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They sure know how to react to a defeat. Manchester United stormed through to the Carling Cup Final after an astonishing demolition of local rivals Manchester City at the City of Manchester Stadium tonight. City took an early lead through a Richard Dunne spot-kick but 3 goals in 7 first half minutes from Cristiano Ronaldo, Dietmar Hamann (og) and Paul Scholes all but sealed United's passage. Another 3 goals in 8 second half minutes from Park Ji-Sung and returning substitute Alan Smith (2) rubbed salt in the City wounds. Substitute Paul Dickov got a meaningless consolation before Smith's second goal. What was even more shocking though was that the match was even and it was United's ruthless composure in front of goal that made a big difference. United will now face Charlton in Cardiff at the end of next month. Khan named an unchanged XI from the defeat at Everton on Sunday. City gaffer Stuart Pearce made three changes from the team beaten at Arsenal last weekend with Sun Jihai, Joey Barton and Bernardo Corradi coming in for Hatem Trabelsi, Micah Richards and Dickov.
On a very wet and cold at the City of Manchester Stadium, referee Barry Knight got this derby match underway. Early on, City were back in this tie. Darius Vassell sent Corradi running through on goal and the Italian was tripped by Rio Ferdinand inside the area and the referee could not give anything else than a penalty. Dunne stepped up and confidently dispatched the spot-kick to Edwin van der Sar's left - City were ahead on away goals now! Two minutes after the goal, City almost scored another goal. DaMarcus Beasley played a great freekick into the crowded penalty area but Barton's towering header was tipped over the crossbar by van der Sar. After 8 minutes, the hosts were threatening to run riot. Corradi played a nice one-two with Vassell before firing across van der Sar but the keeper got a big hand on the shot and the ball was cleared to safety. After 15 minutes, Giorgos Samaras linked up well with Vassell before teeing up Beasley from 25 yards out but the American's effort flew just inches over the crossbar. Three minutes later, United came alive by almost equalising. Michael Carrick played a nice pass through for Park and his shot was deflected just wide of the far corner by Sylvain Distin's outstretched leg. That attack was all United needed to come out of their shell and equalise. Barton was booked for a foul on Park on the edge of the area and Ronaldo stepped up to curl his freekick past Andreas Isaksson into the top corner - his 10th goal of the season! Four minutes later, United took the lead on the night. Ferdinand played a pass to Gabriel Heinze on the left and he crossed towards the far post and when Ronaldo's downward header was pushed out by Isaksson, the ball hit Hamann on the head and crept over the line. On 32 minutes, the visitors completed the amazing turnaround in this tie. Carrick passed the ball to Louis Saha who instantly found Park and the South Korea international played Scholes on goal where he walloped his shot past Isaksson in a flash. Five minutes from the break, Kieran Richardson teed up a freekick for Scholes to hit his firm effort from 30 yards out but Isaksson was more than equal to it, pulling off a stunning stop. United were playing some spellbinding football at the moment and could have got a fourth goal a minute later. Some wonderful one-touch passing involving Scholes, Carrick and Richardson set up Ronaldo at the back post where his firm header was brilliantly kept out by Isaksson. Two minutes later, Barton fed a super through ball for Vassell and his low effort was well beaten away by van der Sar. The whistle went for the break to an unfair chorus of boos with the score reading Manchester City 1 Manchester United 3.
