Arsenal 1 Manchester United 1

With the league won you could forgive United for thinking about the summer holidays but there was the target of beating the Premiership points record.

Arsenal afforded United the custom guard of honour for the champions and this seemed to spur Arsenal on. It was a classic game of Arsenal playing for champions league qualification and United largely lacklustre for the first 30 minutes. United went with RVP (Emirates Villain) and Rooney. We also saw a rare start for Nani and Evans made a return to centre half to partner Rio Ferdinand.

Arsenal were straight out of the traps and within 2 minutes they were ahead. An RVP ball was cut out and the ball found it's way to Rosicky whose slick ball beat a stranded Evra and Walcott latched onto it and from a tight angle beat De Gea to score. The goal was suspiciously offside but stood. United just could not get started and were getting themselves into yellow cards territory and no more than 4 booked in the first half.

Arsenal were a lot more snappier and winning most 50-50 balls but the crucial thing was they were only a goal ahead. Phil Jones playing in midfield was causing Arsenal problems with his forward runs. Twice he was on the end of good crosses and missed both opportunities but as the half was drawing to a close Sagny decided to back pass straight into trouble and RVP latched onto the ball and Sagny eager to make up for the error took him down inside the box and a penalty was the verdict. RVP coolly stepped and dispatched the ball into the net and United were level at the break.

The second half started and although Rosicky went close early, United dominated large chunks of the second half with Rooney going close with a header sandwhiced between Mertesacker and Koscielny. Sagny was lucky to stay on after a clash with Evra but the ref gave him a second chance and the game continued. Rafael had a long range effort which just fizzed over the bar but both sides were finding it difficult to get that clear cut chance.

Arsenal had a few chances near the end when Gibbs clashed with Rio in the box but no penalty was rightly given and Carzola produced another fine save by De Gea. United had a chance to pinch it t the end when a Rooney ball in midfield found Giggs who raced into the box but his shot was deflected wide and the game filtered into a draw.

Man of the match for United was difficult but Phil Jones may just get the nod for his forward endeavours and his general midfield play followed by a step back into right back when Anderson came on. The premiership points total cannot be broken but the real reward is winning the title.

Next up for United is Chelsea at home.

2013 Champions

Manchester United 3 Aston Villa 0



Monday night saw United clinch there 20th League title and there 13th Premiership title. In most eyes it may not be seen as a vintage United but none the less an Important one and redemption of last seasons final four minutes now a distant memory.

The atmosphere was brilliant and there was an air of expectation following City's defeat at White Hart Lane on Sunday afternoon. In there way was a young Villa team that are struggling to stay up and a win or draw was the very least they needed with the trapdoor only 3 points behind them.

United started with a strong team with RVP on his own upfront and Rooney playing in a more deeper role. If Villa needed a good start it was all undone in the first 90 seconds a cross field ball by rooney found Valencia and he passed back to Rafael whose delightful cross was met by Giggs at the back stick and his ball found RVP at the back post to give United the lead.

Villa were rattled and soon RVP had a good header go close and a long range shot by Rafael strike the post with Gulzan beaten. Moments later possibly goal of the season was scored. Rooney received the ball from the ever improving Kagawa and his long range pass was met by RVP who volleyed the ball from just outside the box and the ball nestled into the net passed a stunned Villa defence. Cue the celebrations and that the title was on it's way back home.

Benteke was proving a thorn in the United team and he had a couple of close efforts but the game was up on the half hour when gigs penetrated the box and his square ball found RVP and once he adjusted his feet he slammed the ball into the net for his Hat trick and the Title wrapped up.

Half time approached and Villa were struggling to hold onto a rampant United team and Villa boss Paul Lambert remit was to limit the damage and not make the goal difference any worse.

The second half saw a much improved Villa and they swamped the midfield and made it very difficult for United to move the ball with Carrick and Rooney working with much less space. De Gea was tested a few times but he kept a shut out. Kagawa had a glorious chance to finish the game but he blasted high and wide.

