Manchester United 2 West Bromwich Albion 0

The game that very nearly didn't start but eventually it started and ended up with a United win. There was a tremendous downpour in Manchester all morning and the pitch was taking the punishment especially as a game was only 3 days previous. After a final pitch inspection at 1.30 confirmed the match would go on.

United made several changes with Rooney injured and RVP and Chico on the bench. United went with Welbeck and Kagawa back from injury starting up front. Vidic returned to centre of the defence and played along side Jonny Evans.

The first half saw wave of attacks by United with Young and Valencia pushing West Brom back with Cleverley and Carrick pulling the strings in the middle but for all United's possession the threat was not there. It took a stinging cross by Young which was diverted into the net via a West Brom defender and United were in front.

West brom were chasing shadows for the half and an excellent save by Ben Foster from Ashley Young kept the score down. It could have been worse when a back pass to Foster was charged down by Welbeck but the ball went harmlessly wide.

The second half saw United struggle whether it was the pitch or West Brom got better but United were pinned back and towards the end United were playing 5 at the back to combat the aerial bombardment. Scholes and Van Persie came on to help United protect the lead.

The United defence coped well and Evans and Vidic both played excellent in repelling anything thrown at them. It was great to see a dominant United defence and Vidic in particular marshaling the defence.

As injury time approached Van Persie picked the ball up outside the box and picked his spot past Foster. United had taken a 2 goal lead and the relief was audible at the end. Man of the match was Vidic followed closely by his partner Jonny Evans.

United lead at the top is still 7 points after Manchester City narrow win at Norwich. With Wigan on New Years day, the festive period is soon over and the squad may get a slight rest before the FA cup tie at West Ham.

Manchester United 4 Newcastle United 3

If there is ever a game that sums up United's season then the boxing day clash would surely sum it up. A game of bad defending, bad decisions and pure attacking and a win in the end, the net result saw united go 7 points clear after Man City lost at Sunderland.

The game started with the news Wayne Rooney was going to be out for a few weeks with a knee injury and that Ashley Young and Danny Welbeck were out.

The game got off to an awful start when De Gea palmed out a long range shot only for James Perch to prod home the opener, once again United were behind. The game flowed really well and the rain helped make the game a more slick event. United eventually equalised when a free kick on the United right was floated in and after a scramble the ball fell to Jonny Evans who calmly slotted in front of the Stretford End.

The game saw a controversial moment when a Danny Simpson shot was deflected in by Jonny Evans, the linesman correctly called offside as Cisse was offside between Evans and De Gea. However, after consultation between Mike Dean and the linesman, the ref over ruled the decision and the goal stood. United players were confused and Sir Alex was incensed at half time and the beginning of the second half.

United brushed themselves down and started the second half on the attack and were rewarded when Patrice Evra scored his 4th goal of the season with a well crafted long shot from outside the box. United got themselves back into it and no sooner that happened they fell behind again. Another ex United player Gabriel Obertan crossed in and Cisse lashed in a unstoppable shot and Newcastle now leading 3-2.

The last 20 minutes saw wave upon wave of attack from United and the odd threat from Newcastle. United got a third equaliser when Van Persie first effort was saved and the rebound eventually fell to him again and he duly smashed the ball in and relief again was prevalent around Old Trafford.

Hernandez went close on a few occasion's and Newcastle with minutes remaining hit the post via Amoebi shot which pinged back into De Gea grateful arms. The 90th minute was seconds away when Michael Carrick pass was latched onto by Hernandez who diverted the ball into the net and the game was up for a gallant Newcastle. The relief was noticeable and Sir Alex danced around the Manchester rain.

The halfway point season completed and the only blight is the goals against column where 28 goals have been conceded, some seasons they would concede that after 38 games! the goals are flowing and the lead at the top is 7 points. United may have defensive problems but winning is the aim and that is what they are doing.

The busy festive period will see 2 more games and for United and an opportunity to press home that advantage and increase the lead at the top. Next up West Brom at home and Wigan away.

THE UNITED WAY: Swansea City 1 Manchester United 1

THE UNITED WAY: Swansea City 1 Manchester United 1: Was it 2 points lost or 1 point gained? In terms of the game United had plenty of chances to put Swansea to the sword and the forwards unu...

Swansea City 1 Manchester United 1

Was it 2 points lost or 1 point gained? In terms of the game United had plenty of chances to put Swansea to the sword and the forwards unusually had on off day.

