retired_tnovo

Saturday 23rd September 2006

premierleague.com

Reading 1 Manchester United 2

They are back to where they belong. Manchester United came from behind to defeat Reading at the Madejski Stadium this afternoon. Cristiano Ronaldo's controversial goal midway through the 1st half ensured his side finish the weekend at the top of the Premiership table. Leroy Lita had given the home side an early lead before Paul Scholes equalised from the penalty spot soon after. The match itself was quite even but it was United's composure in front of goal what secured a professional victory. Manager Faiz Khan made two changes from the side that beat Everton last Sunday with Patrice Evra and John O'Shea making way for Gabriel Heinze and Nemanja Vidic. Reading gaffer Steve Coppell also made the two changes from the Carling Cup victory over Coventry with Ulises de la Cruz and Bobby Convey coming in to replace Sam Sodje and Sibusiso Zuma.

On a very warm September afternoon in Berkshire, referee Andre Marriner got the Premiership match underway. Reading suffered an early injury blow when James Harper collided with Scholes and had to be replaced by Brynjar Gunnarsson. This setback did not distract the home side as they shocked United by taking a 9th minute lead. Convey and Steve Sidwell combined effectively to send Lita through on goal and the striker took one touch before coolly slotting the ball into the bottom corner. That early goal seemed to sting United into almost immediate action as they found an equaliser five minutes later. Ryan Giggs played a freekick into the area where Louis Saha was pushed over by Andre Bikey and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Scholes made no mistake, slotting the ball away to Marcus Hahnemann's left. Four minutes later, United almost took the lead. Ronaldo went a great run towards the byline before finding Wayne Rooney in the box who connected first time for Hahnemann to produce a good stop to clear the danger. The visitors had made the best response to going behind and they did take the lead after 21 minutes. Giggs swung in a dangerous freekick which eluded everyone but Ronaldo who bundled the ball over the line with what appeared to be his hand - Reading players chased the referee in protest but the goal stood! And the home side's fury was heightened on the halfhour. Gunnarsson rushed clearance sent Lita clear on goal but before he could shoot, he appeared to be tugged back by Rio Ferdinand. The referee waved away any penalty appeals and United had gotten lucky twice now in this match. After 36 minutes, United should have extended the lead. Heinze quickly threw the ball to Giggs whose cross intended for Scholes fell into the path of Michael Carrick 6 yards out but he stabbed his shot wide, much to Khan's disappontment on the touchline. United were dominating now and they tested the home goal shortly before halftime. Rooney placed a freekick from 25 yards out just inches wide of the near post. On the stroke of halftime, Reading showed that they will not give up the game. Lita ran to the byline before pulling the ball back for de la Cruz on the edge of the box where his powerful left footed drive flew just inches above the crossbar. The halftime break came after two minutes of injury time with the score at Reading 1 Manchester United 2.

Manager Khan was pleased with his side's immediate response to going behind early on and backed his side to move on and clinch the three points. The 2nd half was up and running at the Madejski Stadium. The home side started the half positively and had a decent opportunity to level the scores in the 52nd minute. Lita's driven cross was deflected out to de la Cruz who stepped inside before curling his effort just inches wide of the far corner. The visitors were slow to get any rhythm early in the 2nd half and they took until the hour mark to create an opportunity and they will wonder how they missed it. Wes Brown's high ball sent Rooney away down the right flank and his low cross was perfect for Saha to tap home from 6 yards but the Frenchman struck straight at Hahnemann. That miss was surprisingly the catalyst for a very uneventful quarter of an hour until the 75th minute when United almost finished the hosts off. Giggs sent in a corner from the left and it was met by Vidic's powerful, diving header but it was superbly stopped by Hahnemann and the ball was cleared to safety. Five minutes later, Rooney had a second go from a freekick 25 yards out and the England striker was closer but still off target after the strike just missed the crossbar by a matter of millimetres. With seven minutes remaining, Hahnemann's weak goal kick was headed back by Rooney to send substitute Alan Smith through on goal but Hahnemann made yet another great stop as he came rushing out to block Smith's shot. Reading had one more effort on goal in the dying seconds but Sidwell's swerling long range shot was easily caught by van der Sar. The final whistle went almost immediately as the final score from the Madejski Stadium was Reading 1 Manchester United 2.

Match Verdict - after an uncertain start, United seemed to have found their feet and this professional performance will make their title rivals sit up and take notice indeed. For Reading, it looks like a long season ahead of them.

