Christmas Report

It was always going to be a hard act to follow but David Moyes has now had 6 months in the hotseat and the report is United are looking like there old selves, still 8 points behind leaders Liverpool but they have games against Chelsea and City there is realisation if United keep winning we could be within a win of the top spot which would certainly give heart to the fans.

The season started with a routine win at Wembley against wigan in the Community Shield and the league started with a impressive 4-1 win at Swansea where RVP and Welbeck scored spectacular goals. A draw at Old Trafford followed against Chelsea but then came a sticky period where defeats away at Liverpool and Manchester City and a Home defeat to West Brom saw the club plummet to mid table. A mini recovery ensued with the help of Januzaj two goals at Sunderland, the club was getting back on track when two successive 1-0 defeats at Old Trafford against Everton and Newcastle pushed the club back and so called fans and media turning on United like a scorned partner.

The club dusted themselves and 2 successive wins against Aston Villa and West Ham has seen the club remain 8th but only 8 points of the top spot rather than 13 points a few weeks ago.

The cup scene has seen United play some of there best football and Champions league knock out stage was relatively easy enough with impressive wins against Leverkusen including a record 5-0 away win. A second round meeting with Greek side Olympiakos should help United gain a last 8 position.

The Capital one League cup has seen United progress to the Semi Finals where wins against Liverpool, Norwich and Stoke has seen United one step away from another Wembley appearance. An early new years games against Sunderland could see a potential Manchester Derby in the final. The FA cup has seen United at Home to Swansea and the potential to progress is very much in United's favour.

Giving the Despair in early December, the end of the month has seen united still on for the Quad!.

A lot of players have been used as Moyes gets used to the new squad but there have been some impressive displays from certain players. Wayne Rooney summer distractions seem a long time ago and his displays have certainly helped United through a sticky period and kept the team going forward. De Gea in goal has been a rock at the back and looks the perfect keeper and his domination of the box and shot stopping has seen him progress to one of the best keepers in Europe.

Some players have stepped out of the shadow with Phil Jones and Danny Welbeck putting in consistent performances and Valencia and Rafael down the right looks as threatening as the days of Neville and Beckham. Jonny Evans looks to have cemented the centre half position and now looks the solid centre half as Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic demonstrated over the last few years.

There is still room for improvement, Old Trafford has seen a disappointing return and fair to say our best performances have been away from home. The fact we have scored twice as many goals on the road speaks volumes but once the home form is sorted we can only charge up the table.

Room for improvement but United are improving and Moyes looks to have got the team playing the United Way.

Tottenham Hotspur 2 Manchester United 2

Hard to say at this stage whether one point gained or two dropped but now falling 9 points behind leaders Arsenal and with tricky games against in form Everton and Newcastle, there isn't much scope to drop any more points certainly before the end of the year.

It was an absorbing game with both going for the win and United lined up with an attacking formation with RVP still injured Kagawa doing the link between midfield and forward departments. Cleverley made a rare start in the middle with Jones and Valencia and Welbeck adopting the wide roles it looked full of attacking intent.

The game saw both teams going for the jugular particularly Kagawa enjoying a fine spell on the pitch but it was spurs who took the lead. A free kick by Kyle Walker was thumped under the jumping wall and deceived De Gea in goal and Spurs took the lead. United's goal led a charmed life for 10 minutes when a penalty appeal was waved away and Lennon and Soldado both should have scored but United gathered themselves and duly equalised. Jones won an important ball and the ball was delivered into the box Walker made a hash of it and Rooney steamed in to give United an equaliser. United finished the half stronger but honours were justifiably even.

The second half was much the same with both teams craving a win and Sandro set the ball rolling with a 25 yard shot which flew into the net and Spurs once again in front. However, the lead was only a few minutes when Welbeck was clean through and was taking out by Lloris and a penalty and yellow card was the punishment. Rooney despatched the penalty down the middle and United back in the game.

United tried hard to press home and Young and Hernandez were introduced but unfortunately combination of good spurs defending and the linesman flag kept United out.

A good game but ultimately like last weekend only a point gained. United are getting hard to beat but not exactly getting the win ratio up.

Man of the match had to be Wayne Rooney, back to his old self and unselfish running and ruthless finishing.

Bayer Leverkusen 0 Manchester United 5

Mission accomplished. When Moyes took over his main targets were League title and Champions league progression. The League is looking ok but still behind the pace of the North London club but the champions league has been a relative smooth passage and United are through to the knockout stage with a game to spare.

As it turned out it was United's best performance of the campaign with a ruthless destruction of Germany's second best club side!

There were many star performers but Giggs, Rooney and Valencia were on top form ably assisted by Kagawa.

Leverkusen were on top early on but Kagawa set the ball rolling with a great tackle in midfield and his lay off to Rooney wide left saw the striker cross the ball and Valencia sneaking in the back to direct the ball off the post for the lead.

United were not finished and a Rooney free kick was played into the dangerous area and unfortunately Leverkusen decided to give United a 2 goal advantage although Smalling tried to put some claim on the goal.

The second half saw United pile on the misery and Giggs and Rooney were the architects of this mauling for the Germans. Goal number three duly arrived when a corner was met by Rooney whose shot was parried out but the lethal Jonny Evans was on hand to guide the ball in for his first of the season.

Rooney was again involved in number four when he received another good ball by Kagawa and his lofted the ball over the keeper and defender for Smalling to tap into a empty net. Great team work and a simple goal.

The best was kept for last when Giggs received the ball from Anderson and as quick as a flash he drifted the ball into the path of Nani who beat the keeper and with a difficult angle somehow produced a fine finish also his first of the season and hopefully get his season going. 

The net result was United have gone through to the knockout stage and a draw against Shakhtar will ensure top spot. Also it was United biggest away win in the champions league and Giggs nearing his 40th Birthday turned in a wonderful performance in the midfield with Phil Jones and Kagawa drifting between the midfield and striker berths.

