Liverpool 2 – United 0

This was a hard game to take, we didn’t play very well and the same old occurred. Vidic was sent–off for a tussle with a Liverpool player, Torres scored by burning our centre–back, and the points were there for the taking. Rooney was rushed back much to fast for my liking, and it was evident in his link–up play that usually shows his talents breadth.

The game felt rushed, and there was little penetration from United. Torres took his goal well, after a misjudgment by Ferdinand. The Spaniards pace took him the rest of the way, and the goal was inevitable once he was clear. Ngog’s goal in the dying minutes was more evidence of United pushing for an equalizer rather than Liverpool dominance. Valencia hit the bar late on, but that was only a slice of a late rally that never seemed full force.

Barnsley 0 – United 2

A League Cup game spat right between two Premiership fixtures always meant there would be players rested. As usual the League Cup is used as a proving ground and a place to restore lost form for the United players. For that reason it was Owen and Macheda up–front, and Obertan made his first start. The game wasn’t the liveliest, but Barnsley gave a good showing against us.

The line–up was somewhat strange, with Fabio joining Anderson as holding midfielders, and Obertan and Welbeck as wide–men. Rafael returned to the team after his injury, and played well, but his brother Fabio took his new role very well, and made some great runs. Obertan’s debut was a good one, he showed bags of pace and trickery that will be much needed in the months ahead.

The best part of the match was the Owen goal, where he took on three of the Barnsley defense; put the ball through ones leg, before curling it in the bottom right corner. Much like the Owen of yester–year.

United 2 – Blackburn 0

I got this score right on I Know The Score; as Blackburn was unlikely to get a thrashing with Sam, but at the same time would be unlikely to score themselves. Berbatov scored a beautiful goal, and not for the first time this season, when he lifted Evra’s dismal shot up in the air and turned to volley it to the bottom corner. A shot that would not be saved, and gave Berbatov the edge to slide mouthing “Come on”.

Rooney scored a tipped finish near the end to halt any concerns about a nervy finish. It wasn’t a vintage display on a subdued night, but it gave us the three points we needed and deserved.

United 3 – CSKA Moscow 3

Not the score line anyone was expecting or suggesting, but the score that we received nevertheless. There first goal was very nice, and although Evans pushed Dzagoev to the byline, he snuck a shot under the arms of Van Der Saar. The Dutchman could have done better, but the finish was exquisite. Owen leveled later with a scrappy toe poke, but Krasic (someone rumored to be on the United radar) scored after a lovely one–two with Dzagoev.

A goal down is bad enough but when Schennikov knocked a ball into the bottom corner, United were badly risking losing their unbeaten run at home in the Champions League. Signal Rooney, and then the Reds committed one of the best comebacks of the year. In a 15 minute spell, Akinfeev produced an outstanding display to stop multiple efforts from Rooney, the bar stopped Macheda, and a great header from Owen.

Scholes was on hand to knock in a Gary Neville header (the veterans there again), and Valencia got lucky with a deflected shot to tie the match. A nervous night at The Theatre Of Dreams, but a result.

Chelsea 1 – United 0

The Chelsea game was a great demonstration of how tight it is at the top of the table. Both teams fought hard, with Untied showing the greater determination and attitude. The teams appeared evenly matched despite United missing some key names in regards to Ferdinand, Vidic, and Berbatov. The midfield trio of Anderson, Carrick, and Fletcher were doing well to contain Deco, Lampard, Ballack, and Essien.

More inspiringly, Evans and Brown were containing the most in–form strike partnership in the Premier League of Drogba and Anelka. Drogba looked a shadow of his former self that has seen him net 9 goals in 9 league matches. And it was unfortunate that he received a scraped chest, but his ridiculous convulsions showed why he has such a love–hate relationship with fans.

The goal that never was, came from John Terry after a clean tackle from Fletcher on Cole. Cole’s theatrics helped them receive the free–kick, and Rooney’s mouthed “12 men” to the camera may yet see him get into trouble with the FA. Yet it had to be said the non–free kick; the pull of Brown by Drogba, and his apparent off–side interference with play; all compound to a great question mark which was asked by Sir Alex after the match.

I hate to see a big match decided by poor referring, but that is what happened on Sunday. Chelsea will feel lucky to have walked away with all three points, and United have every reason to feel aggravated about key decisions. If Alan Hansen, a Liverpool player, can agree, then it must be true.

News of the World – Or at Least of some deluded fools imagination

I read in the BBC Rumor section that Rooney will be offered, or should I say United and the Glazers, an audacious bid of 85M pounds ($150M) for the signature of Rooney from Barcelona. Purposively, the Glazers have plundered the $800M of debt into United and now they are desperate to receive funds.