Reading - Hahnemann 8, de la Cruz 7, Ball 7, Bikey 6, Mate 7, Seol Ki-Hyeon 6, Convey 7, Harper 6 (Gunnarsson 6, 6 (Doyle 62, 6), Sidwell 7, Luizao 7 (Sonko 72, 7), Lita 7.

Goals - Lita (9)

Booked - Bikey & Lita

Injured - Harper (6)

Man Utd - van der Sar 7, Brown 8, Heinze 7, Ferdinand 5 (O'Shea 63, 7), Vidic 7, Ronaldo 8, Giggs 8, Carrick 7, Scholes 7 (Fletcher 74, 7), Saha 7 (Smith 74, 7), Rooney 6.

Goals - Scholes (pen 14), Ronaldo (21)

Man of the Match - Cristiano Ronaldo - the entertaining winger seems to have forgotten about the whole World Cup episode pretty quickly. Another performance full of maturity and phenomenal work-rate was rewarded with winning goal.


Other Premiership Results

Blackburn 3 Watford 0
Bolton 1 Arsenal 5
Chelsea 3 Sheff Utd 1
Everton 1 Wigan 0
Man City 1 Liverpool 1
Middlesbrough 2 Charlton 0
Newcastle 2 Fulham 0
Tottenham 4 Portsmouth 0
West Ham 4 Aston Villa 1

retired_tnovo

Tuesday 26th September 2006

uefa.com

Manchester United 3 Anderlecht 0

In the driving seat now. Manchester United took control of Group G in the Champions League with a comfortable victory over Anderlecht at Old Trafford tonight. Second half goals from Michael Carrick, substitute Louis Saha and Alan Smith helped Faiz Khan's side top the group with maximum points from the first 2 games. The win never looked in doubt as they controlled this match for most parts even though it took until after the interval to break the deadlock. Khan made three alterations from the victory at Reading on Saturday with Patrice Evra, John O'Shea and Smith coming in for Gabriel Heinze, Paul Scholes and Saha, who all dropped to the bench. Anderlecht coach Franck Vercauteren named an unchanged team from their shock opening group win over Ajax.

On a warm late September evening in Manchester, referee Michael Weiner got the proceedings up and running. United started the stronger of the two teams and missed a good opportunity to take an early lead inside 3 minutes. Ryan Giggs swung in a corner from the left where Nemanja Vidic's diving header went well wide. After 12 minutes, Wayne Rooney lined up a freekick from 30 yards out but his curling effort just missed the near post by a matter of inches. United were dominating this match early on and had another good opportunity on 20 minutes. Wes Brown went strolling down the right side before crossing into the area where Smith's towering header went just inches of the goal. On the half hour mark, United were close to making the breakthrough. Carrick spread the play out to Evra rampaging down the left wing and his cross started to loop towards goal before Davy Schollen brilliantly clawed the ball away to safety. A minute later, the deadlock should have been broken. Giggs' freekick was flicked on by O'Shea for Rooney to tap home but he could only spoon his effort well over the crossbar. The hosts were making chances for fun and should have taken another on 37 minutes. Rooney skipped past two defenders and played in Giggs on the left where his cross to the far post was headed over the crossbar by Cristiano Ronaldo. Five minutes later, Carrick and Rooney combined effectively to put Smith clear on goal but his instant effort went crashing into the side-netting. On the stroke of halftime, United had time to miss another golden opportunity. Vidic's long clearance found Rooney through on goal but with just Schollen to beat, the England man struck his shot well over the crossbar. The half came to an end to sounds of frustration around most of Old Trafford with the score reading Manchester United 0 Anderlecht 0.

Manager Faiz Khan was pleased with his side's effort and display in the first 45 minutes and told his players that they just needed a bit of luck in the 2nd half. The second half got underway and United quickly had another great chance to make the breakthrough and this time, they took advantage of it. Brown's long freekick into the area was met by an unmarked Carrick's downward header into the bottom corner. Almost immediately, Anderlecht almost did the unthinkable in the context of the game so far. Mbark Boussoufa played the ball to Ahmed Hassan who ran past Rio Ferdinand as if he was'nt there and raced through on goal but his effort was blocked well by the onrushing Edwin van der Sar. After this chance, the match descended into a very physical battle, tackles flying in from all angles, especially from Anderlecht. As a result, Evra and Ronaldo both picked up knocks and were replaced by Mikael Silvestre and Park Ji-Sung. With 15 minutes remaining, Silvestre almost made a great impact. Giggs swung in a freekick from the left and Silvestre met the ball perfect with a powerful header which was superbly stopped by Schollen. United were almost coasting along at this stage and they made the three points safe on 82 minutes. Brown sent a great crossfield ball to Giggs who in turn found substitute Saha with an incisive pass and the Frenchman ruthlessly struck the ball hard and true into the far corner. Four minutes from time came the moment the Old Trafford faithful had not seen for some time. O'Shea's shot was deflected into the path of Smith and his shot slipped under Schollen's body to send the home fans wild - Smith's 1st goal since return his broken leg! After two minutes of stoppage time, the final whistle went and the final score from Old Trafford was announced Manchester United 3 Anderlecht 0.

