Manchester United 2-0 West Bromwich Albion; A look at the first 45
Manchester United ended the first half at home 2-0 against West Bromwich Albion; it was a one sided affair and almost exhibition football was on display by the Red Devils. The hosts could have had at least 2 to 3 more goals in
the first half.
The selection of the team was always going to be interesting in the match for Sir Alex Ferguson. He stuck with Edwin Van der Sar in goal, at right back Rafael Da Silva replaced John O’Shea. In central defence it was good to see
Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic reunited once again while Patrice Evra continued on his left back spot.
Nani was on the right wing, with Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs in centre. The inform Brazilian Anderson was on the left flank. In attack interestingly Wayne Rooney was left on the bench and Dimitar Berbatov and Javier Hernandez
were in attack.
There was a reasonable chance, early on at Old Trafford for West Brom; James Morrison crossed for Chris Brunt at the far post, but the midfielder's header was mistimed and the chance went awry.
Manchester United took only 4 minutes to get the first goal. Nani lined up a free kick on the edge of the area; Baggies keeper Scott Carson punched the fierce shot away but not too far and Javier Hernandez took full advantage,
pouncing on the keeper's spill and calmly slotting in the ball.
There was a sense of calm at old Trafford after the early goal, but it was close to 1-1 soon; Rafael da Silva did well to force Marc Antoine Fortune's cross behind as Chris Brunt was lurking two yards out. United rushed up the
other end, though, and Dimitar Berbatov curled inches wide from 20 yards.
Dimitar Berbatov was found well inside the West Brom six-yard box by Michael Carrick, but the Manchester United striker somehow contrived to slice his effort wide. It should have been 2-0.
However United did not have to wait too long to double their lead, as Baggies left-back Nicky Shorey slipped to allow Nani steal possession and the United winger played a one-two with Dimitar Berbatov before passing
the ball into the back of the net with the keeper helplessly wrong footed.
Manchester United had several more chances before the break to make it 3, but could not make them count. The first half ended with the home team in total control, and look good for at least couple more goals in 2nd period.
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