VIDEO: Phil Jones vs Stoke City

Credit to ManUtdWeekly for the video.

Stoke vs UNITED: Match Report

Peter Crouch celebrates his equaliser

Stoke 1-1 UNITED
Nani 27
Crouch 52

Our 100% record came to an end yesterday as we drew 1-1 with Stoke at the Britannia Stadium.

Wayne Rooney missed the game through a slight hamstring injury, it meant Dimitar Berbatov partnered Javier Hernandez up front. Jonny Evans was on the team sheet to start in central defence alongside Rio Ferdinand but an injury in the warm up forced a change with Antonio Valencia coming in at right back and Phil Jones moving to partner Ferdinand in the centre.

Four minutes into the game Hernandez needed treatment after colliding with the Stoke goalkeeper, an incident which could have seen us awarded a penalty. Jonathan Woodgate looked to go through the back of Hernandez to win the ball which resulted in the striker going into the goalkeeper and falling heavily. After a couple minutes the striker couldn't continue and was replaced by Michael Owen.

It was a feisty opening ten minutes where Stoke tried to intimidate us early on with their tough style of play, tackles were flying in which infuriated Sir Alex. Glenn Whelan the only Stoke player to be booked for a rash challenge on Patrice Evra.

Stoke's main attacking threat came from corners and Rory Delap's long throws. Many were expecting David De Gea to struggle in this game but he dealt with most corners and throw ins.

We weathered the early attack from Stoke and got ourselves together to take the lead. Nani played a one-two with Darren Fletcher, managed to wrong foot Woodgate and he slotted the ball passed Asmir Begovic. It was the wingers fifth goal this season.

Stoke almost equalised straight away but we had De Gea to thank. Andy Wilkinson found himself free in the box and hit a thunderous drive which De Gea brilliantly saved onto the bar and out for a corner. At the other end we could have doubled our lead but Nani hit the ball over the bar after a Begovic mistake.

We once again had De Gea to thank after Stoke continued to press. Jon Walters did well to get past two defenders before driving a low shot across goal, prompting a superb save from the Spaniard who got down quickly to flick the ball 'round the post. We went into half time with the lead.

Stoke continued to press in the second half through throw ins and corners. They finally used those to their advantage when Peter Crouch headed in the equaliser from a corner. The tall striker made a yard of space which allowed him to rise earliest between Jones and Ferdinand to nod the ballpast De Gea, who was rooted to his line.

The striker could have given Stoke the lead with another header from a corner but put the ball wide.

We had a decent shout for a penalty when Ryan Shawcross seemed to handle in the area to block a shot from Patrice Evra. The linesman put his flag up but the decision was an offside to Owen.

Sir Alex sent on Ryan Giggs and Danny Welbeck to replace Berbatov and Ashley Young. The former had a great chance to win us the game in the dying minutes. Nani with some great work down the left managed to get in a cross which found Giggs at the back post, the Welshman volleying wide after pressure from a Stoke defender and the goalkeeper.

The Britannia is a tough ground to go to and people will argue we were lucky to come away with anything whilst others will be disappointed we didn't pick up maximum points.

Team: De Gea 7, Valencia 6, Ferdinand 6, Jones 7, Evra 6, Nani 8, Fletcher 6, Anderson 6, Young 5 (Giggs 5), Berbatov 5 (Welbeck 5), Hernandez N/A (Owen 5)

To discuss the match, visit our forum and the match thread here: http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum/showthread.php?t=192146

Sparky

Michael Owen: I'm not here for the money

Michael Owen has quashed claims he joined us for the money.

Some people are still questioning the strikers choice to join us instead of going elsewhere and playing more regularly.

He said: 

“It’s obvious I’ve had a good career and earned money. The last thing I thought I’d be accused of by going to Manchester United was doing it for money. I could have gone to lots of other clubs and earned more. The attraction from Man Utd’s end was that they could get a free transfer and use their name and their ability to win trophies and their kudos to attract players such as me. That’s where they’ve got an advantage, where they wouldn’t have to pay bigger wages. At other clubs a wealthy investor might have to pay twice as much as everyone else because if they don’t they won’t get the player. My situation is the opposite. I’ve been attracted to the club by the players, by the manager, the ability to win things. Money is not the motivation. I’ve had a great career. I’ve done really well. My management company concluded the deal with United in hours. That shows you. I wanted to play under the manager and in a fantastic team. I just can’t believe how many people think otherwise.” 

Owen was in good form midweek against Leeds proving he's still got it with two goals. He came off the bench to replace the injured Hernandez early on yesterday against Stoke but never seemed to get going. 

