retired_tnovo

Friday 9th March 2007

uefa.com

The draw for the Champions League quarter-finals were made at the UEFA Headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland and it threw up a mouth watering tie. Manchester United's bid for a 3rd European Cup will continue with a tough quarter-final against 9 time winners Real Madrid. This means a reunion with former United duo David Beckham and Ruud van Nistelrooy. The first leg will take place at Old Trafford with the return leg in the Santiago Bernabeu 7 days later. Here is the draw in full:

Liverpool v Bayern Munich
Porto v Arsenal
Man Utd v Real Madrid
Chelsea v Valencia

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Saturday 10th March 2007

TheFA.com

Manchester United 3 Everton 2

Well, better late than never. Manchester United booked their place in the FA Cup semi-finals after a last-gasp victory over Everton at Old Trafford this afternoon. Substitute Kieran Richardson scored the winner in the 93rd minute after the visitors seemed to claim an unlikely and undeserved replay. The hosts took the lead through Park Ji-Sung's first half goal until Everton turned the tie on its head with James McFadden's equaliser and Gary Neville's bizarre own goal. But Alan Smith levelled almost immediately after the own goal before Richardson's dramatic winner. The victory was well deserved for United as they had totally dominated this quarter-final only for lacklustre finishing to stand in their way. Faiz Khan brought back the players that sat out the Champions League victory on Tuesday while Everton boss David Moyes made two changes from the side that drew at Aston Villa as Richard Wright and Tim Cahill replaced ineligible Tim Howard and Lee Carsley.

On a very dry and sunny Saturday lunchtime in Manchester, referee Andy D'Urso got this FA Cup quarter-final up and running. The hosts started quickly and were unlucky not go infront inside five minutes. Cristiano Ronaldo went on a bursting run down the right wing and he crossed to the far post where Ryan Giggs' bullet header crashed against the crossbar and the ball was cleared to safety. After 11 minutes, Everton poorly cleared a Giggs freekick and the Wales winger unleashed a thunderous strike which Wright did brilliantly to keep out. It was a very bright start from United and they capped it off by taking the lead after 25 minutes. Giggs pumped a long ball towards the penalty which Smith knocked down for Park to smash his effort past Wright into the roof of the net - his 15th goal of an amazing season! The game settled down after the goal and Everton began to pass the ball more but could'nt get near their opponents' goal. On 33 minutes, United had a good opportunity to extend their lead. Rio Ferdinand played a short freekick to Nemanja Vidic who picked out a super pass through for Park but the South Korean winger could only steer his shot wide of the far corner with just Wright to beat. The hosts had totally controlled this first half but they still conceded an equaliser a minute before halftime. Leon Osman played the ball back to Tony Hibbert and his deep cross was met the far post by a towering header from McFadden into the top corner. That equaliser certainly gave Everton some momentum and it almost led to a turnaround on the stroke of halftime. Mikel Arteta played in a corner from the right and Joseph Yobo's bullet header was superbly cleared off the line by a diving Vidic. The whistle for halftime came shortly after at Old Trafford with the latest score standing at Manchester United 1 Everton 1.

Khan was clearly disappointed that his side lost their concentration just before the break after controlling the first half. He told his players that the tie was still there to be won. The second half got going to a raucous Old Trafford crowd. Everton completed the turnaround almost immediately with the most bizarre own goal. Neville played a simple pass back to Edwin van der Sar and when the keeper went to kick the ball, the ball hit a divot on the pitch and it bobbled over van der Sar's feet into an empty net. But two minutes later, the hosts were back on level terms. Ferdinand sent a nice ball down the right side for Ronaldo to send his cross to the near post where Smith's powerful header ripped past Wright into the roof of the net - his 15th goal of the season! The match began to quieten down again after the goal but the hosts were clearly motivated by the own goal straight after the break. Just before the hour mark, John O'Shea sauntered forward before laying the ball off to Paul Scholes and his rather weak left-footed effort went straight into the arms of Wright. A minute later, United had another good opportunity to take the lead. Ronaldo took the ball past McFadden on the right flank and his cross to the far post found Giggs with lots of space but he blazed his shot well over the crossbar with just Wright to beat. On 66 minutes, a wonderful United move almost resulted in a goal. Scholes spread a brilliant pass for Ronaldo to speed onto and his first time cross found Park at the far post only for the winger's placed header to drift just inches wide of the far corner. The hosts were really starting to turn the heat on Everton and were so unlucky not go ahead midway through the second half. O'Shea hurried clearance sent Smith away down the right channel and he pulled the ball for Ronaldo inside the area where his cracking strike thundered against the crossbar and the ball was cleared to safety. The game went into another spell which lacked any action as the visitors were doing very well to restrict United to try to pass through them. With five minutes minutes remaining, Scholes played a smart one-two with substitute Giuseppe Rossi before seeing his deflected shot whistle just inches past Wright's near post. Into injury time and United finally scored the winner they clearly deserved. Ronaldo went steaming to the right byline and when his cross cleared to Neville, the captain's fierce cross-cum-shot was diverted past Wright by Richardson from close range to send the home fans delirious. It was the final kick of the match and the final score from Old Trafford read Manchester United 3 Everton 2.

