Robin rescues United

Two Robin Van Persie goals ensured Manchester United avoided a shock Champions League defeat away to CFR Cluj.

For the fourth time this season United went a goal behind inside 20 minutes, as the Romanians lead through Pantelis Kapetanos; however a fortunate Van Persie goal levelled the scores before half-time. If the equaliser was lucky, then the eventual winner was world-class as Wayne Rooney found Van Persie brilliantly who flicked it first time past Mario Felgueiras  in the Clug goal.

Rooney assisted both Van Persie strikes

Despite dominating the game, United gifted Cluj too many chances on the counter attack and only a late David De Gea save prevented the draw.

The win ensures Manchester United now have six points from six and realistically only need four points from their last four games to progress from the group stage.

A swift counter attack saw the Modou Sougou get the better of the United captain Patrice Evra, and the Senegalese squared it brilliantly for Kapetanos who beat De Gea into the far left corner.

United dominated possession, but it took them 20 minutes to create a real chance as Anderson and Van Persie both failed to convert when well placed.

Their pressure eventually told, all be it in fortunate circumstances, as Van Persie shouldered in a Rooney free-kick, with the ball looping over Felgueiras into the goal.

The sides went in at half-time level, but it only took United four minutes to take the lead as Van Persie doubled his account for the game.

Rooney, playing in the hole, found space and lofted a beautiful ball into the area and Van Persie got there before Laszlo Sepsi and placed into the corner.

The games all important fourth goal never came; however Cluj had a late chance to snatch a leveller only for De Gea to produce a brilliant save from Rafael Bastos's header.

United second again!

Having missed out on the title in such dramatic circumstances last year, Manchester United will be more determined than ever to win the Barclays Premier League. Summer additions of Nick Powell, Shinji Kagawa and Robin Van Persie mean that Sir Alex Ferguson’s side will be there or there abouts again.

The arrival of Van Persie is a gamble from Sir Alex. Despite topping the goal scoring charts last year, the Dutchman has a poor injury record, and a £24million price tag for a player who’ll turn 30 next year is a lot. United go into the season with five strikers who can realistically claim a stake for a regular starting spot, meaning goals shouldn’t be a problem.

The return of Paul Scholes last season was as brilliant as it was desperate. The real lack of a creative midfielder was evident against Everton in their opener as they failed to cut open Everton as often as they’d like. Kagawa looked sharp and was a rare positive in the defeat at Goodison; however whether he’ll play centre midfield is unknown.

Despite deploying Michael Carrick there, United don’t need another centre half, as not every week you’ll have four players missing in one position. Ironically the one centre back who wasn’t injured was Nemanja Vidic who missed the majority of last season with knee ligament damage. The Serbian’s return is huge, and if he can avoid injury this year then United won’t be too far away from the title. It’s safe to say if United had Vidic last season then they would’ve conceded fewer goals, and probably wouldn’t have let a two goal lead slip vs. Everton.

Key player- David De Gea. The first six months for De Gea in a United jersey wasn’t ideal, with his inability to deal with crosses and the rough and ready nature of the Premier League, targeted by Premier League clubs. His shot stopping ability is up there with the very best, and without him Everton probably would’ve scored more than the one they did, and surprisingly dealt well with the set pieces that he came for. De Gea appears to have a turned a corner and his confidence is back, and looks set to have a good year.

Prediction- 2^nd A good Summer transfer window means United will certainly challenge for the title; however I feel they’ll just be edged out by their ‘noisy neighbours’ once again. 

View from a fan - Perry Blanchette

What would be an ideal season?

Winning the title back whilst improving heavily in Europe.

What would be a nightmare season?

Finishing third, something that hasn't happened often under Sir Alex, and a second successive season trophyless.

Do you have the right manager at the club?

Yes, Sir Alex is a legend at the club and when he goes he'll take some replacing.

Which Premier League player would you sign given the chance?

Joe Hart, he's a quality goal keeper with a number of great years ahead of him and he has more reliability then De Gea. Would also like Vincent Kompany.