You can discuss Owen by heading over to our forum here: http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum/showthread.php?t=166879

Sparky

Carling Cup draw: Trip to Aldershot

We've been given another kind draw in the Carling Cup, this time we're away to league two Aldershot. 

The full draw is:


Wolves v Manchester City 
Cardiff v Burnley
Blackburn v Newcastle 
Arsenal v Bolton 
Stoke v Liverpool 
Aldershot v Manchester United 
Crystal Palace v Southampton 
Everton v Chelsea

It'll be another chance for Sir Alex to give the squad players some game time along with hopefully youngsters like Pogba, Fryers, Cole and maybe even an appearance for Morrison. 

The tie is to be played on the week commencing 24th of October. 

To discuss the draw, head over to our forum here: http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum/showthread.php?t=192219

Sparky

Rooney to sit out the next week

Wayne Rooney missed the game against Stoke due to a slight hamstring injury and Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed the striker is to miss the next week or so.

He told MUTV: "It is difficult to say. It's a hamstring. It is not a serious one, it is a mild one.

"I don't think he will be available for next week. It will be more than a week out."

The striker has been in great form this season, scoring 9 times and is currently the Premier League's top scorer. 

We face Basle midweek and Norwich next Saturday, both games at Old Trafford. Hernandez, Welbeck, Owen, Berbatov, Macheda and Diouf will all be fighting to start those two games.

Lets hope Rooney is back to face Liverpool at Anfield the following Saturday, he'll definitely be needed.

Why not pop over to our forum and discuss Rooney here: http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum/showthread.php?t=182514

Sparky

Michael Owen - Not done just yet

Michael Owen made his first appearance of the season Tuesday night against Leeds in the Carling Cup. The striker managed to grab two goals, the second a brilliant strike.

He believes his career is not winding down (quotes from BBC):

"I'm still only 31 and I have a good few years left in me yet," he said.

"The pressure is on when you get into this side because you don't get many chances [to play]."

He added: "When you get picked you have to perform - or you won't see the pitch for another couple of months.

"I have had some massive games in my career but I almost feel myself getting more nervous these days.

"I don't fear my touch will go because I am doing a lot of training and putting in a lot of hard work. But even the best players in the world can have a bad game and that negative thought is definitely there in the back of your mind because you cannot put things right in three or four days time like most other players who play all the time.

"Thankfully, every time I have started I have managed to quieten people before they chirp up."

Sir Alex Ferguson went on to add:

"Michael Owen's finishing was fantastic," said Ferguson.

"His goal ratio is unbelievable. We are very pleased with him. He has had one or two injuries but with me having Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez, he is not getting the games he deserves and that is unfortunate."

You can view Owen's second goal here: http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/michael-owen-2-leeds-15432991/

Why not head over to our forum and check out Owen's thread: http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum/showthread.php?t=166879

Sparky

VIDEO: Paul Pogba performance vs Leeds

Credit to antoovidic for the video.

VIDEO: Nani performance vs Chelsea

Credit to antoovidic for the video.

Welbeck: I'm fit and raring to go!

Danny Welbeck has declared himself fit and ready to return to action.

The young English striker injured his hamstring whilst running onto a through ball against Arsenal at the end of August.

The striker was speaking to manutd.com

"I trained late last week and had a little rest on Sunday before coming back in again on Monday," he told ManUtd.com. "I'm feeling good.

"I don't know the squad yet for Leeds but, if I'm called upon, I'm always prepared to be there as I feel ready. I wouldn't be training if I wasn't."

Danny is in the squad for tonights game but whether he plays is another question. With Hernandez now injured, his first game back could be at Stoke this weekend. 

Sparky

Hernandez injury not as bad as first thought

Javier Hernandez was on the end of a very rash challenge from Ashley Cole on Sunday, a challenge which left Sir Alex angry.

Today the Mexicans' agent has confirmed the injury is not as bad as first feared.

"Nothing, it's just a bump, nothing more," said Eduardo Hernandez.

"It looked like he would be out longer, they were looking for a fracture, that's why they ran those tests on him.

"I expect him to be training without incident on Wednesday."

You can view the challenge in the video below.

If you would like to talk about Hernandez, head on over to our forum and visit his dedicated thread here: http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum/showthread.php?t=177324

To discuss the match against Chelsea, you can find the thread here: http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum/showthread.php?t=192002

Sparky

VIDEO: David De Gea performance vs Chelsea

Credit to antoozvidic for the video. 

