What better could a United fan ask for.The match was on the minute ref blew the whistle.For the first time  team selection was perfect. Defense looked better in shape and mid-field just required as to be aggressive.

United started with an Early blow over City’s Shitty defense with Rooney scoring the first of the night with help from Patrice Evra. The goal itself was an indication that we were going to get a blast.Nothing spectacular was happening but some very good football being played by both team. Regardless of City’s pathetic start,they hold on their nerve and scored quickly with help of our old ex-forward.Foster falling a feet short for his dribble and Tevez snatching the ball for Barry.Tevez regained their confidence and City took the control.United though weren’t out of their boots but they didnt look to be as optimistic as City. Finally the whistle came to rescue and United got back with fresh start.

The refreshment did us the trick and United came back soon in early second half. An early goal was scored for our most hard working fellow,Darren fletcher with a neat header piercing City’s defence. Some how our constant bombardment and Given’s brave keeping was helping City collect their confidence  on their damned night.In  every’s one suprise, a vicious strike from Bellamy saw Foster flying in air to mere catch the glimspe of the goal and Shitters were back.The shot would have been different had Foster stayed on his  correct ground. The next few minutes continued same for both sides.Valencia in place of Park was something that keep United firing for another 30 minutes.Had it not been For Shay Given City’s wouldn’t even have levelled.As the game was ending like an hard earned point,magic happened.Fletcher scored United’s third and his second of the night.The goal itself was an accomplishment of United’s brilliant night but there still more drama left.Not exaggerating on Fletcher’s goal because it was only a small action to a bigger reaction.

Some how City got a gift from hands of Rio and it all looked finished.Bellamy dogding the Foster and Ferdinand to spoil the United’s win.Ferdinand screaming and Mark Hughes couldn’t stand on ground.Nothing could have now changed that score line. Time wasn’t actually running out it was over.More than 5 minutes on the clock if whistle would have blewed even if we were a yard away from the post there could have been one complains. Something remarkable was that Ferguson was still shouting knowing the clock was way past the time.But some how Giggs passed an inch perfect ball at the fresh subbed Owen and she did for what he was bought.A brilliant goal and cherry for the night.Owen scored the last goal for night against his former team player and sealing United’s night.

A biase fan couldn’t ask for better than this  while for United it was heaven at OT.Nothing could have changed that goal. A fair result for United’s outstanding play.

The key to the Red Devils’ impressive win was the impressive performances of many of its players. Wayne Rooney scored his 23rd goal for the season, which ties his personal best. Nani has also been reinvigorated and looks like to be on a roll — and Berbatov, Carrick and Wilson are putting in their share of the burden.

Fergie said that a big key to the Red Devils’ success is the team’s patience. Despite the pressure that the team faces in their matches, everyone takes their time and wait for opportunities to arrive — and then they explode.

With their next match against Aston Villa, expect the team to put their best foot forward in order to solidify their position in the league table.

Sir Alex Ferguson is banking on Mame Biram Diouf to add more pop and crackle to Manchester United. The Senegalese born striker is already hard at work training at Carrington and already possesses a work permit.

A lot of weight is being given to Diouf, especially with talk that he can be the next Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. In fact, it was Solskjaer himself who recommended Diouf to Sir Alex. His glowing recommendation was one of the reasons Fergie signed him. Now a lot of talk has been given the fact that another potentially explosive forward with not much experience is being signed into the team (we all know that Federico Macheda and Danny Welbeck fit the bill and they’re still not getting the minutes) but I trust Sir Alex’s decision. He’s proven that he has the keen intuition to know what the Red Devils need.

Diouf will still need to impress Manchester United fans though. But it looks like he will have what it takes to really win them over. He’s got the talent and the abilities that could really help in the quest for another Premiership title.

Let’s admit it: they ran faster, ran harder and wanted it more. And they had the support of top flight unexperienced referee Andre Marriner who blatantly helped the Dippers.

Last but not least… Ngog scored.

How to overcome all this?

