It is for this reason that both team have brought in their top guns. Torres and Gerrard return for Liverpool. While Van der Sar, Vidic, Evra and Scholes will return to the squad, along with Nani, and Berbatov.

Currently sitting in 16th, Liverpool need to make up some ground, but that wont be easy at Old Trafford. My money is on United as always and I predict a 2-1 victory for the Red Devils.

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Let’s look at United’s starting 11; O’Shea is a problem for me, always has been. I have a lot more confidence in Rafael then O’Shea at right back. The other three were fine. In the midfield, Park should not have started, it should have been Nani, and Giggs could have come on for the Portuguese winger. Up top, I don’t know what Sir Alex was thinking, playing Chicharito and Berbatov together.

It didn’t take long for United to look dangerous, the first 10 minutes, it was all United in Fulhams eighteen, and after a few corners it was a short perfectly executed corner that led to yet another brilliant Paul Scholes goal. It was a rocket, hit from 23 yards out, with the outside of his right foot to curve away from the keeper.

There was only one team on the pitch for the first 25 minutes. United were touching and moving well but like any opponent, if you don’t finish them off when you can, they will begin to build confidence. And that’s what happened with Fulham, and if it wasn’t for Van der Sar, Fulham would have had that confidence going into the second half, But the Dutch keeper made an absolutely brilliant save to deny Etuhu, not once but twice in the 31^st minute.

Berbatov would scuff a shot in the 37^th minute. All while Fulham’s possession and confidence were growing.

It was 1-nil, United at half

As United went longer and longer with out putting away a second, Fulham had more possession and managed to equalize only 10 minutes into the second half, as they built an attack down their right wing. The very lucky, Duff manages to nut-meg Evra and make brilliant pass to Zamora who then finds Davies in the middle. Davies was O’Shea’s man, but he was caught ball watching and followed Vidic’s man in.

Nani would come in for Park in the 66^th minute, It was a very good sub I think. Park was not doing well and doesn’t have the creative attack minded mentality that Nani has

Valencia and Hernandez came off in the 74^th minute for Giggs and Owen. It was youth for experience, 15 minutes to make a difference.

In the 83^rd minute, off a corner kick, United would cash in the a very unfortunate mistake by Fulham defender Hangeland, as he scores an own goal. And with 5 minutes of regulation time, United led 2-1

And just when it looked like it couldn’t go any worse for Fulham, penalty on Duff for a hand ball in the box.

Why Nani was given the kick, I don’t know, maybe cause he hadn’t scored? United had both Giggs and Scholes on the pitch. Why didn’t one of them take it?

It was a mistake that would come back to haunt them, it should have been 3-1 United.

After some sloppy play in the back for United, Fulham would earn a corner. A corner that would see Hangeland turn from villain to hero as he finds the back of the net from a header just outside the six, it was Vidic’s man and much like O’Shea in the first goal, Vidic gets caught ball watcing and Fulham score the equalizer in the 90^th minute.

A very disappointing game for United who should have picked up all three points, it’s games like this that could end up costing you the Premier League title 9 months down the line. 

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United started with a 4-4-2, still no Ferdinand as Johnny Evans took on the responsibility of center-back. Sir Alex would also try playing with two strikers as opposed to a lone striker.

In the 8^th minute Rooney was looking to curl it in from the corner of the eighteen, but the effort was well wide of the target. But I was more upset with Berbatov, because as Roonys missed Berbatov managed to sneak into the back, and as Rooney’s shot went well wide Berbatov threw his hands up in disappointment.

Berbatov and players like him need to know their place. He needs to respect Rooney and his efforts; because I guarantee you Berbatov would have blown the chance if Rooney had placed that ball on his head.

After 25 minutes Manchester United were struggling to get anything offensively. Given, it’s tough to do be creative when the other team is playing with 11 defenders.

It was Valencia’s work rate that led to Uniteds first goal as he stripped Gutierrez got the ball back to O’Shea who fed Scholes first time and it was Scholes that fed Berbatov to set up the Bulgarian with a one v one that the Bulgarian surprisingly finished, beating Harper on his far post in the 33^rd minute

Nani nearly coast United a goal in the 38^th minute by trying to play cute just inside his own 18. I’m sure Vidic let him know it was a stupid move.

In the 42^nd minute United would get a second as Nani and Evra worked the left hand side. Nani would split two Newcastle defenders to find Evra, who blasted it into the middle figuring someone would find it, and Fletcher did. Letting it go across his body with his back to goal before finishing with a half turn shot.