Leeds Utd vs Man Utd - MATCH PREVIEW

Beckford scores winner as Leeds beat Man Utd 1-0

Tuesday 7.45pm. Live on Sky Sports.

We meet our fierce rivals Leeds for the first time since they knocked us out of the FA Cup in the third round back in January 2010.

We'll surely look for revenge but Leeds will want to try their best to get yet another one over on us.

The squad has been announced and it is a mixture of squad players with some youngsters.

Provisional squad: Lindegaard, Amos, Fabio, Jones, Evans, Giggs, Park, Carrick, Fletcher, Valencia, Owen, Berbatov, Macheda, Diouf, Pogba, W Keane, James, Brown, M.Keane, Thorpe, Fryers.

There are quite a few question marks as to who will start. Lindegaard will most likely be between the posts after an impressive performance last week in Portugal against Benfica.

We're running out of players in defence so I can see Valencia again playing right back after finishing there during Sundays game against Chelsea. Jones will most likely partner Evans in the middle with Fabio left back.

The midfield is a tricky one, Sir Alex today mentioned a possible debut for Paul Pogba whilst Carrick, Fletcher, Giggs and Park will all be eyeing start spots.

Up front I think Berbatov and Owen will get their first starts this season with Macheda and Diouf missing out but possible bench spots for them both. Will Keane is a youngster who has been scoring for fun in the U18's/reserves last couple years so it will be interesting to see if he will make the bench at least.

Join our forum and discuss the match here: http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum/showthread.php?t=192093

Sparky

Paul Pogba - One for the future

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed young star Paul Pogba will not be going out on loan and will be staying with us this season.

Ferguson said on the official Man Utd website

"It's more difficult to loan a boy of 18 who's come from France," explained the manager.

"We prefer to keep him with us until we find he's mature enough to possibly go on loan. Maybe next year that could be an option but we're definitely expecting him this season to stay with Manchester United."

The midfielder could be thrown in against Leeds in the Carling Cup tomorrow for his first team debut.

Sir Alex regarding Pogba:

"He's got a slight injury. It's not too bad, though. So he wasn't available for Sunday but he should be able to play on Tuesday and I intend to play him against Leeds United."

Lets hope Sir Alex sticks to his word and we do see Pogba make his debut tomorrow. He has a lot of promise, he is spoken about very highly and could be a big star for us.

Join our forum and discuss Pogba here: http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum/showthread.php?t=183071

Sparky

Nani coming out of Ronaldo's shadow

Over two years ago many wondered whether Nani had a future with us after a falling out with Sir Alex Ferguson, yesterday he walked off the Old Trafford pitch after scoring a stunning goal, providing the assist for Rooney's goal and picking up the man of the match award.

He was voted by his fellow team-mates as the club's players' player of the year last season and has continued to prove why they chose him this season. The Portuguese winger has been in good scoring four goals and providing three assists. 

Nani is often compared to his former team-mate and fellow countryman Ronaldo. Earlier this month Nani spoke to Inside United about being compared to Ronaldo.

"For five years, every time the question is the same. It's all about Ronaldo. You have to be him. Are you doing the same? Do you think you can do it now?

"Always when I do something good it's the same. When I do OK, it's nothing. When I do something very good, they come with this question about him. But it's OK. It doesn't change anything in me. This is my fifth year here and people know what I can do. Sometimes I play a nice game, sometimes I play not such a fantastic game, but I think everyone knows me and what I can do. Maybe my form has to be more consistent and my performances in the past should be like that.

"Now I'm in this position I'm more confident, more consistent. I can do for 90 minutes what in the past I just did for 45, and that's the most important thing.

"I don't need to show anything to anyone because I know who I am, which player I am, and now I just need to put everything on the pitch. When I do that, I do it for me, for my family and for my team. Of course I know when I do that, it's always for the fans as well. They take everything good from the game. They love goals and skills as well. But I don't do it for the media because when you try to do it for the media, nothing goes well. I think the most important thing is to be natural and play the way you are."

Nani with former team-mate Ronaldo

Yesterday was Nani's 100th Premier League game in a United shirt and surprisingly has the same amount of goals Ronaldo did at the same stage. 

First 100 PL appearances.

Nani

Minutes 6752

Goals 19
Assists 33

Ronaldo

Minutes 6705

Goals 19
Assists 12 

Nani may never become as good as Ronaldo or as big a superstar, but one thing is for sure, he has played his way into becoming one of our most important players. Long may it continue.

