United may not have been at their flamboyant best, nor even their most devastatingly ruthless, but Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal three minutes from half time was enough to see the Reds through to the Champions League quarter finals.
Ronaldo's 30th of the season gave the Reds a tenth straight Champions League win at Old Trafford. Lyon, solid and tactically tight but, to their detriment, unadventurous, set the tone for this game. But United broke the mould – if only once – in a game of few chances.
It’s always difficult to second-guess Sir Alex’s team selection, especially with the multitude of options available to him. But the Reds boss still managed to spring a surprise by picking a side that did not contain three of his most experienced outfield players. Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves both took up places on the bench, while a calf injury ruled Ryan Giggs out.
At the start of the season, it might have been difficult to picture a midfield trio of Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Anderson playing in such a critical last 16 second leg tie. But, that in itself is a signal of how strong United’s squad is.
Crucially, no player in Sir Alex’s front six had played the full 90 minutes against Fulham on Saturday. It’s a freshness that the United boss has sought in recent weeks.
The Reds started brightly enough in the opening minutes. With Sir Alex opting again for a 4-5-1 formation, Ronaldo and Nani pressed forward, Rooney worked tirelessly, while Anderson pushed ahead of Fletcher and Carrick.
Source: www.manutd.com
Wednesday 5 March 2008
United 1 Lyon 0
Saturday 1 March 2008
Fulham 0-3 Manchester United
Manchester United keep the pressur on Arsenal at the top of the Barclays Premier League table.
Owen Hargreaves scored a superb free-kick to help give Manchester United a 3-0 victory over Fulham which cut Arsenal's lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League to a point.
Park Ji-Sung added the second a minute before the break when he capped a fine team move to head home a Paul Scholes cross from close range.
Fulham midfielder Simon Davies put John O'Shea's cross through his own net in the 72nd minute to compound the misery for Roy Hodgson's side, who are now six points below safety.
Sunday 24 February 2008
Newcastle United 1-5 Manchester United
Manchester United kept their title hopes alive with a 5-1 win at Newcastle United.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney fired them to within three points of Barclays Premier League leaders Arsenal with a display of superb finishing at St James' Park.
They scored two goals each with sub Louis Saha grabbing one in the last minute, while Abdoulaye Faye grabbed Newcastle's goal.
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Friday 22 February 2008
Lyon 1 United 1
Played away in Lyon stadium, united can hold draw 1-1 club from france league Lyon. Red devil left behind one goal from their rival, the goal created by the fines young talent, Karime Benzema. United has been interested with this player.
Tevez become hero in this match for United because he made condition became draw 1-1. He scored in the 87th minutes after Benzema. This result is so advantage for United, nex match united just need hold Lyon 0-0 for go to next game.
I think united can win the champion league this year. With many good players, with their each character. Nani, Anderson, Hargreaves, Tevez.. You will bring United to the champion againt.
Read More..Saturday 16 February 2008
United 4 Arsenal 0
United paid their derby defeat with smash Arsenal 4-0 in the FA Cup.
This victory from Arsenal make United get place in quarter final to face Porstmouth.
Wayne Rooney opened the goal on 16 minutes, then Darren Fletcher made score 24 minutes later. Before half time the young winger united Nani increase the score, and Fletcher closed the score 16 minutes from time.
Although without some key player, United still appeared their good game and finally close the game with victory.
In that match Sir Alex Ferguson not played Owen Hargreaves, Ryan Giggs, and Cristiano Ronaldo, they were all rested. Ferguson planned this for faced with their rival in Champion League Lyon.
Van der Sar targets victory
Manchester United's Edwin van der Sar is aiming to give Arsenal food for thought when they meet in the FA Cup.
The Gunners stand five points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League table after beating Blackburn Rovers on Monday.
United in contrast are hurting following a derby defeat by Sven-Goran Eriksson's Manchester City.
It is little wonder Dutch international Van der Sar wants to get back on track in the fifth round in front of their own fans on Saturday evening.
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Friday 15 February 2008
Hargreaves: United will bounce back
Owen Hargreaves says Manchester United are ready to make up for the disappointment of last week's derby defeat.
United suffered a 2-1 derby loss against Manchester City on Sunday - and Arsenal beat Blackburn Rovers a day later to go five points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League.
But Hargreaves said: "I don't think there's anyone with their head down.
The derby game has gone and we're all professional enough and have been in the game long enough to know there's a next game. We've got to take that opportunity to make things better."
United face Arsenal in the FA Cup on Saturday, and then travel Lyon in the Champions League next Wednesday, before they return to Premier League action on 24th February at Newcastle United.
"It's a long season and there are definitely games in a season that are more important than others," said Hargreaves.
"Next week is one of those weeks - we're in three competitions and it's very important to see what direction we are heading in.
"But this is why our players are at Manchester United - because we expect to win games. And winning games is what we are going to have to do if we are going to stay on top."
Source:www.premierleague.com
