Match Report: Manchester United vs FC Shakhtar Donetsk 10/12/2013

Jones goal puts United on right side of 1-0 scoreline as they secure top spot of Group A in their final group match against Ukrainians.

Considering Manchester United's current position in the Premier League you would have been forgiven for forgetting that their last performance in the Champions League was a magnificent 5-0 victory away at domestic high-flyers Bayer Leverkusen.

United's results in Europe have been enough to take them to the top of Group A but they needed one last win in this fixture at home to Shakhtar Donetsk to ensure that they qualified as group winners. A win would also help silence some critics before their Premier League match against Aston Villa on Sunday and realising this, David Moyes chose a strong line-up. There was six changes for the home side as Rio Ferdinand, Alex Buttner, Ashley Young, Ryan Giggs, Shinji Kagawa and Wayne Rooney all returned to the line up with Rooney taking the Captain's armband in the absence of Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra.

Shakhtar looked arguably the livelier of the two stages in the opening stages and for much of the half. Clearly wanting to take advantage of United's recent poor form at home they were quick to close them down and never allowed Ferdinand and Evans time to distribute the ball freely out of the defence. They also created the game's first good chance as Taison put Teixeira in with a well-timed through ball. Teixeira used his pace to beat Evans to the pass and ran into the box but couldn't find the finish and dragged his shot wide of the far post.

United then had a chance of their own after Januzaj was given space in the box to chest down a deflected Kagawa cross, turn and shoot shortly after the quarter of an hour mark. It was a lovely piece of skill from the youngster but Pyatov parried the shot away from the centre of his goal to keep the scores level. The Brazilian trio of Taison, Teixeira and Douglas were constantly causing problems for United and Teixeira utilised his lightning pace once again in the 28th minute with a dazzling diagonal run that saw him ease past Giggs and several other United players to reach the United box. Once again though he struggled to find an end product and his shot was tame and hit straight at De Gea.

United's only opportunities came when they had the chance to break with the ball and Rooney was given a chance shortly after the half hour mark with a free kick after Januzaj had been brought down on one of these rare United counter-attacks. Rooney took it well but it ended up on the wrong side of Pyatov's left-hand post and nestled into the side netting. Shakhtar were continuing to create chances though as Ferdinand looked unusually shaky at the back and allowed Teixeira to steal the ball off him and cross for Fred. Luckily for the former England defender he got back to put a block in to deny the Brazilian.

 Against the run of play, United should have scored shortly before half time when Young got on the end of a ball over the top from Giggs ahead of Shakhtar Captain Srna. He tried to chip the on-rushing keeper but his dinked effort went just wide of the far post. It was undeniably the home side's best chance of the first half but it would have been incredibly harsh on the Ukrainian visitors, who had performed admirably throughout the opening 45. That chance seemed to have woken the hosts up though and they had one last opportunity before the whistle as they pounced on a poor defensive clearance from Shakhtar. Jones passed to Rooney who saw the in-field run of Young in space on the left and slid the ball to him but the inconsistent winger sent a poor finish hopelessly wide and into the crowd.

United looked much improved in the second half, maintaining possession for longer periods and keeping Shakhtar's Brazilian talent at bay. The substitutions made on the hour mark also saw the home team begin to look more competitive in the middle of the park as Cleverley replaced the 40 year old Giggs. Van Persie replaced Young too and it was his contribution that made the difference in the 67th minute when the Dutchman whipped in a delightful corner for Jones to volley in with venom. It was a lovely take from the versatile England man who had been one of United's better performers on the night.

United settled and Shakhtar heads went down meaning the visitors struggled to get back their momentum from the first half. De Gea made a late save from a Srna effort but ultimately the Ukrainians failed to create anything of note in the closing stages meaning they finished third in Group A and United go through to the Round of 16 as group winners. Although they struggled in the first half they managed to get the goal and see the game out. They now look ahead to next Monday's draw knowing that they will avoid European giants like Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid in the next round. However Moyes' team will certainly need to perform better in both legs against whichever team they are pitted against as they are likely to be punished if their performance is as sluggish as it was in the first half of this match.