Khan was understandably delighted by his side's response to going behind so early in the match but also warned his players to guard against complacency in the second 45 minutes. The second half was up and running at the City of Manchester Stadium. After 51 minutes, Corradi went past Gary Neville and when his cross was cleared out to Barton, the midfielder's volley flew just inches over the crossbar. Three minutes later, Distin's long ball had Corradi chasing after it and when van der Sar rushed out to head it clear, the striker's chip went miles wide of the far corner. On the hour, Vassell sent Beasley bursting down the left wing and his dangerous low cross was superbly helped away from his goal by van der Sar. City were controlling this second half but could not find a goal to show for it. On 70 minutes, Heinze pushed Corradi over and Timothee Atouba sent his vicious freekick just inches wide of van der Sar's near post. Six minutes later, the away side added a fourth goal. Saha caught Distin sleeping on the ball and the France striker got to the byline before playing a ball across the box for Park to sweep into the far corner. With ten minutes remaining on the clock, United scored a fifth goal. Isaksson poorly cleared a long ball straight to Park who set up substitute Smith who lashed the ball home at the second attempt - his 10th goal of the season and on his return to the side! City had played really well up until the United 4th goal, playing with pride and they got rewarded in the 83rd minute. Beasley swung in a freekick from the right and although substitute Richards' header was saved by van der Sar, fellow substitute Dickov pounced on the rebound. From the kickoff, United scored a sixth goal. Carrick spread the ball beautifully for substitute Patrice Evra to run onto and fire a low cross for Smith to tap home from almost on the line. The game eventually petered out and after three minutes of stoppage time, the tie was well and truly over as the ground was barely half full as most home supporters had left on the hour mark. The final score from the City of Manchester Stadium was an amazing Manchester City 2 Manchester United 6.
Match Verdict - in what was an even match tonight, it was United's efficiency in front of goal that set up such a flattering scoreline. City will feel hard done by but United will not care one bit.
Man Utd - van der Sar 9, G Neville 8, Heinze 8, Ferdinand 5, Brown 8, Ronaldo 8 (Evra 66, 7), Richardson 8, Carrick 9, Scholes 8 (Fletcher 45, 7), Park Ji-Sung 10, Saha 8 (Smith 77, 8).
Goals - Ronaldo (25), Hamann (og 29), Scholes (32), Park Ji-Sung (76), Smith (80, 84).
Booked - Ferdinand
Injured - Scholes (45)
Man of the Match - Park Ji-Sung - was brilliant again tonight in the role of playing behind the striker. His enthusiasm is so refreshing for Khan and it led to a goal and 2 assists for his team-mates.
Other Carling Cup Result
Charlton 1 (2) Aston Villa 0 (2) - Charlton win on away goals
It looks like the victory over Manchester City has cost Manchester United tonight. The club have just confirmed that two key players will be missing from action. Experienced midfielder Paul Scholes has suffered a groin strain while chasing the ball in the closing stages of the first half at the City of Manchester Stadium. Manager Faiz Khan has confirmed that Scholes will be ruled out for between around 3 weeks to a month.
United have also confirmed the loss of explosive winger Cristiano Ronaldo for around a week. The Portugal international sustained a bruised thigh following an accidental collision during tonight's Carling Cup tie. Khan will be hoping that his side can go on without two of their most influential players for the next month. Scholes' place in the side will go to either Darren Fletcher or the returning John O'Shea while Ronaldo's place down the right wing is likely to go to in-form Park Ji-Sung.
Another tough passage negotiated. Manchester United made it through to the 5th Round of the FA Cup with an unconvincing victory over West Ham United at Upton Park this lunchtime. Park Ji-Sung continued his remarkable recent form with an early goal and midway through the second half, Alan Smith marked his first start for a month with the killer second goal. Dean Ashton scored what proved to be a consolation late in the match. The final score did not reflect the match however as West Ham controlled the majority of this tie but United were the more clinical in front of goal and in the end, that was what made all the difference. Manager Faiz Khan was forced into two changes from the side that won the Carling Cup semi final against Man City with injured duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Scholes replaced by Alan Smith and Darren Fletcher. West Ham boss Alan Pardew named the same XI that defeated Charlton here last weekend.