Also Evans and Smalling looked comfortable at centre half and De Gea pulled off some crucial saves. All round a wonderful display despite the set back of the dodgy plane landing earlier.

Next up Tottenham away. 

Cardiff City 2 Manchester United 2

It was the first meeting between these two clubs in almost 40 years and the game did not disappoint in terms of a spectacle.

The talking point after the game was the non red card for Wayne Rooney for his kick out very early in game. A similar incident in a England shirt saw him gain a red but on this occasion he merited only a yellow. He was lucky to get away with but as often the case minutes later he rubbed the noses in it further by scoring the opening goal of the game.

Again United started very well but seem at the moment not to kill off the opposition and that is what is frustrating some United fans. United were eventually punished when ex-United Frazier Campbell pounced on a opportunity and put the ball past De Gea for the equaliser.

This seem to spur United on and there rewards was a Rooney corner that was met by Evra and United had the lead on the stroke of half time. Evra scored a few goals like this last season and it seems Cardiff hadn't watched the videos when dealing with United corners.

The second half saw Cardiff apply more pressure on United and we seemed settled on holding for the slender lead but that was shot to pieces in injury time when a free kick was whipped and some slack defending saw Cardiff equalise in stoppage time.

There was time for United to respond and somehow Rooney made a hash of a through ball to Welbeck who had the goal at this mercy.

The centre of midfield came in for some stick with Cleverley and Felliani failing to command the area and Cardiff seem to have the upper hand in the second half.

A draw on balance was a fair result and the unbeaten run continues for United.

Next Up Bayer Leverkusen.

Manchester United 1 Arsenal 0

Sunday saw a good old fashioned encounter between these two clubs. The fixture has been neglected over the last few years mainly due to Arsenal not pushing for the title but there is a real chance this Arsenal team could clinch the title in a league they have pretty much dominated this season.

The old ground was rocking in anticipation and the Stretford End was in good voice as was the rest of the stadium and there was a real sense of occassion for this much anticipated clash. United made several changes with Chris Smalling returning at Right Back and Phil Jones in the central midfield position. This game saw two young men rise in stature.

The first was David DeGea who made a string of fine saves and his overall dominance to any high ball that came into the box. HE made some vital clearances and one in particular took out Vidic and put him in hospital. There are not many that can put Vidic in hospital!

Phil Jones also had a fine display in a United shirt he continually won ball in the midfield and rarely wasted a ball. HE also made some forward runs and was a thorn in the Arsenal team. When Vidic was taken off, he stepped back to Central defence and was as equally effective and pretty much blunted any Arsenal attack that came his way.

The first half saw United play some great football as Arsenal looked strangely subdued. It was United that made the first and only breakthrough when a Rooney cross was viciously whipped in and Vermaelan cleared for a corner, the subsequent corner by Rooney was met by RVP and his header flew over Gibbs head on the post and United had the lead on 27 minutes. Rooney and RVP tormented the Arsenal defence with there movement and these two are now the looking the real deal. United had several chances to kill of the game with Rooney going close and Smalling near the end of the game but his effort didn't trouble the scorers.

The second half saw Arsenal dominate possession but rarely threatened the goal apart from a couple of crosses which were not converted despite the best attentions of Giroud and Bendnter. It was a vital 3 points as United pushed the difference to 5 points and with City and Tottenham losing United climbed to the dizzy heights of 5th position and are in a good position to move up the table. 

Man of the match had to be Phil Jones for his overall play and adapting to change of positions so quickly.

Next up for United after the International break is Cardiff City away. 

Real Sociedad 0 Manchester United 0

The unbeaten run still continues but United possibly have made qualification a tad touchy with 2 games to go. United are still top but face a trip to Leverkusen and then a nervy final home game against Shakhtar.

Whilst other premiership clubs seem to be finding there free flowing football, United are still trying to find there feet this season and this game summed up the season. They didn't play bad but hardly inspiring either.

This Sociedad team were there for taking and unfortunately two of the inform strikers Hernandez and RVP didn't quite find there shooting boots. Hernandez missed a guilt edged chance from 5 yards with the goal gaping following good work from Kagawa. RVP hit the post twice first when he met a Young cross and hit the same post again when a penalty was saved and deflected onto the post.

The penalty was harsh on Sociedad but if you give the ref a choice then you are asking for trouble. Two players seemed to have come in for harsh critic and Ashley Young for taking a dive again and Fellaini for his 2 yellows and a ultimate red card. Fellaini is struggling at the moment and it's a bit early to write him off  his early performances for Everton were the same then he grew into the role and team and I do expect him to take time and develop himself into a top player. It was good that gigs was beside him to nuture him and I only expect better things.

United again looked strong at the back and with a water tight defence then surely we can attack with more vigour. Rooney had an off day but given his run of games he was due one and hopefully back to form against Arsenal.

Not a great night for United but another learning curve for Moyes and his boys. Next up Arsenal at home.

Fulham 1 Manchester United 3

Sometimes in football things just click and Saturday afternoon on the Thames saw United put in a convincing first half that United fans excited about what was to follow. The second half saw a different display but the result still remained a united win.

The first 25 minutes saw United rip open Fulham apart and the partnership of Rooney and RVP was at it's most merciless best.

United took an early lead when Rooney breached the offside line and his cool cross was met by Tony Valencia who had the task off driving it into the net for a lead, Rooney again then played in RVP whose shot was smashed in at the near post. Fulham had a chance when a delightful Parker pass found ex-United Berbatov but Rafael was quick and smart to read the danger and put out for a corner. RVP then returned the compliment to Rooney and he found himself with a tap in and United 3-0 up in no time.