Why not visit our forum and discuss Nani here: http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum/showthread.php?t=174253

Sparky

United given go ahead for floatation on Singapore Stock Market

We were today given the go ahead to speak to potential investors as the Glazers look to sell off 25% of the club in an attempt to raise £600m.

Some fans are still wondering whether the money raised will be fully used to clear all the debt on the club. Some rumours suggest the Glazers will look to leave a small amount of debt.

Earlier this month we announced record operating profits for the year to June 30th of £110.9m - The Glazers will hope this will help attract potential investors.

Other news today linked us with a full buyout by the Qatari Royal Family, a potential bid of £1.5bn.

Click on the link below to discuss the financial situation at the club.

http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum/showthread.php?t=172809

Sparky

THE QUESTION: Are Manchester United getting closer to tasting European glory again?

Sir Alex Ferguson made some interesting comments in his pre-match conference Vs Benfica in which he indicated he believes United are getting closer to winning a 4th European cup.

"It is always a challenge for us," he insisted. "We are coming closer all the time to getting another Champions League trophy. The consistency has been very good for the last few years. That is a good guide to the standard we are just now in Europe and also the progress we are making. We want to continue that. In the last two years, I don't think we have lost an away game, apart from the finals.

"It is different winning the Champions League in the present day than it was 30 years ago. All the best teams are in Europe; Real Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Villarreal from Spain, Benfica and Porto from Portugal. Ourselves, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City. It is a very difficult tournament to win now. That is why I am pleased with the progress my team has made because you can see the consistency has been the hallmark of our game in the last few years.

"You always want to improve. It is the drive of every coach and every player. We hope we can, in all areas. The improvement we really do want is to win it. Sir Alex Ferguson.

But do you agree with the boss, or do you perhaps feel United lack a certain type of player, be it a holding player, forward etc? Or Perhaps you feel United lack the necessary experience in goal and other key positions with the departure of Edwin Van Der Saar, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Owen Hargreaves and arrival of David De Gea, Phil Jones amongst other promoted youth players. Certainly the squad which has featured most of this season apart from last night has been very youthful and very few European cup winning sides have had a small average age but that does not mean it is impossible, Ajax's '95 European cup winning side had an average age of only 23.

Have your say on our forum and cast your vote.

http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum/showthread.php?t=192031

Rooney - The White Pele, but is he truly World Class?

Prior to the match Vs Benfica, Sir Alex Ferguson and Jorge Jesus rang Wayne Rooney's praises, hailing him as the best British player, and as England's answer to Pele. United fans have of course been singing it for years as Rooney continues to close in on Sir Bobby Charlton's all time goalscoring record season upon season.

"Rooney is the best British player but doesn't seem like a British player. He's like an Argentinian or Brazilian. He can decide the match in the final third and so we have to pay special attention to him." Jorge Jesus

"I think he's a typical British player. There have been British players over the last few years, maybe for the last decades, who have similar great qualities that make them great players, whether it's a [Paul] Gascoigne, George Best, Bobby Charlton, Denis Law. The similarities are that the boy has great courage, wants to play all the time and has incredible stamina. These are added extras to the talent he has. In terms of a Brazilian, you'd say Pelé. He was a very aggressive attacker also who could look after himself, so can Rooney. They have similarities that way: strength, speed, determination, but he's white, completely white." Sir Alex Ferguson

The United hitman is certainly a wonderful talent but some remain divided on where he stands compared to other great players around Europe at this moment in time. Certainly there are times when his consistency is questionable, but this season, buoyed by his new patch of hair, he looks to have finally joined all his qualities together to morph into a playmaker and goalscorer, in the mould of a Francesco Totti. Rooney's influence and ability to win a match are beginning to remind me of Roma's favourite son even if the Italian is perhaps not quite as much of a bulldozer or aggressive in nature (spitting and a few other incidents aside). But is the Liverpudlian truly a worldclass player?

Lets hear your thoughts in this thread on our forum.

http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum/showthread.php?t=191949

Benfica vs Manchester United - MATCH PREVIEW

We open our Champions League campaign this Wednesday away to Benfica at the Stadium of Light.

We'll travel to Portugal without the injured Vidic, Rafael, Cleverley, Gibson and Welbeck. Evans (hip) and Evra (knee) are both doubtful.

Sir Alex has said he could rest some of our younger players and go with experience, this could mean first starts of the season for Park, Giggs, Berbatov and the returning Valencia.

Benfica warmed up for this game with a 2-1 win at home to Guimaraes, Cardozo getting both goals from the penalty spot.

United have played Benfica 7 times the first being in 1966 where the Reds were able to run out victorious 3-2. Of the 7 times the two have played, United have won 6, drawn none and lost once.