Team Ratings: Manchester United vs Newcastle United 07/12/2013

1. David De Gea - 7 - Made two decent saves from Debuchy at the end of the first half and a touch off Vidic for Cabaye's goal makes it difficult to place any blame on him for the result.

2. Rafael - 5 - Still rusty after his spell out and didn't get forward much meaning he was taken off for the more attacking outlet of Valencia.
6. Jonny Evans - 6 - Dealt with everything pretty well but didn't have much to do.

15. Nemanja Vidic - 4 - His passing in the first half was woeful. He was slow on the ball and was often kicking it up field to no-one in a panic. Kept Remy quiet for large periods of the game but definitely looks to be going through a dip in form.
3. Patrice Evra - 4 - An absolute liability at left back. Caught napping for the Debuchy effort at the start of the first half and allowed Sissoko to go past him with ease for the goal. Needs to be more disciplined.

17. Nani - 5 - Struggled to make an impact and was inconsistent as always meaning he was substituted after Newcastle scored.

23. Tom Cleverley - 5 - Made some decent cross-field passes and had a shot blocked in the first half. Probably one of his better games but still did nothing of considerable note.
4. Phil Jones - 6 - Put himself all over the pitch in a decent display but couldn't help ignite United's spark.
44. Adnan Januzaj - 7 - Showed flashes of brilliance throughout but lacks experience and faded as the game went on.
20. Robin Van Persie - 5 - Besides one brilliant pass from deep in the second half he looked understandably sluggish after almost a month out. Tried his best and had a decent header ruled out for offside.

14. Javier Chicharito Hernandez - 5 - One of United's better players in the first half but was isolated for large parts of the game and definitely does better coming off the bench.

Substitutions-

8. Anderson - 5 - Replaced Cleverley. No worse than Cleverley, showed energy but lacked a decent pass.
29. Wilfried Zaha - 5 - Replaced Nani. Curled an effort wide but couldn't do much else.
25. Antonio Valencia - 4 - Replaced Rafael. Couldn't make a difference.

Match Report: Manchester United vs Newcastle United 07/12/2013

Theatre of Screams! Newcastle win at Old Trafford for first time since 1972 as United suffer two consecutive home defeats for first time since 2002.

Manchester United were the hosts for the second time in a week for this Premier League clash against Alan Pardew's Newcastle United. Both teams were looking to bounce back from disappointing results in mid-week where Newcastle were beaten 3-0 away at Swansea and Everton won 1-0 at Old Trafford.

Robin Van Persie returned to the United line-up for the first time in almost a month and started up front with Javier Hernandez as Wayne Rooney was suspended. Adnan Januzaj and Tom Cleverley were also among the seven changes from the team beaten by Everton. Newcastle only had one change from the team that played at the Liberty Stadium as Vernon Anita came in for Shola Ameobi.

It was a first half of little opportunity as United struggled to create many chances without the creative input of Rooney. Newcastle were much like Everton in the fact that they never gave United any time on the ball and were constantly closing down to make it difficult for the home side to get the ball up to Van Persie and Hernandez. 

Jones forced a low save from Krul with a first-time shot from 20 yards 10 minutes in before Nani and Januzaj linked up to create an opening for Cleverley a minute later. The midfielder's initial shot was blocked by Coloccini and Van Persie got the ball back to Cleverley for a second chance but unfortunately for the Old Trafford crowd his second shot was also blocked and trickled into the arms of Premier League Player of the Month Krul.

Newcastle created the game's best chances right at the end of the first half when Debuchy had two efforts in as many minutes. Remy caught fellow Frenchman Evra napping at left back and sent a fine through ball to another France international, Debuchy, who had made a clever infield run from the right. Debuchy sent a decent effort towards goal but De Gea got up well to make the save to keep the scoreline level. Santon created the second chance with a lovely cross whipped in for Debuchy who could only head straight at De Gea to ensure the game remained 0-0 at half time.