The game for United slowed down with the injuries to Evans, Rafael and Cleverley and all replaced at half time, the fluency of the first half was replaced by the more solid look and protect and hold. Fulham did breach the net once with a deflection of Rooney and Darren Bent went close when he hit the cross bar but United held on comfortably and the 3 points were in the bag and a second successive away win to get the season going. The game ended on a bad note when Sascha Riether decided to take his frustration on Januzaj exposed leg, it was not seen by the officials but the FA have taken up the case!

United remain 8th but only 3 points behind second placed Chelsea! despite the bad start things are starting to look up but more worryingly that City and next league opponents Arsenal look like they are just clicking into gear. November is a big month with so many big games and none more than the Arsenal at Old Trafford 10th November.

Manchester United 4 Norwich City 0

In front of a crowd of just under 59,000 United eased into the quarter finals with a comfortable win over Norwich to extend there unbeaten run to 6 games. It was a much changed United line up with many players doing themselves no harm.

Two-goal Chicharito wasn't the only player to shine as the youngsters Adnan Januzaj and Wilfried Zaha both excelled, whilst at the back the old guard of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic returned to the defence to oversee a clean sheet.

United had much the better of the play throughout, with Januzaj and Zaha both prominent in attack. The former played the no.10 role with presence and panache and the latter threatened frequently on the right in his second appearance for the Reds - his first start since August Charity Shield appearance.

Zaha set the tone after 13 minutes with a teasing cross for Hernandez, whose shot on the spin was deflected wide. Chicharito twice went close with first-half headers but his, and United's, opening goal came from the spot.

Januzaj jinked one way and another in the box and Leroy Fer clumsily clipped his heels. Chicharito confidently sent Norwich keeper Mark Bunn the wrong way to give United the lead.

Chicharito added to his tally after the break as he headed home at the second attempt from Alex Büttner's inviting cross on 53 minutes, while Anders Lindegaard made a good save from Robert Snodgrass' header, one of the few occasions he was called into action. The game was delayed for 10 minutes as Snodgrass was carried off with a bad looking neck injury but hopefully he will get the all clear soon.

 Phil Jones added gloss to his own impressive midfield display by volleying a Zidane type goal for  United's third on 87 minutes and in the fourth of 11 added minutes substitute Fabio bundled home the ball in a one-on-one with Bunn.

It was a wonderful display full of attacking intent and hopefully now the team can gain confidence and push on.

Manchester United 3 Stoke City 2

Another nervy win at home for United but ultimately 3 points were gained and some much restored pride.

The weekend main talking point was not the way United clawed there way back in the time old fashion of Ferguson days but was the booing of the team and certain individuals. I stood on the Stretford End and could not believe my ears the booing of the team at Half time. Granted, they were not at there fluent best but the booing was not required especially as the team had just fallen behind 2-1.

Nani in particular got the flak of many and was his worst performance in a United shirt but the lad needs encouragement not jeers. His substitution again was greeted with relief and I cant say he will ever play again given the intensity of hatred he received.

We are going through a sticky spell but we need to stick together and get behind United. The match again was a game of two halves, the first half saw Stoke the dominant team and take the lead through Peter Crouch. United huffed and puffed but couldn't blow the house down, De Gea made a crucial save from Walters and United equalised near half time when Nani cross saw Rooney's header saved but RVP bang in the rebound. 60 seconds later a rash challenge from Jones saw the resultant free kick end up in the net with De Gea.

The second half was a lot better and Janusaj and Valencia making a big difference on for the ineffective Cleverley and Nani and a late burst by United saw them rescue the game and the three points.

A corner was met by Rooney whose glancing header ended up in the net and less than 90 seconds later a wonderful Evra cross was met by a unmarked Chico in the box who had the task of heading the ball into a unguarded net.

The relief at the end was audible and only 2nd home win in the league this season. This could be the kick start the team needed. Still 8 points behind Arsenal but they still have to play Liverpool and Then United at Old Trafford so who knows by end of November we could be sitting top and laughing about the past few months.

Manchester United 1 Southampton 1

Saturday late equaliser and the rain downpour that followed as I left the ground did nothing to cancel the disappointment of another late goal against United.

We have been the architects of many a team downfall with late goals but United particularly at Old Trafford are falling victim to the United way.

It is easy to be negative and blame everyone or Moyes in this case but United are going through a sticky patch and we need to stick together. Saturday performance was a marked improvement on the West Brom performance but it is our inability to finish off teams is of concern particularly as Arsenal, City and Chelsea seem to have hit the right notes.

The defence looked solid with Jones and Evans at the centre half berth but Evra positioning at times was not great whether Januzaj is not covering maybe a factor but Ronaldo was also not a defender so we need men to attack. Rafael was great going forward and him and Nani were a constant thorn in Southampton very tight defence.

The midfield saw Carrick and Fellani fill the middle and again some people seem to be taking it out on Fellani. He played well  along side Carrick and won his fair share of headers and tackles but you can't help feeling we do need a Paul Scholes clone to start the team ticking over and moving the ball forward with purpose.

Upfront Rooney and Van Persie started and although they both did well it was noticeable that Rooney was not at his optimum best after two great games for England over the week. Some quarters said he should have not played but with Chico coming back from a long trip then perhaps Rooney was the sensible choice. RVP played but increasingly found himself trailing back to get the ball to get the things going. Not the best use of talents.

We could bemoan the luck we had, where we hit the crossbar twice and Boruc pulled off a couple of fine saves, it was easy to say that United could have been 4 up but the nature of the game is if you don't take chances then it will usually bite you on the backside.

To there credit Southampton played very well and Wanyama was a integral part of that display. They played very tight controlled game and United got very little space. Januzaj through ball to Rooney was well saved by Boruc but the rebound fell to RVP who guided it into the net.

De Gea made some good saves but could do nothing about the corner and the goal that followed. It was sloppy but Southampton did deserve something for there endeavour.