Match Verdict - this FA Cup quarter-final was so one-sided that it was a great surprise when the winning goal came with the last kick of the match. Faiz Khan's side are looking good at the moment.

Man Utd - van der Sar 6, G Neville 7, Heinze 6, Ferdinand 5 (Brown 67, 6), Vidic 7, Ronaldo 7, Giggs 6, O'Shea 7, Scholes 7, Park Ji-Sung 7 (Richardson 81, 8), Smith 8 (Rossi 81, 6).

Goals - Park Ji-Sung (25), Smith (49), Richardson (90)

Booked - G Neville & Heinze

Everton - Wright 6, Hibbert 7, P Neville 7, Yobo 7, Lescott 6, Osman 7 (Weir 45, 6), Arteta 7 (Burke 74, 6), Davies 7, Cahill 6, Johnson 6 (Beattie 74, 6), McFadden 7.

Goals - McFadden (44), G Neville (og 47)

Booked - P Neville, Cahill & McFadden

Man of the Match - Alan Smith - the former Leeds man has fully recovered from his injury now. He was a constant menace once again this afternoon as Everton could not cope with movement and hold up play. This led to the equaliser and also set up the opening goal.


Other FA Cup Results

Aston Villa 2 Watford 1
Doncaster 0 Fulham 1
Sunderland 1 Blackburn 4

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Monday 12th March 2007

TheFA.com

The draw for the FA Cup semi-finals has just been made at the FA Headquarters in Soho Square. Faiz Khan's Manchester United have been handed probably the toughest of the three potential opponents as they face off against Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa. The other semi-final pits North against South as Blackburn Rovers will entertain Fulham. Both semi-finals will be played at the newly built Wembley Stadium. Here is the draw again:

Fulham v Blackburn
Man Utd v Aston Villa

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Monday 12th March 2007

manutd.com

It's been a busy day at Old Trafford as Manchester United have been handed a double injury blow. It has been just been confirmed that Edwin van der Sar has suffered a groin strain during a sprinting session in training earlier this morning. The club physio has told manager Faiz Khan that the big Dutchman will be ruled out for around 3 weeks to a month. This means he will miss the big Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid early next month but could be back for the return in Spain.

It has also been confirmed on the club website that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has suffered an injury that has ruled him out for the rest of the season. He was in total discomfort after suffering from a damaged achilles tendon during training. The club physio said that the only way to treat the injury fully was for the Norway international to visit a specialist. He will be out for upto 3 months. It is very disappointing news for Solskjaer as he said that he may not feature in Khan's first team plans next season.

Looking forward to next season, Manchester United's Gerard Pique has ended speculation of a summer move to Deportivo la Coruna by signing a new long term contract at Old Trafford. The promising defender, on loan at Real Zaragoza this season, has committed himself to United for the next 3 years. His new deal will be worth £7,750 a week, earning him a cool £1m by the end of the contract.