Clearly struggling to get into the game, Van Persie was forced to drop deep to get on the ball which he did at the start of the second half, a move that created United's best opportunity of the match. The Dutchman picked the ball up in midfield and lofted a sublime pass over the Newcastle defence to Hernandez who showed great control and hit a drive goalwards. It would take more than that to beat Krul though and the Newcastle goalkeeper saved it with his legs. United were starting to build some momentum and seconds later had a second shot on target, this time from Januzaj as he somehow found the space to get away a half-volley in the crowded Newcastle box but once again it was saved by Krul.

The home side then had shouts for a penalty as Evra's header off a corner from Nani was saved by the post and then Anita on the line. The midfielder looked like he had used his arm to block the ball before he cleared it to safety but referee Andre Marriner clearly didn't see it as deliberate and refused to give the spot-kick. 

United were left to rue their missed chances as they were against Everton when Newcastle caught them on the break around the hour mark and punished them. Evra was once again left chasing shadows as Sissoko broke with pace down the right before cutting the ball back for Cabaye in space in the penalty area. The Frenchman was cool, calm and collected and swept the ball into the far corner of the net to send the travelling Newcastle fans into dreamland.

United had half an hour to turn the game around and Moyes soon brought on Zaha and Anderson to replace Nani and Cleverley. Van Persie thought he had the equaliser in the 72nd minute but Sian Massey rightly flagged for offside after the cross in from Januzaj had took a touch off Evans that made the Dutchman a few yards off.

Van Persie then put in an excellent cross from a free kick that no-one could get a touch on to divert towards goal as Moyes brought on his final substitute Valencia who replaced Rafael at right back. Newcastle made some attacking changes too with Ameobi coming on for goalscorer Cabaye. It was clear the away side were confident of maintaining their lead, if not doubling it and it was Pardew's men who ended the game on the front foot as they frustrated United by winning successive corners in front of the jubilant away support. The whistle finally went which meant Newcastle joined West Brom and Everton in achieving historic victories away at Old Trafford for the first time in years, 41 years in the case of the North East club.

It leaves David Moyes and his side with a huge challenge to even make top four by the end of the season meaning three points in their next League game away at Villa Park are essential. First they have to face their final Champions League group match though on Tuesday and you wouldn't blame the opposition Shakhtar Dontesk for fancying themselves to cause yet another upset at the once-feared Old Trafford.

Team Ratings: Manchester United vs Everton 04/12/2013

1. David De Gea - 7 - Made some good saves from Lukaku and Mirallas and his distribution was good too. Once again he couldn't do much for the goal and you have to feel for him being constantly let down by his defence.

2. Rafael - 5 - Understandably rusty on his return and his passing was poor at times. Did put in one brilliant cross for the Giggs effort though.
12. Chris Smalling - 6 - Wasn't helped by the performance of Vidic and sometimes struggles under pressure however he definitely seems more comfortable at centre-back and made some good blocks.

15. Nemanja Vidic - 4 - Was bullied throughout by Lukaku and was constantly muscled off the ball and outpaced. A game to forget.
3. Patrice Evra - 7 - Added to the attack and even tested Howard twice himself with a header and long range shot. Did surprisingly well down the left considering he had no cover.

25. Antonio Valencia - 5 - His final ball was poor all night, he never looked to beat Oviedo and then failed to track him for the Everton goal.

31. Marouane Fellaini - 5 - Did a good enough job in the first half but faded fast in the second and allowed Lukaku to cross for the goal.

11. Ryan Giggs - 5 - Could have scored in the first half but it was an average performance from the Welshman. You can hardly blame him though as he shouldn't have to play ninety minutes at 40 years of age.
19. Danny Welbeck - 5 - Tried hard but should have scored when he had an open net to direct his header at but instead he hit the bar. Was isolated out on the left and didn't have too much of the ball.

26. Shinji Kagawa - 6 - Had some good touches and put in one excellent cross that Welbeck and Rooney should have done better with. A bit hit and miss though and failed to boss the game so was taken off.