Match Verdict - totally dominant performance from the hosts yielded three second-half goals and Europe will sure have been watching. The only surprise was when the deadlock was broken.

Man Utd - van der Sar 8, Brown 7, Evra 7 (Silvestre 71, 7), Ferdinand 8, Brown 8, Ronaldo 7 (Park Ji-Sung 71, 7), Giggs 9, O'Shea 8, Carrick 7, Smith 8, Rooney 8 (Saha 80, 7).

Goals - Carrick (46), Saha (82), Smith (86)

Booked - Saha

Anderlecht - Schollen 6, Vanden Borre 7, Deschacht 6, Van Damme 7 (Mputu 67, 6), Pareja 6, Vanderhaeghe 7, Biglia 7 (Frutos 67, 6), Goor 7, Boussoufa 7, M Mpenza 7 (Odjija-Ofoe 45, 6), Hassan 6.

Man of the Match - Ryan Giggs - the Welshman's enthusiasm is showing no signs of letting up and he showed it here with his energetic dribbling. Set up Saha's goal with a smart pass.


Other Champions League Group Results

Benfica 2 Roma 3
Shakhtar 1 Barcelona 1
Celtic 4 Galatasaray 0
Werder Bremen 0 Inter Milan 1
Ajax 1 Bordeaux 3
Chelsea 2 AEK Athens 0
Steaua Bucharest 1 Valencia 1
Bayern Munich 2 Liverpool 1
Fenerbahce 1 Sporting Lisbon 2
AC Milan 1 Porto 0
Slovan Liberec 1 Lille 2
Chievo 1 PSV Eindhoven 1
Real Madrid 3 CSKA Moscow 0
Lyon 1 Olympiakos 0
Standard Liege 0 Arsenal 3


Premiership Result (20th September)

Liverpool 0 Arsenal 0

retired_tnovo

Saturday 30th September 2006

premierleague.com

Wigan Athletic 3 Manchester United 0

Well, that wasnt very good was it? Manchester United's early season unbeaten run came to an adrupt end as they were beaten by Wigan at the JJB Stadium this afternoon. Emile Heskey gave the host the lead midway through the 1st half and second-half goals from Emmerson Boyce and Denny Landzaat completed a somewhat fortunate victory for the Lancashire club. Although the scoreline looked comprehensive, it did not reflect the context of the game as it was quite even. But it was Wigan's greater composure in front of goal that condemned United to defeat. Faiz Khan made three changes from the side that beat Anderlecht midweek as Gabriel Heinze, Paul Scholes and Louis Saha replaced Patrice Evra, John O'Shea and Alan Smith. Wigan boss Paul Jewell opted to stick with the same XI that were beaten at Everton.

On a dry but very cold Lancashire afternoon, referee Howard Webb got the match underway. The match started very slowly as both sides struggled to get a foothold on the proceedings. On 12 minutes, United came dangerously close to taking the lead. Michael Carrick spread the ball to Ryan Giggs on the left and his cross was heading for Saha's header until Fitz Hall came in at the last second to snatch the ball away brilliantly. Three minutes later, United made their first real opportunity of the game. Wayne Rooney went busting down the right flank and he pulled the ball back for Cristiano Ronaldo just inside the area but the Portugal man could'nt keep his shot down. Midway through the 1st half, Wigan threatened for the first time and they took full advantage. Nice one touch passing involving Paul Scharner, Kevin Kilbane and Lee McCulloch ended with the Scot crossing for Heskey to place his header past Edwin van der Sar and in off the post. Five minutes after the goal, the visitors tried to respond with an equaliser. Rooney held the ball up on the left side of the area until picking out Carrick running in but his firm effort was straight into Chris Kirkland's arms. The match then went very quiet with no action as Wigan pressed and pressed United's players into giving the ball away and the visitors could not really threaten a goal. Five minutes before halftime, McCulloch snatched the ball off Ronaldo and laid the ball off for Heskey whose fierce shot was tipped over routinely by van der Sar. Just before the interval, Steve McMillan's cross was cleared into the path of Scharner whose thunderous effort flew just inches over the crossbar. The whistle for the break went as the halftime score read Wigan Athletic 1 Manchester United 0.