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Wednesday 14th March 2007

premierleague.com

Manchester United 3 Sheffield United 1

There's just no stopping them at the moment. Manchester United established top spot in the Premiership after a comfortable win over Sheffield United at Old Trafford tonight. Two first half goals from Alan Smith set United on their way and a goal before the hour from skipper Gary Neville sealed the three points for Faiz Khan's side. Geoff Horsfield scored a late consolation for the visitors who are 6 points from safety in 19th place. Both sides finished the game with 10 men as Ryan Giggs and Mario Fillinger were both sent off for different reasons. It was a very comfortable evening for the hosts as they controlled the match for long periods and they deserved their victory. Manager Khan made just one change from the quarter-final win over Everton with the injured Edwin van der Sar making way for Tomasz Kuszczak. Sheffield United gaffer Neil Warnock made two alterations from the team that beat Wigan with Paddy Kenny and Li Tie replacing Ian Bennett and Claude Davis.

On a mild and very dry evening in Manchester, referee Rob Styles got this encounter underway. After five minutes, the hosts were almost ahead. A Neville freekick was knocked down by Smith into the path of John O'Shea whose fierce effort was beaten out by Kenny and Smith prodded the rebound well wide of the mark. On 12 minutes, Giggs played a freekick to Paul Scholes who teed up Park Ji-Sung from the edge of the area but his shot went sailing over the crossbar. Five minutes later, the hosts opened the scoring. Cristiano Ronaldo was fouled by Chris Morgan and Giggs swung in a freekick from the right to the far post which Smith climbed highest to loop his header over Kenny and into the net. The visitors began to settle down after conceding as they kept hold of possession very well and forced their opponents to chase the ball. The game was not offering much at the moment and it resulted in a couple of rash challenges from Fillinger and Smith which prompted yellow cards from the referee. After 33 minutes, Sheffield United had their first sight of goal. Morgan's high ball was knocked down by Horsfield into the path of the onrushing Danny Webber but the former Manchester United man sent his long range effort sailing harmlessly over the crossbar. Two minutes later, Gabriel Heinze exchanged passes with Rio Ferdinand before playing the ball up to Smith who took one touch before sending a fierce low effort trickling inches wide of the far corner. A couple of minutes later, the hosts nearly went two goals to the good. Scholes sent a wonderful pass down the left wing for Giggs to send a dangerous first time ball into the area where Ronaldo's towering header drew a fantastic fingertip save from Kenny. The hosts were dominating things now and after 43 minutes, they could have scored a second goal. Giggs' freekick to the near post was knocked back by Park into the path of Nemanja Vidic but the Serbia international sent his effort well over the crossbar. As the first half entered stoppage time, the hosts extended their lead. Ronaldo intercepted a loose pass from Morgan and fed the ball to Smith immediately who stormed through on goal and the former Leeds man showed great composure by slipping the ball through Kenny's legs. The half was at an end a minute later with the score from Old Trafford reading Manchester United 2 Sheffield United 0.

Khan was obviously pleased with the way his players took the game early to their opponents but warned them not go too complacent in the second 45 minutes. The second half was up and running at Old Trafford. On 52 minutes, Heinze played a high freekick into the penalty area and Smith send his looping header over the crossbar. Five minutes later, the hosts pretty much settled the match. Neville gave the ball to O'Shea who spread the ball beautifully to Heinze and his cross to the far post was headed powerfully by Neville into the top corner. After the hour came the minute of chaos as both sides were reduced to 10 men. First, Giggs was hacked down by Fillinger and the referee had no option but to show the second yellow card and the red card. And from the resulting freekick, Giggs jumped up and caught Phil Jagielka in the face with his elbow and the referee quickly brandished the red card. With that, both sides carried on playing the way the way they were before the dismissals. On 71 minutes, Heinze came forward with the ball and laid it off to Scholes who unleashed a powerful effort which flew just inches over Kenny's crossbar. The visitors were now playing with a little more freedom knowing that the match was already over and they managed to work a great consolation goal. Nice one touch passing involving Michael Tonge, Gary Speed and substitute Mikele Leigertwood teed up Horsfield on the edge of the area and his effort was too powerful for Kuszczak to keep out and the ball nestled in the back of the net. The goal clearly gave the visitors a bit of confidence and they almost added a second goal with two minutes remaining. Ferdinand was penalised for holding onto Horsfield on the edge of the area and Tonge stepped up to send his fizzing freekick just inches wide of Kuszczak's near post. The final whistle rang around Old Trafford after three minutes of injury time and the final score was Manchester United 3 Sheffield United 1.

