who play Blackpool tomorrow.

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Second-Half Fightback Secures All Three Points

Manchester United had to come from 2-0 down to beat West Ham 4-2 and go eight points clear of Arsenal in the Premier League.

Team News:

Man United starting XI- Kuszczak, Fabio, Smalling, Vidic, Evra, Gibson, Carrick, Giggs, Valencia, Park and Rooney.

Man United subs- Amos, Owen, Anderson, Berbatov, Hernandez, Nani and Gill.

There was no Edwin Van Der Sar, who was being rested as a precaution ahead of Wednesday's Champions League match against Chelsea. Van Der Sar had been suffering from a slight groin strain.

The Game:

Chris Smalling had Manchester United's first opportunity, his header from Ryan Giggs' corner was pushed over the bar by West Ham keeper Rob Green.

West Ham were awarded a penalty in the 10th minute after the ball was handled in the area by Patrice Evra. Mark Noble converted the penalty and gave the home side the lead.

The Hammers had a 2-0 lead within 24 minutes after being awarded a second penalty. Nemanja Vidic was judged to have fouled Carlton Cole in the area, Noble stepped up again and scored his second penalty of the game.

Green preserved West Ham's 2-0 lead; Wayne Rooney found Ji-Sung Park but his 16-yard effort was turned away for a corner by the keeper.

Thomas Hitzlesperger could have given West Ham a 3-0 lead after getting on the end of a cross in by Gary O'Neill, but his shot was high and wide.

With only five minutes of the first half remaining, Vidic could have been shown a red card after hauling down Demba Ba. Vidic was the last defender but United keeper Tomasz Kuszczak would have beaten Ba to the ball, so he didn't deny West Ham a goalscoring opportunity.

Despite dominating play, Man United found themselves going into half time 2-0 down after two mistakes.

Sir Alex Ferguson made an immediate change for the second half bringing on Javier Hernandez for Evra. Hernandez had United's first chance of the second half, volleying wide only minutes in.

With United still 2-0 down the next substitution was Dimitar Berbatov on for Park.

Seconds after that substitution Man United were awarded a free-kick, which they scored from. Rooney took the free-kick, which curled past Green and gave United a lifeline.

Immediately after Rooney's goal, Carrick came close from a corner but his flick went inches over the crossbar.

Rooney scored his 100th goal for Man United and United's second goal of the game on the 73rd minute. Rooney received the ball from Antonio Valencia and fired the ball low and past Green.

Man United continued to attack West Ham's goal; Berbatov had a shot parried by Green and then had a penalty awarded in their favour. Matthew Upson was penalised for handball and Rooney stepped up and scored his hat-trick.

It was game over in the 84th minute after Hernandez scored his fourth. Berbatov found Giggs', his effort towards goal was poked in by Hernandez, which competed Man United's amazing comeback.

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Kuyt Hat-Trick Sinks United

Manchester United's week has gone from bad to worse after a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Liverpool at Anfield.

Man United Squad:

Starting Line-Up: Van der Sar, Rafael Da Silva, Smalling, Brown, Evra, Nani, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, Berbatov and Rooney.

Substitutes: Kuszczak, Hernandez, Fabio, O'Shea, Fletcher, Obertan, Gibson.

The Game:

Liverpool put Man United under pressure from very early on, Raul Meireles cross found Luis Suarez, who was unable to collect the ball and Edwin Van Der Sar collected. Maxi Rodriguez also had an early effort but he dragged his shot well wide.

Man United started to settle down more, just after 15 minutes Dimitar Berbatov's 25 strike hit the outside of Pepe Reina's post. That was immediately followed by another chance for Liverpool, Suarez' ball into the box was nodded back in front of goal by Meireles but Dirk Kuyt was unable to get onto the end it.

Liverpool had their first goal in the 34th minute. Suarez beat Rafael Da Silva, Michael Carrick and Wes Brown, he then hit the ball past Van Der Sar and Dirk Kuyt was there to make sure the ball went over the line.

It didn't take long for them to get their second after some awful defending by United. A cross into the area was headed backward by Luis Nani, which set up Kuyt and he capatalised on Nani's error and gave Liverpool a two goal cushion.