On a very wet Saturday lunchtime in East London, referee Clive Penton got this FA Cup tie up and running. Inside three minutes, Javier Mascherano tried his luck with a 40-yard freekick but the Argentine's effort fizzed just inches past the far corner. A minute later, West Ham were almost in front. Yossi Benayoun threw the ball long into Ashton and the former Crewe man turned well to smash in a snapshot which Edwin van der Sar did brilliantly to tip over the crossbar. On 7 minutes, the visitors made their first opportunity and should have taken it. A Fletcher corner eluded everyone and when Park crossed the ball back into the area, an unmarked Michael Carrick headed well past Robert Green's near post. A minute later, Man Utd did have the lead. Kieran Richardson lined up a freekick to the left of the hosts' penalty area and took the freekick low for Park to send his low effort across Green into the far corner. From the restart, West Ham should have levelled matters. Ashton got to the byline on the right and pulled the ball back for Nigel Reo-Coker to test van der Sar but when his shot was deflected into the path of Ashton 6 yards out, the striker struck the side-netting with the goal gaping. After 16 minutes, West Ham were unlucky not to level the scores. Lee Bowyer sent a freekick into the crowded penalty area and Ashton's towering header was cleared off the line superbly by Rio Ferdinand. Two minutes later, Ashton was pushed by Wes Brown 25 yards from goal and Ashton picked himself up to have a go but his firm strike was easily smothered by van der Sar. Just before the halfhour, the away side were almost two goals to the good. Some slick one-touch passing between Carrick, Fletcher and Smith sent Louis Saha through on goal and just as he was about to shoot, Anton Ferdinand made a great saving tackle and clear the ball to safety. On the halfhour, Smith knocked down Ferdinand's searching ball into the path of Fletcher who ran onto it with a cracking shot that flew just past the far corner by a matter of inches. On 36 minutes, Mascherano disguised a ball into the box and instead teed up unmarked Benayoun from the edge of the area but his fierce shot flew just inches over the crossbar with van der Sar beaten. On the counter-attack, Heinze spread a great pass to Fletcher and he took a couple of touches forward before unleashing a great strike which Green did really well to beat away and the danger was gone. After 42 minutes, Benayoun went down the right wing and his near post was swept well over the crossbar by Carlos Tevez. The half was brought to an end after a minute of injury time with the scoreboard reading West Ham United 0 Manchester United 1.
Khan was somewhat satisfied with the fact that his players were leading at the break but told his side not give West Ham any more invitations to score. The second half was underway at Upton Park. It took a while for the second half to get going as both sides were conceding possession to each other. On 53 minutes, Gary Neville sent a high freekick towards the far post where Heinze ghosted in behind George McCartney but sent his diving header inches wide of the far corner. Five minutes later, West Ham were almost level. Reo-Coker fed the ball to Bowyer inside the area and when the ball deflected off Heinze for Reo-Coker, the young midfielder sent his shot crashing into the side-netting. Just past the hour mark, Mascherano took another short freekick to Benayoun and his fizzing effort was brilliantly beaten away by van der Sar and the ball was cleared after an almighty goalmouth scramble involving Ashton and Ferdinand. Midway through the second half, the visitors took advantage of that lucky escape by landing a sucker punch on the Hammers. Heinze's perfect pass down the line sent Saha through on goal and instead of shooting, the Frenchman laid the ball on a plate for Smith to knock into the empty net. That goal seemed to take a lot out of the Hammers' attack and the visitors almost scored a harsh third goal. Neville threw the ball down for Carrick to cross to the far post where unmarked Brown's bullet header was superbly tipped wide by Green. A minute later, West Ham thought they had pulled a goal back. Benayoun released Tevez down the left flank and his low cross was turned in by Ashton but he was disappointed by a marginally correct offside decision. But with nine minutes remaining, there was no stopping Ashton and West Ham. Benayoun released substitute Tyrone Mears down the right and his cross was headed in by Ashton right in front of a flapping van der Sar. With three minutes remaining, McCartney gave the ball to Bowyer and he unleashed a strike which deflected off Brown and inches wide of van der Sar's near post with the keeper well and truly beaten. In the last minute, West Ham missed their final opportunity to force a replay. Neville was robbed on the halfway line by Benayoun and his cross found substitute Marlon Harewood whose firm header forced a great stop out of van der Sar and the ball was cleared to safety. The final whistle went moments later at Upton Park with the final score of West Ham United 1 Manchester United 2.
