No Rooney No Win

United kicked the match with no Wayne Rooney in the line up for the Premier League clash with Stroke at Britannica Stadium. United's 100% start to the Barclays Premier League season came to an end at the Britannia Stadium thanks to Peter Crouch's first goal for Stoke.

Woodgate did well to recover and get his foot on the ball, pulling off a challenge which sent Hernandez hurtling into Asmir Begovic. The United striker was injured in the collision and, after trying to carry on, had to admit defeat and was replaced on 11 minutes by Michael Owen. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson cried out for a penalty, referee Peter Walton allowed play to go on.

However, the lead of the exciting game was taken by United from the goal of Nani in the 27th minute, a one-two with Darren Fletcher before clipping the ball past Asmir Begovic.

De Gea proved Sir Alex in every minute of danger to United by stoke attacks,but the Spaniard had looked shaky dealing with crosses and it came as little surprise that the hosts' 52nd-minute equaliser came from a corner, which Crouch, recruited from Tottenham for a record £10million last month, met with his head to open his account for his new club.

The match was in thrill when both the teams had equal opportunities to take a lead and go home with a 3 points win. But when the attack of one team was tremendous, the defence of the another team was rock solid. Both of the keepers were made evenly busy at all times.

At the other end, Dimitar Berbatov - who had been called in as Rooney's replacement to make his first league start of the season was not in much of the form and was all over the ground.

For the Red Devils, many vital threats were created by Woodgate, Crouch and Pennant. However the first half lead was taken by United from the superb goal of Nani. The first half was fast and furious making both sides equally strong.

With second half under gone, Stoke were looking aggressive and just with 7 minutes play of second half, Crouch had an equalizer for Stoke making it 1-1. Etherington swung in a corner and with De Gea stood on his line, Crouch rose to head home.

Sir Alex had his last and ultimate weapon fired with the former Aston Villa winger came off for Ryan Giggs while Danny Welbeck replaced Berbatov. But Giggs and Welbeck could not penetrate through the Stoke to get an away point for United.

Giggs had many goal chances but was unable to find the net.

Both sides had chances to win it towards the end. Stoke would be reasonably happy with a draw whereas the United looked awful with their winning run been collapsed.

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Chicharito adds to United injury crisis

Manchester United forward Chicharito Hernandez was injured in the big match against Chelsea after Ashley Cole sent in a lunging tackle. Chicharito was caught by Ashley Cole inside the penalty area, though Cole recieved a yellow no penalty was given.

Hernandez who has just been back from concussion and looked to be in a great form after starting the season with two goals in one full time appearence. Hernandez has now been added in the list of United's injuries including Welbeck ( Injured during 8-2 win against Arsenal ) , Cleverly ( During 5-0 against Bolton ) and Vidic ( against West Brom ).

" To me it was a shocking tackle " protested Sir Alex. 


" We don't know how Hernandez will be, his foot has gone numb and we'll take a look at him in the morning " - Sir Alex Ferguson

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Match Preview: Manchester United Vs Chelsea

United will proceed to the Premier League on Sunday with a clash with perennial title-contending rival Chelsea FC at Old Trafford. These two giants of the League have shared the last seven Premier League titles. The Reds have battered The Blues in the last season by winning the two-legged Champions League tie and also the title-decider at Old Trafford in the spring. Although the current season is fresh, three points for either club could be a huge plus point for the rest of the season.

MANCHESTER UNITED:

United are coming back to the League playing a draw with Benfica to open their 2011-12 UEFA Champions League campaign. United are in a roll with 4 consecutive win in the League with 18 goals and obtaining maximum 12 points. The Giants demolished Arsenal and Spurs, which were anticipated to be tough matches for United. Injuries have affected the team formation for United recently. Sir Alex Ferguson has reported no fresh injury concerns ahead of Manchester United's showdown with Chelsea at Old Trafford. Nemanja Vidic (calf), Tom Cleverley (foot) and Rafael (shoulder) remain sidelined, whilst Danny Welbeck (hamstring) is not expected to be available until next week. Changes are anticipated though, with Ferguson expected to recall many of the players who were left out of his starting line-up for the midweek Champions League draw with Benfica.