Just before half time a terrible, high challenge by Jamie Carragher on Nani resulted in the Portuguese winger being stretchered off. Carragher should have been shown a red card, but somehow got away with it and was only shown a yellow. That was followed by a few minutes of chaos, there were a few scuffles and Van Der Sar talked his way into the book.

Then a challenge by Rafael Da Silva on Lucas created some more scuffles. Rafael was shown a yellow card, he was very lucky not to receive a red card.

The first chance of the second half fell to Liverpool, Kuyt fed the ball to Steven Gerrard, he decided to shoot but the ball was blocked by Wes Brown.

Five minutes into the second half, there was an opportunity for both sides. The first saw Suarez find Meireles but Van Der Sar grabbed the ball. That was then followed by a chance for Javier Hernandez, who had replaced Nani but he was unable to get his shot on target.

Ryan Giggs came close to pulling on back for United, unfortunately his half-volley flew over the bar. United started to dominate possession, just before the hour mark, United nearly pulled a goal back. A United corner ended with Berbatov's header being cleared off the line.

Just as Man United were looking like they could possibly get back into the game, another defensive error lead to a hat-trick for Kuyt. A free-kick taken by Suarez was split by Van Der Sar, Kuyt was there to score Liverpool's third.

With the game basically over, not much really happened until injury time. Three minutes had been added on and United scored a consolation goal. Giggs' chipped a cross in and Hernandez headed the ball past Reina.

Liverpool won the game 3-1, Man United are three points ahead of Arsenal but have played a game extra.

Next up for Manchester United is an FA Cup game against Arsenal, next Saturday at Old Trafford.

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Controversial Goal Hands Chelsea All Three Points

Tonight Chelsea came from behind to beat Manchester United 2-1 at Stamford Bridge. Wayne Rooney gave Man United the lead in the first half but two goals from Chelsea fought back in the second half with two goals to win the game.

Man United Squad:

Starting Line-Up: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Smalling, Vidic, Evra, Fletcher, Carrick, Scholes, Nani, Hernandez and Rooney.

Bench: Kuszczak, Brown, Berbatov, Giggs, Fabio Da Silva, Rafael Da Silva and Gibson.

The Game:

Chelsea got off to a good start, they had the ball in the back of the net within minutes after a corner, Branislav Ivanovic volleyed the ball in but the goal was ruled out because of a foul by David Luiz. Soon after that chance Florent Malouda forced a save out of Edwin Van Der Sar after hitting his strike from 15-yards out.

Chelsea then had another two chances within the opening 15 minutes, Michael Essien's shot was deflected wide for a corner, from that corner John Terry's header flew over the bar.

Man United started to put some pressure on the Chelsea defence, Patrice Evra got past Luiz, his cross in didn't reach Wayne Rooney but was collected by Darren Fletcher, his cross was cleared.

20 minutes in a cross by Luis Nani was headed wide by Rooney, who should have done much better. Man United were all over Chelsea and the striker did do much better when he gave United the lead after smashing a 25-yard strike past Petr Cech.

Just before half time, from a Chelsea free-kick taken by Frank Lampard, Van Der Sar made the save but parried it straight to Ivanovic, he hit the ball towards goal but luckily for United Nemanja Vidic was on the line and managed to clear it.

Chelsea got themselves an equaliser eight minutes into the second half after United failed to clear from a corner after Luiz got on the end of a flick on by Nicolas Anelka, and hit the ball past Van Der Sar.

63 minutes into the game, Man United did have the ball in the back of the net through Rooney but he was ruled offside.

With the game at 1-1 Sir Alex Ferguson brought Dimitar Berbatov on for Javier Hernandez and Ryan Giggs on for Paul Scholes.

Chelsea were very lucky to be awarded a penalty with just over 10 minutes of the game remaining. Yuri Zhirkov went down under a challenge by Chris Smalling and were awarded a penalty, Lampard hit the ball past Van Der Sar to give the home side a lead.

Chelsea should have gone 3-1 up from a corner, the ball was hit towards goal by Zhirkov, fortunately for United Vidic managed to clear.

Things went from bad to worse for Man United in injury time when Vidic was shown a second yellow card and sent off, which means he misses United's next game, which is against Liverpool.