For the remainder of the half it looked like all United was trying to do was feed Rooney for a goal. The English striker looks like he needs a confidence boost at the moment.

Its 2-0 Manchester United at the end of the first half.

No Changes in the second half

Good chance by Manchester United in the 53^rd minute, Rooney unselfishly looking for Berbatov but it was read by the defender and cleared out

One minute later Rooney would put in a brilliant one touch flick into Berbatov, the pass couldn’t have been better, it lands 15 yards in front of goal, just Berbatov and Harper, with every advantage to the Bulgarian, and he puts it wide. Why would he try to use the outside of his foot in that situation?

Unfortunately I feel his goal earlier was just a fluke and this is the Berbatov we will continue to see through out the season.

Javier Hernandez would be introduced in the 63^rd minute coming on for Wayne Rooney who has not scored in 13 games now for club and country.

Rooney has been struggling lately, hasn’t fully recovered from the ankle injury suffered against Bayern Munich in last seasons Champions League.

Giggs came on for Nani in the 71^st minute. 36 year old, Giggs continues to add to his already impressive records. Including “Most appearances by a Manchester United Player”

Again Berbatov would be fed a brilliant ball by Scholes, and again Berbatov would miss an opportunity to put United 3 up. Berbatov should be used as a sub, not a starter. He doesn’t have the pace to play 90 minutes and he loses too many chances.

Evra was taken down in the 83^rd minute and would have to be subbed off. But it wasn’t the sponsor boards around the field where Evra picked up the knock, it was in the challenge with the Newcastle defender. Evra landed on his knee before rolling into the sponsor boards. Evra would be subbed off for Rafael shortly after.

In the 85^th minute, Ryan Giggs would make it 3-0 as he converts a volley from Scholes, hitting it first time across the face of goal, scoring the most difficult opportunity of the night and adding to his impressive record of being the “Only player to have scored in all 21 Premier League campaigns since its inception”

And it’s all over, welcome back to the premier league Newcastle.

Great performance by Manchester United and the Man of the Match for me is undoubtedly Paul Scholes.

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With inspiring performances by Paul Scholes, Antonio Valencia, and Javier Hernandez, United looked full of life and promise.

I’m very excited about this season, it’s just a shame that United will win the Premier League in those hideous uniforms.

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Be careful what you wish for. City boss, Roberto Mancini, learned this the hard way. Mancini had had voiced his desire over Rooney’s participation in the derby, and he got what he asked for. Rooney was fit to start and certainly made his presence known.

I liked Uniteds line up, it was their very effective 4-3-3 or 4-5-1, whatever you want to call it, it works. Sir Alex can rotate the three center midfielders, as long as it’s Scholes, Fletcher, Carrick, or Gibson, and it works. You can add Anderson and Hargreaves to the list of players he can rotate into those positions, when they are fit. On the wings Nani, Valencia, Giggs, and Park are interchangeable. On defense we can always count on the left back and at least one of the center backs. The point is, This is the best line-up for United, period.

City started about as strong as they could have, I think City would have been better off with Wright-Philips or Ireland at right wing, instead of Adam Johnson, but oh well.

United were the first to create an opportunity, only 4 minutes in Fletcher would have a decent effort from 20 yards out that went just wide of the goal.

City’s only real opportunity in the first half came from Carlitos Tevez, when he hit a free kick from 28 yards out. But Van der Sar read it and made a very comfortable save, as he held on to it.

5 minutes before the half, Rooney created a great chance, a shot he would’ve converted nine times out of ten. Valencia drew two defenders, and then headed it on to Rooney, who instead of going on to it directly and attempting the shot. He let it run across his body for a left footed shot, a move that sent the City defender flying across, but hit it wide of the post, one of those chances you would love to get back.

Both sides level at the half.

We would have to wait until the hour mark for the first chance of the half, it came from City as Tevez fed Bellamy on the wing, but instead of bringing it in, the Welshman cuts his angle off by continuing to dribble down the line and hitting it with his left foot well wide of the goal.

15 minutes later City would appeal for a penalty as Barry is taken down by Neville in the box. But a second look at the replay, and you could see Barry goes down far too easily. While at the other end Giggs was given a great chance, but didn’t time it right. He should not have let the ball bounce a second time, it allowed Given to pounce on it and maybe cause it was on Giggsy’s right foot, but a Valencia or a Nani, would have finished that.

United were very lucky not to concede a goal in the 85th minute, when a Bellamy corner forced Van der Sar off his line and into a position where he was completely beat, not only was he in mans land, he decided to have a seat and watch as his team scrambled to clear the ball off their line.

