After the ever-industrious Park Ji-Sung put United in front, a great Charlie Adam free-kick and a Gary Taylor-Fletcher strike, it seemed they could do the impossible.

However, in a season of heroism but ultimately failure, Blackpool’s familiar defensive problems were their undoing as Anderson, an Ian Evatt own goal and a Michael Owen strike meant the Champions maintained their stunning home form (W17 D1).

With Alex Ferguson’s side preparing for next week’s Champions League final, many thought he would field a below-par side having already wrapped up the league title.

Thankfully, for the United fans who attended Old Trafford, SAF picked a surprisingly strong squad, with Edwin van der Sar made captain on his final appearance at home.
Of the starting XI, Van der Sar, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra and Park can expect to be named in the side against Barcelona at Wembley, while Rafael, Paul Scholes, Darren Fletcher, Nani and Dimitar Berbatov could all also be involved.

Charlie Adams made a name for himself this season. His stunning performances inspired them to heights they could never imagine, before his failed transfer in the January window saw his form and his teams tail off.

Within seconds, he created a great opportunity for Keith Southern, pulling the ball back from the left side, only for Southern to screw his shot badly wide. Minutes later, his low cross from the left had Taylor-Fletcher sliding in but came up a stud’s length short.

Whilst at the other end, Matt Gilks held a Rafael volley before Berbatov’s sublime turn and shot forced the goalkeeper into more decisive action.

Individual defensive errors have proved Blackpool’s downfall all season, and so it was on 21 minutes when Berbatov played Park through. Evatt appeared to have it covered but inexplicably overran the ball and Park chipped the ball almost apologetically over Gilks.

It might have got away from Blackpool. Adam was lucky not to concede a penalty for a rash tackle on Park, while Berbatov forced Gilks into another save following more chaos at the back.

Five minutes before half-time, Adam produced his piece of magic. Blackpool had a free-kick in a central position, 25 yards out, and the Scot swerved a low shot beyond Van der Sar’s outstretched paw, and in off the base of the right-hand post.

Events at Molineux meant that goal lifted Blackpool out of the bottom three, and they went even further clear on 57 minutes when Taylor-Fletcher finished a brilliant move, guiding the ball in off the far post from David Vaughan’s cross.

Could Blackpool hold on to their precious lead? As so many times this season, the answer was an emphatic ‘no’.

Six minutes later, it was all too easy as Park rolled a low ball inside from the left for Anderson, who guided a first-time shot past Gilks.

Then came Evatt’s moment of horror, as he slid to cut out a Chris Smalling cross but succeeded only in slicing it beyond Gilks – a moment of calamity that summed up Blackpool’s season, but which the courageous Evatt did not deserve.

It was left to substitute Michael Owen to deliver the coup de grace, breaking through the offside trap and finishing coolly.

Late chances for Adam and Luke Varney came back off the woodwork, but by that stage even a draw would not have been enough.

Old Trafford gave Blackpool and their manager Holloway a rousing ovation on the final whistle as befits the team crowned Champions for the 19th time. Take note Liverpool, Chelsea et al. Now let’s finish the job at Wembley on the 28th.

Technorati Tags: 19 titles, anderson, blackpool, champ19ns, champions, Ji Sung Park, man utd, michael owen

Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra ignored doctor’s orders to lend experience to assist the new boys Javier Hernandez, Gabriel Obertan and Bebe.

With so few options Ferguson opted to give Owen Hargreaves his first start for more than 2 years yet unfortunately it backfired after only five minutes when he limped off with a hamstring injury.

Then there was the pack of snarling Wolves to cope with. Mick McCarthy’s team were full of confidence after beating City last week.

When ex-United player Sylvan Ebanks-Blake cancelled out Park’s first-half opener with 24 minutes remaining it looked like Wolves would get the point their performance deserved.

However, United mustered up some of their never say die spirit when two minutes into injury time, Park struck again to secure a win that perfectly encapsulated Fergie’s 24 decades in charge.

“We’ve seen it so frequently,” said Ferguson. “You have to enjoy the perseverance in the team, their never-say die spirit.

Wolves truly competed from start to finish and they actually carved out the clearer opportunities. The remarkable Matt Jarvis noticed his drive fly off Vidic and move wide with Edwin van der Sar stranded.

Yet it was United who drew blood first. All Wolves eyes were focused on Darren Fletcher as the midfielder rampaged forward. Then when Park surged through the heart, he found space and time to get Fletcher’s pass and beat Marcus Hahnemann.

When McCarthy sent on strikers Ebanks-Blake as well as Steven Fletcher on the 65th minute they got their reward within minutes.

United were caught out at the back while Fletcher squandered ownership close to the halfway line.