A very disappointing result for Man United, Chelsea were very lucky to have Luiz on the pitch at the end of the game. Next up in the league is another massive game, this time against Liverpool.

Reaction:

Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson: "We defended badly for the first goal, but the penalty kick is so soft, dear me. We played really well and we didn't deserve that. Three years in a row here decisions have changed the game."

Sir Alex on Luiz: "He's done Chicarito before he got booked, and he did Rooney two minutes before the penalty was awarded, I don't know how he was still on the pitch. The players have endured a lot of decisions against them and they didn't deserve that tonight. Chelsea aren't out of the title race if they keep getting decisions like that."

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti:
"It was a good performance and we're still alive. Man United are fantastic, they played really well, but we managed to keep going bven at 1-0 down, played with power and intensity, and without playing really well you cannot beat this team. In the middle of the first half they were playing very well and in that moment we were in difficulty, but we played better in the second half. David Luiz could be lucky, but a lot of things were going on so it's difficult for the referee."

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Victory Over Wigan Sends United Four Points Clear

Man United have gone four points clear of Arsenal in the Premier League table after a 4-0 win over Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium.

Man United Squad:

Starting Line-Up: Van Der Sar, O'Shea, Smailling, Vidic, Evra, Fletcher, Carrick, Scholes, Nani, Rooney and Hernandez.

Bench: Kuszczak, Brown, Berbatov, Fabio, Rafael, Gibson and King

The Game:

Wigan got off to the better start and should have taken the lead 12 minutes in, a mistake by Paul Scholes was pounced on by Victor Moses, who was clean through on goal but Edwin Van Der Sar made the save.

Despite their poor start, it was Man United who took the lead. Luis Nani's run down the left, his cross into the area was brilliantly finished by Javier Hernandez. Immediately after the goal, Wigan should have equalised but Van Der Sar managed to block James McCarthy's effort.

A fantastic move by Man United nearly resulted in a 2-0 lead after Rooney found Nani, he shot, his effort had the keeper beaten but hit the inside of the post.

Second half and the Latics were still causing Man United problems, with Van Der Sar coming to the rescue again after saving a strike from Maynor Figueroa.

10 minutes into the second half Man United started to put a bit more pressure on the Wigan goal. Nani should have scored but his striker was well saved by Ali Al Habsi. That was followed by another strike by Nani after receiving the ball from Hernandez but he hit his effort wide. Then Nani had another shot saved by Al Habsi, the keeper parried the ball in the direction of Rooney, who laid it off to Fletcher but Wigan somehow managed to clear the ball.

A long ball by Van Der Sar found Hernandez, who found Rooney, his superb pass back to the Mexican was slotted past Al Habsi by Hernandez.

With just over 10 minutes remaining, Dimitar Berbatov was brought on for Hernandez and Darron Gibson came on for Scholes.

A great ball from Gibson found Berbatov, he ran down the right and unselfishly found Rooney, who tapped the ball into an empty goal.

Man United's final substitution saw Fabio Da Silva come on for Nani. Fabio's first touch of the ball was to smash the ball past Al Habsi to give United a 4-0 lead.

The game finished 4-0 to Man United, a flattering scoreline but very important result with a massive game against Chelsea on Tuesday.

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Stalemate At The Velodrome

Manchester United have resumed their Champions League campaign with a 0-0 draw against Marseille in the Stade Velodrome.

Man United squad:

Starting line-up: Van Der Sar, O'Shea, Smalling, Vidic, Evra, Fletcher, Gibson, Carrick, Nani, Rooney and Berbatov.

Bench- Kuszczak, Rafael, Brown, Fabio, Scholes, Obertan and Hernandez

The Game: 

Manchester United got off to a positive start with a few efforts on goal and pressurising the Marseille defence but the longer the first half went on, the fewer chances there were.

The first opportunity of the game fell to United; a free-kick taken by Luis Nani, which struck the wall but rebounded straight into the path of Darren Fletcher, his shot tested Marseille keeper Steve Mandanda but he managed to gather the ball second time round.

Marseille's best chance of the first half came in the 40th minute. A corner taken by Andre Ayew nearly went in but Edwin Van Der Sar got across to the near post to claim the ball.

