Archives for November 2008

Wayne Rooney’s 100th club goal proved enough to give Manchester United a derby win.

While City began nervously, United were into their stride from the start
and could have been out of sight by the end of a one-sided first half.

But, for all their possession, a goal continued to elude United.

Rooney followed up Michael Carrick’s shot to break the deadlock

Ronaldo had already been booked for bringing down Shaun Wright-Phillips and,
when he almost caught Rooney’s corner at the near post less than 10 minutes later,
referee Howard Webb had no choice but to dismiss him.

It was a bizarre incident but did not take the shine off a great display by the visitors.

This was the fourth straight goalless draw in the Champions League
between these teams but both qualified from the group stage.

United remain eight points off the top of the Premier League
after failing to break down Aston Villa at Villa Park.

After Gabriel Agbonlahor hit an early chance straight at Edwin van der Sar,
Ashley Young’s tackle prevented Ji-Sung Park from giving United the lead.

Villa wanted a penalty when Nemanja Vidic challenged Agbonlahor
before Wayne Rooney miscued in front of goal.

Both teams created openings late on
but could do nothing to break the deadlock.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s 100th Manchester United goal
set United on their way to an emphatic home win over Stoke.

The Portuguese winger smashed home a trademark free-kick from 25 yards
before turning provider for Michael Carrick to fire in United’s second.

Dimitar Berbatov volleyed home to extend the lead
before 17-year-old Danny Welbeck marked his Premier League debut with a stunning strike.

Ronaldo sealed the win with his second, another expertly taken free-kick.

The three points were a fitting reward for manager Sir Alex Ferguson,
who was celebrating 50 years in football
after making his playing debut as a 16-year-old during
Queens Park’s 2-1 defeat at Stranraer on 15 November 1958.

Carlos Tevez struck from the penalty spot in the 76th minute
as United edged into the quarter finals of the Carling Cup following a poor match.

The Argentine made no mistake from the spot after substitute Danny Welbeck
had been felled by Peter Ramage, but it was far from a vintage United performance.

a much-changed United side failed to turn their utter dominance into chances.

QPR defended throughout, though Samuel di Carmine had a late effort ruled out.

It was commendable effort at the end of the match from the visitors,
but few could argue United deserved the win
and to go through to the last eight of the competition
to face Blackburn Rovers at home.