And though Nenad Milijas grazed his shot, Ebanks-Blake used his first contact to control the ball before placing his second through Van der Sars legs.

It could even have got better for Wolves, but Fletcher blazed above after Vidic nodded the ball into Mancienne’s path. In the end United rode their luck and were thankful Park had Wolves for lunch…

They say that great teams are able to grind out a result even when they are well below par. That is exactly what happened today for a team without Rooney, Giggs or Nani due to injury. Then a virus forced Ferguson himself to take to his sickbed followed by Berbatov and Carrick

Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra ignored doctor’s orders to lend experience to assist the new boys Javier Hernandez, Gabriel Obertan and Bebe.

With so few options Ferguson opted to give Owen Hargreaves his first start for more than 2 years yet unfortunately it backfired after only five minutes when he limped off with a hamstring injury.

Then there was the pack of snarling Wolves to cope with. Mick McCarthy’s team were full of confidence after beating City last week.

When ex-United player Sylvan Ebanks-Blake cancelled out Park’s first-half opener with 24 minutes remaining it looked like Wolves would get the point their performance deserved.

However, United mustered up some of their never say die spirit when two minutes into injury time, Park struck again to secure a win that perfectly encapsulated Fergie’s 24 decades in charge.

“We’ve seen it so frequently,” said Ferguson. “You have to enjoy the perseverance in the team, their never-say die spirit.

Wolves truly competed from start to finish and they actually carved out the clearer opportunities. The remarkable Matt Jarvis noticed his drive fly off Vidic and move wide with Edwin van der Sar stranded.

Yet it was United who drew blood first. All Wolves eyes were focused on Darren Fletcher as the midfielder rampaged forward. Then when Park surged through the heart, he found space and time to get Fletcher’s pass and beat Marcus Hahnemann.

When McCarthy sent on strikers Ebanks-Blake as well as Steven Fletcher on the 65th minute they got their reward within minutes.

United were caught out at the back while Fletcher squandered ownership close to the halfway line.

And though Nenad Milijas grazed his shot, Ebanks-Blake used his first contact to control the ball before placing his second through Van der Sars legs.

It could even have got better for Wolves, but Fletcher blazed above after Vidic nodded the ball into Mancienne’s path. In the end United rode their luck and were thankful Park had Wolves for lunch…

Technorati Tags: Ji Sung Park, park ji-sung, wolverhampton, Wolves

United captain Vidic was on hand in the 31^st minute to power in a strong header from Nani’s free-kick. Nani was at the centre of the controversial second goal minutes from the end when Gomes placed the ball onto the ground for what he perceived was a free-kick. Nani was unsure whether to take a shot and seemed to look at the referee before slotting the ball in. This sparked protests from the Tottenham players at referee Mark Clattenburg.

With just two minutes on the clock Park Ji-Sung almost gave United the lead. His low shot had Gomes beaten but clipped the post to safety.

Rafael van der Vaart then matched Park’s earlier effort, when he struck a thunderous shot against the post with Van Der Sar well and truly beaten.

A sillyYounes Kaboul tackle at the half hour mark afforded United the chance to attack from a well-positioned fee-kick and they duly cashed in. Nani floated in the ball to Vidic who eased in front of Assou-Ekotto to head in.

Tottenham tried to attack United but once Van Der Vaart was substituted they looked very average and non-threatening as an attacking force.

Nani’s controversial strike concluded matters late on, with Clattenburg judging play to still be active when Gomes placed this ball down in their area after an unsuccessful penalty appeal. Nani quite rightly capitalised on the confusion after no whistle had been blown by the referee for a free-kick. With United 1-0 at that stage and looking commanding it was merely a case of Spurs clutching at straws as their wretched away record against the top four teams continue. United will be bouyed by a commanding performance and the clean sheet as they return to the Champions League on Tuesday against Turkish opposition.

Technorati Tags: gomes gaffe, nani, spurs, tottenham, vidic

In a fraught week in Manchester with Rooney finally saying agreeing to remain and win four consecutive away draws United knew that nothing but all three points would do.

Alex Ferguson opted for Mexican striker Javier Hernandez to partner Dimitar Berbatov up front with O’Shea brought into left back due to his height while Patrice Evra was played in an unconventional left midfield slot.

Both sides started strong and United got the physical game they expected. Within the first half-hour United got the goal they craved. A corner was taken short, then delivered to the back post by the with-form Nani, where Nemanja Vidic found Hernandez. He somehow managed to swivel his head onto the ball into the back of the net. It was a great bit of improvisation and yet another example of his goal-poaching instincts.

