tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91600089406573012822024-02-07T18:49:10.412-08:00JournoJessFootball, bloody hell! Match reports, ratings and thoughts from a Stretford Ender.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160008940657301282.post-5182366718248790822014-03-09T13:10:00.003-07:002014-03-09T13:10:58.534-07:00Team Ratings: Manchester United vs Fulham 09/02/14<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li style="border: none; font-size: 0.923em; margin: 0px; padding: 1px 0px;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">1. David </span><b style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">De Gea - 5 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Should probably have done better with the Richardson shot that he parried right onto the head of Bent for the equaliser.</span></li>
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<span style="line-height: 20px;">2. </span><b style="line-height: 20px;">Rafael - 5 -</b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 0.92em;"><b> </b></span><span style="line-height: 20px;"> Acted as a winger for the hour he played. His crossing was poor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">12. Chris<b> Smalling - 6 - </b>Vidic made him look good. Should have got on the end of some of those 81 crosses.</span></div>
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15. Nemanja <b>Vidic - 5 - </b>Had a bit of a nightmare. Out-muscled and out-paced throughout and gave them the ball to create the move for their injury time equaliser.</div>
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3. Patrice<b> Evra - 6 - </b>Should have done much better with Fulham's first, letting Sidwell go far too easily. Fared slightly better than Rafael as a makeshift winger.</div>
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24. Darren <b>Fletcher - 5 - </b>Had a quiet game. Should have tracked back for Sidwell's goal.</div>
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16. Michael <b>Carrick - 7 - </b>Scored what United thought was the winner in a decent display where he played in a more attacking role.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">18. Ashley </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">Young - 6 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px;">Put in a lot of crosses with not much joy.</span></div>
<span style="line-height: 20px;">8. Juan </span><b style="line-height: 20px;">Mata - 7 - </b><span style="line-height: 20px;">Looked lively and created plenty of chances. Got an assist for United's first goal in a bright display.</span></div>
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<b style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">10. Wayne </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rooney - 6 -</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"> Another man that could be culpable for the opening goal after letting Sidwell go but he made up for it with his sheer energy, putting himself all over the pitch for the cause. Showed great passion, especially with his celebration for Carrick's goal.</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 16px;">20. Robin </span><b style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 16px;">Van Persie - 7 - </b><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 16px;">Scored the equaliser. Unlucky for the most-part as Fulham defended excellently.</span></div>
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<b style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Substitutions-</span></b></div>
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<li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 1px 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">44. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adnan </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Januzaj - 6 -</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Replaced Fletcher. Was one of the only players that put in crosses that looked like creating something.</span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 1px 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">25. Antonio </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Valencia - 5 - </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Replaced Rafael. Made little impact.</span></span></li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 1px 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">14. Javier '<b>Chicharito</b>' Hernandez<b>- 5 -</b> Replaced Young. Showed good movement.</span></span></li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160008940657301282.post-5184200993228537802014-03-09T13:10:00.001-07:002014-03-09T13:10:24.327-07:00Match Report: Manchester United vs Fulham 09/02/14<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Bottom of the table Fulham leave United feeling cross as they snatch late injury time equaliser in 2-2 draw. </b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;">David Moyes' Manchester United team were hoping to make up for a poor result away to Stoke by claiming their second consecutive home victory at Old Trafford. The visitors were Fulham, a team struggling to get off the foot of the table. Phil Jones was ruled out for the reds after the injury he picked up at Stoke with Jonny Evans also out with the calf injury he sustained in the same match. This meant Chris Smalling and Nemanja Vidic were picked in central defence. Kieran Richardson started for Fulham against his former club whilst Ryan Tunnicliffe made his debut against the club he signed from. Johnny Heitinga was another debutant and Sascha Riether returned to the line-up after overcoming an injury set-back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">It was a relatively low-key start to the game with United looking the stronger side until some brilliance from Holtby allowed Sidwell to ghost past United's sleeping defenders and guide the ball home to give Fulham a shock lead inside twenty minutes. It seemed to come from nowhere but it was a lovely move by the team in white as Holtby chipped the ball over the defence and into the path of Sidwell, who had timed his run perfectly. He then finished the move with a well-executed finish that highlighted a huge lapse in concentration from the United defenders.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">United desperately tried to make the most of their attacking quartet of Young, Rooney, Van Persie and Mata but couldn't convert their chances with Van Persie volleying wide at the far post from Rafael's cross and Young heading Mata's cross straight at Stekelenburg from a similar position moments later. To be fair to the Fulham keeper, he made a good save with both hands to keep the effort out. United were enjoying plenty of possession around the Fulham box and put in cross after cross but couldn't seem to break them down. This made them susceptible to being caught on the counter-attack by the away team, who should have been two up after they caught them on the break just before half time. Tankovic burst forward with pace and made what looked like a smart decision to play in Richardson. However, the former United man spurned the chance and blazed it over the bar.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Despite that chance and being a goal ahead, from the stats it seemed incredible that United were yet to score. It wasn't from lack of trying, United worked the Fulham keeper before the half was over as Carrick did well to get a good shot away inside a crowded box before a Van Persie effort was </span><span style="line-height: 20px;">heroically blocked again by Stekelenburg and cleared.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">The second half began much like the first with United playing most of their football in and around the Fulham area but with Stekelenburg and his defence performing brilliantly to deny them. A brilliant save with his right hand ensured a Rooney effort that was goal-bound went over the bar rather than into the back of the net. Just when it seemed like it wasn't going to be United's day after they had a penalty appeal turned down for handball against Burn, they managed to break Fulham down and scored two in quick succession.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">It was from a combination of Mata and Van Persie that United got their first as Mata got a second chance at goal after his intial one was well blocked. The Spaniard hit it across goal for Van Persie to tap in to put United back on level terms with just over ten minutes to play. Once they'd got one in the back of the net it was less than two minutes before they had Stekelenburg picking the ball out of his goal for a second time. Substitute Januzaj whipped in a cross that was headed out to Carrick who shot from the edge of the area and saw it take a deflection before it looped into the far corner to give United a deserved lead.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">It looked like United had the points wrapped up and they could have scored a third deep into injury time when Mata sent a shot just wide of the post. The noisy United faithful will have wished it went in as the game still wasn't over and Fulham punished them in the fourth minute of stoppage time to earn themselves a point. Vidic sent a poor header into the path of Sidwell who played in Richardson on the left. He then shot at De Gea who saved it but it left the ball high in the air in the perfect place for Bent to head into an empty net.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;">It was a terrible end to the game for Moyes' men who looked to have made a brilliant comeback and secured a third successive home league victory. Unlike in some other games where they've dropped points, in this tie they really took the game to Fulham, putting in an incredible 81 crosses throughout the match. It remains to be seen whether the draw can be attributed to a lack of quality from these crosses or whether it was simply due to an impressive defensive display from Fulham but after today it certainly seems like United won't be playing Champions League football next season. </span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160008940657301282.post-4887275452308709752014-03-09T13:10:00.000-07:002014-03-09T13:10:01.501-07:00Team Ratings: Stoke City vs Manchester United 01/02/14<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. David </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">De Gea - 6 - </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Couldn't do anything about either goal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">12. Chris </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Smalling - 3 - </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moved to centre back after 8 minutes and looked shaky throughout. Made a horrendous clearance in the second half that Stoke should have scored a third from. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. Jonny <b>Evans - 5 - </b>Had to go off in the 8th minute with a calf strain.</span></div>
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4. Phil <b>Jones - 5 - </b>Was average and went off just before half time after a bad fall. </div>
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3. Patrice <b>Evra - 5 - </b>Looked really dangerous on the attack, particularly in the first half but was too often exposed at the back and struggled to get back into position after his runs up-field.</div>
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16. Michael <b>Carrick - 5 - </b>Was forced to play the second half at centre-back and did okay but his performance in midfield was woeful as usual this season.</div>
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23. Tom <b>Cleverley - 3 - </b>Brought nothing to the team. One of many to show a lack of passion.</div>
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18. Ashley <b>Young - 4 - </b>Spurned a brilliant chance to get the equaliser with a poor header.</div>
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10. Wayne <b>Rooney - 5 - </b>Was forced to drop into midfield and did okay. Went incredibly close with a brilliant free kick but overall couldn't pull United to victory. </div>
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8. Juan <b>Mata - 7 - </b>Probably United's best player on the day. Contributed well with a superb assist and created some good chances.</div>
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20. Robin <b>Van Persie - 6 - </b>Very well taken goal and looked sharp considering he has only just returned from injury.<b> </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Su</span>bstitutions-</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">2. </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Rafael - 6 -</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 16px;"> Replaced Evans. Looked a million times better than Smalling at right back. Slotted in fine and put some good crosses in.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 16px;">19. Danny </span><b style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 16px;">Welbeck - 4 -</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 16px;"> Replaced Jones. Had the touch of an elephant.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 16px;">14. Javier '</span><b style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 16px;">Chicharito</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 16px;">' Hernandez </span><b style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 16px;">- 4 -</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 16px;"> Replaced Van Persie. Too late to do anything.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; line-height: 16px;"></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160008940657301282.post-55420535705307486042014-03-09T13:09:00.000-07:002014-03-09T13:09:33.328-07:00Match Report: Stoke City vs Manchester United 01/02/14<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Adam brace condemns Manchester United to sixth defeat of 2014 as even super trio of Mata, Rooney and Van Persie can't save them from 2-1 defeat at Stoke.</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">With the return to action of two of their most important players alongside the addition of top class player Juan Mata, it seemed like things were finally starting to look up for Manchester United. Add this to a vital three points against Cardiff in mid-week and a rare win at home and it seemed like United could be on course start their climb up the table. First they would have to beat a Stoke side that have lost their last four but pushed them incredibly close earlier in the season as United fought back to win 3-2 having been 2-1 down at Old Trafford.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">United's new deadly trio all started this match although Adnan Januzaj was left on the bench.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Nemanja Vidic served the last of a three match ban with Phil Jones and Jonny Evans partnering each other in defence and </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 20px;">Chris Smalling</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> starting at right back. Stoke were without Robert Huth as he was ruled out with a knee injury whilst Steven N'Zonzi was suspended.