The pressure is now on with United already 8 points behind leaders Arsenal with there game coming up soon. It was noticeable that some substitutions were a bit odd and smelt of hanging on rather than extending the lead but Moyes needs win and felt that this was the best option at the time. It didn't work out but winning is important and sometimes attack is the best form of defence for United.

Next up is a distraction from League football where we entertain Real Sociedad, followed by Stoke at the weekend. United!

Sunderland 1 Manchester United 2

They say in politics a week is a long time and this must also how United Fans, players and management feel.

A week last Saturday saw United humbled at home by West Bromwich Albion, take nothing away from West Brom who deservedly won the game, we then had a long trip to Ukraine to see United put up a spirited display and come away with a 1-1 draw and last night saw a tricky visit to the stadium of light.

Although it has been troubled over the last few weeks with some 'united fans' demanding Moyes go and Sir Alex come back are starting to irritate me. Last night we saw a 18 year old light up United and push United towards victory.

Like previous managers like Sir Matt and Sir Alex, they believed in giving youth a chance and Moyes handed a first start to Adnan Januzaj and the boy did brilliant. United looked a strong outfit last night but got off to a disastrous start when a cross cleared by Jones but Vidic made a hash off the return ball and Gardiner steamed in to smash the ball past De Gea within 5 minutes. It could have been two five minutes later but Jones recovered after his mistake and put in a good tackle.

United had chances mainly long range where Nani and Januzaj went close but not tested Westwood in goal. Sunderland went close again where De Gea made a fantastic save and some woeful shooting meant United only trailed by the goal.

The second half was the Januzaj show and although he was booked for a dive in the box within 6 minutes he had scored 2 fantastic goals.

The first saw him drive United forward and his ball to Evra was crossed in and he met the ball and stroked it home within a small angle to level the game. His second was a delight when Nani put in a cross which was cleared by O'Shea but only as far as Januzaj and he struck with unerring accuracy past a busy Westwood in goal.

United got back that swagger that had been missing and Carrick and Cleverley were starting to influence the midfield again. Rooney and RVP were starting to get the ball to feet and were causing constant problems in the Sunderland defence.

Vidic and Jones looked solid after a shaky start and De Gea again is looking the real deal. United are clawing there way back and now only 6 points of the top considering the start they have had. There is hope and certainly Januzaj has put a smile back on the United's fan faces.

I expect him to feature strongly because he is a direct player with confidence and skills and an eye for goal. Man of the match Januzaj followed by De Gea save. The international break strikes again and next up is inform Southampton at Old Trafford.

United V Liverpool

Line up for tonight's Capital One Cup

United: De Gea, Rafael, Smalling, Evans, Buttner, Jones, Giggs, Nani, Kagawa, Rooney and Hernandez
subs: Amos, Anderson, Fabio, Carrick, Welbeck, Zaha, Januzaj

Liverpool: Mignolet, Toure, Skrtel, Sakho, Enrique, Gerrard, Lucas, Henderson, Moses, Suarez, Sturridge
subs: Jones, Alberto, Aspas, Sterling, Ibe, Kelly, Wisdom

Rooney named as Skipper for United tonight. His past performances over the last few weeks have warranted this honour.

They have previously met 4 times in the league cup with Liverpool victorious on 3 occasions

The meetings were

1983 Final Liverpool 2 United 1
1985 4th round Liverpool 2 United 1
1990 3rd Round United 3 Liverpool 1
2003 Final Liverpool 2 United 0

Updates to follow..........

Cagey enough start by both but United pressing forward more.

3 mins Nani decides to let rip and shot deflected for a United Corner.

7 mins Liverpool danger cleared and good work between Kagawa and Nani tee up rooney whose shot is deflected for a corner.

9 mins Kagawa and Nani looking very inventive and a good combination down the left sees a Kagawa shot tamely saved by Mignolet.

11 mins more Liverpool danger averted and a great Rooney turn and pass to Kagawa see his final effort limp into the box. United playing well.

12 mins Liverpool corner cleared and United counter with Nani causing real problems.

19 mins real end to end stuff with both sides putting the pressure on, a good move sees Nani pass into box grabbed by Mignolet.

27 mins a real dominant spell by Liverpool where Sturridge and Suarez had good chances.

29 mins United relief the pressure as Hernandez earns a corner.

the latter half of the first half was real end to end but with no real end product.

Half time: United 0 Liverpool 0

Second half begins

46 mins early corner by United and Rooney cross met by Hernandez at Stretford End.
UNITED 1 LIVERPOOL 0

49 mins Liverpool threaten again and Rooney has an effort go close but penalised for handball.

55 mins Henderson goes close for Liverpool then down the other end he appears to clip Nani in the box but sensibly no penalty given.

59 mins another Liverpool corner but quick clearance to Hernandez who feeds Kagawa onto Nani but his shot goes wide, great move by United.

64 mins mazy run by Kagawa and his shot at goal beats Mignolet but strikes the crossbar. Great effort.

71 mins De gea pulls of stunning save from a Moses point blank header.

72 mins more Liverpool pressure and a Suarez free kick hits the crossbar via Phil Jones head.

74 mins Januzaj and Carrick on for Kagawa and Hernandez.

75 mins Rafael taken down cynically outside the box, free kick to United. Mignolet denies Rooney twice first from free kick then a shot following a corner.

80 mins end to end and Giggs runs through then tripped Rooney takes on the baton but his shot deflected into Mignolet arms.

A great end to match with both sides going at it.

90 mins Welbeck replaces Nani.

Full Time UNITED 1 LIVERPOOL 0

City V United

Team line up

United: De Gea, Smalling, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Carrick, Fellani, Valencia, Young, Rooney and Welbeck

Subs: Amos, Evans, Hernandez, Cleverley, Kagawa, Nani, Buttner

City: Hart, Zabletta, Kompany, Nastasic, Kolarov, Toure, Fernandinho, Navas, Nasri, Aguero, Negredo

Subs: Pantilimon, Richards, Lescott, Milner, Dzeko, Javi Garcia, Jovetic

United missing RVP due to injury! 

