Going into this match, United was trailing the leaders by 8 points, with 3 games in hand. But by the end of this week, United might have one point advantage and lead the table. The first challenge is the Rent Boys. At a big game like this, obviously you will be able to see big names in the stands. Former United assistant manager Carlos Quieroz was there, sitting on the same row as former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho (who's now the tactician for Inter Milan, United's next European opponent) and England manager Fabio Capello.
Rio Ferdinand who was said to be fit for the game, was still absent from the lineup. Johnny Evans stepped up to take his place. Gary Neville takes back the armband, while another veteran Ryan Giggs was trusted to lead the midfield alongside Darren Fletcher.
The first half started off pretty even, with the fight often on the middle of the field. Neither team has any good chance at first, since both defense were really tight. Around the 22nd minute, Cristiano Ronaldo's cross hit Ashley Cole's hand and the United team, supported by the home fans, appealed for a penalty kick. Instead, the referee gave a freekick right outside the box. The resulting set piece was taken by Ronaldo and blocked by Petr Cech.
The match itself was very intense, and it's proven by the 4 yellow cards given by referee Howard Webb inside the first half hour. Unfortunately, the amount of bookings was greater than the chances created by the two teams.
Just before the half time, United got a corner kick. And a brilliant play between Wayne Rooney and Giggs proved to be too much for the referee. Ronaldo's header was too strong for Cech but the linesman ruled it off.
Rooney was seen there put the ball in the corner, than backheeled it a little, and just moved backwards, letting Giggs get it. So Rooney was the corner-taker, and he was in play by the time Giggs had the ball. A legitimate, very entertaining, and brilliant move by the Red Devils.
But justice was done when Giggs was told to retake the corner kick. Dimitar Berbatov flicked on and Nemanja Vidic headed it in from the far post. A huge blow for the Blues, a goal down just before half time.
That goal really sets the tone for the rest of the game. Coming out of the tunnel for the last 45 minutes, the home team was full of confidence and in control of the match. Ronaldo moved forward from the left, and with a clever little backheel found Patrice Evra with the overlap. Evra then delivered a beautiful cross, just missed by Berbatov's head, but met by Rooney's left foot. That close, Rooney would never miss it. 2-0 United, Chelsea was falling apart.
Chelsea started losing possession easily, while United were going at them at full speed any chance they get. Ronaldo, again, had a goal disallowed. He found a way through Chelsea's defense but he was called offside. Replays show that he wasn't but his pace must have made it difficult for the linesman since he was gone in a split second.
He was very much involved in the third goal, though. One of his surging runs down the left Chelsea's right back with no choice but to foul him or let him through. Wrong decision, choosing to foul him. Not only did he get a booking, Ronaldo took the freekick low and hard and Berbatov had the easy job to tap it into Chelsea's goal. 2 goals from set pieces, just showing everyone their lack of experience in that area.
It was definitely one of the best matches I've watched this season. Special note for the fans at Old Trafford, the atmosphere was just amazing.
For full highlights, click here.
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