United started the game very well with Carrick and Cleverley dominating the midfield and Ashley Young and Tony Valencia pinning Swansea back. A goal duly arrived via Van Persie corner and was headed in by Evra although Britton on the post could have done better. There was a penalty shout and United were on top. Swansea came into the game and got good possession. There goal was a bit on the soft side but it started with a foul on RVP but play continued and United stood still as De Gea made a good save but the rebound fell to Michu who passed it into the net.

Swansea had good possession and United were looking frustrated along with Sir Alex on the bench. It is not often the boss is mad but this performance was fast running out of steam.

The second half saw much the same with United dominating but a combination of good saves, woodwork, bad finishing and no penalties saw United frustrated. Carrick header was palmed onto the post. RVP shot strike the bar and a good shout for a penalty that didn't move the ref.

The 79th minute saw a flare up when RVP was taken down and as the ball went loose Ashley Williams decided to blast the ball at the back of his head. A dangerous piece of play and was booked along with RVP!

The game saw Giggs put in a few passes but Hernandez failed to convert and Swansea hung for the valuable point.

United lead at the top is now 4 points but still a lead. Some United fans maybe disappointed but not many teams will come here and beat Swansea. Vidic looked back to his best in the 2nd half after a shaky start but game time is what the skipper needs. Carrick and Cleverley again were impressive. Rooney and RVP probably had there quietest games but were still a threat.

Overall, the defence looked a lot more solid and withheld most what Swansea threw at them. The fact that it is United first draw of the season may indicate that it was a hard point gained and Swansea played there part in an entertaining game.

Next up Newcastle at Old Trafford

Swansea City v Manchester United Preview

United face a visit on early Sunday afternoon to the principality to visit Swansea at the Liberty Stadium.

Both teams are in good form with Swansea in the Capital One League cup semi finals and United still six points ahead. Both teams like to play football on the ground and has the makings of a good game.

United previous visit was last year when a Javier Hernandez goal gave United a narrow 1-0 win. Swansea last win against United was in January 1982 which gave Swansea a famous 2-0 win.

One man United have to be wary off is the in form Michu who is fast becoming a goalscoring machine. He scored a brace at the Emirates when Swansea secured a 2-0 win and Swansea look a dominant threat with this man at the top of the attack.

United are coming into the Christmas period and I suspect there maybe changes for this one, as the squad comes into play over this busy period of 4 games in less than a fortnight. Rafael maybe back for this after missing last week and Vidic is a good bet to start. There have been murmurings that Scholes, Giggs and Ferdinand may retire at end of season but Sir Alex has quashed those rumours and there is a possibility these guys may start.

Difficult game to call considering Swansea record at home and United have not drawn a game this season. If United put out the big guns then they should have enough to win by a goal. As both play attractive football this game should be easy on the eye and I will go for a United win by the odd goal in three.

Viva Ronaldo return

The news every united would love to hear, Ronaldo returning back to Old Trafford!

Unfortunately he will be returning with his club Real Madrid as the Champions league draw today has pitted United against Real Madrid over a 2 leg affair next year.

The interest will build up as the date approaches, with Ronaldo returning to Manchester for the second time this season having been involved in the exit of City. Also we will see the return of the special one Jose Mourinho who refers to Sir Alex as 'The boss'. There are strong rumours that Jose could replace Sir Alex so would he want to risk the wrath of Sir Alex and the United fans?

Jose had Euro success with Porto who eliminated United in 2004 which prompted the touchline celebrations which irked a few United fans. Porto went on to win the cup and that led to him landing a role with Chelsea. Revenge was gained in 2009 when United Beat Jose Inter Milan so this could be the final decider between these two great managers.

Clashes between the two have been few but have been classics. The first meeting was in 1957 where Madrid won 5-3 on agg after a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford. It was another decade before we met again and United succeeded on a 4-3 agg win after a late goal by Bill Foulkes got United to the final.

The next meeting was when United were reigning champions and after a goalless draw at the Bernabeu United were outdone by the outrageous skills of Redondo and the finishing of Raul. Real Madrid went through 3-2 on agg.

The last meeting in 2003 saw United face the galactico's of Madrid and after a punishing defeat in Madrid by 3-1, the meeting at Old Trafford saw one of the finest games. Old Ronaldo scored a hat trick for Madrid and although United won 4-3 they went out 6-5 on agg and old Ronaldo went off to a standing ovation.

Overall, Madrid have the edge over us but results suggest it will be close and this one no exception.

Cannot wait until 5th March to see the match at Old Trafford.

Manchester United 3 Sunderland 1

As Greavies said 'Footballs a funny 'ol game' and watching United on Saturday certainly fits into that category. Us United fans are never satisfied and when I think back to the dark days of the 1970s and 1980s when winning matches and leagues were not the norm.