Faiz Khan had stated that his side needed to step up a gear if they wanted anything out of this match. The 2nd half was up and running at the JJB Stadium and United were slow again getting into the 2nd half. On 55 minutes, the visitors came very close to levelling the match. Giggs swung a corner out to Scholes on the edge of the area who connected sweetly on the volley and it flew just inches wide of the goal. Two minutes later, Landzaat tried his luck from a 30 yard freekick but it was not troubling van der Sar as he watched it go well over the crossbar. After the hour mark, Wigan extended the lead. Scharner's deep cross was headed fiercely onto the crossbar by Heskey and as Rio Ferdinand failed to clear, Boyce stole in to prod home the rebound. United were stunned to be two goals down and they were very unlucky not to pull a goal back after 70 minutes. Giggs stepped up from 30 yards out with a delicious freekick that comprehensively beat Kirkland but went out off the post. Two minutes later, Ronaldo's frustrations got the better of him and kicked out at McMillan but the referee took a more lenient view on the incident and promptly booked Ronaldo. United needed some pace in the game and brought on Park Ji-Sung for Giggs and he almost made a great impact. The Korean winger went past a couple of Wigan challenges before unleashing a bullet from 30 yards out but it just went inches wide of the far corner. By this time, the away players were getting exhausted chasing and they were put away with two minutes remaining. Substitute Antonio Valencia teed up Landzaat from 25 yards out and the Holland international struck the ball as sweet as you like in off the underside of the bar - his 1st goal for Wigan and I doubt he will score many better than that for the Latics! The JJB crowd were still celebrating when the final whistle went shortly after. The final score from the JJB Stadium was Wigan Athletic 3 Manchester United 0.

Match Verdict - in a match that was decidedly even, Wigan showed the extra cutting edge in front of goal to send the visitors away empty-handed. A first real blow for United's title aspirations.

Wigan - Kirkland 8, Boyce 8, McMillan 8, Hall 7, Webster 7 (de Zeeuw 72, 6), Landzaat 8, McCulloch 8, Scharner 9, Kilbane 7, Heskey 8 (Camara 80, 6), Todorov 7 (Valencia 72, 7).

Goals - Heskey (23), Boyce (61), Landzaat (88)

Man Utd - van der Sar 6, Brown 6 (O'Shea 62, 7), Heinze 7, Ferdinand 6, Vidic 7, Ronaldo 6, Giggs 6 (Park Ji-Sung 73, 6), Carrick 6, Scholes 6, Saha 6 (Solskjaer 73, 6), Rooney 6.

Booked - Ronaldo & Carrick

Man of the Match - Paul Scharner - the strong Austrian was absolute immense in his midfield battle with Carrick and Scholes with assured passing and snapping tackles. Deserved man of the match award.


Other Premiership Results

Charlton 1 Chelsea 0
Portsmouth 2 Everton 1

retired_tnovo

Sunday 1st October 2006

premierleague.com

The Premiership Player of the Month was West Ham's experienced central defender Mladen Krstajic as his defending and positional play was outstanding throughout the month. Although the team is in 11th place, the form of Krstajic has been recognised.

The Premiership Young Player of the Month was Arsenal's wonderkid Cesc Fabregas as his wonderful passing and performances have been remarkable for his young age. Scored 1 goal and assisted another last month.

The Premiership Manager of the Month went to Portsmouth's Harry Redknapp as he helped his players to 2 wins out of 4 league matches in the month. This form has seen his side climb to 2nd place in the Premiership table.

The Premiership Goal of the Month was Bobby Zamora's rocket against Aston Villa. The English striker cut inside from the left and from 35 yards out, he struck a sweet left foot shot which flew into the bottom corner to put finishing touch on his side's victory.

http://img406.imageshack.us/my.php?i...visionsdk4.jpg

retired_tnovo

Wednesday 4th October 2006

premierleague.com

Weekend Premiership Results

Arsenal 2 Newcastle 0
Aston Villa 1 Middlesbrough 0
Fulham 2 Blackburn 0
Liverpool 2 Bolton 0
Man City 1 Reading 0
Sheff Utd 0 Tottenham 1
Watford 2 West Ham 0