10. Wayne Rooney - 5 - Did okay in the first half and was unlucky to see a deflected shot hit the post rather than go in but it was a poor performance by his standards and he has left United without many options up front on Saturday as he picked up a needless booking and suspension.

Substitutions-

44. Adnan Januzaj - 6 - Replaced Rafael. Forced a decent save from Howard with a good drive but apart from that failed to have much of an impact coming off the bench.
14. Javier Chicharito Hernandez - 5 - Replaced Welbeck. Brought on too late to do anything.

17. Nani - 5 - Replaced Kagawa. Looked lively but he was frustrating as usual with his final ball.

Match Report: Manchester United vs Everton 04/12/2013

Ovie-doh! Manchester United suffer first defeat in 13 games against Moyes' old boys Everton as Bryan Oviedo snatches late winner. 

Manchester United hosted Everton at Old Trafford on Wednesday evening. It was a welcome return to the Theatre of Dreams for David Moyes' men after an international break and three consecutive away games. Both teams were in form, United unbeaten in twelve games and Everton fifth in the League after an impressive 4-0 win over Stoke. United were in desperate need of a win though, after drawing their last two games 2-2 away at Swansea and Spurs respectively.

Robin Van Persie was still sidelined for the Champions with a groin problem and Phil Jones was unavailable due to suspension. This meant that Marouane Fellaini returned to the line-up to face his former team for the first time, much like United boss David Moyes. Meanwhile United target Leighton Baines was ruled out for the away side with an ankle problem and Arouna Kone and former red Darron Gibson missed out due to knee injuries.

There was a minute's applause before the match began in honour of Busby Babe Bill Foulkes who passed away last week at the age of 81. The big centre-back made 688 appearances for United, only Paul Scholes, Sir Bobby Charlton and Ryan Giggs have played more games for the club. 

It was Roberto Martinez's Everton that looked the livelier of the two sides in the early stages, keeping possession as if they were the home team. Lukaku looked up for the challenge in his battle with Vidic and United were never allowed time on the ball. Inside 8 minutes Everton created the game's first good chance through Mirallas. They had kept possession well in midfield through Barry and McCarthy and the latter sent a good pass out to Mirallas who ran inside from the left wing, got ahead of Rafael and unleashed a shot that stung the hands of De Gea as he punched it over the bar with both fists.

United finally started to get a foothold in the game and on 15 minutes former Everton man Rooney had a shot well saved by Howard after Evra had stolen the ball off Mirallas near the corner flag and passed to Rooney in the box. He then turned and found space to get a decent shot away but Howard was alert to the danger and got up well to make the save. United then began to look the dominant side as Rooney was involved again with a lovely touch out wide to Rafael. Rafael crossed the ball first time for Giggs in the box who made contact with a looping header but it went just wide of Howard's right hand post.

United's clear player of the season thus far Rooney was then terribly unlucky to see his shot from just outside the box hit the post after it deflected off Distin. Rooney had done all the hard work after his nifty footwork got him past Barry and Jagielka to give him space for the shot and it looked like it was going in after it took the deflection but luckily for Everton it was saved by the post which then allowed Howard to clear with his foot.

It was end to end as the half drew to a close as United lost the ball high up the pitch and Everton broke with Barkley down the left. The 20 year old hit a lovely long-range ball over to Lukaku on the right and the Chelsea loanee took it down effortlessly and ran into the box, taunting Vidic before hitting a powerful drive towards goal. It remained 0-0 though as De Gea saved with his knees and United cleared the following danger when the ball was put back in by Coleman thanks to Smalling who blocked well to deny Mirallas.

United then broke themselves with Evra on the left who eventually found Kagawa out on the wing. Kagawa then drilled in a dangerous cross that somehow missed both Welbeck and Rooney. A touch from Oviedo then inadvertently hit the ball back towards Rooney who stuck a foot out and and tricked to flick it over his head into the net but Howard was there to collect it.