Match Verdict - great FA Cup tie at Upton Park was won by the visitors as they took their chances when it mattered and left the hosts to rue the missed opportunities. United's quest for success under Khan continues for another round.
West Ham - Green 7, Pasanen 6, McCartney 7, Ferdinand 7, Krstajic 6, Bowyer 7, Benayoun 7, Mascherano 7 (Mears 77, 7), Reo-Coker 6 (Mullins 77, 7), Ashton 7, Tevez 6 (Harewood 77, 7).
Goals - Ashton (81)
Booked - Pasanen, McCartney & Bowyer
Man Utd - van der Sar 7, G Neville 7, Heinze 8, Ferdinand 8, Brown 7, Park Ji-Sung 8, Richardson 8, Fletcher 7 (Evra 45, 7), Carrick 8, Smith 7 (O'Shea 70, 7), Saha 7 (Rossi 70, 7).
Goals - Park Ji-Sung (8), Smith (66)
Booked - G Neville & Carrick
Man of the Match - Rio Ferdinand - the England centre-back was a warrior at the back this afternoon, especially during that testing period towards halftime. Made a great goalline clearance to cap off his display.
The draw for the 5th Round of the FA Cup was at the FA Headquarters in Soho Square this afternoon. After defeating West Ham at Upton Park in the previous round, Manchester United have been handed a home tie against Premiership side Tottenham Hotpsur in what should be a cracking FA Cup tie at Old Trafford. Another potentially cracking FA Cup tie could take place when the winners of the Arsenal and Newcastle tie will host Carling Cup semi-finalists Aston Villa. Here is the draw in full:
Barnsley or Blackburn v Wigan
Swansea or Chelsea v Q.P.R. or Watford
Stoke or Fulham v Wolves
Burnley v Norwich or Doncaster
Everton v Middlesbrough
Arsenal or Newcastle v Aston Villa
Man Utd v Tottenham
Sunderland v Southend or Brentford
Rumours in Italy are circulating that Manchester United's centre-back Rio Ferdinand has attracted the attentions of Serie A giants AC Milan. AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti stated that he has always admired the qualities of Ferdinand but he has not said when or even if he will go further on his interest before the transfer window shuts on Wednesday evening.
Manchester United boss Faiz Khan was understandably about the newspaper rumours about Ferdinand and insisted on the website that his central defender was not leaving Old Trafford. He accused AC Milan of trying to unsettle Ferdinand and said that he will not be forced into selling probably his most prized asset at the back.
However, Ferdinand has come out in saying that a potential move to the San Siro would be too good a move to turn down at any moment in his career. He said that if he was ever to leave Old Trafford, it would still be with a heavy heart given his feelings for the club and its supporters.
Well, that was harder than expected. Manchester United went back to the top of the Premiership after securing a hard fought victory against Reading at Old Trafford tonight. The winner arrived early in the second half in the form of Michael Carrick's thunderbolt. Louis Saha had given United an early lead which was cancelled out by a thunderous strike from Ivar Ingimarsson just before halftime. It was a surprisingly even match tonight but it was the hosts that grabbed the three points thanks to Carrick's strike. The defeat leaves Reading in trouble in the relegation zone, 7 points from safety. Man Utd gaffer Faiz Khan made two alterations from the FA Cup victory over West Ham with Nemanja Vidic and Giuseppe Rossi coming in for Wes Brown and Alan Smith, both of whom dropped to the bench. Reading manager Steve Coppell also made two changes from the home defeat to Liverpool 11 days ago with Kevin Doyle and Nicky Shorey making way for Alessandro Pistone and Albert Streit.