The first chance of the second half fell to Marseille but Van Der Sar was able to collect Brandao's header. A minute later, down the other end of the pitch, Wayne Rooney's cross was missed by Mandanda, fortunately for the home side, Gabriel Heinze was able to head the ball away with Nani behind him ready to head the ball into the goal.

That was followed by a bright spell for Marseille, Lucho Gonzalez nearly got onto the end of a cross by Heinze. Loic Remy's strike was blocked, the ball found it's way to Ayew who had a shot on goal. The shot was going wide but nearly fell for Brandao, fortunately for United, it didn't.

One of United's best chances of the game came in the 81st minute. Nani slipped the ball to Dimitar Berbatov, he tried to play Nani in but the ball took a slight deflection, which gave Mandanda the opportunity to come off his line and collect the ball, just ahead of Nani.

With only three minutes remaining, Rooney looked to be clear through on goal but was pulled back by Stephane M'Bia, the referee saw nothing wrong with the challenge and waved play on.

The game finished in a 0-0 draw, it wasn't the best of games but not such a bad result for Man United.

Reaction:

After the game, Sir Alex Ferguson told ITV1:

"It was disappointing [the teams performance], the pitch was lively but they made sure they weren't going to lose a goal. We got in good positions but we didn't have enough.

"Nil-nil can be a dangerous scoreline if you lose a goal at home but it's about winning the game, if we win the game we're through. We're confident, I think we'll be much better."

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Man United Scrape Through To The Next Round

With 93 league places between the two sides, on paper it should have been an easy win for Man United, but it was far from that. Crawley made sure that Manchester United had to fight for their place in the next round of the FA Cup.

The Manchester United starting line-up was: Anders Lindegaard, Rafael Da Silva, Wes Brown, John O'Shea, Fabio Da Silva, Michael Carrick, Anderson, Darron Gibson, Bebe, Javier Hernandez and Gabriel Obertan.
Tomasz Kuszczak, Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling, Darren Fletcher, Josh King, Paul Pogba and Ryan Tunnicliffe were all named on the bench.

The first proper opportunity of the game fell to Crawley with Ben Smith hitting a long range shot, which flew just wide of Lindegaard's post. Not much happend for the first 25 minutes, Crawley looked fairly comfortable and Man United weren't really testing keeper Michel Kuiper.

It was Brown who got the only goal of the game, which came 27 minutes in. From a short corner, Gibson's cross into the area from the left was flicked on and past Kuiper by Brown, for his first goal since October 2008.

Minutes after the goal, Gibson's wonderful pass found Fabio who only managed to poke the ball wide. Man United's next opportunity came from Obertan, who brought a good save out of Kuiper.

Rooney was brought immediately on for Anderson for the start of the second half. The striker made an early impact after setting Obertan clear but he was unable to find Hernandez who was waiting in the area.

It was Crawley who had most of the chances during the start of the second half with Ben Smith, Dannie Bulman and Craig McAllister all causing Man United problems.

For the rest of the game, the better of the chances fell to Crawley and the longer the game went on the more frustrated the Man United players got. An unmarked David Hunt volleyed the ball wide, Matthew Tubbs tried an overhead kick took a deflection and flew just over the bar.

The non league side were nearly on level terms with during injury time after substitute Richard Brodie header hit the bar and fortunately for United, it was cleared. Man United scraped through to the next round with a 1-0 win.

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Rooney Stunner Wins Manchester Derby


Manchester United have gone seven points clear in the Premier League table after a 2-1 win over City rivals Manchester City, at Old Trafford.

The Man United starting XI was: Van Der Sar, O'Shea, Vidic, Smalling, Evra, Nani, Fletcher, Scholes, Anderson, Giggs and Rooney.

There was a glorious chance for Man City's David Silva only three minutes in after Ryan Giggs had played him onside but fortunately for United, he poked it just wide of the post.

10 minutes in Luis Nani came close to opening up the scoring, he cut in from the right but his strike on goal flew just over Joe Hart's bar.

Just after the half hour mark there was some improvement in United's play with both Fletcher and Nani forcing saves out of Hart. The first came from Fletcher but his header was comfortably saved by Hart and then two efforts came from Nani, his first was saved by Hart and his second was way off target.