Of course there’s today’s Carling Cup 4th round game away at Barnsley to forget to sorrows, but I think we have to look at ourselves to understand what went wrong on Sunday. Let’s face the harsh reality. Were Liverpool better? Nope. Did they want it more? Yes.

The red Devils started with what might have been called a surprise with Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes in the centre of the midfield. Although i can understand the choice for Carrick, it was a surprise to say the least: the gaffer certainly had hoped that the midfielder, who is struggling to win a place in the England 11, could deliver some of his lauded long passes over 50 to 60 yards in an attempt to work round the Agger – Carragher tandem. But it has been too long now since we have seen those passes. And Carrick hasn’t been the same since he missed his spot kick against Burnley. There is no doubt that for a midfielder his work rate was at a very high standard again but that just isn’t good enough when playing the Dippers. The choice also was strange because on the left wing was the rejuvenated Ryan Giggs, not the optimal or fastest choice when hoping for those long passes.

Another problem we had to deal with once more was our lack of creating chances. As usual we saw moments of fast and fluid one-touch football but there was no sharp edge. Berbatov really has upped the ante this season, always playing more and more in the role of the smart provider for the strikers but where are the strikers?

At the risk of offending many I am going to say it: Rooney is NOT the player to rely on up front. The talent is a player who can and will make the difference in many games but not the sole striker always there. His conversion rate in recent years has proven this, so has his low number of last 10 minutes goals. Rooney is best with someone next to him, preferably someone who plays even deeper than he does. Rooney’s great when on the counter or from second line. As can be seen in the tribute video, his speed is mortal. Not his work in the box though. And when playing a duo like Carragher and Agger, he will always struggle to make the difference.

What Needs To Happen?

It is hard to say, we have played some great football at time already this season. Our back four is returning to previous strength and form. valencia is improving on a weekly basis and found the crossbar a second time in less than a week. Both times were goal worthy, not accidental crossbar hits. Nani has shown at times what he can bring: pace, dribbles and good crosses, just as great shots from outside the box. Anderson has shown that he is ready to fight for a place in the squad. Hargo is hopefully close to his return.

Everything seems fine, still we fail at creating chances. That’s not something new. Ever since RVN found his place on the bench, and later left for some minor team abroad, we have struggled at scoring against teams who play defensively. Most of our goals have come whether from fast outbreaks or from second line. It is not just our problem, it seems to become a standard in modern football that goals are based on very fast gameplay with lots of space. It’s pretty much the style the Spanish League is based on. Leagues known for their organised play, like the Bundesliga and Serie A often have less goals. But it makes for a dull experience for the fan and team like our Devils struggle to score when playing the likes of Bolton, Wigan or Sunderland. Who is that tall, deadly guy in the box who can stand up and make a difference?

The Waiter Looks for Excuses Why Liverpool Might Not Win The League, AKA Rafa’s Epic Rant.

Long before Christmas Rafa Benitez launched an epic rant against Ferguson last season. After the rant Liverpool’s results started to get worse and worse. Once more it has been proven that the Achilles heel of Liverpool one Spaniard is. Fact.

Neville Celebrates Victory

After the final whistle in January 2006, a game won 1-0 after an injury time goal of Rio Ferdinand, our skipper Gary Neville ran the whole length of the pitch to celebrate the victory and kiss the ManUtd badge… in front of the Liverpool fans. Rooney also joined in on the fun. Neville would later be fined £5000 by the FA.

Ferdinand’s Injury Time Goal – January 2006

An injury time header from Ferdinand decided the game at Old Trafford.

Rio at Old Trafford – October 2006.

Some months later Rio Ferdinand again would score against Liverpool. This probably is one of his best goals ever and gave ManUtd a deserved 2-0 victory after Paul Scholes’ goal in the first half.

John O’Shea at Anfield – March 2007

The moment John O’Shea became a Legend: an injury time winning header at Anfield.

