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.