Nani opened the scoring, Edwin Van Der Sar's long ball found Wayne Rooney, who flicked the ball to Ryan Giggs. Giggs' through ball was finished off superbly by Nani to give United the lead.

Manchester City equalised with 25 minutes remaining. Shaun Wright-Phillips low ball in was hit by Edin Dzeko, the ball took a deflection off Silva and past Van Der Sar. Dimitar Berbatov was immediately brought on for Anderson by Sir Alex Ferguson after the City goal.

Wayne Rooney scored what turned out to be the winner with 13 minutes remaining. Nani crossed the ball into the penalty area from the right, Rooney's fantastic overhead kick flew into the top corner of the goal.

Third place Manchester City are now eight points behind United in the table, having played a game extra. Second place Arsenal play Wolves in the afternoon kick off at the Emirates, Chelsea don't play Fulham until Monday.

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Man United Fail To Set New Club Record After Defeat To Wolves

Manchester United failed to take advantage of Arsenal's slip-up at St James' Park after a 2-1 loss to Wolves. In doing that Man United have failed to set a new club record of 30 games unbeaten in the league.

Rafael Da Silva returned after suffering concussion during Man United's game against Blackpool on the 25th January. Darren Fletcher was also fit to start after picking up an eye injury during United's 3-1 win over Aston Villa midweek. Rio Ferdinand was originally named in the starting line-up but was injured during the warm-up, Jonny Evans replaced him.

Man United starting XI- Van der Sar, Rafael, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Nani, Carrick, Fletcher, Giggs, Rooney and Berbatov.

Wolves got off to a lively start but down the other end, Manchester United scored from their first attack. 3 minutes in Luis Nani received the ball down the right, he cut inside and fired the ball past Wayne Hennessey.
United could have been 2-0 up second later after Dimitar Berbatov found Wayne Rooney from 15 yards out but Rooney's effort was comfortably saved by Hennessey.

Seven minutes after United scored, Wolves pulled one back. Not for the first time this season, some bad defending from a corner lead to the opposition scoring. A short corner ended with George Elokobi heading past Edwin Van Der Sar from close range.

Man United continued to apply pressure towards the Wolves goal, immediately after the equaliser Ryan Giggs saw his shot deflected away for a corner. Minutes later United could have been awarded a penalty after Nemanja Vidic was fouled in the area. That was followed by a shot by Berbatov but his effort was straight at Hennessey, the Bulgarians next opportunity ended with him heading the ball just over the bar.

Wolves did put United under pressure and had their own shout for a penalty after Kevin Doyle went down in the area but referee Michael Oliver waved away the claims. The home side had a couple of corners in a matter of minutes, the first saw Jamie O'Hara forcing Van Der Sar to save with his feet, the second was just about cleared by United.

Wolves continued to cause the United defence problems. Rafael brought down Nenad Milijas, his free-kick was deflected just wide. Wolves took the lead with five minutes of the first half remaining. Wolves were awarded another free-kick, which was taken by Milijas and either headed in by Kevin Doyle or rolled in off the back of Elokobi. The goal went down as being scored by Doyle.

Sir Alex Ferguson made an immediate chance for the second half bringing on Paul Scholes for Michael Carrick, who had been anonymous for most of the first half.

O'Hara was shown a yellow card 51 minutes in after pulling back Darren Fletcher. He should have been shown a second yellow after terrible challenge on Fletcher, moments later O'Hara was substituted.

Just before the hour mark, Rafael's low ball into the Wolves penalty area was hit just wide of the Onpost by Scholes.

With United still 2-1 down, Sir Alex Ferguson made a double substitution. Chris Smalling came on for Evans, who had picked up an injury. Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez came on for Berbatov.

Nani tried to bring United back into the game but his strikes towards the goal were either high and wide or the ball was taken off him by one of the Wolves defenders.

With time running and only minutes remaining, Scholes was shown a yellow card for trying to scored with his hand.

The game finished Wolves 2-1 Man United. United are still top of the league but are now four points ahead of Arsenal.

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Man United Stay Five Points Clear After Beating Villa

Manchester United have stayed five points clear of Arsenal in the Premier League after beating Aston Villa 3-1 at Old Trafford.