Match Verdict - a routine victory for the hosts as they maintained their unbeaten record at Old Trafford and also maintained their title credentials. Sheffield United had better start picking up results and fast.

Man Utd - Kuszczak 7, G Neville 7, Heinze 7, Ferdinand 7, Vidic 7, Ronaldo 8, Giggs 7, O'Shea 7, Scholes 7 (Richardson 81, 6), Park Ji-Sung 7 (Evra 71, 6), Smith 9 (Saha 81, 6).

Goals - Smith (17, 45), G Neville (57)

Booked - Smith

Sent Off - Giggs (65)

Sheff Utd - Kenny 6, Delaney 6, Kozluk 6 (Davis 65, 7), Jagielka 6, Morgan 7, Fillinger 5, Speed 7, Tonge 7, Li Tie 5 (Alexandersson 58, 7), Horsfield 7, Webber 6 (Leigertwood 58, 7).

Goals - Horsfield (80)

Booked - Fillinger, Speed & Leigertwood

Sent Off - Fillinger (64)

Man of the Match - Alan Smith - the powerful striker just keeps getting better and better as he added two more goals to his collection for the season. Seems to be such a monster in the air.

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Saturday 17th March 2007

premierleague.com

Manchester United 2 Aston Villa 0

They just keep winning and winning matches right now. Manchester United established top spot in the Premiership with their 6th consecutive league win against Aston Villa at Old Trafford this afternoon. Two early goals in the first half from Cristiano Ronaldo and Louis Saha helped United earn the three points. It was a deserved victory for Faiz Khan's side as they were the better team and also showed a great cutting edge in front of goal. Khan made two changes to the side that started against Sheffield United as Kieran Richardson and Saha replaced the banned Ryan Giggs and Park Ji-Sung, who dropped to the bench. Villa boss Martin O'Neill made three changes from the team that started the FA Cup 6th Round tie with Watford last weekend as Jonathan Zebina, Olivier Thomert and injury victim Steven Davis made way for Martin Laursen, Gareth Barry and Abou Diaby.

On a warm but very wet Saturday afternoon in Manchester, referee Alan Wiley got this encounter going. The hosts fashioned out the first opening inside four minutes. A Gary Neville ball was flicked on by Alan Smith to send Saha clear on goal but the France striker prodded his effort weakly into the side-netting. Two minutes later, Kieran Richardson played a freekick into the middle and Saha produced a smart glancing header which drifted just inches over the crossbar. After 10 minutes, United almost took the lead. Richardson's dangerous freekick was cleared out to Rio Ferdinand 25 yards out and his viciously swerving effort was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Thomas Sorensen. From the resulting corner, United should have taken the lead. Paul Scholes played in a corner from the right side and Smith had the simple task of heading in at the near post but he sent his header well over the crossbar. The hosts had made a bright start to the match here and they capped it off by opening the scoring on 16 minutes. Smith laid the ball off to Saha who went rampaging down the left flank and when his cross intended for Smith was deflected away, Ronaldo caught up with the play to tuck into the empty net. Three minutes later, United added a quick second goal. Scholes' instinctive pass was helped on by Smith to send Saha through with just Sorensen and the former Fulham man showed great composure, sending Sorensen the wrong way - his 15th goal of the season. Villa had not been allowed to settle early on but they missed a fantastic opportunity to get back into the game midway through the first half. Wilfred Bouma sent a perfect pass through for Milan Baros and instead of shooting, he laid the open goal on a plate for Juan Pablo Angel only for the Columbian international to smash the crossbar from 6 yards out and the chance was gone. Just after the half hour, the hosts had a good opportunity to finish the match. Smith spread the ball beautifully to Saha down the left wing and he cut inside before cutting the ball back for the unmarked Smith who could only place his shot past Sorensen's near post. Two minutes later, Saha was pushed by Martin Laursen and Richardson sent his 20 yard freekick flashing inches past the far corner. On the counter-attack, Barry gave the ball to Baros on the left side and he crossed to the far post where Stilian Petrov's powerful header was superbly tipped over by Tomasz Kuszczak. On 39 minutes, a mesmerising team move almost resulted in a third United goal. Scholes and John O'Shea exchanged passes before the former spread the ball quickly to Gabriel Heinze and his dangerous cross was headed just inches over the crossbar by Saha. Three minutes later, Villa should have pulled a goal back. Rio Ferdinand's poor backpass was cut out by Baros and as the angle became tighter, the Czech international crossed for Petrov to tap home but Kuszczak came out to block his effort and the ball was cleared to safety. The half time whistle sounded around Old Trafford after a minute of stoppage time with the score standing at Manchester United 2 Aston Villa 0.