With a few minutes to go to half-time Neville was perhaps lucky to remain on the pitch. Having being given an unwarranted yellow card earlier on a subsequent tackle was actually worthy of one but luckily for his the referee kept his card in his pocket. Ferguson was left with no choice but to bring on Wes Brown in the second half.

The second half continued much like the first with both sides battling hard for every tackle with Ferdinand and Vidic both working hard to keep out the opposition.

However, as has happened all too often with united they conceded the obligatory equaliser. With nine minutes remaining Tuncay picked the ball on the right wing cut in and curled in a stunning strike to give Van Der Sar no chance.

The goal could have destroyed Uniteds’ confidence, but the hunger that Ferguson has planted into each of his sides over the past two decades was evident but their response.

A cross from the right found Patrice Evra unmarked and his mis-hit volley fell to new fans favourite Hernandez who converted from close range.

It was a much needed away win and great for the teams confidence especially considering their next away game is against bitter rivals Man City.

Technorati Tags: chicharito, double, javier hernandez, stoke

The home team had many opportunities to beat a below-par United, with Steed Malbranque, Boudewijn Zenden and Darren Curved coming close, yet it was a stalemate at the end of 90 minutes.

Alex Ferguson shocked many with his team selection by not starting with striker Dimitar Berbatov, who was on the bench. The Bulgarian has been one of the few stand out players this year having scored half a dozen league goals. Instead it was left to Federico Macheda and Michael Owen to lead the attack.

Rio Ferdinand remained as centre-back to start his second game of the week, while midfielder Michael Carrick was left from the squad having played the whole game against Valencia.

A water pipe in the Man Utd dressing room had been reported to have broken prior to the start of game, delaying it by 15 minutes.

When the game did begin, it was Sunderland who were in charge during the initial stages, as Ferguson’s boys spent the first ten minutes fending off assaults from the home side.

Nani attempted to play Macheda through on goal since United tried to recover from the opposition’s early domination, but defensive player Michael Turner ably dealt with the threat as he thwarted the particular attack from turning lethal.

But the Black Cats continued to be the better side as midfielder Lee Cattermole played in Steed Malbranque with a precision pass, but Edwin van der Sar came out strongly and blocked his shot.

After 30 minutes, the visitors were at last beginning to get into the game with a good deal of possession, although very little happened when they did.

Having seen his side outplayed in the first half, SAF brought on his most potent weapon as Berbatov took over from Owen. The Bulgarian instantly put the ball into the back of the net redirecting Paul Scholes’ ill-timed shot, though the goal was ruled out as the striker was in an offside position.

Alex Ferguson then decided to bring on Chicharito for Macheda hoping he would recreate his midweek heroics. Unfortuntely he was unable to make an impact as did Bebe who was brought on for the last 10 minutes for his Premiership debut.

Sunderland continued to create as well and looked the most likely to score but it was left for United to get their four consecutive Premiership away draw. United will be hoping that Giggs, Rooney and Hargreaves will be back soon as on current standings they are lacking creativity and dropping valuable points.

Michael Owen followed his brace in midweek in the Carling Cup against Scunthorpe with the second equalising goal. In a game played without Rio Ferdinand Uniteds’ defence looked rather shaky and it proved so in the sixth minute when Zat Knight scored from a corner.

United were not going to lie down and Nani struck back in great fashion to level up after attacking the Bolton defence and then unleashing a shot into the corner in the 23^rd minute.

The lead was regained due to Martin Petrov after United were caught ball-watching and the defence exposed yet again. United were thankful for Owen’s precision header which was his first touch after coming on for Fletcher and proved to be his 200^th club goal.

Yet again United’s defence was their downfall with this being their ninth conceded goal in only five league games and now trail Chelsea by three points. With both Chelsea and Arsenal losing the previous day this match was the ideal opportunity to gain precious ground. However, Rooney continues to struggle and was replaced by Macheda two-thirds of the way into the game.

A late conceded goal against Fulham, two in injury time versus Everton and two again last week versus Liverpool (when they didn’t even have a shot on goal of their own) shows major defensive frailties with Johnny Evans being one of the chief culprits. With Rio Ferdinand’s fitness being a major concern United need to get organised quickly with much more challenging opponents ahead. With Rooney seemingly out of sorts as well could this be the time to allow Owen a run of matches? Wednesdays game versus Valencia should provide some answers.

Technorati Tags: bolton, luis nani, michael owen

Berbatov got his first two goals in the 42nd and 59th minutes after a totally one-sied game up to that point. However, for not the first time this season United allowed their opponents to claw their way back into the game due to some silly mistakes at the back. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was allowed to grab a brace in a six-minute time period – including a penalty.