Sometimes its good to be cautious.United were going in great flow and Fergie had no reason to pull out this team.Well in my preview,my thoughts were more similar to what he attempted but there were few
points which were drop down by SAF.Fergie did what was expected and Sunderland came with a prepared plan.We weren’t in our most pitiful men but had night played like one.
First half simply was for Sunderland.8 minutes to the play and they were up with stupefying goal from Darren Bent.To be honest, it couldn’t have been stupefying had Foster been on his feet.a Ever Since Van De Sar’s injury,the goal difference for United has been necked down and it looks consistent that we are not going to be breaking into those series of Clean sheets we had last season.
Anyways,it took time for United to figure out it won’t be easy night if they don’t break their sweat from the very minute.United yelled out some passion and the game was looked now like a contest.There were moments when 19 men were playing at S’land’s bay and yet there wasn’t any “chances”.Nothing turned out amazing and Whistle blew up.

The second half looked more promising from United.The forwards started to bent more forward,the weaker soul was taken out and the attacking one was brought in.Probability of goal was increasing and finally the dead-lock was broken by the man who was running the most without ball.Berba scored with most charming of touches,a brilliant volley to level United.The goal looked so spectacular that he himself couldn’t stop laughing.He quickly returned to half line with ball and felt as if he had turned into a man.The act was so confident that it was looking that Berba would now turn into Berbatov for which
United had bought him.But sadly it wasn’t the case.Dreadful Berba was back and Sunderland were back too.

Malbroque rejoined Sunderland into the game by feeding K.Jones with a floated ball in no man’s land.Yea it was keeper’s land,the ball was in the penalty area!! and still he scored with ease.Foster again to be blamed for his poor positioning.Vida was there but he felt like a douche bag that bounced off Jones.Sunderland up and it had to be United now.
So what if that goal was scored.United have been in worse times and i knew we would come back.The hope wasn’t that strong but i was pretty optimistic for a goal.The time kept ticking and we kept trying.The hope was turning into despair And then Ferdinand happened.Not Rio but Anton.!!A Shot from Patrice Evra was deflected in by Anton Ferdinand from which even United strikers couldn’t have scored for.United got leveled and Old Trafford electrified.

Much could have happened after that but nothing encountered for remaining time.There were quick 4 corners taken in 4 minutes by United and all were matching to our day’s performance.The match got leveled for United against a team which we under estimated.
The Ref had a pathetic day but we can’t blame him.Yea he didn’t award us with the deserving free-kicks or even free-kicks which Sunderland didn’t deserve.He was just another small point to United’s defeat so it can’t be highlighted.
To be honest,this wasn’t the SAF at all.I know i m being harsh but there was no point being in comfort zone at this moment.He knew the international breaks were next and there was no chance to drop any of the best players.Giggs was left out,Owen was there and Carrick came in late.The best of resources were hold down and we got payed for that.

We are now at second spot and a good break.

SAF should start getting at least 2-3 young players every now then in team for them to get into boots.Lets see if Macheda pops out or even Gibson shall do good.

I am predicting that there would be no change in table and United shall be on top of table for this coming week.
Enjoy the match !!!

Their is no doubt about the impact of the Welsh star this season and one can easily say ‘Who needs Cristiano Ronaldo? Mark Hughes does!’, but at the same time it is a rather disappointing and scary situation we are living right at the moment. One which could cost us the title if we don’t watch out.

Time for Youngsters to Step Up and Claim The Midfield Theirs

Already last season we have had several players trying to dominate the midfield. Of course there is Michael Carrick, who has delivered some splicing passes and is a hard worker in our midfield, regularly tracking back and even tackling, but Carrick really under performs when he has to push the team forward in difficult times. He does not seem to be able to carry the weight of the team when the going gets rough.

Personally I can not wait for Owen Hargreaves to join our 11 again because I believe that he the person is who can carry the weight of the squad when needed. He think he has this great mix of being a bonkers rough tackler who is aggressive enough to push the squad forward. And contrarily to Nani, or the Portuguese #7 who used to run over the pitch at Old Trafford, he certainly has the eye to deliver a pass. He isn’t scared either to try his luck from far, with a better conversion than Anderson.