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">The game started quietly although United were forced into making a change in the 8th minute as Evans had to be replaced by Rafael. This saw Smalling switch inside to partner Jones in central defence as Rafael took up his usual spot at right back. However, it was United's French left-back who looked the liveliest of their defenders as he charged up the left flank to create some decent opportunities for the away side. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Rooney got on the end of one of Evra's early crosses but could only volley it wide of Begovic's right-hand post. Shortly after that Van Persie headed a chance narrowly over the bar but just when United were looking like the team that would break the deadlock it was Stoke that went ahead. Adam took a free kick from 30 yards that took a vital deflection off Carrick which wrong-footed De Gea and left him stranded as the ball flew past him. It was a stroke of luck for the home side but they'd take it after a miserable run of taking only one point from their last six.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Just when United were looking to get to half time with only the one goal conceded they were dealt even more bad luck when Jones clashed with Walters and was their second central defender of the day that had to be replaced early on. Having already switched his back four around David Moyes was left with only one option, moving Carrick to centre back and Rooney into midfield with Welbeck coming on to replace Jones.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">The second half had barely started before United made it back on terms with a beautiful goal from Van Persie and a wonderful assist for new boy Mata. The Spaniard pounced on a poor clearance from Adam and hit a one touch through ball into the path of Van Persie who let it bounce twice before placing the ball into the far corner with a lovely finish.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">It was a great team goal from United but they weren't level for long as Adam stepped up again with an even better individual goal that flew into the top corner to give Mark Hughes' side the lead. It seemed to come from nowhere but Adam is known for his left footed strikes and this was one to savour as he hit it perfectly from 25 yards out. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">The goal gave Stoke some momentum and they could have gone further ahead after a terrible clearance from Smalling gifted Arnautovic the chance to shoot from inside the box. Luckily for United he curled it just wide but Stoke continued to press and called De Gea into action late on when he had to tip substitute Assaidi's acrobatic effort over the bar.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">United had two brilliant opportunities to equalise at the death, first when Smalling's cross found Young unmarked at the far post but the winger headed it across the face of goal and out for a goal kick. Their second chance went a lot closer as Rooney had a brilliant free kick tipped onto the post by Begovic. United couldn't put the ball in from the rebound though with Cleverley shooting harmlessly over.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">After seven minutes of injury time the whistle finally went to condemn United to yet another historic defeat as Stoke claimed their first victory over them since 1984. United have to face another team battling relegation next week when Fulham travel to Old Trafford but with the way their season is going, who knows what will be the outcome.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160008940657301282.post-39782543162046869352014-02-23T14:57:00.000-08:002014-02-23T14:57:02.421-08:00Team Ratings: Manchester United vs Cardiff City 28/01/2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<li style="font-size: 0.923em; margin: 0px; padding: 1px 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.790000915527344px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></li>
<li style="font-size: 0.923em; margin: 0px; padding: 1px 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">1. David </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">De Gea - 6 - </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Made a couple of good saves but had a relatively quiet time.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 1px 0px;"><strong style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.790000915527344px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></strong><span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.790000915527344px;"></span></span><div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.92em; margin: 0px; padding: 1px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 20px;">2. </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 20px;">Rafael - 6 -</b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 20px;"> Looked good in attack, particularly in the second half but was a bit suspect in defence.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">12. Chris<b> Smalling - 7 - </b>Helped keep a clean sheet with some solid headers.</span></div>
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6. Jonny <b>Evans - 7 - </b>Kept United old boy Campbell quiet in a comfortable performance. Almost scored too with an unlikely long range effort.</div>
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3. Patrice<b> Evra - 7 - </b>Did well in the lead up to Van Persie's goal by keeping Mata's pass in play and was up and down the wing all afternoon in a lively display.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">25. Antonio </span><b>Valencia - 7 - </b>Seemed in confident form, hit the bar which led to the opener and then struck the post in the second half.<br />
4. Phil <b>Jones - 6 - </b>Did a good enough job, was neat in possession and protected the back four.</div>
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11. Ryan<b> Giggs - 5 - </b>Was worrying when Mutch went past him like he wasn't there in the first half and could easily have been punished. Still has an eye for a pass and skill but perhaps better coming on as a sub as he lacks the legs to start games.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">18. Ashley </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">Young - 8 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px;">An impressive display from the off as his perfect cross caused the problems that led to the early first goal. Scored a stunning goal in the second half to put the game to bed. Much improved.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">8. Juan <b>Mata - 7 - </b>Showcased the creativity United have been lacking. He spread the ball well (as he did for the first goal) and got an assist.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">20. Robin </span><b style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">Van Persie - 7 - </b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">Came back into the team and scored straight away, just what you look for in a striker. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Substitutions-</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10. Wayne <b>Rooney - 6 -</b> Replaced Van Persie. Was involved straight away, creating chances and having a pop at goal himself. Understandably a little rusty but it's good to see him back.</span></div>
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<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 1px 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">23. Tom </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cleverley - 5 -</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Replaced Giggs. Not much to do when he came on.</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 1px 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">44. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Adnan </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Januzaj - 6 -</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Replaced Mata. Looked lively as ever, sent a shot just wide.</span></li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160008940657301282.post-48138107421868717912014-02-23T14:56:00.004-08:002014-03-07T15:42:06.799-08:00Match Report: Manchester United vs Cardiff City 28/01/2014<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">United surpass Juan thousand home points in the Premier League on Mata's debut as they get back to winning ways with 2-0 home victory against Cardiff.</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">All eyes were on United's new addition Juan Mata for this match at Old Trafford so you could almost be forgiven for forgetting that dramatic Capital One Cup Semi Final that took place on the same pitch less than a week ago where United were knocked out by Sunderland in an embarrassing penalty shoot-out. Time moves fast at this club and there was a certain buzz around the stadium as the seats filled up with everyone wanting to catch a glimpse of United's new number 8.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">If that wasn't enough for United fans, they also welcomed back their star men Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney with the former starting alongside Mata and the latter on the bench. Former United great Ole Gunnar Solskjaer received a loud and loving welcome from the fans that still chant his name on a regular basis but his Cardiff side were sitting bottom of the table and the Norwegian was surely hoping to capitalise on United's poor home form. Another ex-United player involved was Frazier Campbell who was chosen to lead the Bluebirds front line on his return to Old Trafford.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">It didn't take long before United's flying Dutchman Van Persie notched a goal on his return to action. Less than six minutes in fact as Mata started the move with a wonderful pass out to the left from a deep-lying position. Evra collected the pass and linked with Van Persie and Young before the latter sent an inviting cross into the box. Valencia attacked it with venom but his header crashed against the bar. The rebound fell to Van Persie whose initial header was saved by Marshall but he made no mistake when the ball fell to him again and he headed it in to give United an early lead.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Cardiff tried their best to get back on terms as Mutch impressed in midfield but he was often let down by his team mates who struggled to continue the moves he had started. Van Persie went agonisingly close to his second goal just after the half hour mark as he sent the ball just wide from a difficult angle after a lovely pass from Evra.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Cardiff looked most dangerous on the counter-attack and tried their best to create chances, their best coming when Hudson prompted a good save from De Gea in the first half. However, United still looked relatively comfortable and Young ensured it was practically game over just before the hour mark when he put the ball in the net in stunning fashion. Mata was involved again as he spread the ball out wide for Young who picked it up, cut inside and went past two Cardiff players, setting himself up with a perfect opening to shoot from 25 yards. Although Young doesn't have the greatest scoring record at Old Trafford, he scores some brilliant goals and this was one to add to the collection as it swerved into the far bottom corner to put United 2-0 up.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Seconds later, Mata had a shot from inside the box saved to deny him a debut goal before Evans almost scored with an ambitious long-range effort. Rooney then came on to replace Van Persie and almost got in on the action himself as he tried an audacious lob from range that took a deflection and went just wide. Valencia then hit the post in a spell where the home side really should have gone further ahead.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">The United pressure continued right into injury time when substitute Januzaj joined the list of United players to waste opportunities as he dragged a shot just wide of Marshall's left-hand post. Rooney then sent an effort past the same post before the whistle went with the match ending 2-0, although it could easily have been a bigger scoreline. Ultimately David Moyes will just be glad to have won the three points, performed well at home and have some of his star performers return to the line-up. Cardiff defended admirably but they will need to show more attacking promise in future games if they are to have a hope of getting off the foot of the table. Solskjaer's side will be hoping United can do them a favour in their next match by beating relegation contenders Stoke at the Brittania on Saturday.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160008940657301282.post-18419977750764853572014-02-23T14:56:00.003-08:002014-02-23T14:56:41.341-08:00Team Ratings: Manchester United vs Sunderland 22/01/2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb2pEPWlDmfGG-AF6CiTbaslgSN2jfW4P4cy2JOwXmbdXV2Oz4JuCFh_ObUj7jZJNCn3exUAIQfNfSvVproH9mXGMLqtswr6HoRzQQsW62dpDVVDFWkOR8GBxIUraeUecybBl8rUvVnBE/s1600/teaam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb2pEPWlDmfGG-AF6CiTbaslgSN2jfW4P4cy2JOwXmbdXV2Oz4JuCFh_ObUj7jZJNCn3exUAIQfNfSvVproH9mXGMLqtswr6HoRzQQsW62dpDVVDFWkOR8GBxIUraeUecybBl8rUvVnBE/s1600/teaam.jpg" height="388" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 1px 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.790000915527344px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></li>
<li style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 1px 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">1. David </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">De Gea - 5 - </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Terrible mistake for Bardsley's goal, the only shot on target he had to deal with in the 119 minutes. Did make two decent saves in the shootout though.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 1px 0px;"><strong style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.790000915527344px;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></strong><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20.790000915527344px;"></span><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 0.92em; margin: 0px; padding: 1px 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 20px;">2. </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 20px;">Rafael - 4 -</b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 20px;"> A poor performance where he struggled against Borini and missed a penalty. One to forget.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">12. Chris<b> Smalling - 5 - </b>Looked terrified of Johnson but made some good headers.</span></div>