Luckily, United got the three points their overall play deserved when Berbatov had the final word which saw United return to winning ways and climb to 3^rd in the Premier League table.

United started strong and should’ve taken the lead when Rooney’s deflected effort fell perfectly for Nani, yet he dragged his shot wide when unmarked and yards from the goal.

United continued to pile on the pressure and finally got their reward three minutes before half-time when Berbatov headed Ryan Giggs’ cross to grab his 4th league goal of the season.

Uniteds’ pressure continued after the break and Nani was inches away from doubling the lead if his 16-yard thunderous shot hadn’t hit the post.

It was only a matter of time before United got another and when it came it was a goal that will surely rank as Goal of The Season. Fletcher’s long cross found Nani, who whipped in a cross for Berbatov.

The Bulgarian beautifully controlled the ball on his knee before unleashing a bicycle kick that flew in dramatically off the underside of the crossbar.

Liverpool immediately (and highly fortuitously) got themselves back into the game after creating nothing all day when Jonny Evans recklessly fouled Fernando Torres (who had a wretched afternoon) in the area allowing Gerrard to convert the resulting penalty.

Six minutes later the comeback was complete when another mistake (this time by O’Shea in bringing down Torres) meant Gerrard stepped up to curl in a free-kick from 20 yards when Van Der Sar was unsighted by the wall

However, United were not going to go down without a fight and scored the deserved winner when Berbatov header home with six minutes remaining from a pinpoint O’Shea cross.

The result meant United went upto 3^rd place with Liverpool teetering above the relegation zone in 16^th and in one game Berbatov was able to prove his critics wrong and write his name into United folklore.

Technorati Tags: berbatov hat-trick, berbatov treble, dimitar berbatov, liverpool 3-2

Sir Alex Ferguson obviously thought this match would be easier than it was with only Darren Fletcher remaining in the starting lineup from the team that had played at Everton on Saturday. There were first appearances of the season for Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown, Tomasz Kuszczak and Darron Gibson.

It seemed more reminescent of a Carling Cup lineup than a Champions League one. Yet most inside Old Trafford thought United would still grind out a result. However, Ferguson’s team selection backfired on a disappointing night.

Rangers knew it would be tough to get anything more than a point from Old trafford and their gameplan was evidently to leave with a point.

United’s defence was made up of all players making their first appearances of the season so if they had faced a stiffer test they could have got exposed.

However, with a backline of ten in fron of goalkeeper Allan McGregor it was always going to be a frustrating and tough night. A great header from Chicharito and two long-range thunderbolts from Darron Gibson was about all United could contribute to the game in the first half. It didn’t get much better for United in the second half.

However, the night was to get worse for United as Antonio Valencia tragically was stretchered off within an hour with a horrific broken leg.

The injury took the sheen off of what was already a tedious game and at the end Rangers were definitely the happier team having achieved their objective. United will be hoping for a much more spirited and clinical display on Saturday against arch-rivals Liverpool.

Technorati Tags: antonio valencia, broken leg, champions league, leg break, rangers

Sir Alex Ferguson made 3 adjustments to the team who drew at Fulham the previous match with Nani, Giggs and Rooney coming in for Park, Valencia and Hernandez.

The visitors’ defensive formation made it tough for United to create any good chances in the opening stages of the game. Despite this United continued to exert pressure and within the 24th minute Nani was denied by the crossbar. A lengthy cross area pass from Vidic was aimed at Berbatov, who beautifully back-heeled the ball directly to Nani who struck a 20 yard shot. Robert Green couldn’t get a clear hold of the ball but he managed to get enough on it to push it onto the crossbar.

The United pressure was finally rewarded in the 33rd minute in the penalty area when a trademark Scholes pass found Giggs on the left wing, he then jinked past Spector and into the box where the ex-United players challenge brought the Welsh winger down. After all the stats being banded about of Rooney not scoring in 13 games he was finally able to get the monkey off his back when he sent Robert Green the wrong way to open his account.

Five minutes before half-time United should have had a second goal if it was for Rob Green making an excellent save from a 25 yard strike by Darren Fletcher.

Instead the second goal came just five mins into the 2^nd half.. A ball into Rooney from Fletcher was neatly flicked into Nanis path who jinked past Gabbidon before firing in from the edge of the penalty area.

Manchester United extended their lead further inside the 69th minute by means of Berbatov who along with Vidic where potential man of the match candidates. A great flowing move saw O’Shea roll the ball to Nani within the penalty area who then chipped a cross to the back post where an acrobatic volley by Berbatov fired the ball into the back of the net. It was a good performance by United even though they seemed to coast their way through the match.

Technorati Tags: berbatov, nani, wayne rooney, west ham