Man Utd vs. Rangers: Wayne Rooney’s penalty ended Rangers’ hope to go through to the round of 16
Manchester United was able to win the match against Rangers as Wayne Rooney blasted the ball inside the post – the only goal of the game from an otherwise juvenile-seeming Man United side. The goal came as a gift to Manchester
United fans during an 87th minute penalty when fullback Fabio tried to head the cross towards the keeper but was fouled by the Rangers defender Steven Naismith within the penalty box. Rooney took the penalty and allowed the Manchester United fans
to sing their club song (and in the process somewhat redeeming his image with the Man U faithful). Both teams had pretty even chances to go ahead on the scoreboard throughout the 90-minute play but it was Manchester United’s day to enjoy the taste of victory.
The forecast of the game was pretty much in favour of the Red Devils. With a team full of superstars and a bunch of experienced midfielders playing, it was obvious that Manchester United were favourites to win. However, the game
was pretty even. Both teams missed some easy chances during the first half with strikers getting close to scoring goals but the keepers denying them. In the first half, the scores were levelled with almost equal possession giving both managers a chance to
have their say to the players.
The second half of the game started off with an instant change of strategies for both managers. Rangers relied on their wing attack and were pretty convincing. A lot of times, they came one-on-one with Van der Sar but were unable
to break the shield. Rangers knew a draw would not be enough to allow them to go through and were seen trying to get a famous victory at home ground. Throughout the match, they seemed under control with the ball passing, possession and consistent attacking
strategy but could not manage to break the powerful defence of Manchester United.
Ibrox Stadium was packed with Rangers fans wishing to see the away side losing to them on their home ground. Despite the fact that there was Manchester fans in the stadium, they had a little time to enjoy since their star players
were missing easy chances just to get a goal that could give them a good time in the headlines. Rooney missed out on a couple of easy chances, Berbatov missed an easy volley which he could have stopped and kicked in with his eyes closed. At different occasions,
Manchester United seemed to play a childish game with only the midfield trying to create chances and running wildly to keep the possession.
Knowing that the usual formation was not falling in the favour of the team, Ferguson made a few changes in the late 70 minutes. With fresh legs on the ground, the Red Devils were definitely getting to the point of scoring a goal.
Ranger’s defence at their home ground was top notch, and they didn’t allow any space to give away any goal-scoring chance. In sheer desperation to contain the attack, Rangers defender Steven Naismith made a high challenge in reply to an early cross at Fabio
and was given a yellow card along with a penalty awarded to the Red Devils. Rooney doesn’t miss much from that spot and scored his first goal for the team after returning from an injury. The match, which at one point seemed destined to end in a draw, ended
in a sorrow and tears for the Rangers Fan and a source of delight for Manchester United fans.
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