Is it time United started to shift Rio Ferdinand out of the side?

No, Rio is still a quality defender with lots of experience. He still has two more years in him at the top level.

Would you rather win the Champions League or win back the Premier League?

Premier League title. I don't want City to win it again. 

Rooney's first half strike enough for United

A disjointed Manchester United edged out Fulham 1-0 thanks to a Wayne Rooney goal in the first half.

Despite not ever reaching top gear, Manchester United extended their lead to three points at the top of the table; however in typical United fashion they won without being brilliant.

Fulham came to Old Trafford on the back of successive defeats to Aston Villa and Swansea and had every right to feel aggrieved after Danny Murphy appeared to be fouled in the box by Michael Carrick; however Michael Oliver decided it wasn't a foul.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side dominated the early proceedings without ever threatening Mark Schwarzer in the Fulham goal, and in fact it was the visitors who went the closest early on, as twice Clint Dempsey was denied by good saves from David De Gea.

In fact in the first half United never looked like scoring until they actually did get the break through five minutes before half-time. A corner wasn't cleared properly and Young crossed to the back post where Riise failed to clear and Evans found Rooney who scored from a few yards out.

Half time came and went and the impressive Antonio Valencia should've done better after being put through by Ryan Giggs; however his shot was tame and easily dealt with by Schwarzer.

Manchester United stepped it up a notch in the second half and it wasn't long before they created another second chance through Ashley Young. The former Aston Villa winger did brilliantly as he cut inside Stephen Kelly and his curling effort was on target only for Schwarzer to deny him with a top save.

Somehow United didn't go two up as Young was denied brilliantly twice by Schwarzer and the follow up feel to Giggs whose shot was blocked by Brede Hangelaand on route to goal.

With time running out United looked nervous in attempting to hold on for a priceless three points and Dempsey nearly drew Fulham level, however he just couldn't reach a delightful through ball from Moussa Dembele.

As three minutes extra time was announced, Martin Jol's side were left feeling angered as Murphy was fouled by Carrick in the penalty area; however the close decision went in the home sides favour.

The full time whistle was met with palpable relief around Old Trafford as United held on for a massive 1-0 victory to ensure they moved three clear of their city rivals at the top of the Premier League.

Spurs 1 Manchester United 3 – The Autopsy

Yesterday was another perfect example of Manchester United winning when not at their best. For long periods of the match, predominately the opening hour, Spurs dominated; however lacked a clinical threat that United had in abundance.

Team Selection

Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad selection had no surprise element about it, with Wayne Rooney returning after missing the last two United games. Jonny Evans partnered Rio Ferdinand in the heart of the defence, which meant Phil Jones was again shafted out to right back, which I’m sure was a much more attractive role given the fact Gareth Bale missed the match.

Young follows United trend of not being at their best but producing the goods.

Like United, Ashley Young failed to exert himself on the game in the early proceedings; however in the second half the former Villa man took his two goals excellently, with the second in particular a brilliant finish.

Though Kyle Walker didn’t cover himself in glory for any of the United goals; during the match he kept Young quiet out on the wing. For me Young is at his best in the middle, just of the striker; however when you’ve got a certain Rooney whose up there with the best in the world in the number 10 role, Young will, in all likelihood, always have to settle for a place on the wing, meaning he is less effective. The goal that put the game to bed illustrated perfectly how good Young is given space in the middle of the park, with his curling effort giving Brad Friedel no chance in the Spurs goal.

Having dipped in form over the last few months, United fans will hope his two goals at White Hart Lane can help Young reproduce the form he showed at the start of the season.

Fortune favoured the Reds.