Players to watch: Pablo Aimar, Luisao, Nicolas Gaitan, Ezequiel Garay, Oscar Cardozo, Nolito and Axel Witsel.

Possible line up: De Gea, Smalling, Ferdinand, Jones, Fabio, Valencia, Fletcher, Giggs, Park, Rooney, Berbatov

Prediction:

United 2-1 Benfica
Rooney - Cardozo
Park

Visit our forum to discuss the match:

http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum/showthread.php?t=191935

Sparky

VIDEO: Chicharito performance Vs Bolton

Chicharito:

**Credit to zUtd

Discuss Chicharito in our thread here:

http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17732
 

Bolton vs Manchester United - Match Report

Nani, Anderson and Hernandez celebrate with Rooney

Bolton 0-5 Man Utd
Hernandez 5, Rooney 20, Rooney 25, Hernandez 58, Rooney 68
 

Sir Alex Ferguson made two changes from the team that put eight past Arsenal before the international break. Rio Ferdinand came in for the rested Chris Smalling and Javier Hernandez rekindled his partnership with Wayne Rooney, coming in for the injured Danny Welbeck. David De Gea kept his place in goal despite morning reports suggesting he could be rested for Anders Lindegaard. Bolton meanwhile opted for the same 4-4-2 formation with Klasnic partnering Davies up front. United old boy Chris Eagles also started the game on the right wing. 

United started the game the better side and it only took 5 minutes before the ball was in the back of Bolton's net. After some good build up Nani was played in down the right and he put in a brilliant cross which Hernandez managed to get on the end of ahead of Jaaskelainen. This was Hernandez's first start of the season and it was like he had never been out the side, slotting right back into the team. 

Whilst the team were celebrating the goal, Tom Cleverley limped off the pitch after a poor challenge from Kevin Davies in the first four minutes. Cleverley would later be seen sitting on the bench in his club suit with a protective boot and crutches. The young star may have broken his foot and he will go for a scan to see what damage has been done. Michael Carrick came on to replace him.

Bolton tried to put the pressure on United and a lot of that came from the left in the shape of Martin Petrov. They came close to scoring with a double chance which was well defended, blocked by Evans and the part-time defender Rooney. 

It was then Klasnic's turn to have a go. He received the ball on the edge of the area, turned and hit a shot which David De Gea did well to save. This is an area which De Gea will hopefully improve on after conceding the most goals from outside the area in La Liga last season.

Bolton's pressure didn't put United off, as they once again came forward. Cahill put the ball out for a throw-in, which Jones took quickly to Nani. The Portuguese laid it back to Phil Jones who put in a perfect cross which Rooney tapped in. 

Five minutes later and Rooney added a third, his second of the game. The goal, though, was all the work of the impressive Phil 'Messi' Jones. The right-back received the ball from Rio Ferdinand just inside the Bolton half and, after playing a one-two with Anderson, continued to drive into the box, beating three players. He took a shot which Jaaskelainen saved but it fell to the in-form Rooney who made no mistake in slottingthe ball into the back of the net.

Hernandez then put the ball in the back of the net after a cross from Nani but the linesman correctly ruled offside. 

United continued the second half the way they finished the first, on the attack. De Gea's brilliant distribution set up Hernandez who saw his effort blocked by the Bolton defence.

The fourth goal came from a short corner worked by Nani and Anderson. Nani drove into the box and could have had a penalty after a tangle of legs. The referee did not give it though and the ball instead landed at the feet of Carrick, who hit a shot through a crowded area only to findHernandez who yet again showed his excellent finishing. 

Bolton showed they can play football too after they came forward and Reo Coker hit the bar from the right hand side of the area. At first glance it looked like it had taken a deflection or as if the goalkeeper had saved it but there was no touch and went out for a goal kick. 

Sir Alex made a double change with Ryan Giggs and Chris Smalling replacing Ashley Young and the limping Jonny Evans.

Giggs was involved right away in the build up for the fifth goal, playing a brilliant cross-field ball to Nani who controlled it well and took it towards the penalty area. He looked up and cut it back for Rooney to beautifully put the ball in the bottom corner for United's fifth, his third of the game and his second hattrick in as many games. 

It could have been two hattricks in the game when Giggs set Rooney free down the left, the England international hitting a first-time cross to Hernandez who, agonisingly, couldn't get on the end of it. 

United in the end played some keep-ball and dropped down a couple of gears to save themselves for the away trip to Benfica in midweek.