Rooney was taken off with Welbeck making an appearance but the result stayed the same and the celebrations started seconds after the final whistle. Giggs still looked a beaming boy who just won his first title and not his 13th and the likes of Kagawa, Jones, RVP and De Gea winning there first title.

Sir Alex was defiant in defending the team who many think is not the quality of previous teams and the premiership not as strong as the Spanish and German Leagues but this is a young team and I can only see them getting better.

Not many targets left other than to win all remaining games and smash the total league points record. Will that shut the critics up?

Next up for United is a visit to Arsenal. 

West Ham United 2 Manchester United 2

Not quite on par with visits in 1992 and 1995 where United went on to lose the title but last night result coupled with Carlos Tevez late winner at the Etihad Stadium has delayed the championship party for another week.

United went into the game with one change from the Stoke game with Phil Jones going to midfield and Rooney pushed up front with Rafael coming in at right back. West Ham were at full strength and a good game looked likely at a packed Upton Park.

West Ham started busy with Nolan and Carroll terrorising the defence and Diame and Vaz Te troubling the full back department. United started sluggish compared to previous away games at Stoke and Sunderland and West Ham keen to amongst them definitely upset United rhytmn. Carroll went close with a rasping shot across the goal to which Nolan tried to touch. The 17th Minute saw Jarvis whip in a cross which was met by Carroll and the nod in by Vaz Te broke the deadlock. United looked disjointed and it took to 30 minutes to get the groove going and a move by RVP and Kagawa down the left saw the latter burst into the box and square a tap in to Valencia for his first of the season become United's 20th player to score in the Premiership.

Kagawa was becoming a big influence on the team and his touch and pass were causing West Ham big headaches but the half ended with a West Ham corner and after the usual going on's at corners Andy Carroll decided to charge at De Gea after he cleared the ball. Evra also came off worst and Sir Alex was incensed as no punishment was given but testament to De Gea he got up and got on with the game. The lad is becoming a tough nut in the premiership and that knock will see that he is no easy push over.

The second half saw the Reds nearly take the lead when RVP fed Jones but he spoilt the chance, De Gea was getting more grief of Carroll but he stood up well and the ref decided that Carroll went too far and booked him. The Hammers then took the lead when Diame scored with a peach of a 20 yarder where De Gea had no chance and the Hammers were now on top. United dug in and began to get on top with Kagawa and Carrick pulling the strings in the midfield area. Jaaskelainen pulled off a great save from RVP but would have been offside had it gone in and United were turning the screw.

Rooney also went close when Jaaskelainen spilled the shot through his hands but O'Neill cleared off the line. RVP also had a header which was turned over the bar and United were still composed but time was running out. Giggs came on for Rooney to boost the midfield numbers. The 75th minute saw Carrick feed the ball to Kagawa who turned brilliantly and his shot beat Jaaskelainen hit both posts and the ball fell to RVP who smashed the ball high into the net. That was Kagawa last piece of action as Hernandez replaced him.

United cranked up the pressure but West Ham held firm and a last minute chance for Hernandez took a tackle by Carroll to save the day.

United lead now down to 13 points with City a game in hand but I feel it was a point gained. Man of the match was Kagawa who never wasted the ball and assisted both goals. A workman like performance.

Next up for United is Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Monday Night.

Stoke City 0 Manchester United 2

Just days after the derby day defeat a visit to the potteries always looked a troublesome game as Stoke are fighting for there lives but United put in a professional performance and earned 3 more points towards title number 20.

Vidic and Rio were reunited in the central defence department and Phil Jones at right back to help combat the Aeriel threat of Stoke. Kagawa was reinstated to the midfield and Hernandez made a rare start up front with RVP. The biggest change was Rooney starting in Midfield with Carrick. Sir Alex felt Rooney needed some confidence and a suggestion of dropping back seemed to work a treat.