Khan was understandably impressed with his side's attacking exploits in the first half and told them to carry on that exact verve in the second 45 minutes. The second half was up and running as supporters were getting back into their seats. From the kickoff, O'Shea gave the ball to Smith who went running at Olof Mellberg and as he got past him, he unleashed a powerful drive which flashed over the crossbar. After 52 minutes, United could have added a third goal. Scholes drove a freekick into the crowded penalty area and Nemanja Vidic's towering header went just inches past Sorensen's far post. The visitors started to settle on the ball more and after the hour mark, they almost pulled a goal back. Baros received the ball on the halfway line and starting sprinting past Ferdinand and Vidic and found himself through on goal but his low effort went past Kuszczak and struck the woodwork to safety. On 65 minutes, Villa made a good opportunity to get back into the game. Barry played a slick one-two with Diaby and spread the ball out to Petrov on the right flank and he crossed to the back post where unmarked Angel's fierce header was pushed away by Kuszczak. Two minutes later, Diaby exchanged passes with Barry before sending a low shot from 30 yards towards goal but it was easily smothered by Kuszczak. After 75 minutes, the hosts almost extended their lead. Ronaldo and substitute Park Ji-Sung combined to send substitute Giuseppe Rossi through on goal and just as he was about to pull the trigger, Mellberg made an important challenge to deny the little Italian. Five minutes later, Richardson swung a freekick in from the left which Ferdinand headed just inches wide of the far corner. The match was petering out now as the hosts started playing keep-ball knowing full well that another victory was on the board. They almost added to their lead in stoppage time. Park played a one-two with Richardson down the left side and he crossed to the near post where Rossi sent his sweeping volley just inches past the far post. The match was over after two minutes of injury time and the final score from Old Trafford read Manchester United 2 Aston Villa 0.

Match Verdict - the hosts were again the side in control at Old Trafford as they get closer and closer to the Premiership title. On the other hand, Villa are getting sucked into a relegation battle.

Man Utd - Kuszczak 8, G Neville 7, Heinze 8, Ferdinand 7, Vidic 7, Ronaldo 8, Richardson 8, O'Shea 7 (Park Ji-Sung 63, 6), Scholes 8 (Fletcher 74, 6), Smith 8, Saha 8 (Rossi 74, 7).

Goals - Ronaldo (16), Saha (19)

Aston Villa - Sorensen 7, Mellberg 7, Bouma 7, Laursen 7 (Zebina 71, 7), Cahill 6, Petrov 7, Barry 7, Maduro 7, Diaby 7, Baros 6 (Moore 79, 6), Angel 7 (Thomert 71, 6).

Booked - Laursen & Petrov

Man of the Match - Paul Scholes - the former England international reminded everyone of his undoubted class as he dictated the play for the majority of the match. Just gets better with age.


Other Premiership Results

Blackburn 1 Bolton 1
Chelsea 1 Arsenal 1
Everton 1 Watford 0
Middlesbrough 3 Liverpool 0
Portsmouth 1 Sheff Utd 0
Reading 0 Newcastle 1
Tottenham 2 Fulham 0
West Ham 1 Man City 1
Wigan 2 Charlton 0

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Monday 19th March 2007

premierleague.com

After causing Aston Villa all sorts of problems in the victory at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon, Manchester United pair Cristiano Ronaldo have been included in the Premiership Team of the Week. Here is the team in full:

Paul Robinson (Tottenham)

Pascal Chimbonda (Tottenham)
Emanuel Pogatetz (Middlesbrough)
Sergey Ignashevich (Wigan)
Craig Moore (Newcastle)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd)
Sanli Tuncay (Tottenham)
Damien Francis (Watford)
Fabio Rochemback (Middlesbrough)