The Man United players were wearing black armbands in remembrance of the Munich Air Disaster. The United starting XI was- Van Der Sar, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Nani, Fletcher, Carrick, Giggs, Rooney and Berbatov

Manchester United took the lead only 50 seconds into the game after Edwin Van Der Sar's quick free-kick up field, Wayne Rooney immediately controlled the ball and smashed the ball past Brad Friedel from 20 yards out.

Dimitar Berbatov almost put United 2-0 up only nine minutes in, Rooney's cross into the penalty area but Berbatov was unable to direct the header towards goal.

Man United appealed for a penalty after Luis Nani was barged over by Richard Dunne in the area but Chris Foy waved away the appeals. Minutes later Nani was involved in the action again after drawing out a top save out of Friedel from 20 yards out.

Villa did have a few opportunities but they were either wide or Van Der Sar was able to save comfortably.

On the half hour mark Friedel just managed to hold onto Ryan Giggs' right-footed shot. Man United were forced to make a substitution before half time. Darren Fletcher had to be replaced by Anderson because of an injury to his eye, which he had picked up earlier on in the game but was unable to continue.

Rooney scored his second just before half time, a fantastic ball by Nani which was smashed into the goal by Rooney.

Second half and Aston Villa pulled one back through Darren Bent in the 57th minute after he was able to tap in a cross from Stewart Downing.

Just as Aston Villa were starting to put some pressure on the Man United goal, Nemanja Vidic hit an superb shot past Friedel to give United a 3-1 lead.

With 20 minutes remaining Ashley Young's curled effort hit the cross bar. Not long after Young's shot, Berbatov could have put United 4-1 up but poked the ball just wide.

Rooney should have had a hat-trick after being put through on goal but a perfectly timed challenge from Dunner prevented the goal. With less than 10 minutes remaining Berbatov somehow managed to miss a glorious opportunity. A close-range shot by Nani was saved by Friedel but rebounded towards Berbatov, who hit the ball over the bar from around six yards out.

There were more chances for United before the full time whistle with Friedel preventing a hat-trick for Rooney but Man United won 3-1 and have remained five points clear of Arsenal, who beat Everton 2-1 at the Emirates. Chelsea also won, they beat Sunderland 4-2.

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Man United Knock Southampton Out Of The FA Cup

Man United are through to the next round of the FA Cup after beating Southampton 2-1 at St Mary's. An understrength United side had to come from 1-0 down to beat the League One side.

Sir Alex Ferguson made many changes to the side who started against Blackpool with Anders Lindegaard, John O'Shea, Jonny Evans, Fabio Da Silva, Anderson, Gabriel Obertan, Michael Owen and Javier Hernandez all coming in.

Man United starting XI- Lindegaard, O'Shea, Smalling, Evans, Fabio, Anderson, Scholes, Gibson, Obertan, Owen and Hernandez.

The Saints got off to the better start with Rickie Lambert causing the Man Unite defence a few problems. Dan Harding thought he gave Southampton the lead after Richard Chaplow's deflected shot fell to him but after putting the ball past Lindegaard, the goal was correctly ruled out due to Chaplow being offside.

Owen had the best of United's first half chances, his first saw the ball fly just past the fast post, his second was a cross into the area ended with the ball hitting the post and bouncing away.

Southampton took the lead just before half time after some awful defending by Man United, which resulted in Chaplow smashing the ball past Lindegaard and into the roof of the net.

United made a substitution immediately after the first half with Wes Brown replacing Fabio. Man United did start the second half better than they finished the third but with 13 minutes of the second half gone and no signs of United equalising, Sir Alex Ferguson made a double substitution. Ryan Giggs and Luis Nani came on for Gibson and Anderson.

The substitutes made an immediate impact with Giggs' free-kick creating a chance for Evans, who's header was caught by Southampton keeper Bartosz Bialkowski. That was soon followed by a ball into the area by Nani, Owen came very close to scoring but his effort was wide of the post.

It was Owen who leveled up the scores. Obertan's cross in from the right took a deflection and Owen was there to head past Bialkowski. The equaliser didn't deter Southampton who almost took the lead after Owen's goal but Dan Harding lashed the ball inches wide.