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6. Jonny <b>Evans - 6 - </b>Scored the goal to put United 1-0 up and tried his best to lead the team.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">28. Alexander</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><strong style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Buttner - 4 - </strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Often out of position and got caught out a few times. Struggled with Johnson all game.</span></div>
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44. Adnan<b> Januzaj - 7 - </b>Missed a penalty but was United's best player, again. Never afraid to take a man on and played a part in both of United's goals.<br />
24. Darren<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Fletcher - 6 -</span> Embarrassingly was the only United player to score his penalty. Led by example.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">16. Michael<b> Carrick - 5 - </b>Gave the ball away quite a few times before going off with an ankle injury.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">26. Shinji<b> Kagawa - 4 - </b>Forgot he was playing at times, really needs to impact the game more.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">19. Danny </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">Welbeck - 5 -</b><span style="font-size: 15px;"> Was out-muscled a few times but always tried to be involved, as shown when he flicked on Januzaj's corner for the opener. Incredibly poor penalty though. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">14. Javier '</span><strong style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chicharito</strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">' Hernandez</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><strong style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">- 4 - </strong><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scored the goal that took it to penalties with a tap in but looked lacklustre and slow all evening. His first touch was also very poor.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Substitutions-</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">25. Antonio </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px;">Valencia - 6 - </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Replaced Kagawa. Looked threatening but lacked support.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 15.555556297302246px;">3. Patrice <b>Evra</b></span><b style="font-size: 15.555556297302246px;"> - 6 - </b><span style="font-size: 15.555556297302246px;">Replaced Buttner. Did the job.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 15.555556297302246px;">4. Phil <b>Jones</b></span><b style="font-size: 15.555556297302246px;"> - 4 - </b><span style="font-size: 15.555556297302246px;">Replaced Carrick. Horrendous penalty.</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160008940657301282.post-3123967360865539152014-02-23T14:56:00.002-08:002014-02-23T14:56:26.569-08:00Match Report: Manchester United vs Sunderland 22/01/2014<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<b style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Penalty heartbreak for United as Sunderland scrape through to Capital One Cup Final in bizarre shoot-out.</b></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDJ2WAuTkP4KuSTUcJX4SazHv9uodYLKOhPXVUsHpWJwTrM8ZLVnl6-k2-PFQ8dDUMbGChWQRRAvrdvODyuSFv4M8KLIthyphenhyphenb46Ds7RWnk1bYehbwumDHCuTi9F_Hd44IefRdLFIxO64TW/s1600/sunderland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDJ2WAuTkP4KuSTUcJX4SazHv9uodYLKOhPXVUsHpWJwTrM8ZLVnl6-k2-PFQ8dDUMbGChWQRRAvrdvODyuSFv4M8KLIthyphenhyphenb46Ds7RWnk1bYehbwumDHCuTi9F_Hd44IefRdLFIxO64TW/s1600/sunderland.jpg" height="221" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Manchester United fans gathered at Old Trafford on the eve of this match hopeful that their team, who are in the process of acquiring the services of midfield maestro Juan Mata, could emulate their 2009 and 2010 campaigns in this competition by turning around a 2-1 first-leg deficit. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">David Moyes was still without his star strikers Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie who missed out with groin and thigh strains respectively. Nemanja Vidic started a three-match ban after his red card at Chelsea leaving Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans to partner up in central defence. Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck both started up front with Shinji Kagawa and Adnan Januzaj adding flare to the United attack. John O'shea returned for Sunderland to start against his former club although Valentin Roberge and Mobido Diakite were still absent from the back four with knocks. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 20px;">The home side quickly tried to get the tie back on level terms and made a bright start with Mannone keeping out a Hernandez header off a good set piece from Januzaj in the opening six minutes. Sunderland still carried a threat on the counter-attack though and United fans were thankful to see on-loan Liverpool striker Borini's long-range volley sail just over the bar halfway through the half. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 20px;">United had a golden opportunity to score when Kagawa lifted the ball to Fletcher who had ghosted in towards the far post but the Scot could only volley the ball against the bar. Luckily for United they finally made the break seconds later having forced a corner. Januzaj took it and it was Evans who headed the ball home after Welbeck had steered it goalwards with a miskick.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 20px;">Sunderland still created chances, particularly off set pieces and Buttner had to be alert to stop a Brown header from crossing the line just before half time. The aggregate score was 2-2 going into the second half and United continued to create chances although many of them were poorly executed and most of their efforts were not on target. Januzaj was United's best attacking outlet and he sent a couple of efforts agonisingly wide in the second half. For Sunderland it was Johnson who carried their main threat and he also dragged a shot wide after creating a good opportunity to shoot. Johnson was the main man in terms of creativity too and set up Alonso for a fine shot that he volleyed just across the face of goal and out for a goal kick.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 20px;">Januzaj had a free kick saved in injury time but it was not enough and the game, still level on aggregate, went to extra time. United should really have been ahead in the 11th minute of first half extra time as brilliant work from Januzaj on the wing allowed him to pick out Hernandez and set him free on goal for a one-versus-one with the keeper. However, the Mexican shot too early and sent the ball well wide of the post, leaving Mannone to breathe a sigh of relief.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">The final few minutes of second half extra time then provided more drama than the whole of the other 115 minutes as Sunderland finally managed to put the ball in the net and edge the tie 2-3 on aggregate. Sunderland were working the ball around United's box with little threat but when the ball fell to United old boy Bardsley outside the box with a couple of minutes to play he hit a hopeful shot towards goal that was fairly tame and looked like an easy save for De Gea. It was to the delight of the 9,000 travelling Sunderland fans when De Gea uncharacteristically fumbled the ball and threw it in his own goal to gift the Mackems the lead.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Just when it looked as though it would be Sunderland heading to Wembley, United served up some more drama with an equaliser in stoppage time of extra time. Januzaj sent a cross into the box and goal poacher Hernandez was there to tap it home in the dying seconds to send the dramatic game to penalties.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Sunderland's Gardner took the first penalty and sent it soaring over the bar to give United the advantage. However, Danny Welbeck's penalty was just as bad and he sent the ball high and wide. De Gea then saved Fletcher's tame penalty for Sunderland before United's Fletcher was the first man to convert a penalty to put United 1-0 up. Alonso then followed to put Sunderland's first penalty in the net. It was then inevitable that one of United's best performers on the night would miss as Januzaj sent a poor penalty into the arms of Mannone. Ki then scored to put Sunderland 2-1 ahead and after misses from the remaining takers Jones (United), Johnson (Sunderland) and Rafael (United), 2-1 was enough to send the visitors to a Capital One Cup Final against Manchester City.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">Gus Poyet's men will be hoping that the final is less dramatic after this finish where many of their 9,000 fans were left biting their nails and covering their eyes. United were once again left to rue missed chances but they were ultimately let down by a goalkeeping error and an array of terrible penalties. Sunderland's weren't much better but the Black Cats still put more in the net and ultimately probably deserve their chance at silverware in March.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">United now must pick themselves back up for home game in the league against Cardiff in just under a weeks' time where they will be hopeful of a much-needed return to action for Rooney and Van Persie.</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160008940657301282.post-36500397884555637792014-02-23T14:54:00.003-08:002014-02-23T14:54:45.413-08:00Team Ratings: Chelsea vs Manchester United 19/01/2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwtkpGEOoGF0FKl7Qrp8-LpTRZDQJNWSnbm1zWs7PilZnhhiDvyc9Ft8qe9k6prjVjA8Oz-FtkHYNjWX5vpc5XeK_1L0Swyl88aVD9TEjdFaIRfgjyTwZHun1woMAXDr7SVuz26ifKTUc/s1600/teamvschelsea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmwtkpGEOoGF0FKl7Qrp8-LpTRZDQJNWSnbm1zWs7PilZnhhiDvyc9Ft8qe9k6prjVjA8Oz-FtkHYNjWX5vpc5XeK_1L0Swyl88aVD9TEjdFaIRfgjyTwZHun1woMAXDr7SVuz26ifKTUc/s1600/teamvschelsea.jpg" height="221" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">1. David</span><strong style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> De Gea - 6 - </strong><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Made one great save from Cahill and was ultimately unlucky with the three goals and let down heavily by his defenders.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2.<b> Rafael - 4 - </b>Culpable for the second goal and should have seen red in injury time with a stupid two-footed challenge on Cahill.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">6. Jonny <b>Evans - 5 - </b>Looked nervy throughout and was part of a defensive unit that made countless mistakes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">15. Nemanja<b> Vidic - 4 -</b> Looked off the pace throughout and was one of many at fault when Eto'o scored his second. Was sent off late on for a silly challenge on Hazard when he was going nowhere. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">3. Patrice<b> Evra - 4 - </b>Struggled against the strength of Willian and only put one cross in all game before being subbed off with an injury.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">25. Antonio </span><b>Valencia - 4 - </b>Made a bright start but faded fast, his crossing erratic and poor. Also failed in his defensive duties as he fell asleep and played Eto'o onside for the third goal. <span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">4. Phil <b>Jones - 3 - </b>A very poor display. Won only one of his tackles and gave the ball away on countless occasions. Was also beaten too easily for the first goal.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">16. Michael<b> Carrick - 6 - </b>One of United's better performers on the day, decent in possession and ensured the score didn't get out of hand as Chelsea went 3-0 up with 40 minutes still to play.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">18. Ashley <b>Young - 5 - </b>Like Valencia he made a bright start with a nice one-two with Welbeck that led to him testing Cech with a good strike. Unfortunately this was literally the only decent thing he did all game as he could only manage 4 crosses until he was replaced.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">44. Adnan<b> Januzaj - 7 - </b>United's brightest spark, particularly in the first half when he proved capable of creating chances out of virtually nothing. Didn't get the support he needed though and couldn't pull United to victory.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">19. Danny </span><b>Welbeck - 6 - </b>Neat in possession, held the ball up well and ran all game but was ultimately isolated up top and couldn't get the ball in the net with the few opportunities he had.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">12. Chris <strong>Smalling - 4 -</strong><strong style="font-weight: normal;"> Replaced Evra. Won a few headers, could maybe have done better when he found himself in the Chelsea box late on.</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"></span></span><br /></span></strong></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">14. Javier '<strong>Chicharito</strong>' Hernandez <strong>- 6 -</strong> Replaced Young. Looked lively, scored the consolation goal and surprisingly played some very good long balls.</span></span></strong></span><span style="font-size: 15px;"> </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160008940657301282.post-3505205709590968822014-02-23T14:54:00.002-08:002014-02-23T14:54:29.280-08:00Match Report: Chelsea vs Manchester United 19/01/2014<strong><span style="font-family: Arial;">Hat-trick hero Eto'o ensures Chelsea remain in title hunt as Manchester United slide further down the table with 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge.</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Manchester United travelled to Chelsea having finally secured a win in 2014 at home to Swansea, but despite this they were still without their star strikers Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie for this match at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea were looking for the three points that would put them in touching distance from Arsenal at the top of the league.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Danny Welbeck was chosen to lead the line again in the absence of Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie, with Ashley Young and Phil Jones also starting after returning from injury. Adnan Januzaj was picked to play in the hole behind Danny Welbeck as Shinji Kagawa started on the bench. David Luiz started in midfield for Chelsea with Samuel Eto'o picked to start ahead of Fernando Torres up front.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Following their form this season United were the underdogs going into the game but nobody seemed to tell them this as they certainly looked the stronger side in the opening ten minutes as Chelsea were largely penned in their own half. It wasn't long before they had an attempt on goal either, as a lovely one-two between Young and Welbeck allowed the former to test Cech from the left. The Czech keeper made a good save though and parried the ball away, the rebound just missing Welbeck.