Premier League - Full Time Report: Manchester United 3-0 vs Newcastle United
The Premier League is finally upon us. 18-time Premier League champions Manchester United took on the newly promoted Newcastle United in their first fixture of the new Premier League season. Sir Alex Ferguson’s men slipped to the number 2 spot last season and lost the Premier League crown (after a hat-trick of titles over the past three years) to Chelsea. The Red Devils would now be looking to regain the coveted trophy, making history in the process by winning an unprecedented 19 domestic titles. Sir Alex Ferguson would be looking to take the team to new heights as he has signed four new youngsters to aid the title bid this season.
Newcastle United, on the other hand, are looking to regain their past glory in the Premier League, following their disappointing relegation in the 08/09 season. The team made a quick return to the Premier League, winning the Coca Cola Championship to rightly earn a place in the top flight of English football. The team, under Chris Hughton, has shown much strength and synergy in their style of play and were looking to kick off their new season in flying colours at the expense of Manchester United.
United employed a traditional 4-4-2 formation, employing Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov upfront. Nani and Antonio Valencia took the wings, while Scholes and Darren Fletcher partnered in midfield. Nemanja Vidic, Johnny Evans, Patrice Evra and John O’Shea formed the back line, with the reliable Van Der Sar in between the sticks.
Manchester United managed to dominate possession from the opening minute of the match, taking it to the away team. The Red Devils took 73% possession in the first half, making Newcastle work to gain possession. A total of 10 shots were taken in the first half by United, from which 5 of them were on target. Manchester United drew first blood on the 32nd minute, when a Paul Scholes pass found the feet of Dimitar Berbatov, who managed a lovely finish past goalkeeper Harper. The Bulgarian sent the jam-packed stadium into a frenzy as he managed to finish off the goal from a tight angle. Minutes later, Manchester United again found the net, this time owing to midfielder Darren Fletcher. A powerful ground cross was played by Patrice Evra, which hit Rooney’s feet right in front of the goalpost. Rooney gifted the ball to Fletcher, who calmly finished off the second goal. It was all United for the first half, as the team clearly dominated possession and dictated the pace of the game.
In the second half, Manchester United’s two midfielders were booked. Both Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher were awarded the yellow card for clumsy tackles on the midfielders. On the 63rd minute, United made their first substitution in the form of new signing Javier Hernandez. Hernandez replaced Wayne Rooney up front and a roar of cheers welcomed the Mexican to his first ever Premier League appearance at Old Trafford. Wayne Rooney had a rough evening today, failing to find his true form. The player got various opportunities in front of goal, but misfired on various occasions. Javier Hernandez, commonly known as Chicharito, made an instant impact on the game. The player has scored in every game since coming back from the World Cup and has been on fire. The player recently scored against newly crowned World Champions Spain in an international friendly. At the 70th minute, Newcastle United made a much needed substitution, as they replaced Kevin Nolan with Shola Ameobi. Manchester United also made a substitution, as Nani made way for veteran Ryan Giggs on the left wing. Newcastle United made another substitution with just 10 minutes remaining, as Xisco replaced Jonas Gutierrez in the midfield. Vintage Manchester United showed their supremacy at Old Trafford once again, as Ryan Giggs scored the 156th goal of his career and the 3rd goal of the game on the 84th minute. A beautifully crafted ball by Paul Scholes found Giggs on the left wing, who took a shot from distance to squeeze the ball at the right post. Giggs becomes the only player to score in every Premier League season since its establishment back in 1992. That wrapped up the game for the Red Devils, who are off to a flying start. Manchester United made their final change of the game on the 86th minute, taking off left back Patrice Evra owing to a knock he took earlier. Rafael replaced the French captain.
A well deserved 3-0 victory to the Red Devils in the opening match of the season has proved that they will fight hard to reclaim the Premier league trophy. Paul Scholes deserved to be the man of the match yet again, as the 35 year old just doesn’t seem to age. The player was outstanding for his two assists along with his presence in the game. He never once looked worn-out and played better than many midfielders on the top of their form. In all, Sir Alex Ferguson will be happy by the superb performance of his squad.
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