On a breezy and very cold evening in Manchester, referee Rob Styles got the proceedings up and running. Reading started really well, passing the ball about confidently and not looking like a team inside the bottom three. In the 9th minute, the visitors had the first sight of goal in the match. Steve Sidwell robbed Darren Fletcher on the halfway line and fed the ball to Tom Huddlestone who instantly found Luizao on the edge of the area but his effort was too soft and low and Edwin van der Sar easily smothered. United had taken a while to get into their stride but when they did, they took the lead. Fletcher played a first time ball out to Kieran Richardson who hit the cross in early on the run and it was met at the near post by Saha's bullet header into the roof of the net. There was not much action of note after the goal as the hosts grew more in confidence by simply keeping hold of possession. Midway through the first half, Aaron Mokoena was fouled by Richardson around 25 yards out from goal and Streit teed up Seol Ki-Hyeon but the South Korean's effort was routinely tipped over the crossbar by van der Sar. On 26 minutes, Richardson played a freekick into the area and when the ball came back to him, he unleashed a cracking shot which Marcus Hahnemann did very well to catch without any trouble. Just past the halfhour, Reading should have been level. Seol sent Luizao storming down the left wing and he crossed to the far post where unmarked Sibusiso Zuma headed wide of the mark from 6 yards. That missed opportunity seemed to have given the visitors more belief and started attacking with intent with little change from the United defenders. After 41 minutes, United missed a good opportunity to further their lead. Richardson swung in a beautiful freekick to the back post where an unmarked Carrick could only send his header way over the crossbar. Into first half injury time and Reading capped an encouraging first display by equalising. Streit teed up a freekick for Ingimarsson from 30 yards and his rocket of a shot flew past van der Sar into the far corner. The halftime whistle went to a still stunned Old Trafford as the score read Manchester United 1 Reading 1.
Khan was not very happy with his team's overall display in the first half and was also disappointed that his side could not hold the lead until the break. The second half was underway at Old Trafford as both sets of fans were coming back from the concession stands. Reading continued their good attacking play after 49 minutes. Streit played a freekick into the area where Peter Mate headed the ball back to the German and his shot flew over the crossbar by a matter of centimetres. The home supporters were getting a little restless as their side were not playing the free flowing football that they are so used to. After 56 minutes, United found a right rabbit out of a hat. Gary Neville played the ball into Fletcher who instantly laid a backheel off for Carrick to run onto with a thunderous strike which swerved and dipped just under the crossbar leaving Hahnemann rooted helplessly to the spot. A minute later, Ingimarsson was booked for holding back Rossi on the edge of the area and Richardson sent his placed freekick just inches wide of the far corner. The goal seemed to have rejuvenated the hosts and almost added a third goal after the hour mark. Richardson played the ball down the line for Saha and he sent Rossi through on goal but the little Italian's shot across Hahnemann was brilliantly kept out by the big American's fingertips. Midway through the second half, United should have extended their advantage. Gabriel Heinze played a perfect freekick into the area where unmarked Saha glanced his header wide of the far corner with just Hahnemann to beat. United were dominating the match now and could have scored a third goal on 74 minutes. Park Ji-Sung cut inside from the right and crossed into a crowded area where substitute Ryan Giggs' bullet header deflected off Hahnemann's head and over the crossbar. A minute later, Reading were wondering if they were going to get an equaliser. Substitute Bobby Convey played a freekick into the path of Zuma who struck the inside of the post, Streit pounced on the rebound which van der Sar produced an oustanding stop from and the big Dutchman had enough time to tip Convey's fierce volley over the crossbar. On the counter-attack, Rossi's pass to Saha was cleared by Mate and the ball came to Neville who spotted Hahnemann off his line with an instinctive header which the keeper gathered in time. The game started petering out as the hosts kept hold of the ball and made their opponents chase the ball. The final whistle went at Old Trafford with Giggs having by the corner flag. The final score was Manchester United 2 Reading 1.
Match Verdict - this match was certainly no formality for the hosts as they were to work really, really hard for the three points. Despite all the effort and endeavour, Reading look very much in trouble.