16 seconds and Welbeck gathers Kompany loose pass but the shot is weak and a goal kick

Confident start by United but a city corner on 3 minutes but danger cleared.

Centre backs having problems this afternoon, Vidic passes straight to Navas whose shot goes over the bar.

5 minutes Nastasic in the book for an assault on Smalling.

10 minutes Kolarov cross hit with pace but cleared by Vidic for a corner.

City on top but United holding firm in Midfield and Defence.

Pressure tells and Aguero score from close in City 1-0 up. Game on

United corner but City break and Nasri goes close with a volley.

23 minutes and a rare United attack sees Rooney offside when played in.

City are on top of this and United missing the guile of RVP in this tight encounter.

24 mins and Kolorov is causing major problems and nearly a penalty award but corner given.

28 mins and Valencia finally beats Kolorov but meets Nastascic.

30 mins Rooney booked but seemed a soft one that.

31 mins first bit of sustained pressure from United holding the ball for over a minute but a linesman flag breaks it up.

37 mins United starting to get a grip Fellani winning plenty and a Evra cross at near post sees Welbeck barge into Hart.

39 mins United attack breaks down and City attack but a wasteful shot by Negredo.

42 mins Valencia tries a shot but goes harmlessly wide, United just cant get going up front.

44 mins Ashley Young not having his best half and his pass a bit too strong for Welbeck following a United free kick.

Injury time City corner and a unmarked Toure smashes home. United a shambles on that corner.

Half Time City 2 United 0.

No changes at half time

Game starts.

3-0 city Aguero, United blown apart and no coming back on this performance.

49 mins 4-0 City Nasri  cracking volley and United have no answer.

Cleverley on for Young Damaged limitations, an absolute damming performance.

55 mins Rooney great chance to reduce arrears but balloons over. Prior to that Vidic clearance prevents a 5th goal!

60 mins a Welbeck deflected shot hardly troubles Hart.

63 mins United adding pressure but free kick doesn't go over wall and resulting cross Fellaini is penalised. City well and truly on top.

66 mins more United pressure but Welbeck shot well off the pace.

68 mins Fellaini receives ball from Smalling and Hart pulls off a great save, Corner to United.  

70 mins Valencia booked for going down too easy in the box.

72 mins Negredo goes close but score still 4-0 City!

78 mins ~United struggling to get any momentum and Rooney gives the ball away on edge of City box after dithering for too long. Dzeko pulls away and De Gea makes a great save.

80 mins Evra header from corner hits post, United no luck today.

87 mins fabulous free kick by Rooney, 4-1 City.

Rooney the all time leading scorer in Manchester Derbies.

88mins Rooney tries another long range effort but well wide.

Injury time Dzeko goes close again.

Full Time City 4 United 1



  

Manchester Derby

Today is the 166th Manchester derby and United lead the victory count with 69 to City 46. Ryan Giggs has made the most appearances with 36 and Wayne Rooney and Franny Lee the leading scorers with 10.

United's record at the Etihad one defeat in the last but crucially it was the one that handed City the title Initative in 2012. United won on the last visit by 3-2 with RVP scoring an injury time winner.

Overall at City home ground United have 27 wins compared to City 23.

Todays match will be a avoid defeat today as both teams have already lost one league game this season and losing another will seriously dent even at this early stage title credentials. Early to say but given Moyes and Pellegrini first Manchester neither will want to lose. Pellegrini record against United is only with Villareal where we played FOUR nil-nil draws!

Updates to follow!!

Manchester United 4 Bayer Leverkusen 2

First champions league game of the season did not disappoint with United taking big strides towards qualification to the knock out stages.

United again started with Rooney and RVP up front with Valencia and Kagawa supporting from the flanks and I have to say it looked a formidable attacking unit and one Leverkusen failed to combat.

Controversy surrounded the first goal where an offside Valencia blocked the keeper as Rooney blasted the ball high into the net for a deserved lead. Carrick and Fellani held the midfield together and United looked strong.

Rooney was proving a constant thorn in Leverkusen side and the second half saw Rooney take the ball of the defender and he comfortably rounded the keeper and the goal gaping he missed the goal with RVP waiting in the middle and moments later a possible 2-0 lead was turned into a 1-1 where defensive lapses saw a Leverkusen equaliser.

However, a spirited United took the lead again when a Valencia cross was met by RVP and the Leverkusen keeper hardly covered himself in glory and fumbled the ball into the net for a United lead.

Rooney made amends for the earlier miss when he latched onto a defensive mix up and this time rather than round the keeper he simply showed him the eyes and placed the ball into the net for a 3-1 lead.

The fourth goal was the best and United at it's best. A Leverkusen corner was beaten out and RVP nicked the ball to Young who ran down the wing and with one touch passed to Rooney in the middle and Rooney stroked the ball in to the path of Valencia whose shot was too strong for the keeper and a 4-1 lead was the result.

The game then drifted only for Leverkusen to score form a corner which was needlessly given away and the goal needlessly conceded.

A solid game for United and it looked like the shackles came off the team and a four goal blast was a good response.

Many men of the match but once again Rooney was the pick with Valencia a close second.

Manchester United 2 Crystal Palace 0

David Moyes will be encountering a lot of firsts in the next few months but his first ever win at Old Trafford will come as a relief to him as the season starts in it's usual frenetic pace.

A lot of the talking points was the Ashley Young diving and Rooney making a rare start following the closure of the transfer window. He came wearing a headguard which seemed to make light work of the injury which kept him out of the England games.

In truth Palace offered very little and were content to sit back and hold the United tide. United looked busy but did little to penetrate the Palace back line and Carrick and Anderson in the midfield area were looking the busier but sadly Anderson performance drifted off.