I’m going to come out and say it, yesterday we were a little fortunate. Numerous things combined to ensure we won the match. Tottenham were without three key players in Scott Parker, Rafael Van Der Vaart and Bale, all of whom would’ve made keeping Spurs at bay a harder task. Secondly Emmaneul Adebayor was perhaps unfortunate to see his strike, at 0-0 and a key stage of the game, ruled out as the former City striker couldn’t really get out of the way. Harry Redknapp’s side did dominate the first half, and despite playing their best player in Luka Modric out wide, Tottenham controlled the ball well and despite falling to create a host of chances were the better side, and for us to head in at half time ahead was very much a case of daylight robbery.

Rooney goal return in the big games

Yet again in a game against the top sides Rooney produced the goods with the all important opening goal. Against the other six of the top seven sides this season (not including the two goals he scored in the FA Cup win at Manchester City) Rooney has scored a brilliant 10 goals in 11 games. (2 vs. Spurs, 3 vs. Arsenal, 3 vs. Chelsea and 2 vs. Liverpool)

Rooney scored the all important opening goal in the win on Sunday and was a consistent threat throughout the match, dropping deep as ever and finding space in between the Tottenham defence and midfield with ease. Manchester United and Rooney in particular benefited from Scott Parker’s absence.

Improvement on the road.

Due to our rivals’ inability to sustain the pressure on us last year, we were allowed to only pick up a pitiful 25 points on our travels the whole year. This season however has been in complete contrast to last year, with our away form the best in the Premier League, with 33 points and just the one defeat to our name.

Last season we conceded goals for fun, and despite the injured Nemanja Vidic, we’ve improved incredibly and have only leaked 12 goals away from Old Trafford. Those doubting Ferdinand’s form at the start of the season have quietened over recent weeks as the former England captain has more then stepped up to the responsibility of being the leader at the back due to the absence of the aforementioned Vidic.

Run in

Manchester United have now picked up an impressive 19 points from 21 since the 3-0 defeat away to Newcastle, and when you consider the fact we’ve travelled to Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Norwich in that run, the points tally is a fantastic achievement.

Having played all the sides towards the top of the table, bar the derby at Eastlands on the 22^nd April, our run in on paper looks slightly favourable then Manchester City’s, with Roberto Mancini’s side set to face Arsenal and Chelsea in the next few weeks. 

Is the 20th title on the horizon?

Following Manchester City’s timely defeat away at Everton on Tuesday evening, I’m going to evaluate if we (if you hadn’t realised from the title, I’m a United fan) can really edge out our city rivals for another Premier League title.

Form, pressure and know how.

How many times are we going to hear it? Manchester United weren’t at their best yet still won. Well minus the first five league games, we haven’t been at our best ALL season. Yet time and time again Sir Alex’s side edge out a victory, a sign of champions.

Taking my red hat off for a minute, I can appreciate how good Manchester City have been this season, I’d even go as far as saying Barca-Esq. But for me their inability to win when having an off day will haunt them. Take this week for the perfect example. We were poor away to Everton earlier on in the season, yet we secured a valuable 1-0 away win against a good Everton side; yet City couldn’t.

For now I’m going to rule the usual candidates of Arsenal and Chelsea out of the title race; they aren’t good enough. But for me their London rivals Spurs are more then in the hunt for the Premier League. Their midfield compares and even betters everything in the league for me! I do feel they will fall short though, a main reason being their lack of players who have been in this position before with only Scott Parker and William Gallas lifting the Barclays Premier League title, both during their time at Chelsea.

Manchester United 9/10

Manchester City 8/10

Tottenham 7/10

The fixture list (written before weekends action)

Looking at the fixture list, the remaining games ensure City are favourites. With the crucial games highlighted below, Roberto Mancini’s side have just three of the ‘big six’ to play, with two of them at the fortress that is Eastlands. In comparison to Manchester United and Tottenham who have four games against the big boys, with three of those on their travels.