Midweek Premiership Results

Blackburn 1 Charlton 3
Chelsea 3 Wigan 0

retired_tnovo

Monday 9th October 2006

manutd.com

Manchester United have announced this afternoon a major injury blow to the squad. Manager Faiz Khan has learned that left-back Gabriel Heinze has suffered a recurrence of his strained knee ligaments while twisting awkwardly in training this morning. Heinze was seen looking very devastated and the physio has informed Khan that Heinze could well be out until the New Year while this injury heals. Heinze's place at left-back will be competed for by French duo Patrice Evra and Mikael Silvestre for the next 2 months of the season.

retired_tnovo

Saturday 14th October 2006

Gillette Soccer Saturday

Ahead of this afternoon's Premiership match between Manchester United and Portsmouth at Old Trafford, Pompey boss Harry Redknapp has told counterpart Faiz Khan that United will find it very difficult to mount a serious title challenge this season. He also went onto claim that United were not the force of old and backed his players to go get a result this afternoon.

When hearing about Redknapp's comments, Khan responded in a very cool manner. Khan stated that he had every confidence in his squad challenging for the Premiership this term. Although his side have not made the best start, he still maintained that the title race is very much open and is a marathon, not a sprint. He also stated that his side would give their all in pursuit of the title, starting with this afternoon's game at Old Trafford.

retired_tnovo

Saturday 14th October 2006

premierleague.com

Manchester United 2 Portsmouth 1

They needed to bounce back and they did. Manchester United got back to winning ways with a hard fought victory over Portsmouth at Old Trafford this afternoon. Alan Smith's 2nd half header was the winner for United as they moved up to 4th place in the Premiership table with this win. Sol Campbell's wondergoal gave the visitors the lead before United skipper Gary Neville equalised on half-time. The victory was just about deserved as the hosts made David James work a lot in goal. Faiz Khan made four changes from the defeat at Wigan a fortnight ago with Neville, Patrice Evra, John O'Shea and Smith coming in for Wes Brown, injured Gabriel Heinze, Michael Carrick and Louis Saha. Pompey boss Harry Redknapp named the same team that beat Everton two weeks ago.

On a mild October afternoon at Old Trafford, referee Mark Clattenburg got this match up and running. The visitors made the brighter start to the match as they created an opening after 8 minutes. Campbell's searching ball was knocked back by Benjani into the path of Manuel Fernandes but his curling effort went inches over the crossbar. And a minute later, Fernandes ran at the United back four before setting up Kanu from 20 yards out but his effort went just wide of the mark. The hosts made their first opportunity of the game on 11 minutes and should have taken it. Ryan Giggs spotted the run of Wayne Rooney with a perfect pass only for James to make a super stop from 6 yards out. And a minute later, Smith sent Rooney through on goal only for his clever chip to be tipped over the crossbar by James. Pompey were grateful for the double save and they took full advantage by taking a shock lead midway through the 1st half. Giggs fouled Andrey Arshavin and Arshavin teed up Campbell from 25 yards out and the England man gave Edwin van der Sar no chance with a thunderous shot which flew into the top corner - his 1st goal for Portsmouth and we doubt we'll see a better one! United almost hit back six minutes later. Evra took a quick freekick to Giggs and the Wales winger crossed to the far post to an unmarked but his firm header went wide after shaving the post. Pompey survived that scare and they were close to extending their lead after 33 minutes. Arshavin and Benjani combined superbly to tee up Niko Kranjcar from 25 yards and the Croatian sent his shot just inches over the crossbar. Two minutes later, Rooney went down the other end and set up Smith from the edge of the box but the former Leeds man's first time swivelling shot flashed well over the crossbar. In the next minute, United should have levelled the match. Rooney somehow found some space and fed the ball superbly for Smith to run clear on goal but with just James to beat, he dragged his shot well wide of the mark. The home fans were getting a little restless but they were celebrating just before halftime as United levelled matters. Rooney's freekick eluded everyone in the box and struck the post and when it came to Ronaldo, the Portugal winger crossed low for Neville to tap in from almost on the line. The whistle went for the break straight away at Old Trafford with the score reading Manchester United 1 Portsmouth 1.