With just under 15 minutes remaining, Hernandez scored what turned out to be the goal which would send United through to the next round. Ryan Dickson lost the ball to Owen, he passed the ball to Giggs, who put through Hernandez and the Mexican put the ball past the keeper.

Not the best of performances again but all that matters is that United are still in the FA Cup. The Saints shouldn't be too down hearted, they put in a great performance but United had too much in the end.

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Man United Fight Back To Win 3-2

This evening Manchester United fought back from being 2-0 down to Blackpool to win 3-2 and go five points clear of Arsenal in the Premier League.

There was no Rio Ferdinand for United after he failed to fully recover from a groin injury but Rafael Da Silva did return after serving a one-match ban.

The full starting line-up was: Van Der Sar, Rafael, Smalling, Vidic, Evra, Scholes, Gibson, Fletcher, Nani, Rooney and Berbatov.

Blackpool took the lead on the 15th minute after some very poor marking from Man United from a corner, former Man United player Craig Cathcart was there to head past Van Der Sar.

Nemanja Vidic almost gave Blackpool a 2-0 lead but luckily for the United defender, Van Der Sar was able to get a hand on his header. Blackpool continued to pile on the pressure with Elliot Grandin firing over, Luke Varney saw his attempt deflect off a Man United player and away for a corner, if it hadn't taken a deflection that could have been a second goal.

As the half went on, United did improve slightly with both Rafael and Dimitar Berbatov testing keeper Richard Kingston. Rafael's header was an easy save for Kingston and Berbatov's strike from 20-yards out flew wide of the post.

Man United were dealt a massive blow minutes before half time after conceding a second goal, from another corner. Some more terrible defending from United led to DJ Campbell having a clear header.

Sir Alex Ferguson made an immediate change for the second half with Ryan Giggs coming on for Darron Gibson.

A few minutes into the second half, Man United came very close to scoring after Darren Fletcher flicked on a Ryan Giggs corer, the ball was cleared off the line.

Blackpool should have been awarded a penalty after Rafael wiped out Luke Varney in the penalty area. Referee Peter Walton waved away the penalty claims.

With the game still at 0-0, United's second substitution was to bring on Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez on for Wayne Rooney. Hernandez should have made an immediate impact after being put through one-on-one with Kingston but the Blackpool keeper made the save.

Then came the moment that Man United fans had been looking for- two goals in a matter of minutes. Berbatov pulled one back for Man United after Nani found Fletcher, his ball into the area was volleyed past Kingston by Berbatov.

Seconds later Man United equalised. Giggs put Hernandez clean through on goal, this time he did put the ball past Kingston.

Man United were forced to make a final substitution with Anderson coming on for the injured Rafael. The Brazilian was stretchered off down the tunnel with a neck brace on after a clash of heads. Rafael was immediately taken to hospital, with his brother Fabio Da Silva in the ambulance with him, Rafael was conscious.

Man United took the lead 3-2 on the 97th minute with another goal from Berbatov. A fantastic pass by Paul Scholes found Berbatov, who fired past the keeper to give what looked like an unlikely lead for United.

After the injury to Rafael, 10 minutes were added on. During the 10 minutes, Hernandez came close with two headers. The game somehow finished 3-2 to Man United, Ian Holloway will be angry after his side should have been awarded a penalty but it's three vital points picked up by United.

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Manchester United Thrash Birmingham 5-0 At Old Trafford

Manchester United thrashed Birminham 5-0 at Old Trafford to go two points ahead of Arsenal, who are in second place after beating Wigan 3-0 at the Emirates. Manchester City have the opportunity go level on points with United, if they beat Aston Villa in the evening kick off.

The team news was that Rio Ferdinand was missing with a groin injury, Chris Smalling started alongside Nemanja Vidic and John O'Shea came in for the suspended Rafael Da Silva.

Manchester United took the lead within 90 seconds from a Ryan Giggs corner, which was flicked on by John O'Shea and Dimitar Berbatov was there to head past Ben Foster from a yard out. That was immediately followed by strikes from Berbatov, which was saved by Foster and an effort from Michael Carrick but that fell wide of the post.