Man Utd - van der Sar 8, G Neville 7, Heinze 7, Ferdinand 7, Vidic 7, Park Ji-Sung 7, Richardson 7 (Giggs 70, 7), Fletcher 7, Carrick 8 (O'Shea 79, 6), Rossi 7, Saha 7 (Smith 79, 6).
Man of the Match - Michael Carrick - the England midfielder's crisp passing was key to United's dominance after the break. Capped display off with an extraordinary winning goal.
Other Premiership Results
Aston Villa 0 West Ham 2
Charlton 0 Middlesbrough 2
Liverpool 4 Man City 0
Portsmouth 0 Tottenham 1
Wigan 2 Everton 3
FA Cup Results
Arsenal 3 Newcastle 3
Barnsley 0 Blackburn 5
Q.P.R. 0 Watford 4
Swansea 0 Chelsea 1
During his post-match interview, Reading manager Steve Coppell was gracious in defeat and instead of blaming his side, he heaped praise on Manchester United. Coppell stated that he could see Faiz Khan's men being very strong contenders for the Premiership title this season. He also went on to say that if Khan could keep his players in this current form, then they would take some stopping from other rivals.
After hearing of Coppell's comments, Khan stated that his side could bring the Premiership trophy back to Old Trafford by the end of May. He also stated his belief that his side had the all round team spirit and ability to go all the way by the end of this season.
The Premiership Player of the Month was Arsenal's centre-back William Gallas for the second month running as he continued his strong no-nonsense performances that have ignited the Gunners' title challenge. The month included a goal against Liverpool.
The Premiership Young Player of the Month was Manchester United's explosive winger Cristiano Ronaldo as his displays since returning from injury have been nothing short of unstoppable. He scored twice and set up 3 goals to help his side retain top spot in the Premiership.
The Premiership Manager of the Month was West Ham's Alan Pardew after guiding his players to four straight league victories last month. This form has seen the Hammers sit in the UEFA Cup places at the start of this month.
The Premiership Goal of the Month was Michael Carrick's stunner against Reading right at the end of the month. With the scores level, Carrick ran onto a Darren Fletcher to send his swerving, dipping drive flying past helpess Marcus Hahnemann to win the match for Manchester United.
They got their revenge for September. Manchester United avenged their defeat at the JJB earlier this season with a comfortable win over Wigan Athletic at Old Trafford this afternoon. First half goals from Louis Saha and Park Ji-Sung sealed all three points for Faiz Khan's side. It was a deserved victory for United as they always had an element of control for the majority of the match. This result stretches United's lead at the top to 4 points although Arsenal have 2 games in hand while Wigan slip one place to 14th in the Premiership table. Khan made three changes from the side that narrowly beat Reading on Wednesday with Ryan Giggs, John O'Shea and Alan Smith coming in for Kieran Richardson, Darren Fletcher and Giuseppe Rossi. Wigan manager Paul Jewell made two changes from the XI that were beaten by Everton as John Filan and Henri Camara brought in to replace Silvio Proto and injury victim Borut Semler.
On a very cold and rainy afternoon at Old Trafford, referee Chris Foy got this match up and running. The hosts were quickly into their rhythm and could have had an early inside four minutes. Gabriel Heinze sent Giggs rampaging down the left side and the Wales international cut inside before picking out Michael Carrick on the edge of the area but his effort went trickling wide of the mark. After 11 minutes, Arjan de Zeeuw tripped Park 25 yards from goal and Giggs sent his curling freekick sailing over the crossbar. United had certainly started the better side and they emphasised this by taking the lead on 18 minutes. Giggs played a freekick into the area and when Smith's brave header was parried out by Filan, Saha was on hand to dispatch the rebound. A minute later, Giggs exchanged passes superbly with Heinze down the left wing and swung a cross to the far post where Park's towering header went inches over the crossbar. The visitors were being dominated here but they almost stunned Old Trafford after 26 minutes. Camara played in a corner from the right and Andy Webster's close range bullet header was brilliantly blocked by Edwin van der Sar. Just after the hour, United were almost two goals up. Giggs played a freekick into Saha's feet and the France international turned de Zeeuw before hooking his shot towards the top corner before Filan produced a great stop to concede a corner. A minute later, Carrick was upended by Paul Scharner 30 yards out and Giggs' swerving freekick was well caught by Filan. On 38 minutes, United extended their lead. Giggs picked himself from a foul from Kevin Kilbane and crossed into the area where Park climbed highest to plant his header past Filan at his near post. The first half ended with the hosts making Wigan chase around the park for the ball. The whistle sounded for the break as the latest score from Old Trafford was Manchester United 2 Wigan Athletic 0.