United created the first chance of the second half within seconds as Evra picked up a deflected Rafael cross just outside the box and hit a powerful drive at Howard but once again the ex-United goalkeeper was there to make the save against his former club. Just before the hour mark Moyes made two chances as Rafael and Kagawa were replaced by Nani and Januzaj. It continued to be an open game and Everton made a change themselves on 68 minutes as Deulofeu came on for Barkley. Deulofeu then had a great chance to put Everton ahead after Lukaku put him in with a neat through ball. However, he could only shoot straight at De Gea and in the end it was an easy save for the Spaniard. 

United then broke with their own young substitute Januzaj as he carried the ball straight up the other end, beat McCarthy and forced a save from Howard with a shot from range. Whilst the game remained open, it was the home side who were creating the best chances in the early stages, without converting them. A Fellaini shot was deflected wide before United wasted the easiest chance of the game. After an Evra header off a Rooney corner was saved by Howard the ball rebounded out to Welbeck who had the perfect opportunity to nod in from 5 yards out. Welbeck headed it towards goal but could only find the crossbar with a poor effort.

Nani then put in a cross that fell to Rooney but even he couldn't find the target and his shot sailed over the bar which made it seem like it might not be United's night. Everton went on to hit the woodwork too when a Mirallas free kick hit the left upright. Moments later and five minutes from time United were made to rue their missed chances as Everton kept possession well around the United box before Lukaku got past Rafael and Fellaini to send a perfectly weighted cross to the far post where Oviedo ran unmarked to drill home into the far corner. It proved to be the winning goal and meant Everton finally won at Old Trafford for the first time in 21 years, a feat that David Moyes himself failed to do in his eleven years in charge of The Toffees.

Once again United had dropped points and Moyes will have plenty to think about over the Christmas period as there are clearly several areas of his squad that need desperate attention. The ageing players need to be replaced with ones of similar ability and after this performance unfortunately it seems you would have to add Nemanja Vidic to the list of players that are perhaps getting too old to play against top Premier League talent like Romelu Lukaku. Besides this, United have a clear problem in central midfield that has been identifiable for years but never solved. Whilst Marouane Fellaini may need more time to fit in he certainly does not help to paper over the cracks that have been showing for some time, even whilst Sir Alex Ferguson was still manager. To add to this the club also has a number of players performing well below-par and some vital players out injured. They will need to dig deep in January to resolve these issues if they are to have a hope of a top four finish. It goes without saying that three points are vital for the Champions against Newcastle on Saturday where they will have a point to prove, especially without their talisman Wayne Rooney as he picked up a yellow card and a suspension in this match against his former club.

Team Ratings: Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United 01/12/2013

1. David De Gea - 7 - Made a good punch in the opening seconds and a decent save from Lennon in the first half. Could do little about the first goal and absolutely nothing about the second, no goalkeeper was saving that.

12. Chris Smalling - 5 - Supported Valencia well but struggled at times with Chadli and when he got forward his crossing was poor. 

15. Nemanja Vidic - 7 - Took a booking late on but was solid throughout considering he was brought back in after two games out.
6. Jonny Evans - 6 - Put in some decent blocks, brought Paulinho down for the free kick that led to the first goal although maybe wouldn't have had to if Jones had not let the ball go.
3. Patrice Evra - 4 - Given a torrid time by Lennon and then his replacement Townsend. Like Smalling he offered little going forward too. Booked.

25. Antonio Valencia - 7 - Definitely had the beating of the makeshift left-back and often got ahead of him with pace. Put in the cross that led to the first United goal but faded in the second half and was replaced.

4. Phil Jones - 6 - Worked hard throughout but was guilty of some misplaced passes. Won the ball well but is sometimes a little too rash and he was booked meaning he is now suspended for Wednesday's game leaving United short of midfield options.

23. Tom Cleverley - 4 - A poor performance again from the England international. He offered very little and was one of the reasons United were overrun in midfield. Failed to impose himself on the game.
19. Danny Welbeck - 5 - His best moment probably came when he won the penalty. He needs a run of games to become more consistent. Worked hard but was isolated on the left and looked better when United moved him upfront. 