Crucial matches

Chelsea vs Manchester United (05/02/12)

Liverpool vs Tottenham (06/02/12)

Manchester United vs Liverpool (11/02/12)

Arsenal vs Tottenham (26/02/12)

Tottenham vs Manchester United (04/03/12)

Manchester City vs Chelsea (19/03/12)

Chelsea vs Tottenham (24/03/12)

Arsenal vs Manchester City (07/04/12)

Manchester City vs Manchester United (28/04/12)

Manchester United 6/10

Manchester City 8/10

Tottenham 6/10

Squads

The departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez for me exposed our lack of a creative midfielder; because with them two plus Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney, usually we wouldn’t need one, because at most times we had four match winners on the field.

Paul Scholes’s return is as inspired as is it desperate. His know how can only be a good thing for the likes of Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley, who despite his tender age, has been missed in the heart of United’s midfield. All the pluses aside with the move to recall Scholes, I feel Sir Alex recognizes the need to add creativity in the middle of the park. The F.A Cup defeat at Liverpool only highlighted that further, as 65% possession at Anfield wasn’t converted into chances or goals.

City and Spurs both let players go in the January transfer window, which confirmed how good their strength in depth is. City have an incredible array of talent available and their squad is the best of the three (So strong in fact they felt obliged to lend Spurs Emmanuel Adebayor.)  Tottenham’s midfield, like I touched apon before is incredibly strong; however their defence is always liable to concede a goal.

Manchester United 8/10

Manchester City 9/10

Tottenham 8/10

Injuries and suspensions

I’m sure every fan has at least bemoaned their injury list this season; however Manchester United fans can do so with great evidence. Nemanja Vidic, Nani, Rooney, Cleverley, Welbeck, Javier Hernandez, Rio Ferdinand and Phil Jones have all at least faced a month of the 2011/12 season on the sidelines.

Manchester City’s real problem has been in the treatment room, more of international duty and suspensions. The Toure brothers have both been away with the Ivory Coast at the current African Cup of Nations whilst Mario Balotelli and Vincent Kompany landed themselves in hot water with four match bans respectively. Spurs have been fortunate on the injury count, because when injuries have occurred they have only been minor ones ruling their players out for only short periods.

Manchester United 7/10

Manchester City 7/10

Tottenham 8/10

Managers

It’s fair to say Sir Alex Ferguson has been there, done it and got the T-Shirt. 12 Premier League Titles is an unbelievable haul, and I feel if he was in charge of any of the top five teams last season he would’ve guided them to Premier League success, that’s how much of a difference he makes. He’s seen off every manager whose challenged him, with the current duo the latest crop of managers to have a go. And if Manchester United are to win the league, he’ll be the reason why!

Roberto Mancini has won three Serie A titles with Inter Milan and has done a very good job with Manchester City. Over recent weeks he has shown signs of crumbling under the pressure (Admitting he thought it would be ‘easier’ to win at Everton just one example) and with the pressure firmly on City for the amount they’ve spent, only time will tell if they crumble.

For Harry Redknapp this is the first time he has been in a Premier League title race and with just one F.A Cup title to his name, his lack of experience in the hunt for the ultimate price can be questioned. Following their 2-0 victory over Everton he came out and stated his side could win the league, which put pressure on his side before their 1-1 home disappointing draw with Wolves, before claiming after the game he’d be ‘over the moon with a top four finish.’ Alex Ferguson is the master at taking the pressure away from his side, something Redknapp failed to do there. However don’t get me wrong, what Redknapp has done at Tottenham rivals anything in the Premier League.

Sir Alex Ferguson 10/10

Roberto Mancini 8/10

Harry Redknapp 7/10

Overall

Manchester United 40/50

Manchester City 40/50

Tottenham 36/50

At this current stage of the season I really can’t call whether we will make it 20 League titles or ‘the noisy neighbours’ will win the league. One thing for sure, I can’t wait to see it’s conclusion.

The Autopsy: Manchester United vs Stoke

After defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup on Saturday, three points against a strong Stoke side was essential. Come the end of the evening the win looked even better thanks to an old boy in the form of Darron Gibson whose strike beat City to ensure we joined our city rivals at the summit of the Barclays Premier League. The game itself was a tale of two penalties as both Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov slotted home from 12 yards for a routine Old Trafford victory.