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">United really should been ahead and it was testament to their bad luck this season when on 18 minutes a long-range deflected shot from Eto'o looped over the head of De Gea to put Chelsea ahead. Eto'o showed good footwork to take the ball past Jones and cut inside before sending a left-footed shot towards goal that clipped the outstretched leg of Carrick and curled into the net.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">The match certainly became more even after the goal, although United should have been on level terms towards the end of the first half having scorned a brilliant chance to equalise. Januzaj, who had showcased his talent throughout the first half, sent a cross into the box that somehow evaded the Chelsea players and slowly trickled into the path of Welbeck. Almost not expecting it to reach him, the striker reacted as quickly as he could but under pressure from Azpilicueta his shot was weak and straight into the arms of Cech.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Both sides then went close as Januzaj had a shot blocked and Oscar put the ball wide after a good Chelsea break. The home side began to look the team more likely to score in the final few minutes of the half and through the clinical figure of Eto'o went 2-0 ahead right on the stroke of half time. The former Barcelona man had broken United hearts before with a goal in the Champions League final in 2009 and this goal put clear daylight between Chelsea and United. It was a devastating blow for Moyes' men who, although lacking in form recently, had actually performed quite well at times in this first half.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">The goal came from a Cahill cross in from the right and fell perfectly for Eto'o, whose nearest marker Vidic was too slow to put him off allowing him to coolly side-foot home for his second of the game. The second half began with more joy for Chelsea and more misery for United as they were put clearly on the back-foot from the off and Eto'o got his hat-trick within three minutes of the re-start. The Cameroonian couldn't have asked for an easier goal as a Willian corner caused chaos in the box. Cahill got up with a decent header that De Gea kept out but Eto'o was ready to pounce and tapped in the rebound for his hat-trick goal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">United found a small consolation when Hernandez turned in Jones' cross-cum-shot 14 minutes from time after good work from Welbeck but it wasn't enough to turn the game, regardless of their efforts to make it a close finish. Their afternoon then went from bad to worse in injury time as Vidic needlessly lunged in on Hazard, who was going nowhere, and was subsequently shown a straight red card by referee Phil Dowd.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Rafael then received a yellow card for a two footed lunge on Cahill that looked more of a red card than Vidic's challenge. The Brazilian was clearly frustrated at the way the game had gone but can count himself very lucky he didn't follow Vidic down the tunnel. Phil Dowd then blew the whistle to put United out of their misery and give the blues the three points they desperately needed to remain in contention for the title.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">United's next game is another tough test, this time in the Capital One Cup against Sunderland, as they must overturn a 2-1 deficit from the first leg if they are to confirm their place in an all-Manchester final at Wembley in March. This would give the fans something to shout about for the first time this season after a league campaign that has been frustrating and poor.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160008940657301282.post-31830602930747744852014-02-09T12:34:00.000-08:002014-02-09T12:34:16.494-08:00Team Ratings: Manchester United vs Swansea City 11/01/2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">1. David <b>De Gea - 6 - </b>Kept a clean sheet although rarely tested.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 20px;">2. </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 20px;">Rafael - 7 -</b><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b> </b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.555556297302246px; line-height: 20px;">A good performance, particularly going forward.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">12. Chris<b> Smalling - 6 - </b>Looked good in defence, keeping Bony quiet but missed an absolute sitter.</span></div>
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15. Nemanja<b> Vidic - 7 - </b>Solid. Like the Vidic of old.</div>
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3. Patrice<b> Evra - 7 - </b>One of his better performances recently, looked determined.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">25. Antonio </span><b>Valencia - 7 - </b>Linked up nicely with Rafael and grew with confidence, particularly after his goal.<span style="font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold;"></span><br />
24. Darren<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Fletcher - 7 - </span>Kept possession well and was involved in some lovely moves. Great to see.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">16. Michael<b> Carrick - 6 - </b>Got better as the game went on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">26. Shinji<b> Kagawa - 7 - </b>Much improved in the second half playing behind Welbeck. Created much more after the switch from left wing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">44. Adnan<b> Januzaj - 9 - </b>Such a talent. Everything good United did went through him and he was lively throughout, playing a part in both goals and going close to scoring himself.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 15px;">19. Danny </span><b>Welbeck - 7 -</b> Scored to make it 6 goals in 6 PL games. Good display.<br />
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<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">Substitutions-</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">28. Alexander <strong>Buttner - 6 -</strong> Replaced Evra. Slotted in well enough, helping keep the clean sheet.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">14. Javier '<strong>Chicharito</strong>' Hernandez <strong>- 5 -</strong> Replaced Welbeck. No time to make any impact on the game.</span></div>
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</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160008940657301282.post-17043664201803411852014-02-09T05:41:00.000-08:002014-02-09T05:41:03.190-08:00Match Report: Manchester United vs Swansea City 11/01/2014<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><b>Adnan adds spark United lacked in FA Cup tie as Moyes' men get revenge with 2-0 league victory against Swansea.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Less than a week since they met in the FA Cup in a match where Swansea earned their first win at Old Trafford in their history, United met the Welsh side again at home, this time in a league encounter where three points were essential for the Champions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Moyes opted to start Adnan Januzaj in the number 10 role with Wayne Rooney still out through injury. It didn't take long for the 18 year old to begin to create chances for the home side, who could have done with the youngster's flair and enthusiasm in this cup tie last Sunday. In the opening 10 minutes Januzaj whipped in a dangerous free kick from the right that eventually fell to Vidic in the box, although he spurned the chance as he put it well over the bar. Unlike last week's game, United looked the team on top and moments later some good link-up play from Welbeck and Kagawa set up Valencia, whose fierce shot forced a decent save from Tremmel.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Just inside fifteen minutes Januzaj then went close himself as his dipping free kick clipped the crossbar and rebounded, although Swansea's defence somehow managed to clear. Swansea almost caught United on the break just after with a lovely one-two from Canas and Pozuelo</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">, Shelvey then sent Routledge into the box with a brilliant pass but Routledge's resulting cross couldn't find a white shirt in the box and the chance was gone.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwADwCzxKqWkmTKCO3lISqiWTiuChOuDVM3YQCEFGl7M8pul1f0G2L8LM16HoOpDy5n6Jha1is4EkSV3RxCnwlfI3hxrLRKW32FGaaaDFVfvs3viwXJ7S0GUoEa0u_tJG4j-rN7CW4Aiu/s1600/DSCI0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwADwCzxKqWkmTKCO3lISqiWTiuChOuDVM3YQCEFGl7M8pul1f0G2L8LM16HoOpDy5n6Jha1is4EkSV3RxCnwlfI3hxrLRKW32FGaaaDFVfvs3viwXJ7S0GUoEa0u_tJG4j-rN7CW4Aiu/s1600/DSCI0018.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">United then went close again with a well-worked move between Carrick, Evra, Valencia and Fletcher but the latter's shot at goal didn't stay down and soared over the bar to ensure the scores remained level. The home side's best opportunity then came, and went, as this time Welbeck ruined the chance to put United ahead. It was a fantastic, quick move from them as Januzaj's clever touch to Valencia allowed the Ecuadorian to play Rafael into the box, his cross then found Welbeck in front of goal and in space but his first-time take sent the ball just wide of the left post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">United continued to create chances right from the start of the second half and it didn't take long before they finally put the ball in the net. United's star performer Januzaj was the creator, as he teased Rangel before curling a cross in towards the far post. Williams got a head on it for Swansea but it then reached Kagawa, who headed it goalwards. Tremmel saved but the rebound fell to Valencia who made no mistake and lashed it home from three yards.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">It wasn't long before United made it two just before the hour mark with Januzaj involved again as he won the ball from Tremmel's long throw out. Kagawa then gave it back to Januzaj, whose cross was poorly defended and allowed Evra to hit it towards goal. Welbeck got a touch to put it past Tremmel and put United 2-0 up and on course for their first win of 2014.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHD85T6KsfleuqQMjjVmp3qR7-ZxvE3WtJcvofaj5whxwlWmTtFh_1-I1HkeYg0cF8R1l4AAyx4FnVb_ImFdnKH0C7h9e_3dDUPdX9Ix1RBQ3eTF0jXtMiNQOOvYUZ3S9LNtsmcaVp2Y3g/s1600/DSCI0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHD85T6KsfleuqQMjjVmp3qR7-ZxvE3WtJcvofaj5whxwlWmTtFh_1-I1HkeYg0cF8R1l4AAyx4FnVb_ImFdnKH0C7h9e_3dDUPdX9Ix1RBQ3eTF0jXtMiNQOOvYUZ3S9LNtsmcaVp2Y3g/s1600/DSCI0020.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">United continued to threaten the Swansea goal and should have been 3-0 up had Smalling not put the ball over the bar from a few yards out. It should have been game over but the defender just couldn't convert the chance from Kagawa's cross in. Swansea struggled to create anything of note in the second half, although Amat should have done better with a header at goal twenty minutes from time. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">United ended the game with another brilliant attack on goal as Januzaj set Rafael away on the counter attack. Rafael carried the ball and then squared it to Kagawa who sidestepped a challenge and only had the keeper to beat but his poor chip was too slow and allowed a Swansea defender to get back and clear it before it crossed the line. It should have been a third for Moyes' men but as the whistle went he will be relieved to have finally secured a win, and at home. It was a good performance from United with Januzaj shining in the absence of Rooney and Van Persie. They will need to be in even better form though, if they are to cause an upset at Stamford Bridge next weekend where they play a Chelsea side in form.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160008940657301282.post-4087711580711238792014-01-22T08:53:00.000-08:002014-01-22T08:53:16.217-08:00Team Ratings: Sunderland vs Manchester United 07/01/2014 <div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.92em; margin: 0px; padding: 1px 0px;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">1. David <strong>De Gea - 6 - </strong>Made a couple of good saves, one to deny Larsson was particularly brilliant. Let down by his defenders for the goals.</span></div>
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2.<strong> Rafael - 4 -</strong> Made some silly challenges and was also booked needlessly for dissent. Needs to calm down and focus on playing, as he was poor positionally throughout.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">6. Jonny </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">Evans - 6 -</b><span style="font-size: 15px;"> Never looked confident really and was eventually taken off with a back injury.</span></div>
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15. Nemanja <strong>Vidic - 7 -</strong> Scored a header after looking dangerous throughout on set pieces. His goal could really help United to progress. Led by example.</div>
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3. Patrice <strong>Evra - 5 - </strong>Another average performance. Tried to get forward but it left him exposed.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">25. Antonio </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">Valencia - 5 -</b><span style="font-size: 15px;"> It seems a case of one step forward two steps back with Valencia. His crossing was awful and he never looked confident taking on Alonso.</span></div>