Manager Khan told his players they can win this match after seeing them equalise on the stroke of the interval. He was pleased that his player's efforts yielded a goal. The 2nd half was up and running from Old Trafford. The half started largely uneventful as Pompey frustrated the hosts by pressing them everytime a red shirt received the ball. This did not stop United from creating chances however as they completed the turnaround in this match by taking the lead after 56 minutes. Rooney spreaded a freekick out to Evra on the left wing and his deflected cross was headed in by Smith at the near post. Portsmouth were almost out of the match on the hour mark. Giggs floated a freekick into the area where Dejan Stefanovic diverted it towards his own goal until James pulled off another outstanding stop to save the Serbian's skin. And then a minute later, Rio Ferdinand's long ball was headed on by Smith into Rooney's path but he prodded his effort over the crossbar. The action was happening thick and fast and in the 65th minute, Pompey almost equalised. Stefanovic strode down the left flank and he crossed to the far post where Gary O'Neil's smart header was superbly beaten away by van der Sar. After 72 minutes, Campbell snatched the ball off Rooney and played it to Fernandes who unleashed a vicious, swerving shot which flew just inches over the crossbar. Two minutes later, Rooney teed up Nemanja Vidic from 25 yards out but his low effort was easily smothered by James. Rooney should have put the game to bed on 77 minutes. Vidic sent a high ball into the crowded area and the ball fell for Rooney with just James to beat but he dragged his effort well wide of the far corner - Rooney has not scored since the draw at Spurs last month and his face showed all his frustrations! With seven minutes remaining, Pompey came very close to levelling the scores. Stefanovic's deep cross came out to Pedro Mendes who was not closed down but fortunately for United, his effort just missed the far corner by a matter of centimetres. Into the final moments and United almost put the finishing touch on the game. Substitute Kieran Richardson tried passing to Rooney but when the ball broke to him 30 yards from goal, Richardson just smashed a pearler towards the top corner before James defied United once again and the danger was gone. The final whistle went moments later at Old Trafford as the final score was Manchester United 2 Portsmouth 1.

Match Verdict - very entertaining and evenly matched throughout but it was United who took the points to get their title challenge back on track at Old Trafford.

Man Utd - van der Sar 7, G Neville 7, Evra 7, Ferdinand 7, Vidic 7, Ronaldo 8, Giggs 7 (Park Ji-Sung 70, 6), O'Shea 7, Scholes 8 (Richardson 79, 7), Smith 7 (Saha 70, 6), Rooney 7.

Goals - G Neville (45), Smith (56)

Portsmouth - James 8, Primus 6, Stefanovic 7, Gamberini 6 (Koroman 45, 7), Campbell 9, Arshavin 7 (Mendes 45, 7), Kranjcar 7 (Pamarot 56, 6), O'Neil 7, Fernandes 6, Benjani 6, Kanu 7.

Goals - Campbell (21)

Booked - Benjani

Man of the Match - Sol Campbell - he may have been on the losing side this afternoon but the former Arsenal man was a monster at the back for his team and capped his display with an unstoppable strike.


Other Premiership Results

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

retired_tnovo

Tuesday 17th October 2006

uefa.com

Ajax 0 Manchester United 1

The toughest test in the group and they came through it. Manchester United maintained their 100% start to the Champions League group stages with a convincing victory over Ajax in Amsterdam tonight. A great counter-attack ended in Cristiano Ronaldo slotting in the only goal of the game to leave United needing just another win in the return match at Old Trafford to qualify for the knockout stages. Both sides had an equal amount of opportunities but it was the visitor's consistency in front of goal which helped them to the three points. Man Utd gaffer Faiz Khan made just one change from the team that beat Portsmouth with Kieran Richardson replacing a benched Ryan Giggs on the left wing. Ajax boss Henk ten Cate made two changes from the win over FC Utrecht at the weekend with Kenneth Perez and injured Klaas-Jan Huntelaar making way for Mauro Rosales and Jared Borgetti.

In very cold conditions at the Amsterdam ArenA in Holland, referee Martin Salm got the proceedings going. The away side were out of the traps quickly here as they made an opportunity inside 2 minutes. Paul Scholes' delightful pass was flicked on by Alan Smith into the path of Wayne Rooney who hit his shot first time only to see it tipped over by Dennis Gentenaar. Five minutes later, Richardson stormed down the left flank and his dangerous low cross was cleared by Jaap Stam as Smith was swinging his right foot back. The hosts were slow in getting started here but they still should have taken advantage of some sloppy defending. Nemanja Vidic had trouble releasing and when his poor back header was pounced on by Ryan Babel, the young Dutchman could only drag his effort wide with just Edwin van der Sar to beat. On the counter-attack, Ronaldo went a great run into the area before seeing his cross-keeper shot well stopped by Gentenaar. And a minute later, Gentenaar was called into action again, this time pushing away an audacious 40-yard freekick from Rooney. United were really putting the pressure on the hosts and they took advantage in the 26th minute. Vidic played a great ball down the line for Rooney to ran onto and the England striker cut inside before crossing to the far post for Ronaldo slot home. Ajax tried to get going in order to level the match but their shooting was not good at all, emphasised by Hedwiges Maduro's 35th minute howler which endangered the fans more than it did the opposition goal. On 41 minutes, Rosales took a short freekick to Roger but the Spaniard's fierce effort did not dip in time and it went inches over the crossbar. The half petered out after that and the halftime whistle went to a chorus of boos for the home side as the score read Ajax 0 Manchester United 1.