Strange for a few reasons:

1. The 80M pounds ($140M) for Ronaldo was entirely allocated for transfers, although purposively in this article 60M pounds was carved to interest debts… something I have never heard before.
2. Rooney just pledged the remainder of his career to United, but I guess he has gone to Barcelona to film a commercial and in seeing Messi and Iniesta; it has made him wonder how great it would be… what a laugh that is. Does this guy have a camera in Rooney’s head?
3. Have you ever seen an Englishman as pale as Rooney in Spain?
4. Can a scouser learn Spanish?
5. Did Rooney support Barcelona as a kid?

If he does go for $150M, it would make the fan base go ballistic. Not to mention Ferguson would never sell, in a million years, especially to the team who beat him in the Champions League final just last year. Rooney is pivotal to the team; and does not want to go; that is nothing like Ronaldo last year. Ronaldo was pivotal, but he wanted to leave; that is something that was hard for Ferguson to argue with.

As I was away with our new baby (and our existing toddler) I didn’t set out time to write for the blog. Now that I am firmly in routine, I will play catch-up for the past 30 days from September 23rd until October 23rd.

League Cup: United 1 - Wolves 0

The League Cup game was not spectacular. It was somewhat of a dog fight, with Fabio being sent off. I felt sorry for the electrifyingly quick Brazilian, as he slipped when making a challenge and then hauled down the on-rushing Kightly. Owen and Welbeck combined to great effect to give the only goal of the game, with a neat one-two. King (a Norwegian) came on for his debut for United, and played quite well throwing a stinging shot at the Wolves keeper. The League Cup is used as a proving ground, with many youngsters getting their first taste of football (the commentator eluding to well over 50 players getting their debut in the competition).

Premier League: Stoke 0 - United 2

Ryan Giggs proved again why he is so integral to a United presence at the top of the table. The years turn back when he plays, and now the nominated European Player of the Year has come into an Indian Summer of his career. He came of the bench to instrumental, creating the first goal with a neat cross that Berbatov gratefully tapped in. The Bulgarian ran over to Giggs pointing at him, showing the away fans that made the goal. And it was a Giggs cross that O’Shea nodded home to give a concrete 2 - nothing win over Stoke. The Britannia Stadium is not an easy venue, and many teams have come a crock at their gates. United proved that they are title contenders with this vintage victory.

Champions League: United 2 - Wolfsburg 1

The German Champions came out firing, building on a weak defense, but powerful attack. The first half was cagey, with Wolfsburg battering much quicker than United. I was beginning to think it was going to be similar to the bore of Besiktas or even worse, a defeat at home. A goal was disallowed that should of stood for the Devils; created by an enigmatic Berbatov, who put in a lovely display. Wolfsburg took the lead, with a headed finish. The Reds first goal was fortunate, a deflected Ryan Giggs free kick; the second was a great strike from Carrick into the corner from the edge of the box. It was not a great display, but it was the result that was needed to claim the top of the group.

Premier League: United 2 - Sunderland 2

Not a good result, nor a good performance. Darren Bent scored a great goal (Capello watching?) in the early minutes, and the form from United was patchy for the first half. After the break United pressed well, and played much better. Berbatov scored a sweet volley, one that will be on goal of the week for sure, from an O’Shea cross. Yet as soon as United got a good foot-hold Kenwyne Jones scored a goal by out-jumping and out-muscling Ferdinand and Foster. It wasn’t good from either of them, highlighting a shaky Foster and an out-of-form Ferdinand. The Reds kept the pressure on, and Richardson was sent off in the 85th minute. With that urgency, Anton Ferdinand turned in a deflected Evra shot. The result was more than just, with United looking out of sorts in this fixture. How about Sunderland? Hoping over Liverpool. My friend from the North couldn’t be happier.

Premier League: United 2 - Bolton 1

United looked tremendous for the first half and much of the second, and were unlucky to not have scored many goals. An early own-goal from a bundled Owen header was the only thing United had to show for the advantage, and a goal from Matthew Taylor for Bolton with 15 minutes to go made for a nervy finish. Valencia scored his first goal for United in the first half as well, with a nice interplay with Gary Neville. Neville has looked quite good since coming back from his most recent bought of injuries. The finish was climatic and United likely to concede from Megson’s rejuvenated side. It was not to be, and although United clinched the top of the table, it was not in the form that we would have liked.