Michael Carrick picked up a knock after a challenge from Alexander Hleb, he played on for a bit but was unable to carry on so was replaced by Darron Gibson.

Man United had applied a lot of pressure on the Birmingham goal after Berbatov scored but as the half went on there was less pressure until Berbatov scored his second. On the half hour mark Anderson passed to Rooney, who found Berbatov and his close range strike went past Foster.

The third goal of the first half came in injury time. Rooney had another assist to his name after Giggs fired into the left corner of the goal.

Sir Alex Ferguson made an immediate substitution for the second half, bringing Fabio Da Silva on, he replaced Patrice Evra.

Only minutes into the second half, Rooney missed a sitter from two yards out, he should have put Man United 4-0 up. Luis Nani's cross into the area was headed wide of the post from Rooney.

United did take a 4-0 lead with Berbatov bagging himself a hat-trick. Giggs' low ball into the area was finished by Berbatov for his third hat-trick of the season. This season Berbatov has scored three against Liverpool, five against Blackburn and now three against Birmingham.

Birmingham should have pulled a goal back but Keith Fahey missed an open goal from a yard out.

Man United's fifth goal was a stunning one from Nani. The Portuguese had fired wide a few times in the second half but finally scored after smashing the ball into the bottom left-hand corner.

The scoreline finished 5-0 to Man United, who remain unbeaten in the league this season. A fantastic performance from Man United. Smalling and Vidic didn't have to do much but what they did do, they did well. Giggs, Anderson and Rooney all had brilliant games for United, Berbatov was very clinical with his finishing. United are top of the table, remain unbeaten in the league and have kept another clean sheet.

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10-Men Of Man United Hold On For A Draw

Manchester United have gone back to the top of the Premier League table after a goalless draw against Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon.

Edwin Van Der Sar returned in goal for United. Rafael da Silva, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra started in defence. Luis Nani, Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs made up the midfield with Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney playing up front.

Man United got off to a bright start with Rooney lashing wide from a tight angle almost immediately, that was followed minutes later with a 20-yard effort from the striker, which was well saved by Heurelho Gomes.

Spurs came more into the game with Peter Crouch missing a good chance. Luka Modric found Alan Hutton, his cross found Crouch whose effort fell wide of the post.

Halfway through the first half, Rooney was testing Gomes again. A one-two between Berbatov and Rooney ended with a low shot by Rooney, Gomes managed to get down and save with his right hand.

Rafael had been having a great game he made a few brilliant runs but showed a little bit of inexperience when he went in high on Wilson Palacios, which resulted in a yellow card.

Gareth Bale hadn't really done much but some great play by him ended with Rafael Van Der Vaart heading just wide at the near post.

The teams went into half time at 0-0. It had been a fairly even first half, which Spurs just about edged.

The first few opportunities of the second half fell to United. Giggs, who was making his 600th appearance volleyed wide from 20-yards out. Carrick headed wide and Rooney brought out another save from Gomes.

Tottenham also had a few efforts, most of them came from needless free kicks or some sloppy play. Fortunately for United, they never really troubled Van Der Sar.

Luis Nani had a ineffective game, he didn't really do too much. Sir Alex Ferguson's first change was to bring the Portuguese off and bring on Anderson. With Nani off, Rooney moved to the right with Berbatov playing as a lone striker.

Man United had to play the final 17 minutes with 10 men after Rafael was shown a second yellow card. Rafael was tracking back and according to referee Mike Dean, he caught the ankle of Benoit Assou-Ekotto. Rooney was also shown a yellow card, he was booked for dissent after complaining about Rafael's sending off.

United's second substitution was to bring Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez on for Berbatov. Hernandez' first contribution to the game was a sloppy ball to Giggs, which was intercepted by Van Der Vaart, his 15-yard strike flew over the crossbar.

Unsurprisingly it was Tottenham who had most of the possession and chances for the remaining minutes but failed to capitalize on their advantage.

Rafael had played well until he was harshly sent off by Vidic had a very, very good game in the heart of Man United's defence. It was a very tight game, United are still unbeaten in the league and are top of the league but didn't play very well so leaving with a point isn't too bad. Definitely a point game, not two points lost.