As for Saturday, United were excellent for the first 60 minutes and the last 30 minutes felt like a struggle and on another day could have been a disaster but for some good saves by De Gea and some wayward shooting.

The first half saw United play some great football and possibly the best of the season. The main catalysts were Carrick and Cleverley in the middle. Carrick was on great form and won every ball and distributed with ease. Cleverley was now back to the form which saw him dominate the midfield like the beginning of last season and was looking confident on the ball and again did not waste possession.

United got off to a blistering start and were 2-0 up in the first 20 minutes. The first goal score saw Ashley Young pick out Van Persie in the box who in turn rifled the ball into the top corner. The second goal saw a sweeping move by United where Cleverley had the ball out wide left he then picked out Carrick who then returned the compliment to an advancing Cleverley who first time curled the ball into the net.

United were now rampant and Rooney went close twice and Van Persie also went close. It was only a luck that kept Sunderland in this game. Half time came very quickly for United and not soon enough for Sunderland. Carrick was head and shoulders above everyone and was having a stormer. The second half started and Carrick was replaced by Paul Scholes. It was a surprise to many on the terraces but Scholes is not a bad replacement. The beginning went well with Rooney again going close hitting the crossbar from a Valencia cross and when Van Persie wriggled his way past 2 defenders his squared ball was met by Rooneys toe and United now 3-0 up and cruising.

Then for some reason United took the foot of the gas and Sunderland were then allowed back into the game. united made several changes where Giggs replaced Cleverley and a welcome return of Vidic who replaced Rio Ferdinand. United didn't have the fluency of the first half and often stuttered and lost possession and Sunderland grew in confidence and for the flexibility of De Gea Sunderland could have nicked a draw!

In the end the Sunderland pressure paid off and a sloppy United defence allowed ex-United striker Frazier Campbell to nod in a header from a couple of yards for a consolation.

Overall it was three points and the lead at the top of the table still 6 points but the last half hour saw United look sloppy and unable to keep that clean sheet. Man of the match would be a toss up between Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley who were the heartbeat of United. Also Ashley Young made a useful contribution and Rooney and Van Persie were causing chaos in the Sunderland defence. A busy Christmas and new year is ahead and it is good to see a relatively fit looking squad.

Manchester United V Sunderland Preview

The last meeting between these sides conjures up bad emotions. Although United won the game 1-0, it all looked set for United to win the league, then City scored late on and the league went to the other side of Manchester. The celebrations at Sunderland was like they won the league. Sir Alex hasn't forgot and nor have the United fans.

Sunderland have been on a poor run of form until a midweek win against Reading helped relief the pressure on manager Martin O'Neill. Sunderland still have a few ex-reds namely Wes Brown, John O'Shea and Frazier Campbell. So a warm welcome will await until kick off.

Sir Alex announced that skipper Vidic will be back and with Jonny Evans out injured, it is a relief to see him back. however, spirits will be high at Old Trafford after the derby win and a 6 point lead at the top of the table. With City playing early afternoon, any negative result at City could see United stretch there lead at the top going into the festive programme.

The injury front still See's Nani and Anderson out but a full squad is available and it remains to be seen whether there will be wholesale changes for this game after the pressure of last week and the pending Christmas programme.

There is a lot of speculation in the run up to the transfer merry go around in January, that could see Nani and Hernandez go and Strootman and Lewandonski arrive. Still it is only paper talk and the fact that Sir Alex doesn't do much business during this window doesn't prevent a good gossip being printed.

In terms of the match, United never have it easy against the wearsiders with late goals usually the norm. I do expect United to win but depending on team selection it could be closer than you think.

Manchester City 2 Manchester United 3

It was a game that had everything, pure drama and an ending that only befitted a hard fought win. United sprung a few surprises in the starting line up where De Gea was reinstated back in goal and Cleverley was given the start in midfield.

Although City had the lion share of possession in the opening quarter they met a resolute United defence and all the set pieces City put in United repelled everything and even Robin van Persie put in some crucial defensive headers.

United took the lead when Van Persie and Young combined down the left and Young outpaced Kompany and shifted the ball to Rooney and with a couple of touches guided the ball past Joe Hart in the goal and United scored against the run of play.

United were now starting to get on top and City suffered a blow when Kompany had to go off and replaced by Yaya brother Kolo and in no time United went 2 up. A ball by Carrick arrived at Valencia feet and he combined with Rafael down the right. Rafael then sent in a perfect ball where Rooney met it on the run and the ball was smashed in past a stranded Joe Hart and an absence City defence.