26. Shinji Kagawa - 5 - Disappointing after a great performance in Germany in mid-week. Played in his preferred role behind the striker for the majority of the first half but he was unable to put his mark on the game and was put on the left before being taken off.  

10. Wayne Rooney - 8 - United's star man yet again. Put himself all over the pitch, made some fantastic cross-field passes out to Valencia, scored the first goal with an instinctive finish and the second with a composed penalty. In top form.

Substitutions-

14. Javier Chicharito Hernandez - 5 - Replaced Welbeck. Given little service to influence the game.

17. Nani - 5 - Replaced Valencia. Should have been brought on earlier as Vertonghen wasn't having the best day.
18. Ashley Young - 5 - Replaced Kagawa. Came on late and had no impact.

Match Report: Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United 01/12/2013

Brace yourselves: Red-hot Rooney overtakes Fowler in PL all-time top scorer list with both goals in 2-2 draw at Spurs.

It was 8th versus 9th in Sunday's early kick-off as United made the trip to White Hart Lane to face a Spurs side that were without a win in their last three League games and humiliated last weekend in a 6-0 defeat against Manchester City. United were looking to pick up a much-needed three points after their disappointing draw against Cardiff but will have taken confidence from their excellent 5-0 away win over Bayer Leverkusen in mid-week.

David Moyes made three changes from the team that played at the BayArena as forty-year old Ryan Giggs and defender Rio Ferdinand dropped out of the squad and were replaced by Tom Cleverley and Nemanja Vidic, the latter making a return after missing the last two games. United's top goalscorer Robin Van Persie was again absent with combined toe and groin injuries. Andre Villas-Boas made several changes from the Tottenham team that won on Thursday in the Europa League but only three changes from the side that was well-beaten at the Etihad as Chiriches, Dembele and Chadli came in for Kaboul, Holtby and Lamela.

Tottenham started off brightly, eager to get a goal after a poor record of scoring just nine in their first twelve games. Within a minute the home team had won a corner but De Gea dealt with it with a powerful punch away. United showcased good link-up play between Kagawa and Welbeck in the early stages but there was a lack of end product from both players and Lloris had little to do. Spurs were also struggling to test De Gea in the opening fifteen minutes, Lennon went closest on 11 minutes with a dragged shot on his weaker foot that was easily collected by the United goalkeeper.

It was an open half with both teams vying to break the deadlock. United created the best chance on 15 minutes as Rooney won the ball off a dithering Chiriches not far from the Tottenham goal. Rooney then set Valencia on his way into the box but his first cross was blocked before he could finally get it back to Rooney. United's number 10 opened his body up ready to fire the ball into the far corner but was thwarted by a magnificent block from Sandro and Spurs eventually cleared.

Not long after that, the home side won a free-kick in a dangerous area on the edge of the United box. It was Evans who made the foul on Paulinho but it was largely due to a mistake by Jones that meant the Northern Irishman had to commit himself as Jones had let the ball bounce over him without making a challenge on the South American. Walker stepped up to take the spot-kick and took United by surprise as he sent it under the wall and into the back of the net to put the home side ahead.

The goal seemed to knock United for six and in the initial minutes afterwards it looked like they might concede another. Spurs pressed and another Walker set-piece nearly forced a second goal as this time his cross from a corner was directed goalwards by Dawson and then Paulinho, but both efforts were well blocked by Rooney and Smalling respectively. There were shouts for a Spurs penalty from the home crowd soon after when Chadli beat Smalling on the left and his cross appeared to strike Valencia on the arm. It would have been harsh on United though, as Valencia appeared to have his back to the ball.

United finally started to get a foothold back in the game since the early goal and looked to exploit Vertonghen playing out of position at left-back. Valencia ran at the Belgian defender whenever he got the opportunity and the centre-back was often exposed by the winger's pace. United's left-back Evra also experienced a busy first forty five minutes as Lennon looked lively throughout. Inside the half-hour mark the tricky winger showed strength to hold off Evra and pass to Paulinho on the right wing who put in a poor cross that was well over-hit. Luckily for Spurs it was picked up by Chadli who took on Smalling and won a corner that was swung in from the left by Walker but headed away well by Rooney in United's box.