United line up and ratings: De Gea 7, Jones 8.5, Ferdinand 7, Evans 7 (Smalling 6), Evra 7, Nani 7.5, Anderson 7.5, Cleverley N/A (Carrick 7), Young 7 (Giggs 6.5), Rooney 9, Hernandez 8.

You can view the highlights here: http://www.101greatgoals.com/videodisplay/bolton-manchester-united-motd-15391879/

If you wish to discuss the match, please visit our forum and the match thread here: http://www.soccer24-7.com/forum/showthread.php?t=191813

Sparky

Bolton Wanderers Vs UNITED – Match Preview

United will make it four wins out four if they can get a win away at the Reebok stadium. Bolton’s early season form in comparison has not been good, though this can also be attributed to having to face Manchester City and Liverpool as two of their first three games.

The Reds will go into the game without Nemanja Vidic, Danny Welbeck, Rafael and Darron Gibson. All will be missing with injuries. Rio Ferdinand however, is a good bet to make the starting lineup after missing out on the last two games.

Bolton meanwhile will have to make do without Chung Yong Lee, but a surprise return for Stuart Holden, after being absent for so long, could be on the cards. Owen Coyle will also have the option to call on David Ngog and Gael Kakuta’s services should he wish.

Player to watch: Gary Cahill was the subject of much speculation in the summer for transfers to Tottenham, Arsenal, Spurs, Man City. In the end he has stayed put, and though his contractual situation suggests he will likely be off in the next 12 months if not sooner, Owen Coyle will be delighted to be able to call upon the English centre half’s quality for the next six months at least.

When the two sides last met, United emerged victorious as Dimitar Berbatov scored a late winner at Old Trafford for 10 man United.

With former United academy graduate Chris Eagles also likely to play Vs United, the winger will be hoping to write his own script.

Possible lineup: De Gea, Smalling, Ferdinand, Jones/Evans, Evra, Nani, Cleverley, Anderson, Young, Rooney, Chicharito

The referee for the game is Andre Marriner.

International Reds – Part 2

Ashley Young was England’s hero Vs Wales, netting the winner in a 1-0 win for England. The result means England are one point away from securing a place in next summer’s European Championships. Chris Smalling earned his second England cap, as he continued at right back, with Wayne Rooney spearheading England’s attack for 89 minutes before being substituted for Andy Carrol with one minute of the game left.

Darren Fletcher meanwhile missed a penalty for Scotland in their important game Vs Lithuania. Fortunately for the midfielder, Steven Naismith was able to get him out of jail by scoring the only goal to leave Scotland two points behind the Czech Republic in the race for a playoff spot.

Patrice Evra played the full 90 minutes in France’s 0-0 draw away to Romania but was extremely fortunate not to walk away with a broken ankle after a challenge and with the poor state of the pitch.

Jonny Evans suspended could only watch in Northern Ireland’s heavy 4-1 defeat to Estonia.

International Reds

Wayne Rooney, Ashley Young and England debutant Chris Smalling led England to a 3-0 away win Vs Bulgaria, Rooney was influential throughout and ended the game with 2 goals. Young played a part in one of Rooney’s goals, whilst Chris Smalling was accomplished and stuck to his task of marking Martin Petrov relatively well. Tom Cleverley and Phil Jones also got callups but did not feature.

Rooney’s 1^st goal:

Rooney’s 2^nd goal:

Javier Hernandez got Mexico’s only goal in a 1-1 draw with Poland. Chicharito continues to improve his already excellent international goalscoring record, which now stands at 22 goals in 31 appearances. He is 6 goals away from breaking into the top 10, and must eclipse Jared Borghetti’s total of 46 to become Mexico’s record goalscorer.

Darren Fletcher made a long awaited comeback for Scotland and the news will be welcomed by United fans. Fletcher marked his return with a goal and assist, Scotland were only able to draw 2-2 Vs the Czech Republic, in a game marred by controversy.

Nani helped Portugal to a 4-0 away win in Cyprus with an assist for one of Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal, he was substituted with 5 minutes remaining in the game.

Jonny Evans meanwhile was unable to prevent Serbia from picking up maximum points vs Northern Ireland in a 1-0 loss despite playing the whole game. Patrice Evra was more successful on the other hand, France coming out 2-1 victors against Albania.