Then when everyone had accepted the nil-nil result, United would again grab a late winner, as Paul Scholes, one of Uniteds most decorated players, received a great ball from Evra, but this was all Scholesy. A wonderful finish, as he directs the ball perfectly with his head, something not very easily done, and easily one of Uniteds best goals of the season, both for skill and significance.

Chelsea is still in the driver seat but much to my surprise United are back in the title race. I probably shouldn’t have counted them out so early, there are three games left and anything can happen.

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It soon became evident how important Wayne Rooney, who is sure to win the Premier League Player of the Year, is to United. Rooney missed the match do to an injury picked up while on international duty.

The first half was back and forth, with Wolverhampton actually creating better chances then United. Doyle made a good run down the middle in the 32nd minute before passing it off to Jarvis on the left, who cut and set up Jones who was denied by Van der Sar.

3 minutes later Jarvis would put in a great ball from the left side to Ward, who found himself completely open inside the six, only to give it straight to the hands of Van der Sar.

United would go into halftime nil-nil. Sir Alex surely made it clear, the way they were playing was unacceptable. Neville would make an appearance for the injured Brown at half.

It didn’t take long for United to create some real chances. In the 53rd minute Gibson put in a brilliant through ball for Evra, who if he had any kind of right foot probably would’ve finished but it was denied not once but twice inside the six!

Diouf would come on for Gibson in the 62nd minute. Worst move he could’ve made, but more on that in a bit.

Paul Scholes would score his 100th Premier League goal 10 minutes later. As Nani’s poor cross was followed by an even poorer clear from the wolves defender, the ball would go straight to Scholes who showed his wealth of experience by keeping his composure inside the box. Touching twice to get away from the defender before striking it far post. Brilliant finishing by a player who scores very important goals for Manchester United.

6 minutes later Neville would send the perfect ball into Diouf on the back post,. Only to have the striker attempt a diving header, when it wasn’t necessary and send it flying over the post. Great defending Diouf, great defending.

In the 83rd minute just minutes after missing a great opportunity. Diouf would miss another golden chance. Valencia put in a great ball and Diouf could not react in time, as the ball just bounced off of the Senegal international.

Lucky for Diouf the donkey of the match award would go to wolves substitute, Sam Vokes who missed a chance the was easier to make then miss. Vokes was blessed with the chance to pull his team level in injury time and managed to kick it over the crossbar from only 5 yards out!

United were lucky to walk away with the win, and now sit on top of the premier league table!

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“The mere fact he is at Old Trafford should take me onto a different level,” he says. “I am not guaranteed my place in the side anymore.”

“More than anything I like playing just off a front man,” said Rooney “It’s probably because I get on the ball more. I don’t like to be out of the game too long.

“Some centre-forwards can stay up front, not touch the ball and just look to score goals. I don’t really enjoy doing that. I like to be involved in the game. Mainly at United I have been used in different roles but maybe the fact Dimitar has arrived will bring some continuity to my game.”

“I like to play under pressure,” he said. “The other week when the manager left me out against Bolton, I was disappointed. I just wanted to get on the pitch as quickly as I could and show him what I could do. I like to prove people wrong if I can.”

Could Rooney play just off a front man, as well as he thinks he could?
Could Rooney replace Scholes, after all Scholes did start his career as a striker?

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United started with a pretty solid line up Evra, Brown, Ferdinand, and Hargreaves in the back. Park, Carrick, Scholes, Nani in the middle and Ronaldo, Tevez up top.

Barcelona started with Zambrotta, Puyol, Milito, Abidal,in the back. Toure Deco Xavi, Messi, Iniesta, in the middle and Eto’o up top

Scholes tripped Messi in the first minute just outside the box. Barcelona supprtors wanted a penalty. But you could clearly see both of Messi’s feet where outside the box. Messi would take the shot. It was a poor effort as it came off the wall.

It looked like Yaya Toure’s job was to follow Cristiano Ronaldo around the whole match. He wasn’t giving Ronaldo an inch.

Van der Sar had a horrible attempt at a clear early in the first half. The ball went to Eto’o, who then dribbled all the way into the 18 but Ferdinand saved the day.

In the first 10 minutes Ronaldo went down at least 3 times, after sensing mild contact and kept asking for a call and all three times the referee, rightfully waved “play on” !
FORGET ABOUT THE CALL AND PLAY RONALDO!