CHELSEA:

With 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in Champions League, the Blues are high in moral. Chelsea stands in the third position in the table with 3 win and a draw, earning 10 points behind Manchester City. This will be a testing times for Andre Villas Boas, Chelsea's new manager. Chelsea will once again be without Didier Drogba. The striker will not be risked at Old Trafford three weeks after his sickening head injury, meaning manager Andre Villas-Boas must decide whether to start Fernando Torres or Nicolas Anelka. Ramires returns after being suspended for Tuesday's Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen, while goalkeeping understudies Hilario and Ross Turnbull are both carrying knocks, although one will be on the bench.

United (Probable, 4-4-2): De Gea; Smalling, Ferdinand, Jones, Evra; Nani, Anderson, Giggs, Young; Rooney, Hernandez.

Match Time:

8:45 pm

Sunday

September 18

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Veteran Giggs Saved An Away Point

The old veteran, Ryan Gigs proved his old legs had still got some magic left to alter the entire game of United as they played a draw with Benfica at the stadium of light.

A desperate equalizer from Giggs at the end of first half play was adequate to gross United a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Benfica in their opening fixture of the Champions League. A 27th Champions League goal, at the age of 37 years and 289 days, brought another record for the oldest scorer to grace the competition, overtaking Raúl with a goal in 16 successive seasons at the highest level of European competition.

The night also favored Anders Lindegaard, the Danish goalkeeper whose promise has been largely overlooked due to David De Gea this season. Two outstanding late saves, contributed greatly to an important point against arguably United's closest rivals in Group C.

It was a problematic night for United as their midfield lost the ball possession every now and then due to Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher. Jorge Jesus' team disrupted the visitors' rhythm for much of the first half. The excellence of Giggs and several vital interceptions from Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans restricted Benfica to add another goal to the tally.

Sir Alex Ferguson went into the game with a gamble, making eight changes to the side that ripped through Bolton Wanderers on Saturday evening, with Wayne Rooney deployed as a lone striker up front and Anders Lindegaard making his first start of the season in place of David de Gea.

The first real effort for either team came Benfica’s way in the 20th minute, with Cardozo forcing Lindegaard to make a fairly routine stop, and four minutes later, United found them behind through a goal. Gaitán instigated the breakthrough with a delightful cross-field ball with the outside of his left foot. Cardozo provided a finish to compare, controlling with his chest, shaping to cut inside Evans with his left foot and then going on the outside before beating Lindegaard with a powerful finish with his right.

Just as Benfica were going so strong and well, Giggs illustrated why he did not go into retirement at the end of last season. Ryan Giggs with all the experiences and his magical foot had a stunning goal with five minutes to go until half-time, with a stunning drive from 20 yards out into the top corner of Artur’s net, after he was sent running by Antonio Valencia.

The Red Devil however showed some class in the second half of the game. Valencia and Giggs both had some good chances to lead United. Lindegaard then justified why he was in the team when he produced a fine stop with Cardozo moving to apply the finish from the edge of the area.

At the end of the play both teams with rock solid in defense, not letting either to go home with three points.

Benfica almost out-played United with great dominance in the first half. But when the final whistle blew the match was a draw. Benfica found themselves really unlucky to capture the opportunities to win over the last season Champion League's finalist.

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I'm sorry - Kevin Davies

Kevin Davies's tackle on Cleverly

Messages posted on a fake Cleverly facebook page told that the young midfielder was angry with Kevin Davies's harsh tackle. Manchester United made clear that the account was not genuine while Kevin's wife Emma who was reported to have recieved abusive messages herself tweeted to say that there had been contact between the two players.

Her tweet read: 'For all the ill-informed haters... Kevin spoke to Tom Cleverly (sic) on the phone earlier. He would never intentionally hurt anyone.'
The injury didn't trun up to be bad as first thought though Cleverly has been reported to be sidelined for four weeks. The youngster is set to miss United's champions league clash against Benfica. 

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Cleverley could be out for upto four weeks

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverly who has started the season in great from is supposed to be sidelined for few monthsdue to a ligament injury caused by a horrible tackle from Keven Davies during the last match.

An angry Cleverley earlier wrote on his Facebook Page: “Not feeling good. Feeling like I have broken my foot,” he wrote. “Got the scan tomorrow … so angry right now, want everyone to know I got no apology from Kevin Davies! Season could be over and received no apology.”

But after a scan it has been revealed that he will not be out of action for more than a month. GGMU!!!