Khan said that he was pleased that his side were in the lead but warned his players that the hosts were just getting a bit of confidence in their tanks and they must be wary of that. The second half was up and running in Amsterdam. The hosts started very brightly and almost equalised early on. George Ogararu's deep freekick was only cleared to Roger on the edge of the area but his firm shot went just inches over the crossbar. Two minutes later, United should have extended their lead. Richardson sent a teasing corner in from the left and an unmarked Rio Ferdinand could only head the ball well over the crossbar. Ajax were getting into their stride before the hour mark. Roger sent Borgetti away down the left flank and he pulled the ball back for Tim de Cler but his shot was deflected just inches wide of the near post. Just past the hour mark, Richardson sent a nice ball down the line for Smith to run clear on goal but the England man took his shot too early and it went harmlessly wide of the mark. The match then quietened down as the visitors were just intent on keeping the ball and preserving their advantage. There was'nt an opportunity until the 77th minute when United almost scored a second goal. Richardson curled an inswinger into the area where Ronaldo's free header went just inches wide of the mark. Three minutes later, Ajax had a great opportunity to level matters. Maduro sent a great cross into the penalty area and Ogararu's towering header was superbly kept out by van der Sar. And then three minutes later, Ajax missed a joke of a sitter. Wesley Sneijder played a corner to Roger on the edge of the area and when his shot was deflected through to substitute Edgar Manucharyan, he could only strike the ball wide when it was more or less an open goal. That was the last chance for Ajax as the referee blew for fulltime after four long minutes of stoppage time. The final score in Amsterdam was Ajax 0 Manchester United 1.

Match Verdict - not the greatest finishing on show tonight but United wont care one bit as they ground out another European victory. The rest of Europe beware indeed.

Ajax - Gentenaar 7, Ogararu 7 (Manucharyan 82, 7), de Cler 7, Stam 5, Vermaelen 6, Roger 7, Sneijder 7, Maduro 7, Rosales 6 (Mitea 74, 7), Babel 6, Borgetti 6 (Grygera 74, 7).

Booked - Rosales

Man Utd - van der Sar 7, G Neville 8, Evra 8, Ferdinand 9, Brown 9, Ronaldo 8 (Park Ji-Sung 77, 6), Richardson 8, O'Shea 9, Scholes 8 (Carrick 70, 6), Smith 7, Rooney 9 (Saha 77, 6).

Goals - Ronaldo (26)

Booked - Richardson

Man of the Match - John O'Shea - when you needed composure in the centre of the park, United's versatile Irishman was supreme on the ball. He was also a monster in the air.


Other Champions League Group Results

Roma 0 Barcelona 0
Shakhtar 1 Benfica 1
Celtic 1 Werder Bremen 1
Inter Milan 1 Galatasaray 1
Anderlecht 1 Bordeaux 0
AEK Athens 0 Valencia 3
Steaua Bucharest 0 Chelsea 3
Fenerbahce 0 Bayern Munich 4
Liverpool 2 Sporting Lisbon 0
Lille 0 Porto 0
AC Milan 1 Slovan Liberec 1
PSV Eindhoven 1 CSKA Moscow 0
Real Madrid 1 Chievo 0
Arsenal 2 Olympiakos 0
Lyon 1 Standard Liege 0

retired_tnovo

Sunday 22nd October 2006

premierleague.com

Sheffield United 0 Manchester United 4

Now that was very good indeed. Manchester United turned in definitely their best away performance of the season with a comfortable victory against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane this afternoon. Two goals from Alan Smith set United on their way and the win was completed before halftime with Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra's 1st goal for the club. It was a dominant display by the visitors, especially in the first half and this win takes United to 2nd place in the Premiership table, just a point behind leaders Arsenal. Boss Faiz Khan made two changes from the victory over Ajax in Amsterdam with Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick coming in to replace Kieran Richardson and John O'Shea. Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock made just the one alteration from the defeat at Everton with Li Tie replacing Claude Davis, who dropped to the bench.