GOAL!!!!! In the 14th minute Scholes fired a scorcher from 25 yards out after a Ronaldo lost the ball attempting to take on the entire Barcelona defence. Zambrotta had a dreadful clear and it landed nicely for Scholes in the middle of the field 25 yards out, and that’s Scholes territory. Valdes never had a chance.

Ronaldo went down in the 17th minute after Milito took his feet out from under him. Even then, Ronaldo added a little of his acting skills flying 3 more inches then he should have.
Nothing came from the free kick.

Messi had one of his signature counter attack runs in the 20th minute. Those runs are his most dangerous, he carries the ball up the right side, takes two or three players this time it was Scholes then Brown, then cuts inside to his left foot right around the 18 and fires far post with the inside of his left foot to curl it around goalkeepers, he has scored several goals that way. But not against Van der Sar. The United keeper pushed it wide and denied the young Argentine.

Ronaldo supplied Park wonderfully but Park could redirect it enough, he came very close but in the end it was wide.

I don’t feel Park has the presence to define a game. Again in the 28th minute, he had every advantage to take the shot, but doesn’t. He looks for Scholes, who had 2 guys on him. He’s a player that will win balls in the midfield and then pass them off, but never has the courage to take a guy on or attempt something new.
Its good and bad.

Scary run by Barcelona. They connected very well and ended with a shot by Deco, but it was over the bar.
Another chance from Deco, Carrick slipped and the ball was left for Deco to take a right footed shot from the top of the 18 but it just went wide.

Van der Sar has a strange moment and doesn’t grip the ball how he should. He leaves it in the middle of his goal box. Brown runs into him attempting to clear the ball, causing the Dutchman to ask for medical attention. Luckily it was just a know on the head.

Ronaldo has another “Ronaldo” moment in the 40th minute, he tried to take on 4 players instead of playing with his team.

Nani came very close to scoring by getting into position for a header, but he didn’t connect like he would’ve liked and it just went wide.

United’s defense was very sloppy, luckily for them Barcelona didn’t capitalized on it.

Half time

No changes for United

Good chance for Nani as Ronaldo put the ball into the middle, but the Barcelona defender got to it first, out for a corner

Good ball from Tevez to Ronaldo down the left flank, Ronaldo tried to return the favor, but Toure interrupted the play. It was a great ball and it would have been a spectacular goal.

Messi miss hit’s a ball after doing a good job of getting into space. He hit it with the outside of this left foot and the ball went way wide.

Tevez had a good chance in the 56th minute after playing a one-two with Ronaldo but Valdes denied him. Great run by Tevez.

Tevez played a good game. He did everything you would expect from him. He was all over the place, challenging more intelligently then he did in the 1st leg.

Ronaldo looked like he was a little more comfortable. I think after Scholes scored the goal, Ronaldo felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. And that mentality of “I have to do everything” was suppressed a little, just enough for him to play well.

Great run by Nani and Ronaldo in the 60th minute. They played off each other well, Nani decided to do it alone and did well, until the shot. It was pitiful!

Henry came on for Iniesta in the 60th minute

Carrick was carded after committing a professional foul on Messi, who was making a run down the middle of the field. Not a bad decision. Messi could be dangerous better to put him down 35 yards out.

Yellow card for Ronaldo in the 68th minute, after yet another scuffle with Zambrota. They went at it the whole game. Ronaldo should have switched to the right side, he was just getting more and more frustrated and losing focus battling with Zambrotta.

Tevez battled and won the ball in the 70th minute, and the crowd loved it!

Toure was booked, and with that yellow he would have missed the final if Barca had advanced

Henry came all the way into his own 20 yards to get his first touch on the ball and he did win it, then lost it to Park, but then won it only to lose it once more, this time for a United corner
This would see the Eto’o as he came off for the young Bojan

Nani and Scholes came off for Giggs and Fletcher in the

Great save for Van der Sar, after Henry redirects a corner kick 77th minute. An ok game for Nani, but a memorable game for Scholes as his goal sent Man Utd into the Champions League Final.

Ronaldo tried one, he took it down the right flank, cut to the middle and fired a shot with his left foot!
But it went wide.

Another dive from Ronaldo in the 82nd minute.
And he fouled Zambrotta again. They were in each others throats all game

Evra went down in the 90th minute, after getting kicked by his teammate and would be down through the 93rd until being subbed off for Silvestre.

The games last play in the 97th minute would come after Ronaldo tripped Bojan on the right flank. Every Barcelona player was in the box including Valdes, the goalkeeper. But United were able to clear the ball and the refree blew the final whistle.

UNITED ARE IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL!!!!!
Set to take place in Moscow, May 21st 2008

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