It didn't take long for Rooney to prove his capabilities in attack either as he was the man to get United back on terms but not before Spurs missed a golden opportunity to go 2-0 ahead. It was a brilliant Spurs break that started as Vertonghen's clearance out of the defence was met with a beautiful flick off the right heel of Soldado that fell perfectly into the path of Paulinho. Paulinho then sent a perfectly weighted return pass through to Soldado who had now found his way into the United box but the Spaniard blazed his effort over the bar despite having time and space to test his fellow countryman De Gea.

Tottenham created another chance seconds later through Lennon as he got the better of Evra once more and made a darting run across the box to get onto the end of a Soldado through ball. Lennon then sent a decent shot at goal from close range but De Gea made a good block and Lennon's resulting cross flew across goal untouched and out for a goal kick. The home side were made to rue their missed chances though as United then got the equaliser.

Once again United got down the right channel as Jones found himself in space and sent a dangerous dipping cross into the box. The ball flew over the head of Rooney but struck Spurs' goalscorer Walker near the back post who inadvertently sent the ball back into the path of Rooney. The England striker needed no invitation to fire it home from the six yard line and United found themselves level despite looking the less likely team to score.

United began to build some momentum and Rooney was involved again after the re-start as he sent a lovely cross-field pass out to Valencia on the right wing. His cross was then cleared to Jones on the edge of the area who dragged a shot wide. Rooney lunged to make contact with the ball to divert it in but missed it and it rolled harmlessly out of play. It meant the two teams went into the half time break level after an open half in which Spurs made the brightest start but United finished on top. 

It was a case of more of the same at the start of the second half as United were slow out of the blocks again and Spurs took the lead once more. Sandro took on Cleverley in the centre as he twisted one way and then another until he was 30 yards from goal and with the ball on his right foot. He then hit a stunning long range shot that swerved into the top right corner leaving De Gea with absolutely no chance. It is surely a contender for goal of the month, if not the season.

Before the White Hart Lane faithful could fully take it all in United had the chance to level things again as referee Mike Dean awarded the away side a penalty three minutes after Sandro had put Spurs ahead. The move started with a strong tackle from Vidic that allowed Rooney to break with the ball, he then saw the run of Welbeck and sent a through ball into the box. Welbeck reached it just before Lloris and as he touched it away from the keeper he was brought down by Lloris' hands despite the striker seemingly headed away from goal. United's man-in-form Rooney stepped up to take the penalty kick and scored with ease, striking it centrally as Lloris chose to jump towards his left-hand post. 

United looked on top for a short period following the equaliser but Spurs then experienced a dominant spell and it was arguably the home team that created the best chance late on through Townsend, who came on to replace Lennon despite his constant threat all game. Townsend could have scored almost immediately as Walker bombed down the right and swung in a cross to him as he waited at the far post. The winger was in acres of space and threw himself at the ball but couldn't find the connection that may have sent the ball into the net.

Moyes finally made some substitutions for United as first Hernandez came on for Welbeck and then Valencia and the anonymous Kagawa were replaced by Young and Nani. It was a case of too little, too late though as the closest they went to finding the winner was right at the death when Lloris failed to claim a Rooney corner and the ball fell to Smalling. Luckily for Spurs he failed to punish the mistake and his shot from inside the crowded box was straight into the arms of Lloris.

The match ended 2-2 and was certainly a great advert for the Premier League. However, it was two points dropped for both sides after they were both in need of a win to propel them into a decent position before the run of Christmas games. Andre Villas-Boas will probably be the happier of the two managers as his side looked a thousand times hungrier than they did in the game at the Etihad. David Moyes may be content that United have continued their unbeaten streak and he will be delighted that Wayne Rooney has maintained his impressive run of form. However, the harsh reality remains that the Champions are now nine points off the top of the table and can't afford to drop any more points if they are to realistically be in contention for the title. Their next challenge is at home to Everton on Wednesday and Moyes will see his new club leap-frog his old side in the table if they can claim all three points.