Team selection.
Ben Amos was selected for a Premier League debut ahead of David De Gea and Anders Lindegaard and he was a mere spectator for the evening as Stoke failed to trouble the youngster. Still no Nani, Phil Jones and Wayne Rooney available to Sir Alex; however Rio Ferdinand did return having missed the defeat away to Liverpool on the weekend. Its been a long time since the gaffer has been able to call apon a fully fit squad and that was no change for last night’s game; however with Chelsea up next on the weekend, Sir Alex will be hoping the aforementioned trio will be able to return come Sunday.

The match
To be honest I expected more from Stoke and the debutant Amos, a Cameron Jerome header aside, was so untroubled you couldn’t believe it. Stoke have only ever had more possession against a Premier League opposition twice in the whole of their three year stay in the Barclays Premier League, so the huge possession stats in our favour came as no surprise. Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes were again at ease in the centre of the park, I even heard a stat that both Carrick and Scholes completed 50 more passes then the whole of the Stoke side, which even by Stoke’s passing standard is poor.

In truth the game was quite dull and the only real talking point was should we have had more then the two penalties; with four that could’ve been given. 1) Park was fouled by Jermaine Pennant and we were rightly awarded the penalty. 2) Robert Huth handled a Hernandez cross, which wasn’t given, though to be fair probably was the least clear cut. 3) Valencia was bundled over by Jonathan Walters and was a stonewall penalty. 4) Patrice Evra was fouled in the box, wasn’t given, with even Tony Pulis admitting it should’ve been a penalty in his post-match interview.

Antonio Valencia
Stoke changed their mentality of fielding four centre halves at the back to deal with United’s in form wingers; however Antonio Valencia again exposed an opponent’s left back as Andy Wilkinson was given a torrid time. Before his recent burst of form I was starting to question whether Valencia could match his performance level prior to his horrific injury against Rangers last season; however on the back of being the best player on the pitch at Anfield last week, he was again at his tormenting best.

In truth Dickinson isn’t the best full-back Valencia will come up against this season, but the Ecuadorian international was probably again the best player on the pitch, as he highlighted that with a great run and pass to find Berbatov, who should’ve made it three late on.

With Nani out for an unknown period of time now, Valencia’s form is key as he is our only winger who you’d really fancy in a one-on-one with a full-back. With eight Premier League assists in just the 15 games, his crossing has become a key element to our game in recent weeks. Ashley Cole’s red card against Swansea last night ruled him out of the game on Sunday, meaning that Valencia is likely to be up against a defensively poor Jose Boswinga playing on the wrong side, so here’s to more Valencia chaos on Sunday.

A quick Pogba plea
Having seen Ravel Morrison leave for West Ham United on deadline day, I’m hoping the equally as talented Paul Pogba won’t leave come the end of the season.  The Frenchman came on for a brief 14 minutes last night and showed a lot of potential and despite his contract coming up at the end of the season, very much in the same fashion as Morrison’s, United are more confident Pogba will sign on the dotted line.

Overview
There is no doubt we weren’t at our best last night but again at Old Trafford we did the necessary and gained the vital three points whilst our main rivals for the title slipped up at their bogey ground. The penalties aside, we only really created a Berbatov chance late on, but when you turn into the New Year it’s not about how you win, it’s if you win? And currently we are doing that in the Barclays Premier League.

United vs Bolton, the autopsy

Back-to-back Premier League defeats where forgotten when Manchester United edged out City in the incredible 3^rd round F.A cup tie last weekend; however getting back on track in the bread and butter of the Premier League wasn’t just important it was essential. And despite an array of early missed opportunities the comfortable win was never in doubt.

Team Selection

Paul Scholes’ decision to come out of retirement for his cameo in the derby last week would’ve been the biggest news in most games; however the drama that was played out at the City of Manchester stadium in the end thrusted its way to the main talking point. But the ginger genius’s first start in a United shirt since the final game of the last Premier League season took the centre stage.