United got the lead on four minutes when a corner was not cleared and the ball fell to Carrick who toe poked it into the net and United were up and running. Rooney was rampant in the midfield and he unleashed a long range shot which Begovic managed to deal with. Big Robert Huth had a chance for Stoke but his header cleared De Gea post.

Hernandez was causing problems for Stoke with his pace and Huth and Shawcross were struggling to keep up but managed to see half time without any further issues. The second half saw Stoke make a fist of it but really they did not test De Gea enough to trouble the scoreboard. The second goal duly came and showed United passing strength when Phil Jones calmly played the ball out from right back and 5 passes later and a 110 yards RVP was in the box and fouled by Wilkinson and a penalty given. Begovic guessed right but the shot was too strong. Cue RVP celebrations with Sir Alex not quite in the Di Canio mould but relief was evident. Moments later Kenwyne Jones fell over Vidic in the box but no penalty given.

Stoke gave an outing to old United striker Michael Owen but he made no impression due to lack of service and another England Striker Peter Crouch came on but the big man again made no affect on the outcome.

A routine win and Rooney and Carrick looked strong in midfield with Rooney getting the nod as man of the match. 7 more points to guarantee the title and a trip to East London on Wednesday against West Ham should again prove a difficult game but the you get the sense that United want to wrap this up and get the record number of points for a season.

Manchester United 1 Manchester City 2

What was meant to be a title procession towards the 20th League title United were given a big lesson in terms of what is in store for next season. City at times like United strolled around but the difference was the finishing of a striker Aguero whose fantastic run and finish was the difference.

United started with a strong team with Phil Jones starting with Rio at centre half and Giggs in the middle with the influential Carrick. Rafael and Rooney made the starting line up.

Both sides started well and the crowd were well up for it and the Stretford End was as loud as I have witnessed in the last few years. RVP had the earliest chance on the 10th Minute when Rooney found him and his flashing shot across goal just beat Joe Hart far post. Tevez went very close on the 21st minute when he appeared to finish when a timely block by Phil Jones saved the day. Nasri also went close but they could not break down the United defence.

The stroke of half time almost saw Rafael break the deadlock when he latched onto a RVP header and his looping shot struck the crossbar and bounced to safety and half time blew with City surrounding the ref possibly to do with City on the attack.

The 51st minute saw the break through when Giggs awful backheel was picked up by Nasri who laid the ball to Milner and his long range effort took a touch of Phil Jones past De Gea. The United response was quick and 7 minutes later a wicked RVP free kick went pass the flapping Joe Hart and Phil Jones header took a deflection of Vincent Kompany and United had equalised .

The last 20 minutes saw both sides exchange chances with Welbeck testing Hart with a header and a Nasri shot that went narrowly over the bar. Young also pulled a routine save out of Hart and the tackles were beginning to fly in with Welbeck winning his fair share. The 79th Minute saw a sensational run from Aguero who beat three men and held off Jones to blast high into the net past a stranded De Gea.

City held on with United not making enough chances to test the defence and Joe Hart.

The lead is down to 12 points and it was United's first league defeat since November and a hard one to take but it is still in United's hands.

Men of the match were Carrick and Jones who played with real heart and didn't give in.     

Manchester Derby Preview

 

Tomorrow night sees the final Manchester Derby of the season at Old Trafford. United have a 15 point lead and if win tomorrow night they can definitely think about putting one hand on the trophy in city's possession.

Since the City takeover the derby has gone up a notch or two in terms of competing for trophies as city broke there long drought with the FA cup win in 2011 and the Premiership last season. United with only the premiership to play for after the FA cup exit last week has seen a United team determined to wrestle the crown from City.

Currently on 25 wins from 30 games, United relentless pursuit has almost seen them disappear out of sight and tomorrows match should be a perfect opportunity to do that and also fro the fans to avenge that 1-6 reversal last season.

