The pre-match talk was all about the absence of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, both unfit. Their spots were filled by Wes Brown and John O'Shea. Ryan Giggs is also out due to injury and Darren Fletcher is back on the bench, ready for next week's clash against Chelsea.
United started slow, as usual. In the first 15 minutes or so, their passes were sloppy and their plays were slow. However, once they gathered themselves they started controlling the possession and the match. However, until the first 45 minutes ended, they were unable to convert their chances.
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| [Berbatov scoring United's first goal] |
The second half started with the home team piling on the pressure. The deadlock was finally broken in the 55th minute. Patrice Evra was allowed space on the left and his cross found Dimitar Berbatov, and after a wonderful first touch, turns and puts the ball past Robinson. 1-0 United.
Wayne Rooney, not having his best day, managed to score the match sealer with only 3 minutes remaining. At the last minute of added time, Michael Owen (subbed in for Berbatov) almost made it 3-0 but his right footed effort was inches wide of the far post.
I was, again, impressed by Gabriel Obertan. Nani did quite well (for his standard) but was still very frustrating to watch. Obertan with his pace and direct approach is better than Nani and he has the skills. He did miss a couple sitters but it was his Premier League debut and he was nervous. Can't wait to see more of him this season!
For full match report, click here.
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