City were under real pressure and although Aquero had a couple of weak efforts, United were on top and were snuffing any real threat. Ballotelli a surprise starter for City was non existent and only had one opportunity when Clichy burst through and squared the ball and in turn he blasted the ball wide.

The second half saw a fantastic half of football and the real turning point for City was replacing Ballotelli with Carlos Tevez. He left the field and headed down the tunnel which summed up his contribution. Tevez added a spark to city but United were still holding there own. A crucial turning point was on the 61st minute. United were pushing forward and a van Persie shot came off the post and landed at Young feet who simply guided the ball into the net, United were 3 up but the linesmen flagged offside and the TV evidence suggested he had been played onside. Within seconds City went up the field and despite a double save by De Gea, Tevez planted the ball at Yaya Toure feet and he gave City a lifeline.

Tevez had a close chance but Evra got in a timely tackle, the game was starting to get niggly with Rooney and Yaya earning yellow cards. The last 10 minutes saw a frenetic end to end, David Silva saw an effort saved by De Gea and with 4 minutes remaining City got there equaliser. A corner was cleared by van Persie and Zabaletta drilled the ball in from the edge of the penalty box. Both teams were pressing for the winner and Silva had a great chance but De Gea made another crucial save.

Four minutes of injury time was announced and United earned a free kick after hesitation between Clichy and Hart, Clichy was robbed off the ball by sub Welbeck, Carrick played a short ball to Rafael who was tripped by Tevez. The resulting free kick by Van Persie found it's way into the net via a Nasri straying leg. A poor effort by Nasri did not help Hart and the game was up for City. In the celebrations Rio Ferdinand was hit by a coin and a melee erupted in the City supporters section. Shortly after the game ended and United had stretched there lead to 6 points.

It was probably United's finest performance of the season and it would be very hard to pick a man of the match. All of the team were superb with De Gea making crucial saves. Cleverley being a major influence, Young terrorising the City defence but Rooney all round mature performance was the key to this United performance. He was a constant threat going forward and helped United all over the pitch.        

City v United update

Game started off strongly with City bossing the midfield and United looking strong at the back.

11 mins Clichy broke through the United rearguard and flicked a ball to the penalty spot where Ballotelli blazed over the bar.

16 mins Great combination between RVP and Young and the latter passed the ball to Rooney centre of goal outside of the box and he carresed the ball past Joe Hart..0-1 United

21 mins City skipper Kompany is subbed and replaced by Kolo Toure

23 mins end to end stuff with Young a slim chance and then up the field Aquero beats the United the defence but shoots weakly at De Gea

29 mins a Valencia pass to Rafael who picks out rooney unmarked in the box goal to United...0-2 United

34 mins United are enjoying more possession and Cleverley and young are stringing the passes and a Valencia and RVP one -two in the box saw RVP given offside.

43 mins game has got a bit niggly with Young and Evra being the victims of over zealous tackling, Gareth Barry had a chance but shanked the ball wide of De gea post.

45 mins Half time City 0 United 2, tactically Sir Alex has got that spot on, we have surrendered possession but the defence looks solid and the counter attacking is resulting in more clinical finishing.

49 mins game has started at a frenetic pace and United 2 centre halfs looked crocked. Jonny Evans is to be replaced by Chris Smalling but Rio Ferdinand doesn't look too clever.

52 mins Ballotelli subbed and strops down the tunnel, tevez is on.

57 mins aquero close twice in 2 minutes

61 mins Young goal wrongly disallowed, up the other end Yaya Toure scores after heroics of De gea..City 1 United 2

68 mins Tevez chance but Evra got the tackle in.

73 mins Rooney booked, City starting to put the pressure, Kolo Toure close but given offside

75 mins Yaya Toure booked for late tackle on Cleverley but the aggressor came of the worst.

78 mins RVP header after a great counter attack and Cleverley cross was perfect.

79 mins Silva shot hits De Gea and the woodwork.

85 mins Yaya off for Dzecko, Valencia off for Phil Jones City still on top and United countering.

86 mins goal zabaletta from a corner, soft goal City 2 United 2

88 mins Cleverley subbed, Welbeck on

89 mins Tevez booked and then Silva with golden chance but De gea makes save.

90 mins 4 minutes injury time to be played.

90 mins + 2 mins goal RVP free kick deflected in City 2 United 3. In the celebrations Rio hit with object and blood all over his face.