David De Gea captained Spain U-21's to a 7-2 win Vs Georgia, but was also beaten by a quite bizarre own goal:

VIDEO: De Gea, Cleverley, Rooney, Young, Nani performances Vs Arsenal

David De Gea

Tom Cleverley

Wayne Rooney

 
Ashley Young

Nani

 
**Credit to Antooz, TheRepublicOfDan, Andre7comps2, xSIComps

UNITED 8-2 Arsenal

UNITED 8-2 Arsenal

Welbeck 22, Young 28, Rooney 41, Walcott 45+3, Rooney 64, Nani 67, Park Ji-Sung 70, Van Persie 74, Rooney (pen) 82, Young 90+1

           

United romped to one of the biggest wins in premier league history after disposing of Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal with a hatrick from Wayne Rooney, two goals from Ashley Young and strikes from Danny Welbeck, Park Ji-Sung and Nani. In what can only be described as a total humiliation for the French manager and the Gunners (the defeat being their largest since 1896), it was a result that even with Arsenal’s recent troubles was still enough to make people around the world, sit up and take notice. The fact it came not long after United’s neighbours Manchester City demolished Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 at White Hart Lane has only added to the intrigue and excitement for this season’s title race, many now claiming the balance of footballing power has shifted to the north of England.

United lined up with an unchanged team from the one which was able to see off Spurs at Old Trafford in their last league game, with Rio Ferdinand having to settle for a place on the bench. Arsenal meanwhile had a number of absentees not least Thomas Vermaelen and Jack Wilshere but there were still plenty of familiar faces.

United started off the better side in the early exchanges, but it took 22 minutes for the first goal to be scored. Mancunian Danny Welbeck continued his scoring run after finding the net Vs Spurs as he opened the scoring with a header from 6 yards out. It was poor defending all-round as Djourou was unable to clear Anderson’s chip from the edge of the box, and with Szczesny’s indecision Arsenal were punished. The young striker’s game would later end in a disappointing fashion, as a hamstring injury would force him to come off for Javier Hernandez.

Arsenal 1-0 down were gifted a way back into the game however, as they earned a penalty, but Van Persie was unable to beat De Gea, the Spaniard getting down low to his right to palm away the spot kick. The elation on the keeper’s face as well as his team mates congratulating him was clear to see, perhaps this, a defining moment for the 20 year old after quite a bit of criticism since his big money move.

Things would get worse for Arsenal, Ashley Young scoring possibly the best goal of the game as he curled a shot from outside the box into Szczesny’s top left hand corner. Rooney would add a third, a well placed free kick from just outside the box, this time into Szczesny’s top right hand corner.

Arsenal did pull one back through Theo Walcott on the stroke of halftime, Patrice Evra’s positioning exposed, and Jonny Evans last ditch tackle unable to prevent Walcott on the right from firing low through De Gea’s legs for 3-1. The Spaniard will possibly have been aggrieved with himself for conceding a goal after his penalty saving heroics so late in the half, especially when he could probably have done slightly better.

The second half didn’t bring much change in terms of momentum shifting from one team to the other. Arsenal continued to be exposed defensively much more than the threat they posed going forward. In the 64^th minute, Wayne Rooney got United’s 4^th, yet another freekick. And not long after that, Rooney was at it again, breaking Arsenal’s offside trap with a well timed pass to Nani. The Portuguese winger, one on one managed to compose himself and with a cheeky chip converted United’s 5^th.

It would be his last action of the game, as both he and Anderson were substituted for Ryan Giggs and Park Ji-Sung. It was the South Korean who added United’s 6^th with a low shot across the face of goal from just inside the box after a pass from Ashley Young. With United in control, Van Persie was still able to pull one back for Arsenal to make it 6-2, United could be forgiven for a lapse in concentration and easing off under such circumstances, but they weren’t done yet.

By now an almost unbelievable scoreline, Wayne Rooney, 8 minutes from time, did what Van Persie was unable to do earlier in the game by converting from the spot for his hatrick after Theo Walcott’s foul on Patrice Evra. Finally Ashley Young, a menace throughout the game would put the final nail in the coffin, with a curling strike his 2^nd goal of the game, and United’s 8^th to mark one of the darkest days in Wenger’s Arsenal career.

Scholesy18

Show of faith in Anderson needs to be repaid by the Brazilian dynamo

Anderson Luis de Abreu Oliveira, or simply Anderson to the footballing world, is a player who first caught the eye during the 2005 under-17 World Cup in Peru, a tournament in which he was voted the Golden Ball ahead of Tottenham’s Giovani dos Santos. He provided some mesmerising performances for the Selecao, full of attacking verve and explosive acceleration. Despite the u17 level not being a great barometer for future success, this was a player earmarked for greatness. FC Porto, the most discerning acquirers of South American talent, swooped in and snapped him up on a pre-contract, where he officially joined in January 2006. Anderson only made a handful of appearances before suffering a broken leg in the Portuguese Classico, against bitter rivals Benfica, seriously putting the brakes on his fledgling career. He made a relatively successful return to Porto but there remained doubts on whether he would retain the explosive acceleration that made him such a star at youth level.