Champions League: CSKA Moscow 0 - United 1

In a cat-and-mouse game, Untied were defiantly the better of two sides on the artificial pitch of Moscow. Nani and Valencia played moderately well, but everything went through them. If either one of them were to have a break-through performance it would of ended with United winning by a embarrassing margin. However, the final balls were not being produced, and Berbatov cut a lonely figure in the middle of a unique line-up. Fabio and Scholes had the holding midfield role, with Anderson pushed up as an attacking midfielder. I thought it was strange: Fabio is a left-back, and Anderson is a holding midfielder. I understand they’re both Brazilian, but to see them as that malleable begs questioning. To be fair, Fabio took his role very well, and had a great performance. In having Anderson, someone who has only scored one goal in open play, didn’t make much sense. This win, with a probably pairing of a home field victory, will have United qualify without getting out of second gear.

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Liverpool vs. United

The big game is this weekend on Sunday, and it perhaps has never been such a decider for the fate of Liverpool. They are sitting precariously on the abyss of mid-table, with 7 points between United at the top. A victory for Untied will almost certainly demolish any hopes of Liverpool being crowned Champions; a victory for Liverpool will reduce the gap, and give under-fire boss Rafa a calm after the storm.

Liverpool are on the worst run for twenty years, however Dalglish, the manager who was in charge during their last poor run, believes Rafa has the backing of all the top brass of Anfield. That may be because to get rid of Rafa would cost the cash-strapped owners upwards of $40M CAD, or because Rafa is - at heart - a top quality manager. The problem I have with Rafa is he complains about spending, and not having money, but has invested the third most in the league over the past few years. With the buying and selling done by Arsenal and Manchester United, they have barely net spent over $10M.

Maybe Rafa needs to read a book by Mark Hughes who seems to be able to bring in great talent and have them gel instantly. One thing I’ve noticed is he tends to pick players spurned by either the management or fans of the prior club. Fire in the belly makes players want to prove the doubters wrong, however that can only last so long. Rafa perhaps should look to some home-grown fighters such as young Cattermole to give his club much needed steel.

Will Torres or Gerrard be fit? The press and Liverpool say no, I wouldn’t’ be surprised if they are. Will Rooney or Giggs make it? The press and Untied say no, I wouldn’t be surprised if that is also a bunch of mind-game balloon-ey. Sorry for the pun, Reina.

My prediction? 3-1 to United. It’s revenge on the cards for the 4-1 defeat at Old Trafford last season. We have the form, they are the injured animal. However, let’s not forget that injured animals tend to bite back. I just hope Ferdinand has meditated, and perhaps got of the keys of that new #5 magazine long enough to concentrate on football.

So we had the Manchester Derby, and what a game it was. It had goals, a great attitude, speed and both teams wanted to win. There was no holding back, and the first few minutes saw Rooney get a splendid goal by Evra’s quick pass and his quick feet. As with early goals there is always the element of fear, and when Foster tried to pull an Edwin, Tevez stole the ball and setup Barry for a cool finish.

That was to be the script of the game, United scoring to take the lead, and then City scoring to bring it level. Fletcher scored a header at the near post, with perfect precision, only to have Bellamy scored a wonderful strike a moment later. Fletcher scored a second (the first time for him) by way of the head once more, only to have Ferdinand make a horrible decision, to which Bellamy put him to the sword.

Yet who could have thought at 95 minutes Michael Owen would stow in from a wonderful pass from Ryan Giggs and make it 4-3. It was a wonderful finish to a pulsating game that had me screaming to my hearts content. Mark Hughes may feel aggravated about the time keeping, but I have taken some pictures that I will hopefully post tomorrow or later this week that show that the officials did very well in keeping the time correct.

There were 4 minutes added on, and Fergusons shrewd tactics put on Carrick which bought 30 seconds. Bellamy also bought 30 seconds onto the clock after his swift goal, and celebration. That makes 5 minutes to add on to the clock; BUT; you may say, how did Owen then score in the 95th minute? You can thank the now blue Tevez for his late tackle on Rio Ferdinand. That got us a free kick exactly at 94:45, which means the clock stops on the referees watch.

The ball was not kicked until 95:15, and exactly 12 seconds later at 95:28 Owen had the ball in the back of the net. As I said, I’ll post pictures showing each moment and the clocks time, just for all the people who don’t believe me, or that the referees succumbed to some “pressure”. The United fans were not baying for extra time, nor did I see Ferguson tapping his watch. His arms were in the air with the indignation that Bellamy had stolen the three points from us.