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Sir Alex condemns Davies tackle

Sir Alex Ferguson has condemned the tackle which left Manchester United's young midfielder Tom Cleverly with a broken foot.

Cleverly left the Reebok stadium with a protective cast after being hit with a dreadful tackle from Kevin Davies. Having just broken into the England squad, the tackle comes at a bad time in Cleverly's career.

" We think it is a broken foot, " said Sir Alex. " It is unfourtunate though we expected it. It was a bad tackle "

Davies was not cautioned for the incident though afterwards he picked up his 100th Premier League booking for a foul on Evra.

The injury didn't have any effect on Manchester United's sensational display at the Reebok Stadium though it is a bad news for the team, fans and the whole country.

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Big blow for Cleverly

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverly who has started the season in  great from has been reported to be sidelined for few months recieving a foot injury on United's win over Bolton.

Kevin Davies's terrible tackle can cost Cleverly big as he was looking good amongst the big boys of United and was predicted to be the replacement of Paul Scholes. Reports say that Tom will be out for 3 months with a broken bone.

An angry Cleverley wrote on his Facebook Page: “Not feeling good. Feeling like I have broken my foot,” he wrote. “Got the scan tomorrow … so angry right now, want everyone to know I got no apology from Kevin Davies! Season could be over and received no apology.”

"Tom may have a broken bone in his foot. It's a bad one and it was a bad tackle. Johnny got a knee in the hip which looked pretty painful, while Patrice got a kick in the kneecap. We will have a look at them on Sunday "
-Sir Alex

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Stunned Reebok Stadium

Manchester United had never dreamed such a perfect start to the premier season by smashing five goals past a helpless Bolton at the Reebok Stadium to go top of the Premier League.

Wayne Rooney scored his second successive hat-trick, becoming only the fourth player to score back-to-back Premier league hat-tricks. He now has scored eight goals in four games with his team tally reaching to 18, 13 of which were bagged only in the last two matches.

United started their triumph at 5^th minute when Javier Hernandez pounced at the near post to give the champions a lead.

Although, it was a night when all devils were playing their role for the team, dazzling run from teenager Phil Jones created Rooney's both goals in the spare of five minutes of the first half, which sparkled the most.

The only worry for Sir Alex Ferguson was the suspected broken foot midfielder Tom Cleverley sustained in an early collision with Kevin Davies, and an injury to Jonny Evans just ahead of another Champions League quest getting under way against Benfica on Wednesday. Carrick was substituted for Cleverly in the 24^th minute of the game.

Ferguson was doubtful about De Gea yesterday, whether to drop the 20-year-old into the maelstrom of the Reebok Stadium. As it turned out, the boss need not have worried. It was first-half stoppage time before Bolton produced a cross that tested De Gea's confidence.

With manager Owen Coyle barking instructions from the touchline, Bolton limited United to three in the first half but, while Klasnic and Martin Petrov linked well at times, the home side was painfully short in creativity.

It was only a matter of time before United added to their lead and, two minutes before the hour mark, Hernandez made it 4-0.

Substitute Michael Carrick found the Mexican lurking at the far post and, with the Bolton defense at sea, his low effort had Jussi Jaaskelainen well beaten.

Nigel Reo-Coker struck the crossbar as Bolton desperately looked returning back into the game but, the luck favored United this time around.

Jones' intelligence and skills were rightly justified in this match with two assist goals and brilliant game at midfield.

Bolton, who played their past games very well, found amazingly hard to keep United off from scoring at their own home. United are in a great run with four consecutive victories in the league, making them at the top.

The man of spotlight, Rooney had bagged hat-tricks in consecutive two games, following Les Ferdinand, Ian Wright and Didier Drogba during the Premier League history. Rooney, the hat-trick boy almost set Hernandez up for his hat-trick as well but he missed by some inches for his lucky hat-trick goal.

Two yellow cards were given for booking to the home sides, M. Davies and Davies with nil for the visitors.

The veteran, Giggs as past games joined the party as a substitute for Young in the 61^st minute.

With four games down, United still remains left to be defeated this season, along with its rival City. This away win for United was the 200^th away win in the Premier League - the first club to achieve the milestone.