Alan Smith (Man Utd)
Henri Camara (Wigan)

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Saturday 31st March 2007

Gillette Soccer Saturday

As Manchester United prepare for the Premiership clash with Watford at Vicarage Road this afternoon, the club have just received some fantastic news coming out of the boardroom. Manager Faiz Khan has just confirmed that he has put pen to paper on a brand new 2 year extension to his contract. His new deal will earn him his current wage of £38,000 a week until the summer of 2009. In the terms of this contract, it was agreed that Khan would be handed a bigger transfer budget than he got at the start of the season.

Coming out of the boardroom, Manchester United chief executive David Gill declared himself absolutely ecstatic that Khan had agreed to extend his current contract. Gill stated that Khan had fully deserved this new contract extension after leading his players on seemingly four fronts this season, having already captured the Carling Cup late last month. Gill felt that the manager had shown great commitment and loyalty to the club and this news will certainly not only the players but the club's great supporters.

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Saturday 31st March 2007

premierleague.com

Watford 1 Manchester United 3

Even going behind does'nt stop them. Manchester United from an early scare to record a 7th consecutive Premiership win with victory against strugglers Watford at Vicarage Road this afternoon. The hosts were ahead early on through Damien Francis' cracking strike but United turned the match on its head with two goals in three minutes from John O'Shea and Kieran Richardson. And the three points were secured with Louis Saha's cool finish shortly before the interval. It was quite a harsh result on Watford as they had more opportunities than the visitors but Watford found keeper Tomasz Kuszczak in unbelievable form. Gaffer Faiz Khan named the same XI that defeated Aston Villa a fortnight ago. Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd made three changes from the side that lost at Everton with Richard Lee, Andrejs Rubins and Gavin Mahon replacing ineligible Ben Foster, injured Al Bangura and Darius Henderson, who dropped among the substitutes.

On a fairly mild but wet Saturday afternoon in Hertfordshire, referee Dermot Gallagher got the match underway. Inside two minutes, Watford shocked the leaders. Gary Neville's loose ball put United in trouble and when Rio Ferdinand scrambled the ball away, Francis came running onto the ball and blasted the ball past Kuszczak into the top corner from around 30 yards out - his 1st ever goal for the club and what a strike! It took time for the visitors to settle into their passing rhythm and made a good opportunity after 9 minutes. On the counter-attack, Saha went running down the left side and slid in Alan Smith on goal but his effort curled away from goal and missed the far corner. From the goal kick, Mahon gave the ball to Ashley Young and his first time pass found Marlon King clear on goal but his shot across Kuszczak was brilliantly tipped away by the Polish international. And that save was to prove very crucial as United levelled matters five minutes later. Paul Scholes played in a corner from the left and O'Shea climbed highest to send his bullet header high into the net - his 1st goal of the season and fully deserved too! On 18 minutes, a fast and furious passage of play helped United take the lead. Smith struck a venomous strike from 30 yards which Lee produced a fantastic stop and Saha struck the crossbar with the rebound. The ball came back as Gary Neville sent over a deep ball for Richardson to run onto on the half volley into the far corner - his 5th goal of the season! The turnaround shook the hosts a little bit and it was'nt until the 27th minute that we saw the next opportunity. Jay DeMerit sent a long ball up to King and he turned past Ferdinand before sending his long range effort sailing over the crossbar. Six minutes later, Rubins went on a mazy run down the left wing and his pull back found Young on the edge of the area only for the youngster's shot to go just inches over the crossbar. A minute later, Young had a better chance to equalise. Sharbel Touma took the ball from Gabriel Heinze and put Young away on goal but he weakly shot wide with just Kuszczak to beat. After 37 minutes, United had a great opportunity to pull two goals clear. Kuszczak's long clearance was headed on by Smith into the path of Saha through on goal and his placed effort was superbly palmed away by Lee and the ball was cleared to safety. But two minutes later, there was no stopping the Frenchman. Kuszczak's goal kick was flicked on by Smith to send Saha clean through and this time, he coolly slotted through Lee's legs into the middle of the net. From the restart, O'Shea stole the ball from King and played the ball to Smith who rode a couple of challenges before seeing his flashing strike beaten away brilliantly by Lee. The half came to a close at Vicarage Road with the score reading Watford 1 Manchester United 3.