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23. Tom <strong>Cleverley - 4 - </strong>Put a good corner in for Vidic's goal but besides this was very poor. Never created anything and he made a silly challenge that although soft gave Johnson the opportunity to win the penalty.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">16. Michael <strong>Carrick - 6 -</strong> Kept possession well and was certainly one of the better performers for United on the night.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">11. Ryan <strong>Giggs - 6 -</strong> Looked dangerous, particurlarly in the first half, hitting the bar with a well struck drive. Was unfortunate to score an own goal. Faded as the game went on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">44. Adnan <strong>Januzaj - 8 - </strong>A different class. Constantly troubling the Sunderland defenders, he is definitely United's go-to guy for creativity in the absense of Rooney and RVP.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">19. Danny </span><strong>Welbeck - 6 - </strong>His chances were limited throughout and although he worked hard he struggled to create anything of worth.</div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">Substitutions-</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;"></span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">12. Chris<strong> </strong></span><strong>Smalling - 4 -</strong> Replaced Evans. Struggled against Altidore and was booked.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">24. Darren <strong>Fletcher - 5 -</strong> Replaced Cleverley. Slotted into midfield easily but couldn't find the key pass.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">14. Javier '<strong>Chicharito</strong>' Hernandez <strong>- 6 -</strong> Replaced Valencia. Too little time to make an impact.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160008940657301282.post-21748752144390889602014-01-22T08:34:00.000-08:002014-01-22T08:34:22.566-08:00Match Report: Sunderland vs Manchester United 07/01/2014 <span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><b>Black Cats have one paw in the final as they edge the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final clash with Manchester United 2-1 at the Stadium of Light.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Manchester United went into the first leg of this semi-final with one thing on their mind: victory. Having lost two games on the bounce including being knocked out of the FA Cup by Swansea, the red devils were desperate to prove their worth by taking control of this tie in order to make it easier to progress to the final at Wembley after the second leg at Old Trafford in just over two weeks' time.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Sunderland were keen to join a long list of teams that had finally managed to beat the Champions this season for the first time in many years. The Black Cats hadn't won a game against United since 2000 and a win in this home tie would make it six straight wins at The Stadium of Light in cup competitions this season, a welcome change from their Premier League form which has them in the relegation places sat at the bottom of the table.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">United had a number of players unavailable from injury and suspension with Fabio suspended and Wayne Rooney, Robin Van Persie, Phil Jones, Nani, Ashley Young, Rio Ferdinand and Marouane Fellaini all sidelined with various problems. Gus Poyet's squad were missing Spaniard Carlos Cuellar and goalkeeper Kieran Westwood through hip and shoulder injuries respectively. However former United defenders Wes Brown, John O'shea and Phil Bardsley all started for the home club.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">It was a first half of little opportunity early on as both sides struggled to get a decent foothold in the game, especially in the final third. It took 25 minutes for United to create a proper chance as Giggs ran at the defence and unleashed a powerful shot that struck the bar. It was good work from United's veteran midfielder and this started a good spell for the away side, although Giggs was next at fault as he was found half a yard offside when Januzaj had put the ball in the net from 12 yards. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The game became slightly scrappy as the half drew to a close, although Bardlsey had a decent effort on target beaten away by De Gea and Giggs was given plenty of space to try and hurt Sunderland down the left. The Welsh winger did finally get the ball in the back of the net before half time, although it was at the wrong end of the pitch when his touch off a Wes Brown cross turned the ball into his own net.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The goal came in first half injury time to brighten up what would have been described as a pretty mediocre first half. Larsson's well placed deep free-kick was volleyed back across goal by Brown and Giggs, trying to prevent Bardsley from diverting it in, inadvertently put the ball past De Gea himself. It was just the lift Sunderland needed going into the break and was a nightmare end to the half for David Moyes and his men, who were beginning to look like the stronger side.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">United started the second half brightly, constantly pouring forward with Carrick pulling the strings from midfield. It wasn't long before Sunderland's defence wavered and Vidic headed in for the equaliser. Cleverley's corner in from the left allowed the United Captain to tower over former reds O'shea and Brown and head past Mannone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Around the hour mark both sides made substitutions to try and find a way to get ahead in the tie. Poyet took Giaccherini off and brought Johnson on whilst Moyes was forced to replace Evans with Smalling. It was Sunderland who began to look likeliest to get a goal as Larsson hit a fine strike that forced a fabulous save from De Gea. Shortly after this the home side were awarded a penalty as substitute Johnson was felled in the box from a Cleverley challenge. It was a soft penalty but there did look to be minor contact as Cleverley went for the ball from an awkard angle. Referee Andre Marriner initially waved away the claims until his assistant advised him that contact was made and after this he gave the penalty. On-loan striker Borini stepped up to take it and calmy slotted it into the roof of the net to give the home team the advantage.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">United tried to get back on terms in the final minutes with Januzaj causing problems throughout, but without their front men Rooney and Van Persie they struggled for some quality in front of goal. The first leg ended with Sunderland having a one-goal advantage to take to Old Trafford in a couple of weeks. David Moyes will be hoping his side's awful home form will finally start to improve by the time the second leg comes around so that they can secure a place in the final at Wembley. It would certainly ensure that there are some positives to take from this difficult transitional season without Sir Alex Ferguson.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160008940657301282.post-59708408530719877552014-01-12T15:07:00.001-08:002014-01-21T02:28:53.120-08:00Team Ratings: Manchester United vs Swansea City 05/01/2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yrdbkDLpbMKMbcVmLGwjsXLUg-d3bzLVFWiZ3rZa7u-2T-C97szAqpJsDiKeSMYdVX5Q-cPhxwQA5dlOIzHsZUNRgGwN-cwQOzYAeaImvdf8fO1PaVINgtOji2GCTU3A_0XsGAaBn43R/s1600/DSCI0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yrdbkDLpbMKMbcVmLGwjsXLUg-d3bzLVFWiZ3rZa7u-2T-C97szAqpJsDiKeSMYdVX5Q-cPhxwQA5dlOIzHsZUNRgGwN-cwQOzYAeaImvdf8fO1PaVINgtOji2GCTU3A_0XsGAaBn43R/s1600/DSCI0011.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 0.92em; margin: 0px; padding: 1px 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">13. Anders</span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> Lindegaard - 5 -</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> Poor decision to come so far out to allow Routledge to chip him for the goal. Should have done better and had poor distribution too.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">12. Chris </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">Smalling - 4 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px;">Gave Bony a free header for the winner with poor positioning and never looked comfortable on the attack. Better at centre-half.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">6. Jonny </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">Evans - 6 -</b><span style="font-size: 15px;"> Perhaps also at fault for the first goal but still United's best defender on the day.</span></div>
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5. Rio <b>Ferdinand - 5 - </b>Positioning poor for the first goal and looked well off the pace. Went off injured in the second half.</div>
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28. Alexander <b>Buttner - 6 - </b>One of United's best performers... going forward. Which is odd for a defender, he was very poor defensively. However, his crosses were brilliant all night which led to the Hernandez goal.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">25. Antonio </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">Valencia - 5 -</b><span style="font-size: 15px;"> Very poor in the final third, Buttner put in some far better crosses. Quiet in the second half too.</span></div>
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23. Tom <b>Cleverley - 6 - </b>Created very little. Ran around well but that's just not enough.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">24. Darren </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">Fletcher - 6 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px;">Tried his best, at least attempted to get the ball up field.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">26. Shinji</span><b style="font-size: 15px;"> Kagawa - 4 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px;">Failed to take his chance yet again. Lazy tracking back and failed to find an opening. Poor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">19. Danny </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">Welbeck - 6 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px;">Dropped deep well at times but never had much of an opportunity to add to his decent goals record of late.</span></div>
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<div style="font-size: 15px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16px;">14. Javier '<b>Chicharito</b>' </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16px;">Hernandez</span><b style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16px;"> - 6 -</b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 16px;"> Scored the goal but should have had maybe one or two more. His touch was poor again and he looks a bit unfit.</span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 20px;">Substitutions-</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">44. Adnan <b>Januzaj - 5 - </b>Replaced Valencia. Had some decent moments but nothing that could help United turn the game around. It didn't help that Fabio was sent off shortly after he was introduced.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">22. <b>Fabio - 0 - </b>Replaced Ferdinand. Was only on the pitch four minutes. Clearly eager to impress but there was no need to jump in with such a reckless challenge which left United with 10 men at a crucial time.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160008940657301282.post-30639918782326762112014-01-12T15:06:00.002-08:002014-01-12T15:06:27.946-08:00Match Report: Manchester United vs Swansea City 05/01/2014<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><b>Manchester United take the 3rd round exit at Old Trafford as late Bony winner sends them crashing out of the FA Cup.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Both Manchester United and Swansea had started the New Year with Premier League home losses. United's six-game unbeaten streak was ruined as they were beaten 2-1 by Spurs and the Swans lost a close tie 3-2 to Manchester City. Michael Laudrup's side were now hoping to take advantage of United's unusual dip in home form to progress to the next round of the FA Cup and win at Old Trafford for the first time in their history. Moyes and his men, on the other hand, were trying to mirror their success so far in the Capital One Cup, where they have reached the Semi Finals. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Both sides had a number of injuries ruling out key players with Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie both absent from United's strike force. Swansea striker Michu was out for the away side after having had an operation on his ankle, whilst their influential keeper Michel Vorm also missed out. Pablo Hernandez was the latest to be ruled out of the tie having pulled a hamstring in the New Year's Day defeat to City. United made several changes as Anders Lindegaard, Rio Ferdinand and Alex Buttner all got rare starts in the United defence. It was obvious that David Moyes wanted to keep</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"> one eye on their Capital One Cup Semi Final first leg against Sunderland on Tuesday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">The home side should have had a goal early on when Hernandez missed a chance after Welbeck and Kagawa had linked up well with a clever one-two. However, the Mexican was unable to break the deadlock and it was Swansea who then went on to take an early lead seconds later as Routledge showed the hosts how it's done with a superb finish. Bony dropped deep and knocked the ball back to Pozuelo, who had come into the team to replace Swansea's Hernandez. He then sent a precise long through ball that split open the defence and found the run of Routledge, who showed brilliant composure and skill to chip Lindegaard and put last season's Capital One Cup winners ahead in this FA Cup tie.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Swansea's travelling supporters were in their element and were surely confident of becoming the fifth team to beat United at Old Trafford this season. However, their lead didn't last long and within four minutes United made it back on terms as Hernandez showed he still has that predatory striker's touch that made him a favourite with the Old Trafford faithful. He had Buttner to thank for the goal though, as the Dutchman bombed down the left flank and presented the chance on a plate for him with a wonderful, curling cross. Hernandez needed no invitation as the ball dropped in front of him in the six-yard box and he volleyed it in from close range. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">After the equaliser, United began to dominate and create chances, although they never really tested the Swansea keeper. In the 18th minute good play from Fletcher saw Smalling given the ball in space at the byline, allowing him to cross for Welbeck in the box. United's in-form striker had his back to goal but held the ball up well and laid it off for Valencia, who shot with the outside of his right foot but couldn't keep it down and sent the ball into the stands.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">After half time chances for both sides were few and far between with United struggling to find an opening in the Swansea defence. Januzaj and Fabio were both brought on to replace Valencia and Ferdinand late on and although the former definitely injected some energy into United's wing-play, he was unable to create another goal for the hosts. He at least fared better than United's other substitute though, as Fabio was on the pitch all of four minutes before he was dismissed via a straight red card from referee Mike Dean. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">It was a poor challenge from the Brazilian, in the middle of the pitch when there was no need for it. He went in for a challenge on Canas with his studs up and could have no complaints when he caught the player and was dismissed. United tried to hang on for a replay with ten men but Swansea knew that they had a great chance to score the winner and knock United out on their own turf. This is exactly what they did in the 90th minute as Bony, who had caused problems all night, scored with his head in front of the delirious Swansea support.