United had two penalty shouts first with Evra bursting through but no penalty given and then Young dangled his leg out for a knock but unfortunately for him the ref was more cuter and promptly booked him.

Young was again the eye in the storm for the first goal when he burst through only to be clipped outside the box. The ref after consultation gave a penalty and sent off the offender. RVP coolly stepped up and put united in the lead. Prior to that he met a fantastic pass from Rooney and his volley rattled the cross bar.

The second half saw the league debuts of two Belgians Fellani and Januzaj. Both made telling contributions with Fellani plugging the gaps in the middle and taking time to rifle a shot which the Palace keeper managed to save, also Januzaj made a number of twisting runs very similar to Ronaldo debut all those years ago.

Januzaj was also fouled near the end of the game and the resulting free kick saw Rooney place superbly into the net to give United that extra security. The game petered out and United a first home win of the season.

Not a great advert of a game but Rooney and Carrick were the outstanding performers with Januzaj adding a bit of excitement in the last 20 minutes.

Next league game City away!

Champions League Draw Update

The draw for the champions league has been completed for United and on paper it is a tough one but they should progress. The teams involved are Shakhtar Donetsk, Bayer Leverkusen and Real Sociedad. Fixtures to be confirmed shortly.

United have not played Shakhtar or Sociedad before but have previous against Leverkusen where they defeated United in the Semi finals on away goals to progress to the final in 2002. In fact United have played them four times in the champions league beating them twice in the group stage the following season. Both seasons we have met them we have ended up as Semi Finalists.

Manchester United 0 Chelsea 0

As usual a lot of hype goes on for this match but this particular game was different. It was David Moyes first home game, Jose Mourinho first away trip as Chelsea manager and of course the Rooney debate hanging over the game with will he leave or stay at United.

The Rooney debate was on the evidence shown seemed to be put to bed with him starting alongside RVP and put in a credible performance which only lacked a goal. The United fans in general were very supportive and whether that is enough to keep him who knows but it is up to Wayne now.

The main talking point before the game started was Chelsea deploying a no striker formation, whether this was aimed at Rooney to come and join Stamford Bridge or Jose desire not to lose the game so early in the season.

The first half hour saw United dominate but did little to penetrate the Chelsea backline that was well marshalled by old foe John Terry. Rooney had the first real chance but his shot was well saved by Cech in goal. Cleverley then had a long range effort that just fizzed past the post but the first half saw lots of midfield battles and the forwards getting little response aside Rooney who seemed to link the midfield and forward line very well.

The hour mark saw United's best chance when Rooney fed in form Danny Welbeck but his shot was too high and the chance had passed. Moments later Gary Cahill had a long range effort smashed in but De Gea was up to the test and held on. Seconds later Schurrle was clean through and hit the crossbar but the effort would have been ruled out for offside.

United started to put the pressure on and the resultant shot of Cleverley struck Lampard hand in the box but in truth it was very hard for him to get out of the way and seemed less obvious than John Terry effort the previous game against Aston Villa. The same incident happened again when in the closing minutes RVP shot smacked Mikel in the arm but the ref again waved play on. The game ended with United on the attack but Chelsea held out and the points shared.

A hard earned point but Chelsea refusal to play more expansive meant United had great difficulty breaking down Chelsea. United man of the match was Wayne Rooney for his all round effort and application.

Next up for United, Liverpool Away!!!!

Swansea City 1 Manchester United 4

In the end it turned out to be a wonderful debut start for David Moyes following the Ferguson era but on paper it looked a tricky enough game. This was United's third visit to south Wales and they came out last season with a scrappy draw but this season opener saw United not exactly at there best but did enough to be more clinical in front of goal.

The main talking point yet again was Wayne Rooney who started life under Moyes as with Everton on the bench. The storymakers were making headlines again out of nothing but at least we had a match to look forward to.

United went in with a 4 - 5 - 1 formation with RVP leading the charge and being supported by Welbeck and Valencia. The midfield trio saw player coach Giggs, Carrick and Cleverley and the defence was as last season backed up by the ever improving De Gea.

The match saw Swansea have plenty of possession but United seemed to have the cutting thrust and this was perfectly illustrated on the half hour when giggs lobbed a ball into the penalty box and RVP controlled the high ball and volleyed into the net for the lead and just as Swansea were still recovering from that body blow and Evra cross into the box was eventually met by Valencia at the back stick and he tapped across the box for Welbeck to glide in for a 2-0 lead.

Valencia who dropped the number 7 shirt this season seemed to be back to his old best of getting the ball and delivering the ball to the forwards. The second half saw Swansea again enjoy possession and they tested De Gea early on but he stood up to the barrage on goal and then we saw the appearance of Rooney to a warm reception by the United faithful.

It was Wayne who provided the ammo for RVP and his run coupled with Welbeck and Rooney drifting wide allowed RVP to drill the ball home from the edge of the box to give United a 3-0 lead. Swansea to there credit never gave up and were rewarded with a goal by Bony after a Welbeck mistake. However, Welbeck would make up after a great through ball by Rooney and he chipped over the keeper to give United a 3 goal advantage.

A solid display but again all the headlines were about Rooney but thankfully the display overshadowed that news debate.

Next up for United is Chelsea for the first game at Old Trafford for David Moyes, also we may hear about Jose!!

Manchester United 2 Wigan Athletic 0

A strange start to the season with no Sir Alex at the helm and it does feel a bit strange and the reality is now hitting home.

This was United's first visit to Wembley without Sir Alex since August 1985 when United lost 2-0 to Everton in the then named Charity Shield. It was a surreal moment seeing David Moyes leading the team out but by the end of the 90 minutes he had led his team to the trophy or shield and help get the trophy trail up and running.