Yet more defensive injuries meant Sir Alex’s hand was played for him with Jonny Evans partnering Rio Ferdinand who had been a doubt prior to the match; however both Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are expected to return come Arsenal next Sunday. Wayne Rooney was once again partnered by Danny Welbeck with both Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez having to settle for a place on the bench again.

Mixture of poor finishing and concentration nearly cost United.

Throughout the game Manchester United created enough chances to win three games with the much maligned Adam Bogdan in inspired form in the Bolton goal. In the opening ten minutes Welbeck could already of had a hat-trick to his name; only for Bogdan to deny him on all three occasions. His best save came twenty minutes in to ensure Rooney’s second successive penalty miss, as the Hungarian international dived brilliantly to his right to keep the spot kick out.

Thankfully the returning Scholes opened the scoring just moments before half-time; however the expected floodgates didn’t open in the second half and Bolton rallied well and could’ve levelled as Manchester United let Owen Coyle’s side back into the game and Rafael cleared off the line to prevent an equaliser. Welbeck and Michael Carrick added further goals as we went level with City at the top of the table.

Rooney wasn’t having his best game as Scholes dominated.

Sir Alex’s key player didn’t have his greatest game in the red of Manchester United, with a missed penalty topping his error list. Rooney’s passing was off key and the England international didn’t appear to have his head in the right place losing the ball too often from a United perspective. Though Rooney did play in Welbeck for the killer second goal, Rooney and United will have to improve with Arsenal up next.

The returning Scholes slotted into the United midfield like he had never been away as he and the impressive Carrick dominated in the centre of the park. Scholes who topped the pass completion rate against City last weekend was again at his accurate best, with one cross field pass to Antonio Valencia in particular a highlight. The goal topped a fantastic afternoon for Scholes, in doing so quashing any doubters about his decision to come out of retirement.

Summary

In a comfortable win, we nearly gifted Bolton a way back into the game in the second half as our concentration levels lowered; however three goals did United justice. It was imperative that we got back to winning ways after two consecutive Premier League defeats, with our under pressure midfield looking good with the partnership between Scholes and Carrick bringing back memories of the Champions League winning season. Valencia in particular was very good again as the Ecuadorian again performed well at Old Trafford. 

Rooney and co get United back on track

Manchester United put their midweek Champions League exit behind them by easily overcoming Wolves 4-1.

Two goals apiece from Nani and Wayne Rooney ensured the Red Devils closed the gap on their city rivals to two points.

United opened the scoring as Nani scored from outside the area and almost in identical fashion Rooney doubled the lead. Steven Fletcher gave the visitors a lifeline just minutes into the second half, before Antonio Valencia tied up both Nani and Rooney in quick succession, for their doubles and United’s third and fourth goals.

The returning Michael Carrick missed Manchester United’s first chance of the game as he headed over after good work from the impressive Valencia.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were on top and it wasn’t long before they deservedly opened the scoring. Nani received the ball out wide and cut inside to smash home, beating Wayne Hennessey’s despairing dive.

Shortly after, Rooney scored for the first time in the Premier League since the 3-1 victory at home to Chelsea, way back in September. Rooney’s shot was well placed, with Hennessey’s view unsighted due to a cluster of defenders in his way, meaning the keeper could do nothing to prevent United’s second.

Having comfortably made it to half-time, United let Wolves back into the game early in the second half as Fletcher headed home well from a Matt Jarvis cross.

A chance at levelling the game for the Premier League strugglers never arrived as Valencia teed up two goals in six minutes.

The Ecuadorian winger was too quick for Stephen Ward and his cross was perfect for Nani to stroke home Manchester United’s third.

Again Valencia exposed Ward, as the winger’s turn of pace deceived the full-back before finding Rooney at the back post who finished well as United made it 4-1.

Sub Federico Macheda saw his late shot well saved by Hennessey; however it mattered not as United got back to winning ways in impressive style. 

Basel Frei up a shock exit for United

Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League in extraordinary fashion, going down 2-1 away to Basle last night.