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">The scorer of Swansea's first, Routledge, supplied the cross in after he beat Fletcher with ease. Bony only had to jump and guide the ball in with his head as he was left unmarked, probably due to United having a man less. This meant that Swansea left Old Trafford after having secured their first victory there in their history but this fixture is repeated in the Premier League in just under a week's time and it will be interesting to see if Laudrup's men can achieve two wins at Old Trafford in a week or if United can find the right response to help them to a first win of 2014.</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160008940657301282.post-17217101557236415262014-01-03T18:09:00.000-08:002014-01-03T18:09:08.770-08:00Match Report: Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur 01/01/2014<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">More misery for Moyes as Webb waves away penalty claim and Spurs seal 2-1 win with goals from Adebayor and Eriksen to welcome in the New Year in style.</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">It was exactly one month ago that Manchester United travelled to White Hart Lane in a match that saw them share the points with Tottenham in a four-goal thriller. Tottenham have seen a change in manager since that last fixture, with Tim Sherwood taking over the reigns from Andre Villas Boas and looking to steer Spurs to their second win at Old Trafford in as many seasons. The return fixture gave both teams the chance to kick off the New Year with a much-needed 3 points, vital to keeping pressure on the teams in the top 4.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Wayne Rooney passed a late fitness test and returned to the United line-up after recovering from a slight groin injury. Antonio Valencia was back from suspension and started on the right for the home side although Rafael Da Silva, Robin Van Persie, Phil Jones and Nani all remained sidelined with injuries. Tottenham's injury woes continued as Paulinho was ruled out after sustaining ankle ligament damage in their 3-0 win over Stoke but Aaron Lennon and Moussa Dembele passed late fitness tests to secure places in the starting line-up.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">The home side made a bright start with Smalling the unlikely man to go closest to scoring early on after he made a good run in to the Spurs box and latched on to a ball in from Valencia on the right. He took the ball past Rose and drove a shot at Lloris that was saved, although the ball almost rolled under the Spurs keeper in the aftermath. Inside 15 minutes it was then De Gea's turn to be tested as United let Adebayor run freely with the ball and he passed to Solado. The striker saw the run of Lennon from the right and sent a perfect through ball to the winger, whose resulting first-time shot forced a good save from United's Spanish keeper.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">It was a first half of little opportunities but Tottenham were the team to make the most of what they created as they silenced the home crowd just after the half hour mark when Adebayor scored his third goal in four games. It was a poor goal to concede for United as they allowed Spurs the space to break and then gifted Adebayor a free header from Eriksen's cross. It was a well taken goal from the former forgotten man though, as he looped his header over De Gea and into the net.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Shortly after scoring the opener, Spurs could have gone 2-0 up when Lennon once again got the better of Evra down the right and sent in a wonderful cross for Soldado. However, the only touch the Spaniard could get on it was with his knee which sent the ball wide, ensuring that his fellow countryman in the United goal was let off after his defence had left him exposed.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">United had a penalty shout turned down early in the second half when Welbeck went tumbling in the box following slight contact from Chiriches. Howard Webb was quick to dismiss the appeals though as Moyes brought on Kagawa and Hernandez for Valencia and Carrick in a bid to get a goal back. It was Sherwood's side that went on to score the game's second though as they cut out a United attack and broke with pace. Adebayor and Soldado linked well before the latter played the ball to Lennon, who carried the ball into the box and then sent in an enticing cross. Taking a slight deflection off Vidic, the ball bounced just in front of Eriksen, who needed no further invitation to head the ball down and past De Gea. It was yet more poor defending from the home team, with makeshift right-back Valencia caught unaware and Evra left way out of position.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">United knew they had to respond quickly and they probably couldn't have acted any faster as within a minute of the re-start they went up the other end and scored to put them back in the game with just over twenty minutes to go. It was their man-of-the-moment Welbeck who got the goal back as Januzaj put him in on goal with a delightful through ball. Welbeck then flicked the ball over the on-rushing Lloris with another confident finish, following his winner in the Norwich match on Saturday.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">The Spurs goal had definitely woken United up and they continued to pile on the pressure in order to find an equaliser. Januzaj, who was uncharacteristically quiet up until United's goal, suddenly roared into life and almost created a second for United in the 77th minute. The 18 year old took the ball past Rose with ease and ran along the byline before sending in a low cross for Hernandez, whose flicked effort at goal was thwarted by Lloris. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Lennon, who had given the United defence a torrid time all game, then gave them another scare when he weaved his way past Evra and Valencia to set himself up with a chance to shoot from inside the box. However, after having done all the hard work, his finish was weak and straight at De Gea. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">A few minutes from time United had a huge penalty shout turned down by Webb after Lloris' poorly timed challenge sent Young flying in the box. The winger was running on to a headed flick on from Welbeck when Lloris opted to try and win the ball and ran out from his goal with a high and reckless challenge. Webb then incensed the Old Trafford crowd even more when he chose not to give Januzaj a free-kick after he was clearly fouled outside the box. Rooney saw a late shot turned round the post by Lloris but it was their Captain Vidic who had the best of their late opportunities. The first a header off a set piece that Lloris had to get down low to save in his bottom right hand corner and the second a shot from inside a crowded box that was cleared off the line by Lennon.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">It was a valiant effort by the home side but it was a case of too little, too late as the whistle went after five minutes of stoppage time and the game came to an end. Tottenham took their chances and then defended well in the final stages to earn the win although </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">ultimately the main talking point from a United perspective will be the referee's decision not to award them a penalty that might have been key for them in their fight for a top four place come the end of the season. However, they cannot linger on missed opportunities and their attention now turns to two cup matches, the first an FA Cup clash at home to Swansea on Sunday where they will be hoping for a little more luck and a few more goals.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160008940657301282.post-67469773931480702682014-01-03T17:56:00.002-08:002014-01-03T18:11:21.589-08:00Team Ratings: Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur 01/01/2014<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">
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1. David <b>De Gea - 6 - </b>Made a smart save from Lennon in the first half but maybe should have done better with Spurs' second goal.</div>
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12. Chris <b>Smalling - 5 - </b>Had a chance to score in the first half but hit his shot straight at Lloris. Allowed Adebayor an easy header for their first and looked all over the place at times, eventually being replaced as United chased the game.</div>
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15. Nemanja <b>Vidic - 6 -</b> Kept Soldado relatively quiet and tried his best to cut out Lennon's cross for the second goal after having to cover for others but should have done much better with the late chances to equalise off corners.</div>
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6. Jonny <b>Evans - 7 - </b>Looked confident, particularly in bringing the ball out of defence but could have done better at times against the likes of Lennon and Adebayor.<br />
3. Patrice <b>Evra - 4 - </b>An awful performance. Struggled with Lennon and he is lucky that United don't have anyone better in this position to challenge him for his place as his constant laziness running back from out of position often leaves United exposed, as it did for the second goal. </div>
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25. Antonio <b>Valencia - 5 - </b>His crosses were poor throughout and when he was moved to right-back he fell asleep allowing Eriksen to sneak past him and head in their second. Not a good day at the office.</div>
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16. Michael <b>Carrick - 6 -</b> Kept the ball well but often chose to pass backwards or sideways in a frustrating display where he was unable to impose himself on the game. Replaced in the second half.</div>
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23. Tom <b>Cleverley - 6 - </b>Was energetic as always but struggled against the strength and power of Dembele and never looked authoritative.</div>
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44. Adnan<b> Januzaj - 7 - </b>Quiet early on but grew into the game, providing a brilliant through ball for Welbeck's goal. Looked dangerous for large periods of the second half, often getting the better of Rose when he switched to play on the right.</div>
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10. Wayne<b> Rooney - 6.5 - </b>Struggled to get in the game initially but when he dropped back into midfield he tried to make things happen and played some superb cross-field passes. Seems like he was perhaps not fully recovered from his groin injury.</div>
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19. Danny <b>Welbeck - 7 - </b>Showcased good movement and running throughout and got another goal with a great finish. In confident form.</div>
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26. Shinji<b> Kagawa - 4 - </b>Replaced Smalling. Offered nothing in attack or defence.</div>
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14. Javier '<b>Chicharito</b>' Hernandez<b> - 5 -</b> Replaced Carrick. Had a couple of decent opportunities but his poor touch let him down.</div>
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18. Ashley <b>Young - 6 - </b>Replaced Cleverley. Put a couple of good crosses in and should have been awarded a penalty.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160008940657301282.post-66618355688233955472014-01-02T09:47:00.000-08:002014-01-03T17:56:46.066-08:00Team Ratings: Norwich City vs Manchester United 28/12/2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">1. David </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">De Gea - 8 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px;">Kept United in the game in the first half with two great saves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">12. Chris </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">Smalling - 8 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px;">Made some vital clearances and managed to keep Redmond quiet, particularly in the second half. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">15. Nemanja </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">Vidic - 8 -</b><span style="font-size: 15px;"> In confident form with some good interceptions and headers.</span></div>
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6. Jonny <b>Evans - 8 - </b>Made two fantastic blocks in the first half and kept calm under constant pressure.<br />
3. Patrice <b>Evra - 6 - </b>He made 17 clearances and won five aerial battles but it was still a poor performance, especially in the first half, as he was often out of position and too often exposed defensively. His positioning was all wrong and many of Norwich's best chances came down the right. Lucky not to be punished.</div>
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11. Ryan <b>Giggs - 5 - </b>Largely anonymous and taken off at half time.</div>
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16. Michael <b>Carrick - 6 -</b> Rusty after his spell out but completed 90% of his passes in a performance that improved in the second half.</div>
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23. Tom <b>Cleverley - 7 - </b>Neat in possession with a 97% pass completion rate. Did a lot of running with the inclusion of Giggs in the team in the first half and looked more comfortable in the second.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">18. Ashley </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">Young - 7 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px;">His passing wasn't great but he looked United's most dangerous threat going forward and tried to create something. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">26. Shinji</span><b style="font-size: 15px;"> Kagawa - 5 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px;">He kept the ball well but often stayed safe and never went for the adventurous ball forward. Offered no help defensively and was taken off in the second half.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">14. Javier '<b>Chicharito</b>' </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">Hernandez</span><b style="font-size: 15px;"> - 6 -</b><span style="font-size: 15px;"> Largely starved of service but looked much better when he had a partner up front in the second half. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">Substitutions-</span></div>