Khan was delighted with his players' response to going behind so early by turning the match completely around. But he warned that Watford were not out of this match just yet. The second half was up and running at Vicarage Road. Early in the second period, the visitors almost added a fourth goal. Heinze threw the ball hopefully long into the area where Smith's glancing header was superbly touched away by Lee. The hosts had two decent freekick opportunities in quick succession. First, Mahon send a powerful strike crashing off the underside of the crossbar and then Young saw his curling effort brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Kuszczak. On the hour, Watford almost pulled a goal back. Mahon disguised the shot before sliding the ball through to King whose fierce effort was well beaten away by a flying Kuszczak. A couple of minutes later, Watford almost gifted United a fourth goal. A Ferdinand clearance was poorly headed back by DeMerit which Saha cut out and ran through on goal only for the France striker to shoot straight into Lee's arms. Midway through the second half, Richardson sent Saha running down the left flank and he sent a dangerously low cross across goal and it was vitally cleared by Talal El Karkouri before Cristiano Ronaldo could connect. United looked to have settled after an uncertain start to the second period. On 77 minutes, a fine one touch passage of play involving substitute Henderson, Mahon and Francis teed up King from 25 yards out and his low shot was easily smothered by Kuszczak. Five minutes later, Watford were very unlucky not to score a second goal. Henderson was felled by Ferdinand and substitute Jordan Stewart sweetly struck his freekick towards the top corner only for Kuszczak to somehow get his fingertips to divert the shot onto the far post and away to safety. Into stoppage time and then came the moment that you just felt it was'nt Watford's day. Alan Hutton's deep cross missed everybody except David Grondin at the far post and his angled drive brought an astonishing save from Kuszczak and the ball went over the, skimming the crossbar on its way. Shortly after, the final whistle went at Vicarage Road as the final score read Watford 1 Manchester United 3.

Match Verdict - the hosts caused the leaders countless problems but it was the visitors that won the points thanks to a winning combination of cool finishing and Tomasz Kuszczak.

Watford - Lee 7, Hutton 6, Grondin 7, El Karkouri 7, DeMerit 7, Touma 7, Rubins 6 (Stewart 71, 7), Francis 8, Mahon 7 (Poulsen 79, 6), Young 6 (Henderson 71, 7), King 6.

Goals - Francis (2)

Man Utd - Kuszczak 9, G Neville 7, Heinze 8, Ferdinand 6, Vidic 8, Ronaldo 8, Richardson 8, O'Shea 8, Scholes 7 (Park Ji-Sung 73, 6), Smith 8 (Evra 73, 7), Saha 8 (Rooney 73, 6).

Goals - O'Shea (15), Richardson (18), Saha (39)

Man of the Match - Tomasz Kuszczak - the difference between a win and a loss for United as he made countless brilliant saves to keep United ahead. Certainly filling in very well for the injured van der Sar.


Other Premiership Results

Aston Villa 0 Wigan 0
Bolton 1 West Ham 0
Charlton 2 Portsmouth 1
Fulham 1 Everton 1
Liverpool 2 Chelsea 1
Man City 1 Middlesbrough 0
Newcastle 2 Blackburn 0

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Sunday 1st April 2007

premierleague.com

The Premiership Player of the Month was Manchester United's powerful striker Alan Smith after his brave and determined displays as the target man throughout last month. This led to him scoring 3 goals and setting another 4 goals up for his team-mates.

The Premiership Young Player of the Month was Fulham's striker Collins John as his goal-scoring exploits last month kept alive the West Londoner's survival battle. He scored all Fulham's goals last month including a memorable hat-trick against local rivals Chelsea.

The Premiership Manager of the Month was Manchester United's Faiz Khan after leading his players to victory in all four of their Premiership matches last month. This form has seen United establish top spot in the Premiership table.

The Premiership Goal of the Month was Nolberto Solano's belter at Bolton at the beginning of the month. Picking up on a poor clearance, the Peruvian sent an absolute screamer from one side of the area to the far top corner to secure a point for Newcastle.

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