Goals from Marco Streller and Alexander Frei meant Phil Jones’s late consolation effort was worthless, as Sir Alex Ferguson’s side was left to deal with the prospect of Europa League football, in the New Year.

United fielded a strong starting XI in the knowledge defeat would eliminate them from the competition and they started confidently; however Basel opened the scoring just nine minutes in.

An initial cross wasn’t dealt with, as Nemanja Vidic and Chris Smalling collided, leaving the latter on the floor with an apparent head injury, and Xherdan Shaqiri’s follow up cross was poorly dealt with by David De Gea in the United goal leaving Streller with the simple task to give Basle the lead.

The goal shocked United into action; however despite dominating the possession count, they failed to create any real chance of note in the first 25 minutes.

And when the chance came Manchester United’s way, the usually assured Wayne Rooney missed a guilt edged opportunity to level. Nani, who was United’s best and most consistent attacking threat through out, did brilliantly to find Rooney with a curling cross, only for the England centre forward to fail to make the appropriate connection with the goal gaping.

Rooney and Nani both missed presentable chances with Yann Sommer in the Basle goal denying the duo well.

A horrible looking fall resulted in Vidic being stretchered off just moments before half-time. He and the goal scorer Streller challenged for the ball and the United captain twisted his right knee in the collision and was in evident pain.

In the second half it was Basle who went the closest to scoring the games second goal as Frei saw his free-kick expertly saved by De Gea.

Manchester United nearly levelled in comical fashion, as again Nani did brilliantly on the right and his cross was volleyed against his own bar by Markus Steinhofer, with Ashley Young unable to finish score with the rebound.

With time running out on United’s Champions League campaign it was all but killed off with just six minutes remaining as Frei scored a second. Again a Shaqiri a cross was the source of the goal, as the youngster’s teasing delivery wasn’t dealt with by Smalling and Frei, lurking behind the defender, headed past De Gea.

A late header from Jones wasn’t enough, as the Red’s lost for the first and vital time in the group stage as the Swiss club celebrated an unlikely progression.

Sir Alex Ferguson will look back to the 3-3 home draw with Basel as the main reason why United didn’t qualify, after losing a 2-0 lead, however ultimately Manchester United didn’t deserve to progress from a group on paper they should have.

Murray heads United out of the Carling Cup

An extra-time header from Glenn Murray saw Crystal Palace overcome Manchester United 2-1, as the London club progressed through to the Carling Cup semi-finals.

Darren Ambrose had opened the scoring with an incredible long-range effort after 65 minutes; only for Federico Macheda to level from the spot almost immediately. However the expected United winner never materialised and Murray headed home in the first half of extra-time to stun Old Trafford.

An under strength United side were knocked out of the Carling Cup at the quarter final stage in embarrassing circumstances for the second successive season, after their 4-0 defeat at West Ham last year.

A poor first half saw neither side threaten a break through, with the best chance falling the way of Dimitar Berbatov who blew his opportunity, before being withdrawn at half-time with an apparent injury.

Palace had more threat about them in the second half, and as United failed to take control of the game; however Antonio Valencia should’ve opened the scoring, but he placed narrowly wide when one-on-one with the keeper.

Twenty minutes into the second half Palace deservedly opened the scoring through an Ambrose screamer. After receiving the ball from the talented Wilfred Zaha, the former Ipswich man turned and from 30 yards out smashed the ball home into the top right hand corner, giving Ben Amos no chance in the United goal.

Four minutes later Manchester United levelled from the spot. Macheda was tugged in the box by Palace captain Patrick McCarthy and Macheda stepped up to take his own penalty, and beat Lewis Price with ease.

Palace nearly won it in the final moments of the 90 minutes; however Murray could only find the side netting when well placed.

Incredibly his miss wasn’t important as the former Brighton man stunned the Old Trafford faithful with a headed winner. An Ambrose free-kick was perfect for Murray, who lost his marker, to beat Amos to seal an unlikely and incredible victory. Replays suggested the Palace striker was marginally offside; however it wasn’t given and Palace held on to book a semi-final birth with fellow Championship side Cardiff City.