Anderson’s United career thus far has been a baffling one. Many a United fan will recall the moment in 2007 when former assistant, Carlos Queiroz, was shown in Portugal grinning uncontrollably after completing the signings of two of the brightest young stars in world football. Despite his tender age and inexperience, Anderson endured a baptism of fire that included being thrust into key matches against the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool. The most significant aspect of these matches was Anderson more than holding his own against Fabregas and Gerrard, with most observing that he had eclipsed both of these renowned midfielders. Ferguson had also seemingly pulled off a masterstroke in utilising Anderson in a much deeper role, more akin to an English box-to-box midfielder than a silky attacking midfielder from the continent. Tim Vickery, a South American journalist, remarked that the Brazilian media and coaches were amazed that Anderson could be deployed in such a role. Their concern, which has since been realised, was the negative effect that it would have on his attacking prowess and instincts. Despite his promising start in 07-08 and key contributions to the following year’s run to the Champion’s League final, Anderson has only flickered intermittently during his time at Old Trafford.

There have been several mitigating reasons for Anderson’s slow progress at the club, albeit some self inflicted. Many United fans observed after his first performance for the club (in a friendly against Doncaster) that the Brazilian looked overweight and a few yards short of pace. While he will always be a man of some girth, he has definitely struggled to keep his weight under control after returning from pre-season. Question marks have also been asked of his attitude, with pundits positing that Anderson needs to decide whether or not he is prepared to make the sacrifices necessary for a professional sportsperson, some of which have eluded some of his compatriots in the past. He also been the victim of an unsettled midfield that has been subjected to constant rotation, therefore not being able to build momentum and on the successes of his initial performances. The lack of a dedicated midfield destroyer, ala Mascherano, has resulted in Anderson having to expend more effort on the defensive side of the game, often eschewing his attacking prowess and instincts; the result is a midfielder who is often ineffectual due to this lack of direction.

As he commences his fifth season at the club, Anderson has never commanded such a lofty position in the midfield pecking order. Following on from the retirement of Paul Scholes and the release of Owen Hargreaves, any likely midfield acquisition has not materialised, despite daily news stories documenting the never-ending pursuit of Wesley Sneijder. The lack of fortification of the current midfield has perplexed many United fans but represents a strong show of faith in Anderson, as well as Tom Cleverley. Anderson is at a crossroads in his United career and this may be his final opportunity to prove that he can become a mainstay in the United side. He needs to become a more dynamic presence within the team, a midfielder who passes and moves in order to receive the ball again, something which Michael Carrick has been accused of eschewing. Reigniting the creative spark seen in his younger years is also key if he is to finally lay any doubts to rest, as he often chooses the simple option over shooting or taking on his opponent. Although the lack of a true defensive midfielder is still of concern, he has shown the necessary energy and dynamism which are conducive to a box-to-box midfield role. The concern is that playing with Cleverley, despite the creativity and finesse it produces, is a central pairing that may be overrun by a more robust and dominant midfield.

It seems that Anderson will finally be given the chance to prove that he can become an indispensable piece of the United midfield, as he has been played in every match this, albeit nascent, season. Unlike previous years, the expectation is that he will be given an extended run in the side, especially due to the injury to Fletcher and relative inexperience of Cleverley. He is also in a position to really stake a claim for a one the two midfield berth’s in the Brazil national team with Mano Menezes, the successor to Dunga, prefering a 4-2-3-1 formation. Due to the paucity of truly gifted central midfielders available to the Selecao, Anderson needs to contend with the likes of functional midfielders such as Lucas, Ramires and Sandro (who all incidentally play their trade in England). While these players offer different qualities, Anderson has the most natural talent out of all of them and is most comfortable with the ball at his feet. Unfortunately Brazil have no real competitive football until the 2014 World Cup and there will likely be a great deal of chopping and changing as Menezes searches for that winning formula; Anderson will need to make the most out of any playing time he gets. This season may be a watershed one for Anderson for both club and country and he is the master of his own destiny; with the likes of Ravel Morrison and Paul Pogba awaiting their opportunity and a renewed foray into the transfer market next year, the Brazilian is unlikely get many more chances to establish himself as a necessitous part of the United first team.


Nonedy