The game felt like a pre season friendly rather than a full blown game which they have encountered over the last few years against City and Chelsea but Wigan did give United a few scares but ultimately RVP was the main man again and I suspect he will be for the season until the Rooney saga is sorted out one way or the other.

United went with a 4-5-1 formation with Welbeck and Zaha providing ample support for RVP. The midfield saw the ageless Giggs start with Carrick and Cleverley and the defence looked strong with Rafael, Vidic, Jones and Evra backed by the ever improving David De Gea.

United got off to a perfect start when a Evra cross was met by a superb header by RVP which drifted past Carson in goal and from that United took control. Rafael looked to have a great connection with Zaha down the flanks but a injury forced him off and Smalling stepped in to provide ample support.

In truth were rarely breached only a Smalling mis judgement gave McClean a sniff but no more. Another early goal in the second half by RVP via Jamie Perch foot doubled United's lead and cue the ring of changes to rest legs and give youth a chance to shine.

A confident looking start for Moyes who seemed reluctant to be involved in the trophy celebration. In truth he knows the hard work starts next week at Swansea. There are still a few things to ponder such as Rooney and also the possibility of new faces but United looked strong and although are writing off United, they still are the team to beat.  

Brian Greenhoff

It's been quite a few weeks at United with the retirements of Sir Alex and Paul Scholes and the coming home of the Premiership title and the under 21s winning the Premiership title in dramatic style but came the sad news of Brian Greenhoff sudden death.

The younger ones will probably not know who he was but Brian came to United in the late 1960s as a trainee and one of the last exports of the Busby Babes production that arrived into the United first team. I started supporting United around 1977 and he was part of that team that won the FA cup against Liverpool and helped prevent them from doing the treble.

My memories of him are still clear he started as a midfielder but ended up playing as a centre half and formed a defensive rock with skipper Martin Buchan and was an old style defender who gave as much as he received. He would always give a 100% when wearing the shirt and even in the relegation season he was awarded the supporters player of the year. For a defender he did score some spectacular goals. Two memories his long range volley at Old Trafford against West Brom in that infamous 5-3 defeat and he also scored a fantastic lob against Liverpool in the 1979 FA Cup semi final at Maine Road. The game ended as a draw but United won the replay and he starred again in a FA Cup final.

He made his debut under Tommy Docherty and his form earned him 18 caps for England. In terms of honours the 1970s was a lean period for United, but he played his part in getting United promoted back to the first division. He also played in the losing 1976 FA Cup final, He won the 1977 FA Cup final and was a sub in the 1979 FA Cup final where he played a small part in the '5 minute final' where United were 2 down with 5 minutes to go, they scored and equalised only to lose with the last kick off the game.

Shortly after that game, Brian was sold to Leeds United for £350,000 and went back to his Yorkshire roots. He played 271 games for United and scored 17 goals.

Rest in peace Brian.

West Bromwich Albion 5 Manchester United 5

Sir Alex last game in charge and Paul Scholes last appearance on the field and a 10 goal thriller to finish off.

Any other occasion and I am sure that the hairdryer may have been used at full time but with the league won it was a time to let the hair down.

United as expected made a few changes with Lindegaard and Buttner starting in the defensive unit and Tony Valencia playing at right back. The changes seemed to work a treat as United raced into a 2 goal lead via Kagawa 6th goal of the season and a own goal by Olsson inside the first 9 minutes and it seemed a routine enough verdict when left back Buttner rifled in via a Cleverley ball past a shell shocked ex-United keeper Ben Foster.

Hernandez missed a good chance then West Brom pulled one back when Buttner lost possession and James Morrison met the ball to give West Brom hope at half time.

The second half saw a crazy 6 goals scored and Chelsea loanee Lukaku come on for West Brom and he instantly made an impact when is speculative shot squirmed through Lindegaard hands and the deficit was only one goal. West Brom joy was shortlived as RVP stabbed home a Valencia cross to restore United 2 goal lead and his 30th goal of the season. Giggs came on for his cameo role and he instantly made an impact when his cross beat Foster and left Hernandez a simple tap in to give United a 5-2 lead and 3 points one assumed!

However, West Brom dug deep and in the 81st minute they managed to score 2 goals through Lukaku dominant run and Mulumbu meeting a cross to reduce the arrears to one goal and 8 minutes still to play. Paul Scholes had come on and on his final game received a yellow card as the pressure was being put on United. 4 minutes to go Lukaku had sent the place crackers when he stabbed home from close range to make the score 5-5.

The last few minutes saw frantic attacking and defending but in the end the score remained 5-5 and what a fitting way for Sir Alex to bow out of football.

In the end United won the league by 11 points and had the same stats as last season 28 wins, 5 draws and 5 defeats but there was no agonising last minute title loss. United deserved the applause of the crowd and Fergie bows out as a champion.

David Beckham - end it like Beckham

It feels like United fans could do with a helpline with all the retirements that have happened this week but the end of Beckham still has a affinity with the United fans.

Like many players that leave United there career usually goes downhill but Beckham showed some resilience and reinvented and his career maintained it's high level with title wins in France, Spain and USA.

His stats for United were impressive:-

United appearances         394
United goals                      85
England appearances       115
England goals                    17

Premiership titles                 6
FA Cup                                2
FA community shield          4
FA Youth cup                      1
UEFA champions league     1
FIFA world club                  1

He also holds some fantastic feats such as first English man to win titles in 4 different countries, first England player to score in 3 different world cup Finals and first British player to get to 100 appearances in the UEFA champions league.

He made his debut for United in 1992 in the league cup against Brighton and signed a professional contract shortly afterwards. He made his league debut in 1995 against Leeds United following a spell on loan at Preston. That summer saw a number of United players exit the club and the new brood of young players were drafted in including Beckham and they started the season in a 3-1 defeat at Villa and prompting Alan Hansen on match of the day to say 'you'll win nothing with kids' that season ended with United completing the double!