On a very cold Sunday lunchtime in Yorkshire, referee Peter Walton got the Premiership encounter going. The game started a slow pace as both sides gave the ball away very cheaply. We had to wait until the 10th minute for the first opening of the match. Gary Neville sent a fantastic deep cross into the area where an unmarked Rooney could only place his header wide with Paddy Kenny rushing out to meet him. And a minute later, Giggs' cross was cleared to Carrick 25 yards out, but his first time volley went trickling yards wide of the mark. United had clearly got into their groove and they struck the first goal of the afternoon after 15 minutes. Some slick passing involving Neville, Carrick and Rooney ended with the England striker sending the perfect pass through for Smith to slide the shot past Kenny. The hosts almost responded three minutes later. Paul Bosvelt fed Gary Speed on the left and his cross to the far post was headed well wide by Adi Akinbiyi. The home fans hoped that chance would start a spell of pressure for Sheffield United but they were silenced before the halfhour. Giggs sent an inch-perfect cross for Smith to powerfully head past Kenny into the roof of the net. The hosts almost responded immediately when Speed's cross was cleared to Li Tie on the edge of the area but his shot went harmlessly over the crossbar. In the next minute, Rooney sent a decent freekick effort just inches over the crossbar. The match was all but over two minutes later. Giggs swung in a beauty of a freekick where Evra sprung his little frame to head into the far corner - his 1st goal for the club and he was ecstatic! United put the seal on a dream 1st half on the stroke of halftime. Rio Ferdinand's searching ball into the area was flicked on by Smith and Rooney directed his header perfectly, looping it over Kenny and wheeling away obviously looking relieved - his first goal in over 10 hours of competitive football. The halftime whistle went after the restart with the score at Sheffield United 0 Manchester United 4.

Khan was cleared thrilled with his side's ruthless display in the first 45 minutes. He now wanted his side not get too complacent and close the game out. The match was resumed at Bramall Lane and the hosts almost pulled a goal back. Michael Tonge stepped up from 25 yards out but his effort went crashing into the side-netting. After 55 minutes, Giggs was around the same range with a freekick which he curled very well but too well as it swung too far away from the goal. On the hour, Tonge and Li Tie exchanged passes twice without any challenges and set up former United striker Danny Webber from 20 yards but his effort was easily smothered by Edwin van der Sar. That was a nice move from the hosts, maybe a bit too late to get Man Utd thinking. Midway through the 2nd half, Smith had a great opportunity to complete his hat-trick. Substitute O'Shea and Giggs combined effectively to send Smith through on goal but instead of shooting, he tried to round Kenny and the keeper grabbed the ball from him. The game went into a long quiet spell as the visitors were just happy to keep hold of possession and Sheff Utd players were more or less chasing shadows everywhere. Late on in the match, Man Utd should have scored a fifth goal. Neville's long ball was headed on by Smith into the path of substitute Louis Saha but the Frenchman could only drive his effort well over the crossbar from 6 yards out. The final whistle went shortly after at Bramall Lane, with the home fans applauding the visitors off in a good show of respect. The final score read Sheffield United 0 Manchester United 4.

Match Verdict - scintilating first-half display from the visitors was enough to put the game to bed before halftime. Man Utd are ominously climbing up the table while their opponents remain in the bottom three.

Sheff Utd - Kenny 6, Delaney 6, Unsworth 6, Jagielka 6, Morgan 6 (Davis 73, 6), Bosvelt 6, Tonge 6, Li Tie 6, Speed 6, Akinbiyi 6 (Hulse 73, 6), Webber 6 (Ifill 82, 6).

Man Utd - van der Sar 7, G Neville 7, Evra 8, Ferdinand 8, Vidic 8, Ronaldo 8, Giggs 9, Carrick 7 (O'Shea 62, 7), Scholes 8 (Park Ji-Sung 75, 6), Smith 9, Rooney 8 (Saha 75, 6).

Goals - Smith (15, 28), Evra (36), Rooney (45)

Man of the Match - Alan Smith - the England striker is surely making up for lost time at the moment after his horrific injury. He continued his resurgence with a cool finish and bullet header.


Other Premiership Results

Arsenal 1 West Ham 0
Aston Villa 2 Tottenham 0
Bolton 5 Reading 0
Charlton 0 Everton 2
Fulham 3 Middlesbrough 3
Liverpool 1 Blackburn 0
Man City 2 Newcastle 0
Portsmouth 0 Wigan 2
Watford 0 Chelsea 2