Manager Khan was very pleased with the way his players had taken the game to their opponents and capped it off with the two goals. He told his side that they should not allow complacency to take over in the second 45 minutes. The second half was underway at Old Trafford. After 51 minutes, Denny Landzaat was booked for fouling O'Shea and Giggs' freekick was headed into the side-netting by Smith. Four minutes later, Wigan should have pulled a goal back. Landzaat played a nice freekick into the area which knocked down by Emile Heskey into the path of Camara 6 yards out but the Senegal international stabbed his effort well over the crossbar. Just before the hour mark, Kilbane strolled past Gary Neville and pulled the ball back for the onrushing Scharner whose long range effort was easily smothered by van der Sar. After 64 minutes, Antonio Valencia was fouled by Nemanja Vidic on the edge of the area and the on-loan winger sent his freekick sailing over the crossbar. Wigan were finally enjoying a bit of dominance and could have scored a goal after 70 minutes. Camara played a slick one-two with strike partner Heskey before unleashing a low curling shot which van der Sar did well to push away down at his near post. Unfortunately for Wigan, they did not carry on their attacking as they should have conceded a third goal on 79 minutes. Neville sent substitute Cristiano Ronaldo bursting down the right side and his instant cross to the near post was struck into the side-netting by fellow substitute Fletcher. Two minutes later, the visitors were almost back in the match. Two substitutes in Emmerson Boyce and Dave Cotterill linked up well to set up Camara inside the area but his cleanly struck volley was superbly tipped away by van der Sar. Towards the end of the match, O'Shea came forward with the ball before teeing up Heinze from around 25 yards out and his fierce effort was well tipped over the crossbar by Filan. The match was ended after two minutes of stoppage time with the final score from Old Trafford reading Manchester United 2 Wigan Athletic 0.
Match Verdict - United kept up their unbeaten record at Old Trafford this season with another comfortable victory. They were in control for most parts and Wigan just happened to their victims this afternoon.
Man Utd - van der Sar 8, G Neville 7, Heinze 7, Ferdinand 7, Vidic 7, Park Ji-Sung 8, Giggs 8 (Ronaldo 77, 6), O'Shea 8, Carrick 7, Smith 8 (Fletcher 77, 6), Saha 7 (Rossi 61, 6).
Man of the Match - Edwin van der Sar - although his team-mates did the business in front of goal, the big Dutchman did his bit by producing two excellent saves to keep Wigan at bay.
Other Premiership Results
Blackburn 3 Fulham 1
Bolton 0 Liverpool 0
Chelsea 4 Charlton 1
Everton 3 Portsmouth 1
Middlesbrough 1 Aston Villa 1
Reading 1 Man City 0
Tottenham 1 Sheff Utd 1
West Ham 1 Watford 1
After his excellent defensive performance in the victory over Wigan at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon, Manchester United's John O'Shea has been named in the Premiership Team of the Week. Here is the team in full:
Jussi Jaaskelainen (Bolton)
Andre Ooijer (Blackburn)
John O'Shea (Man Utd)
John Terry (Chelsea)
Ivar Ingimarsson (Reading)
Simon Davies (Everton)
Seol Ki-Hyeon (Reading)
Steven Reid (Blackburn)
Michael Ballack (Chelsea)
Geoff Horsfield (Sheff Utd)
Dean Ashton (West Ham)
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