Half time Report: Manchester United vs Newcastle United (2-0)
Manchester United squad:
Van der Sar(GK), O'Shea, Vidic, Evans, Evra; Valencia, Fletcher, Scholes, Nani; Berbatov, Rooney. Subs: Kuszczak, Rafael, Smalling, Carrick, Giggs, Macheda, Hernandez.
Newcastle United squad:
Steve Harper, James Perch, Mike Williamson, Fabricio Coloccini, Jonas Enrique, Wayne Routledge, Alan Smith, Joey Barton, Jonas Gutierrez, Kevin Nolan, Andy Carroll.
Subs: Ryan Taylor, Xisco, Shola Ameobi, Tim Krul, Haris Vuckic, Nile Ranger, James Tavernier.
Manchester United took the early advantage in the Premier League opener for two of the most decorated clubs in English football history. Newcastle United failed to convert a beautiful opportunity in front of goal, when attacker Andy Carroll found himself for a free header from a Newcastle United corner. Wayne Rooney managed to take an audacious shot from distance, only to sail the ball over the post. The home team is showing some real substance with the passing, dominating possession. A couple of shots on goal had been managed by Ferguson’s men, only to be cut out by the defence.
Andy Carroll had a brilliant first half for the Magpies, taking a shot at goal only to find the arms of Edwin Van Der Sar. Manchester United dominated possession, taking 8 shots compared to two of Newcastle. 4 shots had been on target and most of the game was being held in Newcastle’s half. Stats show the Red Devils had an overwhelming 73% possession, making opportunities at will. All the hard work and possession paid off in the 32nd minute, when an inch perfect pass by Paul Scholes found the feet of Dimitar Berbatov on the right, who stroked it beautifully past Steve Harper in the back of the net. The goal knocked the jam packed Old Trafford stadium into frenzy as the Bulgarian striker celebrated in his traditional fashion. The goal gives the Red Devils some breathing space, but still looks to add more goals to the tally.
Newcastle United had been outplayed by Sir Alex Ferguson’s XI, as the Red Devils found the second goal. An expertly crafted pass by Patrica Evra found Wayne Rooney in front of goal, who flicked the ball to Darren Fletcher, whereby Fletcher turned and found the back of the net. A 2-0 margin wrapped it up for the Red Devils, at least for the first half and the manager would be very pleased by the performance of his squad. Paul Scholes along with players on the left have been outstanding the entire half. Dimitar Berbatov seems like a refreshed and totally renewed player, who has been instrumental for the squad all game. Wayne Rooney has been provided with a lot of opportunities, but is yet to fire a shot on target. The referee whistles half time, with two minutes added time played.
The score stays, Manchester United 2, Newcastle United 0.
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