United struggle against Benfica as qualification goes down to the wire.

Manchester United were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Benfica, giving the Portuguese side the chance to top the group with victory in two week’s time.

An own goal from Phil Jones inside three minutes gave Benfica an early lead, however Dimitar Berbatov levelled on the half hour point with a guided header past the impressive Artur Moraes. The Red’s wasted a succession of chances before Darren Fletcher gave them a deserved lead, but they couldn’t contain their Portuguese counterparts and just two minutes after Fletcher had scored, the classy Aimar tapped home from close range.

Sir Alex Ferguson made five changes from the narrow victory away to Swansea on the weekend, with Berbatov making a rare appearance in a frustrating season for the Bulgarian. The most notable absentee was Wayne Rooney, who missed out completely due to injury.

Back to back victories over Otelul Galati had given United the chance to resurrect a disappointing Champions League campaign; however the draw means they have to avoid defeat next week in Basel to ensure progression into the knock out rounds.

Benfica opened the scoring after just three minutes in unfortunate fashion, as Jones guided the ball into his own goal. Nicolas Gaitain, a reported target for Manchester United, did well down the Benfica right, and his cross was converted in by the unlucky Jones.

Manchester United didn’t react to going behind well, and the Old Trafford faithful were left frustrated as the Red Devils struggled to maintain possession of the ball against a technically good Benfica side.

A Nani solo run gave brought some life into United. The Portuguese winger beat four Benfica players before being crudely taken down by Ezequiel Garay. Though the resulting free-kick came to nothing, it was the first sign United were back in the game.

A spell of United possession took its toll on Benfica as the Red Devils levelled through Berbatov. Young took a free kick quickly, guiding the ball out wide to Nani, whose cross was brilliant, and Berbatov guided the header home.

Literally a minute later Young should’ve turned the game on its head; however the former Villa winger couldn’t find a finish when one-on-one with Moraes. As the game became more stretched, Aimar nearly gave Benfica their second lead, but he failed to beat David De Gea from a tight angle.

Half time came and went and United came out of the traps the quicker in the second half and missed a couple of chances in quick succession. Firstly Berbatov did well to find Young whose shot was saved well before Nani from a free kick failed to test the Benfica keeper.

Fabio Da Silva really should’ve given Manchester United the lead, but well when placed he decided against sliding it past the keeper, instead opting for the lofted route, which Moraes dealt with easily.

At this point United were flying, and Fletcher gave the Reds a deserved lead. A Patrice Evra cross was perfect for the Scotsman, the keeper saved Fletcher’s initial effort, however he couldn’t missed the follow up from a yard out.

Having turned the game around, most people inside Old Trafford expected the home side to go on and seal the game with a third; but it was the away side who scored the decisive fourth goal of the match moments after United had gone in front.

A poor clearance from De Gea feel perfectly for Bruno Cesar whose cross wasn’t dealt with by Rio Ferdinand and Aimar, just like Fletcher, couldn’t miss with the goal gaping.

Berbatov blew an incredible chance to edge United ahead for a second time. Fabio did brilliantly to find the former Spurs man, and with just Moraes in the way, Berbatov smashed his volley over the bar.

With United in desperate need of a goal, as Benfica not only levelled the game, but edged ahead in the head-to-head matches between the two, brought on Javier Hernandez; however it was Benfica’s Rodrigo who went the closest to getting a late winner. The former Bolton man beat two players before putting his arrowed shot narrowly wide of De Gea’s near post.

Three minutes of extra time were signalled, but the customary United late onslaught never arrived and Benfica left Old Trafford not only with a deserved point, but the group momentum, as the draw ensured they will qualify from Group C; with first place also in the Portuguese sides hands.

http://football-united-blogs.com/2011/11/23/match-report-united-struggle-against-benfica-as-qualification-goes-down-to-the-wire/