He has had some memorable moments at United including the halfway line goal on the opening 96-97 season against Wimbledon. He was a pivotal figure in the treble season in 1999 after returning to England from the world cup as the most hated figure in the country (How fickle fans can be- he was a hero 4 years later dragging England into the world cup!). He set up countless goals for Yorke, Cole, Sheringham and Solksjaer. He scored the crucial goal in the game United had to win to win the league against Tottenham.

In Europe he really excelled with some fantastic goals I remember against Barcelona and Real Madrid and his debut when he scored against Galatasary. He will be fondly thought of at United for his workrate up and down the pitch, not the most skilful player in the world but his ability to cross a ball and his deadball delivery and shots were the benchmark for the likes of Ronaldo and Messi.

He did make an emotional return to Old Trafford with Milan where eventually his team lost 4-0 but the whole crowd cheered his name and even prompted Fergie to Sign him up, it never happened but at least he could say goodbye following his rapid exit from Old Trafford in 2003. 

In all Beckham has played over 800 competitive games and a legend wherever he has played and that is the true mark of the man. Happy retirement Becks.

Paul Scholes AdoRED

In a week of retirements one legend made his final appearance alongside Sir Alex at Old Trafford last Sunday and that was Paul Scholes. It came as no real shock as Scholes had been fighting injury for most of the season but given the fast pace of the premiership then perhaps it was time to call last orders.

This is the second time Scholes has retired, he went immediately after the Champions League defeat to Barcelona in 2011 and some felt that was a bit hasty and it proved right. United did struggle to replace him in the summer and relied on the likes of Anderson, Fletcher and Cleverley but all three of them were to face ravaging injuries which prompted Sir Alex to ask Scholes to come back and he duly did in a vital FA Cup game against Manchester City where he helped United knock out the holders in there own backyard.

He continued to play the rest of the season and United were narrowly pipped to the title on goal difference to Manchester City. He signed a new one year contract and although most of it was blighted by injuries he did manage to help United to that coveted title and reclaim the bragging rights in the City.

A Salford lad he joined United as a 14 year old and turned professional in 1993 and made his debut in the 1994-95 season and his stats for the club are staggering:-

club Appearances 717
club goals 155
England Appearances 66
England goals 14
Premiership Titles 11
FA Cup 3
League Cup 2
FA Community shield 5
UEFA Champions League 2
FIFA World Club titles 2

Paul Scholes was part of the 1992 Academy team that broke through into the first team which featured Gary and Phil Neville, Nicky Butt, David Beckham and Ryan Giggs. He made his debut in the League cup against Port Vale where he scored twice in a 2-1 win and a few days later scored on his premiership debut in a 3-2 defeat to Ipswich at Portman Road.

He would then feature in the team for the next 18 seasons and scoring in each one of them only a record bettered by Ryan Giggs.

There are so many memories of Scholes but the semi final win in Turin when United beat Juventus 3-2 to reach the final during the 1999 treble year. He did get booked and missed the final but that didn't put him and Keane off as they hauled United back into the game and led United to the final.

Also his winning goal against Barcelona in the 2008 Semi Final and his display helped United reach the final.

Another was shooting display at Newcastle on route to the title where he scored 3 goals in a 6-2 win which displayed his very best finishing. He has scored some unbelievable goals such as the Beckham corner which was drifted outside the box at Valley Parade against Bradford where Dwight Yorke had to duck in case his head was taken off or that volley against Aston Villa at Villa Park where he crashed a shot against the underside of the bar and bounced in.

His peers were also impressed with Xavi, Iniesta and Zidane all expressing there admiration for his displays and he did have some weaknesses with his tackling leaving much to be desired with over a 120 yellow cards and 10 red cards but that aside he was a truly gifted player.

In a week of players going he does represent the old style player who never sought the limelight and just loved playing football. He will be missed and he will be one hell off a pair of boots to replace.

My last day with Sir Alex

Normally as a rule I don't do much filming of football occasions as prefer to live by memories and also more likely to cock up the filming or forget!

Sunday was a bit different and having stood on the Stretford End for many years I decided I could not let this occasion go by without filming and something personally to remember.

Obviously It was Sir Alex final game at Old Trafford as well as Paul Scholes and the whole day was a fantastic occasion and one Sir Alex deserved for his 26 years of devotion at United. When he first arrived the club was a sleeping giant which was a tag that stuck for many years. We had some of the best players such as Bryan Robson and Norman Whiteside, we had the best ground, we had the best support yet we couldn't even stay on the coat tails of Liverpool, Everton and Arsenal.

It is fair to say his first 4 years were not great and the longer any trophy eluded us the closer he got to the sack. However, the club kept faith and 7 years after his arrival the first of thirteen titles finally arrived and thankfully another United legend Sir Matt Busby witnessed the event.

I arrived at the ground fairly early to find all the programme kiosks closed but the atmosphere was fantastic and all the flags on the seats to wave off Sir Alex and United  was a great touch.

Sir Alex was given a guard of honour and he turned to the Stretford End with his fist clenched for the last time. The atmosphere was electric and the flag waving and banners ensured it was continuous roar and although the match was not the greatest it ended with a win and a glorious way to end his Old Trafford tenure.

Everyone stayed behind to see Sir Alex make his farewell speech which I did record and although not as good coverage as Sky Sports mine did capture the mood of the Stretford End. It was the perfect rallying call from the Boss to get behind Moyes and the loudest United chant I have heard in many a year.

Finally, the trophy was lifted and the pitch celebration was fantastic with all family on the sideline to make sure all the player did at least one lap of honour to the crowd. Special thanks to Swansea fans who stayed behind to acknowledge the events and they and there team equally played there part.

That was it, I left the stadium around 6.30 and thinking about the glorious period Sir Alex contributed. He was a one off which will never be repeated but I am sure David Moyes will carry on the great work and legacy left behind.