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19. Danny <b>Welbeck - 8 - </b>Replaced Giggs. Changed the game. Stretched the defence, improved the attack and scored the winner. Looks confident.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">44. Adnan</span><b style="font-size: 15px;"> Januzaj - 6 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px;">Replaced Kagawa. Held the ball up well and helped out defensively.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">24. Darren </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">Fletcher - 5 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px;">Replaced Hernandez. Too little time to impact anything but helped see the game out.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160008940657301282.post-83890564880207875732014-01-02T09:01:00.000-08:002014-01-02T09:03:32.039-08:00Match Report: Norwich City vs Manchester United 28/12/2013<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">Oh Danny Boy! Welbeck winner gifts United all three points against gritty Norwich at Carrow Road.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Manchester United's second post-Christmas fixture was another away tie, this time against Norwich. Chris Hughton's side had struggled so far in December, losing their last match 2-1 at home to struggling Fulham and only securing one win in their five festive fixtures, a 2-0 victory away at West Brom on December 7th. United, on the other hand, were beginning to put a decent run together after coming from 2-0 down to defeat Hull 3-2 two days ago. A win against the Canaries would give them a sixth consecutive victory in all competitions, a streak that could potentially silence some critics.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">United were without Antonio Valencia as he was sent off against Hull, he would have missed the match regardless though as he picked up a fifth booking of the season. Rafael Da Silva and Phil Jones were both ruled out with injuries but the biggest surprise was the absence of Wayne Rooney, who didn't make the trip to Norfolk after picking up a knock. Javier Hernandez took his place in the line up whilst Shinji Kagawa, Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick were also handed starting places. Norwich's absentees included Michael Turner (suspended), Elliot Bennett and Anthony Pilkington. Ryan Bennett came in at centre-back with Russell Martin at right back and Gary Hooper leading the home team's attack ahead of their five-man midfield.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">The away side dominated possession early on but struggled to carve out any decent chances. However, they did force a save from Ruddy In the fifth minute after good work from Young in space down the right saw his cross eventually find Kagawa near the far post. The Japanese international then sent an ambitious effort towards goal from a tight angle that had to be parried away by the Canaries' stopper.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"> After soaking up the pressure for fifteen minutes, Norwich then created an opening themselves after Evra was caught napping and allowed Martin to make a run from in behind the Frenchman. Snodgrass threaded a neat ball through to the right-back whose strong hit had to be forced away by De Gea. It then fell to Hoolahan who had an empty net to aim for but his touch was poor and his lack of control saw the ball gone, along with the opportunity.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Norwich began to look the side more likely to score as minutes later they tested De Gea again, this time with a shot from Hooper. It was more good build-up play from the home side with Snodgrass and Martin linking up nicely for the second time. The former crossed for Hooper in the centre of the box who hit it first time, it was straight at De Gea though and the Spaniard got both hands to it to palm it out for his defence to clear.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Norwich finished the half on top too, as they caused problems in and around the box, keeping the ball well and waiting for an opportunity to shoot. Two excellent blocks from Evans ensured United maintained their clean sheet before the break, the second block in particular was vital in stopping Hoolahan's shot from making it towards goal after he had wriggled his way past Carrick and Evra in the box. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">United did create one chance of note at the end of the first half when Young ran at the Norwich defence and set Hernandez through on goal. However the Mexican seemed unsure if he was onside or not and sent a weak shot straight into the hands of Ruddy. There was still time for another Norwich attack too, with Evra yet again left behind as the impressive Martin got past him and set up Snodgrass just outside the box. His shot went wide though and the whistle went to end a goalless half, although Norwich should really have been ahead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Clearly noticing an issue in midfield, where Norwich's fluid passing had caused endless problems in the first half, Moyes made a change at half time and replaced Giggs with Welbeck. United started the second half better than they ended the first and their brightest attacking outlet so far Young sent a shot just over the bar after a lovely mazy run from midfield to the edge of the area. Norwich were still exploiting the space United left in the wide areas though as Hoolahan got the better of Evans just outside the box and fed in Redmond on the left whose cross was well hit but just whistled past the far post. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Unfortunately for Hughton's men, they were left to rue their missed chances as United got a goal against the run of play. A throw-in from Smalling started the move as Hernandez's touch put the ball into Welbeck's possession, who took the ball away from Bassong on his way towards goal. Bennett then tried to clear but the ball bounced back off Welbeck and then against Hernandez before it fell into the path of Welbeck again, which left him one-on-one with Ruddy. The England striker then rounded the Norwich keeper and calmly finished for his fourth goal in as many league games and to give United a surprise lead at Carrow Road.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Hernandez tested Ruddy late on with a drive from range after a good cross from Evra whilst Norwich sub Murphy sent a shot over at the other end after some wonderful build up play involving Redmond and Hoolahan. It wasn't enough though as United managed to see the game out and secure a hard-fought victory against a Norwich side that performed admirably throughout. It was a harsh blow for them after they had played so well, with an important away match against Crystal Palace to come on New Year's Day. United host Tottenham at home for their first fixture of 2014 and will be hoping for the return of Wayne Rooney to avoid another poor home performance after this match where Norwich were unlucky not to come away with at least a point.</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160008940657301282.post-85294341508283327822013-12-27T15:38:00.002-08:002013-12-27T15:38:58.995-08:00Team Ratings: Hull City vs Manchester United 26/12/2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">1. David </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">De Gea - 6 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px;">A mixed bag. Hard to put him at fault for the goals but could have given one away when he came out of his net to collect a dropped punch and ended up way out of position. However, he made up for this with a fantastic save to deny Chester the chance to equalise in stoppage time.</span></div>
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2. <b>Rafael - 5 - </b>Was replaced inside 20 minutes after picking up a groin strain.</div>
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12. Chris <b>Smalling - 6 - </b>Like the rest of the defence he started slow but improved as the game went on. Also scored United's first goal with a good header.<br />6. Jonny <b>Evans - 5 - </b>Looked shaky, especially at the beginning of the game and ended up deflecting the ball in for their second after he had already failed to clear. Got better as the game went on but a poor personal performance in general.<br />3. Patrice <b>Evra - 5 - </b>Struggled all afternoon and was out jumped for Hull's first. </div>
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25. Antonio <b>Valencia - 6 - </b>Was pushed to right back after Rafael hobbled off and did well generally, linking up nicely with Januzaj. Almost spoilt the comeback though when he picked up a needless yellow card for kicking the ball away.</div>
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23. Tom <b>Cleverley - 6 - </b>Not his best game but he saw a brilliant curled effort saved and worked hard throughout.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">24. Darren </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">Fletcher - 6 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px;">Played an hour and was tidy on the ball. Another good step forward for the Scottish midfielder.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">18. Ashley </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">Young - 7 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px;">Another decent performance as he grabbed an assist for the winner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">10. Wayne </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">Rooney - 9 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px;">Once more proved that he is United's main man, getting an assist for the first that started the fightback and then the all-important equaliser with a sublime strike. He also put Chester under pressure for him to put it in his own net for the winner. A class act as always.</span><br />19. Danny <b>Welbeck - 7 - </b>Worked hard and linked up well with Rooney.<br /><b><br /></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">44. Adnan</span><b style="font-size: 15px;"> Januzaj - 7 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px;">Replaced Rafael. Changed the game, won the free kick that gave United their first goal and caused Hull all sorts of problems.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">14. Javier 'Chicharito' </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">Hernandez - 5 -</b><span style="font-size: 15px;"> Replaced Fletcher. Made a couple of wrong decisions but that probably comes from a lack of playing time. </span></div>
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16. Michael <b>Carrick - 5 -</b> Replaced Young. Didn't have too much time on the ball but United fans will be relieved to see him back.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160008940657301282.post-41554933841058747392013-12-27T15:10:00.000-08:002013-12-27T15:10:46.160-08:00Match Report: Hull City vs Manchester United 26/12/2013<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><b>Chester's own goal ensures that it's a Christmas cracker at the KC Stadium as United come from 2-0 down to secure 3-2 victory against Hull.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">United travelled along the M62 in hope of securing their fifth win in a row on Boxing Day, whereas hosts Hull were without a win since their impressive victory over Liverpool at the start of the month. Steve Bruce's side have been tough to defeat at home though, with Crystal Palace being the only team to take home three points from the KC Stadium so far this season.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Darren Fletcher made his first start for a year in the centre of United's midfield as Phil Jones picked up a knock in the win over West Ham. Michael Carrick also made a return on the bench but Robin Van Persie was left out again. Hull were unchanged for the fourth consecutive Premier League match with Warrington-born centre-back James Chester facing his former side after spending four years in the youth team at the start of his career.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Chester could not have believed his luck when Hull made the early breakthrough inside four minutes as he was allowed space in the box to volley home from a corner. United felt aggrieved that the corner was even given as it appeared that Elmohamady had put the ball out of play rather than Cleverley. It could not excuse their poor defending though, as Bruce rose to beat Evra to Huddlestone's ball in and was allowed to head it down for Chester. Chester was then given time to volley it in unmarked from a couple of yards for his first goal of the season and only his fifth during his time at the KC stadium.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">It was the perfect start for former United Captain Bruce's side and it got even better when less than ten minutes later they doubled their lead after more poor defending from United. Meyler showed skill to get the ball out to the left to Sagbo whose ball in then fell back to Hull's number 7. He hit it poorly but Evans failed to clear, giving Meyler a second opportunity to hit it. He did and it took a slight deflection off the Northern Ireland defender to wrong-foot De Gea and put Hull two goals ahead. It was scrappy but was no more than they deserved as United looked sluggish and sloppy throughout the opening stages.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">In the 18th minute David Moyes suffered more bad news as he was forced to make an early substitution when Rafael was unable to continue after sustaining a knock. He was swiftly replaced by Januzaj as Valencia took up the Brazilian's spot in defence. The change actually helped to improve the away team though, as Januzaj caused Hull problems with his quick feet. United certainly looked more impressive after the change, putting their poor showing from the first twenty minutes behind them and attempting to get an early goal back before half time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">It didn't take long either, as Januzaj won a free kick that Rooney swung in from the right for Smalling to head past McGregor. It looked a routine set piece from the England pair as Smalling got above Davies to nod in with ease. United then began to press for the equaliser and went close through efforts from Welbeck and Cleverley. The first was another header off a Rooney free kick that was well blocked by Chester. Cleverley's effort was a curling shot from outside the box that had to be palmed behind by McGregor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">The Hull stopper couldn't keep out United's next chance though as Rooney got the equaliser moments later with a fabulous strike. The move started with a lofted ball upfield from Evans that was controlled by Rooney and flicked ahead to Welbeck. Welbeck held the ball up before it came back to Rooney, who tee'd himself up with his knee before smashing it home from 25 yards out with a volley that looped over th</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">e head of McGregor and into the net to put United back on terms.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">It was a thoroughly entertaining first half and the second 45 minutes provided more of the same with both sides looking to get a third goal and go ahead in the tie. Hull made two changes at half time as McGregor and Meyler went off to be replaced by Harper and Koren. Hull's best opportunity in the second half came when manager's son Bruce headed against the underside of the bar following a corner. United were let off though as the rebound fell for Evra in the box and he acrobatically cleared the ball to safety.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Hull were left to rue that golden chance when United then went up the other end and got the winner. What started off as a brilliant day for Chester turned into a miserable one as he couldn't deal with Young's cross in from the right and he headed p</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">ast Harper to give his old club the lead for the first time in the match.