The teams have played each other 164 times with City winning 46 and United winning 69 with the last win in December where a injury time winner by RVP won the game 3-2. United should have a full compliment of staff with Wayne Rooney likely to play and looking to score again to become the all time leading scorer in the Manchester Derby (he currently shares with Franny Lee and Joe Hayes of City)

Old Trafford is the venue and United have a strong record against City winning 32 games to City 16 with 25 draws. The derby has had some special moments over the years with the 2009-10 season seeing United winning 3 Derby's all with last minute goals! City have had the share with the 6-1 win last season and a Wembley win in the FA cup winning season.

City possibly keeping one eye on Sunday week for the FA cup semi final against Chelsea so United will need to go for it from the start and put city under pressure. I am looking forward to the game and the atmosphere should be a great occasion with the realisation that United could clinch there 20th title.

Chelsea 1 Manchester United 0

United double dreams were over in this rather lacklustre display by both sides but Chelsea did enough to win the game.

United missed the services of Rooney and Vidic and RVP on the bench the attacking was left to Nani, Welbeck and Chico to pose the threat. Chelsea old boys Terry and Lampard were also on the bench as Chelsea went for youth in midfield and upfront with the impressive Demba Ba.

The game hinged on two sublime moments and both in Chelsea favour. The first half saw a dull affair with both teams quite content to sit back and it took a good 30 minutes before any goalkeeper had to move when Ba tested De Gea. Chico did test Cech but ultimately the game was needing some inspiration.

It took a through ball by Mata to Ba who on the run managed to divert the ball expertly past De Gea and Chelsea had the lead. the next turning point was a Chico header that was stunningly saved by Cech who pushed the ball over the bar.

The last 20 minutes saw United and Chelsea press but chances were limited to half chances only De Gea making a smart save from Mata. RVP did have a great chance following good work by Evra but his volley sailed over the bar. Oscar, Ramires, Mata and Mikkel managed to snuff United to half chances and in the end United limped out of the cup and bang goes the Wembley date with City.

Sir Alex felt United were not at full throttle and only Valencia can hold his head up high. It leaves the league to concentrate on but so much was expected but a 20th Title should make up for that.

Sunderland 0 Manchester United 1

The United machine rolls on and at close of lay United opened up a 18 point lead over close city rivals Manchester City. Following International week there is always the risk of injuries coming back but United players came back unscathed although Rooney had a complaint.

Two weeks since United last played so there was a few cobwebs to blow off early in the game. Buttner started instead of Evra and Anderson made a rare start in Midfield. RVP played the lone role up front with Kagawa as the link player between midfield and attack.

The game started slowly in the sunshine and it took a good 15 minutes before United made a threat when Buttner made a charge through only to shoot weakly at Mignolet. Carrick and Anderson were enjoying the possession in Midfield and Carrick is looking more assured each game that passes and it was link with Anderson that fed RVP on the flank and it seemed to take an eternity but RVP was held up by ex-United defender Phil Bardsley and he rifled in a shot that deflected off Bardsley and then Titus Bramble and into the Sunderland net.

RVP ran away thinking the long drought was over but it clearly was an own goal. Jonny Evans who was on loan at Sunderland came on to replace Rafael and United's defence coped very well with his loss.

RVP had a couple of pops at goal but Mignolet was on good form and McClean for Sunderland looked hopeful but a good tackle by Carrick prevented any damage. The second half saw United start well and anxiousness started to set in as Sunderland realised they had to put United under pressure.

De Gea had a injury when clashing with Vidic but came through ok. Sessegnon was causing United problems but his final decision or shot lacked belief. Bardsley was lucky to stay on after a rash challenge on Buttner but he got yellow instead.

Another Sunderland Loanee Danny Welbeck came on for Kagawa to help stretch Sunderland but Vidic came close with a header from a corner but just went wide. United saw out the final few minutes plus 6 minutes of injury time but Young did break and passed to RVP with Mignolet to beat but the keeper saved well. United won the game and 18 points now the difference.

Next up for United, Chelsea on Easter Monday in the FA Cup. Man of the match was Michael Carrick. His awareness and coolness on the ball was exemplary.