Hughes has come out and said that they didn’t deserve to loose, but I completely disagree. There were spells where City did well, especially after Foster’s mistake where United seemed to retreat a little. Yet from the moment the second-half whistle commenced, United were by far the dominant force. If it wasn’t for Given we would have been 6 or 7 goals up. In fact, two of City’s goals were complete cock-ups by our defense (Foster for the first, and Rio for the second).

Blimey Rio, one back pass for England, and now a looping pass to the opposition. I think we all need to stop rushing poor Ferdinand back to fitness and give him a chance to train and perhaps even a game or two in the reserves. Evans is more than willing to fill the shoes, and we need to start sculpting his replacement. That being said we also need to get another one in so we have three world class center backs, as I’d say we have about 1.75. Vidic still needs to improve some more, and Evans is only 21.

That brings me to the problem with the best derby of all time, is in reality we should have won 5-0. Shae Given deserves credit for only letting in 4, but a little better direction of heading from Berbatov and we would have had more. I guess you can give the goal to Bellamy as that was wonderful strike (the second), but we also didn’t close him down. Foster’s mistake was terrible, and Edwin would have put it in Row Z. Rio lost his mind for a minute, and should have put it in touch or spread the play wide to Vidic.

Ah well. All’s well that ends well. It’s great to see Owen so excited; you can tell he knew what this goal meant to the club, and what it meant to beat City. The noisy neighbor will be back in the City licking its wounds, and I’m all the happier for it. Ferguson praised Owen by the bucketful saying “His positional play, first touch and finish were absolutely superb. World class” let’s just see what Capello thinks about it, hey Owen?

Victory at White Heart Lane (1-3)

We took home all three points from White Heart Lane on Saturday, in a very open game. Spurs were undefeated before this match which made the victory that much sweeter. It was fun to watch and gave all the best the Premier League had to offer: early goals, skillful play, controversy, and hard fought victory. The game got off to a raucous start when Vidic struggled with RoboStick on the touch line, the big man making Vidic head the ball into the center of the box where all Rio could do is watch Defoe acrobatically bicycle kick in an early lead.

After that Crouch had a few openers which he blazed over, but Manchester United began a swift passing rhythm that was very entertaining for the Reds. They moved the ball around very well, picking the right pass. Anderson and Scholes looked very comfortable in the center of the park, and I would say Scholes had his best appearance in sometime for the Devils. The equalizer came in the form of a Ryan Giggs free-kick in the top right-corner. My brother wanted Rooney to take it, but I said that Giggs has the left boot, and sure enough it worked out well: a great free-kick from the Welsh magician.

The next goal came just before halftime, from one of the more unlikely players. Anderson grabbed his first goal in open-play and it was taken very well, a low ball driven into the right hand corner. Crouch came close hitting the bar, but it wasn’t until Paul Scholes was sent off for innocuous challenge for his second yellow of the game. It didn’t seem to rial United too much, and Rooney scored an excellent personal finish turning defenders inside out before putting it through the legs of Cudicini.

Turkish Delight

A long and torrid night at Besiktas ended with United gaining an important away victory in a tough location and atmosphere. It was not a great game, and was one of the most boring I have watched in a long time. Rooney was given the lone striker role, even though the team sheet made it appear that Valencia was part of a 4-4-2. Scholes nabbed a late goal after some great work from Nani inside the box.

Perhaps the most intriguing news or even of the night was Rooney’s tantrum at the sidelines that Ferguson was quick to dismiss. Rooney never wants to come off the pitch, but he need not show it. That is something he will need to work on, and Capello will not like that kind of attitude. The hunger is always exceptional but it needs to be hinged on character and respect. I presume Rooney is wanting to carve his name in to the top scorers list of all competitions this season, and he knows he can’t do that from the bench.

The Manchester Derby

So the derby will be here in only 4 days, and this year I look forward to it like no other. Last year the games I mulled over the most were the Liverpool and Chelsea matches, which although the home victory over Chelsea was nice, were largely disappointing. Here’s hope that this match has everything: United winning in style, and City losing in anguish. That is everything, I don’t care for open games or anything else particularly. That can be later after we have proven to be better than the Sky Blue new boys.

Tevez may or may not be playing, but Evra is ready for the challenge. I would like to seem him play, and be nullified by our defense, but who knows whether either will come true. Adebayor will be lucky to play against us, as I saw the game against Arsenal and his stomp was most definitely on purpose and he deserved to see red. The victory dance is fine; I don’t really care about that, as it is kind of funny. But tell that too the poor steward who got a missile in the head.

RYANALEWIS #1 Canadian Manchester United Blog

In other self-indulgent news, RYANALEWIS made it and continues to hold the #1 spot for “Manchester United Blog” in Canada. Nice one.