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">To the host's credit they never gave up and after United got their third they kept going looking for the equaliser and caused some dangerous moments amongst the United defence. One mix-up saw De Gea way out of position as he came out to collect a dropped ball from a punch out, Graham got it round the keeper but the defence crowded him out before De Gea finally got a foot on it to clear.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Hull then had a one man advantage going into injury time as Valencia received a needless second yellow card for kicking the ball away inside United's half following his foul on Huddlestone. Hull capitalised on United's lack of cover in the right back position and created their final chance to end the game level deep into injury time when Boyd put Chester in with a through ball on the right inside the box. The defender's touch was poor but he still should have found the net with his shot but unfortunately for him his miserable afternoon continued when De Gea made a brilliant save with his stomach to keep the effort out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">United showed great resilience to come back from 2 goals behind to win the match but Hull impressed throughout and can take many positives from this performance before their next game, again at home, to Fulham on Saturday. Moyes' men travel to Norwich where they will be without Valencia through suspension and Jones through injury. It is not known whether Rafael will miss the trip after limping off in the first half of this match but one thing's for sure, United need another three points in their final game of the calendar year if they are to continue to rise up the table and secure a top 4 spot in May.</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160008940657301282.post-69702351750461353812013-12-21T18:45:00.002-08:002013-12-21T18:48:14.089-08:00Match Report: Manchester United vs West Ham United 21/12/2013<b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">Fairytale of new Young: Winger scores for the second time in two games during substitute appearance as United hammer visitors West Ham 3-1 in festive clash at Old Trafford.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Two teams in high spirits after each reaching the Capital One Cup Semi-Finals took to the Old Trafford pitch today as Manchester United looked to take some positives from their last two performances in order to avoid a third successive home loss in the League and gain victory over West Ham. The Hammers face Manchester City in their Semi-Final in January but Sam Allardyce's men had this trip to the North West to contend with first as they looked to join teams like West Brom and Newcastle in securing historic victories at The Theatre of Dreams.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">David Moyes made two changes from the side that won at the Britannia Stadium in mid-week as Wayne Rooney returned for United, replacing Anderson. He played up front alongside Danny Welbeck as Robin Van Persie remains sidelined with a groin injury. Their other change came as goalscorer Ashley Young dropped to the bench with Adnan Januzaj taking his place on the left wing. Sam Allardyce handed a start to former United player Ravel Morrison, who had made three substitute appearances for the reds before completing a move to Upton Park. Spaniard Adrian was chosen in goal for the away side as he made his League debut to keep Jussi Jaaskelainen on the bench for the second time this week.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">It didn't take long for United to test the Hammers' goalkeeper as they started with intent, winning a corner through Rooney inside the first minute. Januzaj played a short corner, completing a one-two with Rooney before sending a cross into the box that eventually found Cleverley, who hit it first time from 6 yards out. Adrian got down low to his left and made a brilliant save to help justify his first League start. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Adrian was called upon again in a busy opening twenty minutes for the Spaniard as Valencia then forced another good save from him with a drive from a tight angle just outside the box on the right. United eventually managed to get the ball past him though, as Jones took a quick free kick inside the West Ham half to set Welbeck on the path towards goal. Welbeck spotted Rooney immediately and played a delightful ball to the number 10 with a delicious flick on. Rooney, enjoying a playmaker role in a deeper position, then picked up the pass and carried it into the box before returning it to his fellow England striker Welbeck to bury into the net with a fine finish.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">United had a penalty shout turned down when Januzaj was felled by Noble in the box but the youngster wasn't fazed by the West Ham players' claims he had dived as he then went on to put United 2-0 up moments later. Rooney started the move as he won the ball off a dithering Collins, Welbeck then collected it and gave it to Januzaj on the wing who played a lovely one-two with Welbeck and made a darting run into the box to gather the return pass. The 18 year old showed great composure to fool Collins and cut inside onto his right foot before bending a wonderful shot past Adrian for his first Old Trafford goal.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">Januzaj was involved again before half time as he was then found guilty of diving and booked by referee Mike Jones. Replays showed it was the correct decision and United fans will be hoping that the young Belgian can eradicate this from his game as it was a shame for him</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"> to spoil an otherwise classy first half individual performance.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">The second half saw Januzaj at the heart of the action again early on but this time for the right reasons as he supplied a wonderful cross in from the left that bounced just in front of Welbeck and had to be cleared with a diving header by McCartney. Rooney and Januzaj then displayed great link up play and understanding again when a one-two from the corner allowed the former to cross for Evans. The Northern Ireland defender made good contact with a header but the effort was cleared off the line by Noble to keep the scoreline at 2-0.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Welbeck was replaced by Hernandez just before the hour mark when he picked up a slight knock and the Mexican was almost on the score sheet immediately as he had a well-taken goal wrongly ruled out for offside. Valencia played him in with a through ball and it looked like he was being played just on but it was ruled out to ruin what would have been a brilliant substitute's goal. However, United did eventually get their third through a substitute in the 72nd minute as Young, on for Januzaj seconds earlier, continued his goalscoring form from Wednesday with a fantastic strike to put the home team 3-0 ahead.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">The move for the goal was started when a brilliant pass from Rafael had found Valencia in space down the right which gave him time to cut the ball back for Rooney. Rooney then claimed his second assist of the day as he controlled the ball on the turn and laid it off for Young with a delicate touch that allowed the</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"> newly confident winger to curl a sublime shot into the top corner with his first touch of the ball.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">McCartney escaped a red card for a nasty challenge on Hernandez late on but West Ham finally gave their travelling fans something to cheer about inside the last ten minutes when a through ball from Maiga left Cole clean through on goal and onside after poor defensive positioning from substitute left-back Buttner. Cole was one-on-one with De Gea who could do little to stop the shot as it went straight through his legs and into the net to give the away team a slight consolation. The Hammers then had a late shout for a penalty turned down when a shot from Morrison appeared to be blocked by the arms of Cleverley just inside the box. It would have been a harsh decision to give it though as it seemed difficult for him to get out of the way of the effort and had the away side scored from the resulting spot kick the scoreline would have been a poor reflection on a game where United were rarely troubled in defence.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">The game ended 3-1 to United to give them some momentum going into a busy period of matches. Their next challenge is a trip to Hull City on boxing day where Moyes and his men will be hoping for a late Christmas present of three points to help them climb further up the table.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160008940657301282.post-29062828031704511372013-12-21T14:26:00.001-08:002013-12-21T15:32:13.125-08:00Team Ratings: Manchester United vs West Ham United 21/12/2013<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">1. David </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">De Gea - 6 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px;">Couldn't do much about the goal. Had nothing to do really. Good distribution out to the full backs.</span></div>
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2. <b>Rafael - 7 - </b>Got forward more than he has in the last couple of games. Seems to be getting his fitness back and put in some dangerous crosses although was sometimes wasteful in the final third.</div>
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12. Chris <b>Smalling - 8 - </b>Growing in this role with every game. Was composed and confident, developing a decent partnership with Evans.<br />
6. Jonny <b>Evans - 7 - </b>Took a couple of knocks in the first half but came out for the second and battled through. Remained solid throughout.<br />
3. Patrice <b>Evra - 6 - </b>Linked up well with Januzaj and then Young when he came on. Didn't have a lot to do at the back.</div>
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25. Antonio <b>Valencia - 6 - </b>It was a little hit and miss for the Ecuadorian today, he could have had a goal but sometimes he made the wrong decision in the final third. His decision to shoot rather than play Jones in on goal ended in West Ham's break for their consolation goal.</div>
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23. Tom <b>Cleverley - 7 - </b>Another energetic performance. Put in some good tackles as well as keeping possession well in the middle.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">4. Phil </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">Jones - 8 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px;">Put himself all over the pitch as usual. Reads the game well and made some crucial interceptions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">44. Adnan</span><b style="font-size: 15px;"> Januzaj - 7 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px;">Scored a brilliant goal but faded as the game went on, which is understandable as he's still learning his trade.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">10. Wayne </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">Rooney - 9 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px;">Played in a deeper role and was at the heart of everything. Claimed two assists and went close with a free kick in the first half.</span><br />
19. Danny <b>Welbeck - 7 - </b>Scored the opener with a great finish but unfortunately got a knock so had to be taken off in the second half.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">18. Ashley </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">Young - 7 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px;">Replaced Januzaj. Seemed in confident mood and scored another beautiful goal.</span></div>
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14. Javier 'Chicharito' <b>Hernandez - 6 -</b> Replaced Welbeck. Another lively cameo, scored but it was ruled offside.<br />
28. Alexander <b>Buttner - 4 -</b> Replaced Evra. A lack of concentration meant he played Cole onside for West Ham's goal. Poor.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9160008940657301282.post-10546038126696041692013-12-20T16:54:00.001-08:002013-12-20T16:59:29.964-08:00Team Ratings: Stoke City vs Manchester United 18/12/2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">1. David </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">De Gea - 6 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px;">Could have stayed at home he had that little to do.</span></div>
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2. <b>Rafael - 6 - </b>Gave Valencia the support needed and made some good runs. Little to do defensively.</div>
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12. Chris <b>Smalling - 7 - </b>Kept Crouch quiet and was rarely troubled. Comfortable throughout and was a threat in the air too.<br />
6. Jonny <b>Evans - 7 - </b>Continually impressive and composed. Another fine performance. Maybe should have scored though.<br />
3. Patrice <b>Evra - 7 - </b>Capped a quiet night in defence off with a superb finish with his wrong foot. </div>
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25. Antonio <b>Valencia - 6 - </b>Was lively but struggled to find the quality final ball needed. Worked tirelessly though and is definitely gaining some of his confidence back.</div>
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23. Tom <b>Cleverley - 8 - </b>Kept United ticking over well and started off some good attacking moves. Needs to keep it up.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">4. Phil </span><b style="font-size: 15px;">Jones - 7 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px;">Got stuck in well in the centre although a quiet game by his standards.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 15px;">8.</span><b style="font-size: 15px;"> Anderson - 5 - </b><span style="font-size: 15px;">Seemed to struggle. Whether that be due to the conditions or because of a lack of match fitness it was hard to tell but </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">United certainly looked much better when he was replaced.</span></div>
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18. Ashley <b>Young - 8 -</b> His best performance for a while. Scored a brilliant goal and seemed to grow in confidence afterwards, also grabbing an assist. We'll see if he can keep it up.<br />
19. Danny <b>Welbeck - 6 - </b>Worked hard in the difficult conditions but was largely isolated up top on his own.</div>
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14. Javier 'Chicharito' <b>Hernandez - 6 -</b> Replaced Anderson. Showcased some good movement and got an assist. Lively.</div>
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24. Darren <b>Fletcher - 6 - </b>Replaced Welbeck. Didn't have much to do when he came on but great to see him get some minutes on the pitch. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15974810402242981217noreply@blogger.com0