Manchester United snatch a late win against Valencia
Manchester United left it to late but ended up winning 1-0 against Valencia in the 2nd group game of UEFA Champions League. Manchester United went into the game with number of their key players missing due to injury,
and the last game they played in the Premier League ended in a disappointing 2-2 draw against Bolton. Also considering that their first Champions’ League tie ended in a goalless draw against Rangers.
Sir Alex Ferguson had made number of changes from the team that played on the weekend. Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes were all out due to injury. In came Michael Carrick, Ji Sung Park, and Anderson; it was good to see
the Brazilian back in the playing XI. Rio Ferdinand also made it back after a long injury layoff since the world cup.
Ferguson started with typical away game formation in Europe that is 4-5-1. But it was the home side that made all the running in the early minutes while Manchester United looked nervous and kept giving the ball away.
The first shot for visitors came when Dimitar Berbatov tried his luck from edge of the box. It went a fraction wide, soon after United gave away the ball 3 times in quick succession. Michael Carrick was the first one losing the
ball inside the box but Pablo Hernandez could not make use of it and shot over.
In general the first half was a bit of a drag, as both sides looked to be sizing up each other, and the 2nd half had to be better than what happened in the first period.
Manchester United manager sir Alex Ferguson at the half time break said that all his team has to do is make better use of the ball.
"We have to use the ball better when we get it, and play with more intensity. If they press as they are, they will get tired so we have to keep it going. Hopefully we'll be OK."
The 2nd half started brightly, both teams looked more determined to go forward. Dimitar Berbatov had not had much service till then but who needs service when you can make chances for yourself? The Bulgarian rode a challenge
down the left and went for goal, he cut inside but saw his poked shot kept out by Cesar Sanchez's leg. That was United's best moment of the match.
Minutes later at the other end there was a nasty incident. David Navarro had just trampled all over Nemanja Vidic, after fouling the Manchester United defender. Not sure how he got away with that but, unsurprisingly, Vidic was
not a happy chappy.
Following an unsettled centre back for United, there was a half a chance for Valencia. Miguel crossed from the right and Roberto Soldado flashed a header wide.
Manuel Fernandes, formerly of Everton and Portsmouth, was on for Valencia. He just had a go at goal too, running at goal before he saw a swerving shot being pushed away by Edwin van der Sar.
United came agonisingly close to taking the lead, as Nani crossed from the right and the ball came through to Javier Hernandez at the back post. The young Mexican striker stretched to reach the ball but could only divert it on
to the woodwork.
The Red Devils continued to push forward, and a swift counter-attack saw Nani feed Federico Macheda, just on for Dimitar Berbatov, and he set up Javier Hernandez to sweep the ball into the bottom corner of the
net with the sweetest of finishes. It looked like Sir Alex Ferguson's men had snatched it right at the death.
Manchester United manager had just sent on the breezy Mexican with 15 minutes of the game left, and it turned out to be an inspired substitution. In the end, United go home with all 3 points in the bag and a much needed away win
in Europe.
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