Half time report: Valencia vs Manchester United
In what was one of the least entertaining football encounters, Valencia hosted Manchester United at home. United were playing their traditional away formation, with Dimitar Berbatov being the sole striker. Behind him, there were
several new faces as Michael Carrick and Anderson were back in the midfield. They were partnered by Nani, Park and Fletcher. It was good to see the return of English skipper Rio Ferdinand back in the ranks as he partnered Vidic at the back. Rafael replaced
John O’Shea at the right while Frenchman Patrice Evra took the left back position.
The entire half produced no thrills or chills as there were no shots on target. United found it difficult to hold the ball for longer durations and lost possession cheaply. Manchester United had made several changes to the side
which drew at Bolton Wanderers this weekend as the side was without Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, who have all been out owing to their respective injuries. Dimitar Berbatov and Nani were expected to combine together well and find the back of the
net to clinch United’s 2nd ever victory on Spanish soil.
With Rooney absent, Berbatov was playing the role of a sole striker for the first time in his United career. Rooney did an overwhelming job in this role last season when he single handedly dismantled most of the opponents in the
Champions league, which included the aggregrate 7-2 thrashing of Italian giants AC Milan in the Round of 16 last season. Berbatov has been in top form this season, having scored 7 times in as many appearances. Nani has also scored twice in 7 but has made 6
assists which makes him the focal point of United’s attacks.
At half time, Valencia looked to be in better shape than the travelling side and United would be looking to find a goal early in the second half. With so many play making midfielders for the Red Devils, it would only be a matter
of time when one magical through ball would find the classy feet of Dimitar Berbatov, who would then be expected to wrap things up for the Red Devils. With a formidable defence at the back, United just cannot concede in this encounter.
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