Darren Fletcher has performed remarkably over the last months and became a pilar of our midfield, but right at the moment I still tend to consider him a squattie and not the player who reigns over the midfield.

Instead we still have to really on our two legends, Scholes and Giggs. I am not complaining but I really think someone needs to step up NOW and claim that midfield his.

Or could their be another option? I think so, but that would require a rather big shuffle in our forward line. Before I post my thoughts on this option tomorrow, what do you guys think? How can we improve the midfield and who has shoulders large enough to take over in the midfield?

My busy schedules kept me off from this wonderful game.However,I somehow managed my self with a copy of this game and damn,it was worth it.
Well if you are one of those fans who has watched almost all players present that night from their first United game it could be a relish how you see  your favorite player perform that night.
For first hour, it looked tragic how United players were working the game against the team who looked vulnerable for lots of time and we were going to settle for another one goal victory.Well yea victory was sure but could it be more than one goal.For that we were responsible  on few players.
Nani on lots of occasions was going selfish and Valencia kept spoiling at very last second of his tackle.The mid field was the power house of them.There was some brilliance working in middle from Scholey,Carrick and Fletcher.That was some where holding the team in their boots.Rooney was the only guy attacking first half but wasn’t great converting on occasions.Our superiority wasn’t producing any goals until Ryan Giggs came into picture.
The much awaited brilliance and a pinch of magic was brought into game after he was brought in.He declared his arrival with a top notch pass which even Berbatov racked it up.I don’t expect Berba to work on first try but then it was Giggs ball.You don’t just throw such balls if u don’t have it in you.A pure Ryan-Giggs class.
The second goal too involved nothing but Ryan Giggs again.A floated free-kick over O’Shea made 2 goals for United and was enough to close the show for Stoke City.

Foster who had pathetic last week rested during major time of game.There were lots of selfish runs from Nani,risky Scholes tackles and Rooney’s angry shouting during the game that helped us out.
Another good thing that happened same night was Blues were pulled down by Wigan after Chelsea went down with 10 men.3 massive goals were scored by them which brought Chelsea down from table to second place.United now are resting back to old position.
Things are looking somewhat more effective in Fergie’s way compared to how people were looking to this season.No big signings and still we are doing great.Still no signs of Hargo,but i can’t just imagine how firm our team will go.We are definitely not missing Ronaldo for now.:)

Our first champions league game and it looked like a league cup scenario.Had it not been for the crowd it was a dull 90 minutes of soccer and an eye paining night.These are those few matches for which i have high hopes to be entertained and United turns out pissed out.
Fergie without doubts came with plans to outclassed Turks.The best possibles were on the ground and there was no chance to drop any points.But as game progressed it was turning into a dull soccer game where u would enjoy watching chicks in the crowd.Sadly we didnt have that too.
Crowd could have played a major role but the Turks never expected them to be this loud.The game started and then….Nothing happened for first half !!.Those 45 minutes were more than pathetic to both sides.No real threat moving in any of directions and only direct shots coming through the way.Fergie’s 4-5-1 didnt work out for first 65 minutes and then suddenly he was blessed with wisdom for which he then move back to the 4-4-2 bringing Berbatov with Owen.Fustrated Rooney was removed and saved for week end along with his anger leaking on the pitch.Fergie being unbothered and hopefully positive for the fixtures focused his eyes to the game.The game then advanced to better side and United started looking more adventurous.The game looked for alive cause United filled their boots with 2 best wingers.Valencia showed why he was picked and Nani just doing right.And finally the much awaited happened.United scored their first goal from Scholes after the keeper failed to Keep Nani’s ball out.A spectacular goal compared to the standards that we played.All that was boring ended impressively.

A good goal that that kept me talking for a debate with my friend for why we were missing Ronaldo and Tevez.

All that was looking boring turned into a hard earned victory.Nothing spectacular but all hard work.
However a good start to Champions League campagin.