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MATCH PREVIEW: MANCHESTER UNITED VS BOLTON WANDERERS

Bolton Wanderers Vs Manchester United at Reebok Stadium

After a break of two weeks, Manchester United will be back in action against Bolton Wanderers when they make a short trip to the Reebok Stadium. It's been two weeks since the 8-2 demolition of Arsenal and United fans will be hoping to see the same kind of performance from their team if not the score-line. This fixture will be the beginning of a lengthy fixture for United that will see them feature in seven matches in 22 days prior to the next international break in October. Last season, Owen scored for United in the 74th minute to give his side a 2-2 draw at the Reebok Stadium while Berbatov scored in the 88th minute to give United a hard-fought victory in Old Trafford.

 MANCHESTER UNITED:
Manchester United currently top the table on better goal-difference courtesy the 8-2 demolition of Arsenal. The club is in terrific position at this early stage of the league and they will begin their battle on European and domestic cup fronts in the upcoming weeks. Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young have shown tremendous eye for goals for both United and England and the duo will be the most likely to score if United are to demolish Bolton.
While the injury update remains the same from the earlier match, Danny Welbeck seems to be likely to miss the game due to injury suffered against Arsenal. Darren Fletcher looks to be fully fit after he played two full 90 minutes for Scotland in the Euro-qualifiers. Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to give more details in the press conference later today.

BOLTON WANDERERS:
The Trotters have 3 points from 3 games this season. After their impressive 4-0 over QPR in the first game, they lost to both Liverpool and Man City. The club has bolstered their squad following addition of David Ngog,  Gael Kakuta, Tuncay Sanli, and Nigel Reo-Coker during the transfer window.
Lee suffered a horrific leg-break during the pre-season and thus is likely to miss the entire season for Bolton. US international Stuart Holden is recovering from a severe leg-injury suffered from a Jonny Evans tackle last spring. The Bolton's Player of the Year featured for the Bolton reserve's but is unlikely to feature in this tie. Sean Davis appears doubtful due to knee injury.

PLAYER TO WATCH:
Kevin Davies ( Bolton ):
Bolton tend to pass long. The main reason is Kevin Davies and his aerial movements. This center-forward is fearsome in aerial duels. United's young center-backs have to be up to mark to stop this forward as he possesses threats from set pieces and crosses.

David De Gea ( United ):
As we talked about the aerial threat that Bolton possess, De Gea will have to show more command in the box than he has this season. Coming out off the line for the ball will be the main thing De Gea will have to show.

Predicted XI:
United: De Gea, Evans, Jones, Smalling, Evra, Cleverley, Anderson, Nani, Young, Rooney, Chicharito
Bolton: Jaaskelainen, Cahill, Knight, Steinnson, Robinson, Muamba, Red-Coker, Eagles, Petrov, Klasnic, Davies

I predict a 3-1 score for United. Post your predictions. GGMU!!!!

Nepali time 10:15 p.m

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Rooney's best decision

Wayne Rooney has started the season with five goals in 3 matches for United including a hat-trick of set-pieces in the last game against Arsenal.
       He wants to continue the good run with England in the up-coming Euro qualifiers against Bulgaria and Wales. Rooney feels delighted to be fully fit and be in peak form.
      "Signing a new contract has been the best decision I have taken in my career. I am enjoying it and I am in a happy place both in and out of the pitch. I think there have been times when I have been more aggressive on the pitch and gone for nasty challenges but I am not doing that any-more and feel more relaxed on the pitch. Sometimes it happens and it's hard to control but, if you stay more controlled, your performances will be better."

       With Rooney enjoying the game and gaining his old pace and form, I won't be amazed to see both United and England enjoying success. What do you think guys?

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Chelsea skipper wary of United youngsters for his England place

Chelsea and England skipper John Terry prepares to lead his country out to Bulgaria for the Euro qualifiers this week.
        Terry told The Sun " I love playing for the country. This is the biggest privilege of my career so there is no way I am going to volunteer to give that up. I want to go on for years and as long as I can go."
        Having 68 caps under his belt, the England skipper has his sights on the 100th cap. " There has not been many players that have it so it would be a kind of achievement for me. That's not to say I haven't looked over my shoulder to see who are challenging for my place."
       " I know there are many players that want my England shirt. Michael Dawson, Joleon Lescott, Ledley King, Gary Cahill, and Phil Jagielka for starters."
        He also pointed out at Phil Jones and Chris Smalling as the youngsters bubbling out to fight for his place in the English squad.

      I personally think Terry won't be easily able to reach 100 caps with our defenders back of him. Do you?

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