Full time City 2 United 3

City v United line up

Manchester City

Hart
Zabaletta
Kompany
Nastasic
Clichy
Y Toure
Barry
Silva
Nasri
Balotelli
Aguero

Subs

Pantilimon
Lescott
Maicon
K Toure
Javi Garcia
Tevez
Dzeko

Manchester United

De Gea
Rafael
Evans
Ferdinand
Evra
Carrick
Valencia
Cleverley
Young
Rooney
Van Persie

Subs

Johnstone
Smalling
Jones
Scholes
Giggs
Welbeck
Hernandez

City V United Preview

The Manchester derby is back again and although the hype is not the same as the last title deciding meeting there is still plenty to play for. United lead the table by three points so City need a win to overhaul United's lead at the top.

Much has been made of the Manchester derby of recent years since the large investment City received. To some the rivalry with Liverpool is still and will always be the big game but with Liverpools decline and City rise, this match is seriously becoming United's biggest game.

Some of United current and old boys have made there feelings clear with Ryan Giggs still claiming the Liverpool is still the one and Ole Solskjaer giving City the title of 'little brother'.

The game itself leaves much to ponder. City are looking strong at the back but there goal tally is well done compared to last season and for United the defence is the weak element but the attacking quality is making up for it.

City have not had a good few weeks with an early exit from Europe and falling behind in the premiership but this game is a good opportunity for them to put United to the sword. In terms of selection City have a major doubt over David Silva but otherwise they have a full squad to choose from.

United have confirmed that Vidic and Kagawa will be a week away from playing and that Anderson is going to be out until after the new year. Also with Nani and Cleverley missing, the midfield is fast losing options.

The defence and goalkeeping situation I expect to be the same. Lindegaard to remain in goal and the defence to be Evra and Rafael at full back and Rio with possibly Chris Smalling in centre defence.

The midfield will see Young and Valencia as the wide men. The centre will consist of Carrick and Fletcher as the enforcers allowing Rooney to pick off the wide men and RVP up front.

A draw will suit United and given last years result most United fans would be happy with that. However, taking the foot of the pedal doesn't always go to plan and falling behind to City could be a harder job. City have had there problems this season and the key to it is tempo. In Europe they have struggled with the attacking tempo and this has impacted on them. United in order to win this they will need to be a high tempo side unlike last seasons title decider. The key to this will be the wide men and Rooney.

How this game will go I am tempted to say this wont be a goal fest and the likely that it will be goalless or a narrow 1-0 United win!

Reading 3 Manchester United 4

Where do you start on this one. It was an amazing with 7 goals in the first 34 minutes which equalled a premiership record for goals in the first half. The attacking play was let down by the slack defending.

The game started off badly when Robson-Kanu slotted home after 8 minutes after a cross came in on the United right. Once again United were behind early on, but within 8 minutes United were not only level but were leading. The equaliser saw Ashley Young make a welcome return to form. Young made a wonderful pass to Anderson who then smashed it in at the keepers near post for the leveller. The left hand side was being productive for United and a corner made it's way to Jonny Evans who was bundled over and as a result Wayne Rooney scored with a penalty.

It all looked like United were back on track but a disastrous 4 minutes saw United surrender the lead from 2 Corners. Le Fondre and Morrison scored with headers direct from corners, both goals were pretty much unopposed and as a result Sir Alex had to change something and Rafael was taken off and the taller figure of Chris Smalling sent on. Rafael was not too happy and Sir Alex was quick to dispel that he was the scapegoat but felt with him on a booking that there was a risk of United being down to 10 men.

United responded well and decided that attack was the best form of defence. Young and Evra combined down the left hand side and Evra cross was met by Rooney on the penalty spot who made the score 3-3 on the half hour mark. United then took the lead when a delightful ball by Carrick was diverted to Van Persie via Rooney and RVP coolly slotted home to give United the lead. This lead should have been extended when RVP smashed the ball past the keeper after a Smalling header was saved, but a clearance by a defender was deemed to be OK but evidence showed the ball had gone well over the line.

The second half was tame compared to the first half and United looked a bit more assured at the back although set pieces were still a problem. Anderson played well but a hamstring injury means he is now going to be missing for 3 weeks which is bad luck as he playing well. Ashley Young at last was back to his best and his confidence seemed to grow in the first half and was more proactive in getting United forward. Wayne Rooney also played a more selfish role again and was seen attacking and defending but again United defence was under strain and the likely return of skipper Vidic this week cannot come soon enough.

In terms of man of the match Rooney and Ashley Young were the stars with Carrick and Fletcher not far behind. With the City game looming I suspect a lot of defensive work will need to be done.