Dec 10
Nani and Rooney two good for Wolves
Manchester United put the demons of the terrible disappointment of being knocked out in the Champions League to rest by crushing Wolves 4-1 at Old Trafford.
Much has been said and will, no doubt, be said about United’s defeat against Basel that ended their Champions League campaign prematurely, but the Champions responded in the best possible way, putting in a fine performance to dismantle a sorry Wolves side.
With Vidic out for the rest of the season, Evans slotted alongside Rio Ferdinand in defence, while Carrick and Valencia were brought into the midfield – the latter at Ashley Young’s expense – as Welbeck lined up to partner Rooney up-front. The other 7 were unchanged from Wednesday night.
So it was, perhaps, fitting that United’s best man in that cold Swiss night was to put the Reds ahead, as Nani fired a low strike into the bottom corner with 17 minutes played after a United corner had been poorly cleared.
United should have been ahead after 7 minutes, but Carrick put his header just over the bar, following a cross from Valencia and could have doubled their lead when Jones was unable to convert Nani’s delivery.
What Jones couldn’t do, Rooney could. United’s number 10 scored his first goal for three months as he coolly slotted the ball past Hennessey after Nani had picked him out, following yet another poor clearance by Wolves.
United were 2-0 up with half an hour gone but couldn’t add to the tally before half time and saw Wolves pull one back just after the restart.
Steven Fletcher continued his fine form by out-jumping Evra to head home his 5th goal in the last 6 league games.
Any hopes of a Wolves’ resurgence were quashed within ten minutes as Nani restored a two-goal lead.
Valencia – a constant threat throughout the game – ran at Ward before firing a cross into the box, which was met by Nani on the edge of the six yard box, as the Portuguese slotted the ball home.
Valencia was, again, involved in the build up as he delivered a ball to the far post where Rooney fired a fantastic half volley on the turn behind Hennessey.
If United are to achieve anything the season, a lot will depend on Rooney and Nani’s form and their performance today will have had United faithful leaving Old Trafford hopeful that they can carry the team on their shoulders for the rest of the season.
Rooney, in particular, seems to have overcome the barren spell that has been afflicting him for the last three months.
Jones produced another assured display in the middle of the park, the youngster seems to be growing in the role of holding midfielder and one has to wonder if the return of Tom Cleverly will mean the end of Jones’ spell in midfield.
After such a horrible week there was always going to be only one way to respond for United, and they didn’t let Fergie down this time.
Two points off the top, with City facing a tough away trip to Stamford Bridge on Monday night. Things could be a lot worse for a side ravaged by injuries.
Daniele
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Tags: Manchester United · Match Reports
The_Philosopher (402)
Redrich (220)
Opti (207)
Moscow (147)
Stephen (146)
Thought Welbeck was really good and could have had himself at least 3 assists and one or two goals. Good option to have with Chicharito out!
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I found Welbeck poor today. Offsides on multiple occasions, fluffing two chances, and other minor annoyances. He does have a better pass than Chicharito, but I was thinking throughout the game that Chicharito would have had a hattrick if he had been on the pitch today.
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Two of his offsides were wrong though, can’t fault him for a blind linesman?
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Did anyone notice Rooney trying to chip the goalkeeper at least 3 times? Is this a technique he (or anyone) uses to keep the goalkeeper close to his goal-line, which will improve his chances on a long-shot?? Or is it just a Rooney-ism that is extremely annoying? Does any footballer know?
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It’s just pure idiocy!
Trying a chip when you actually see the goalie from his line early in a game is alright, but then you only try to fake it so you can move closer or he’ll stay back… But trying it 3 times is just pure stupidity, don’t know what’s up with Rooney and his chipping nowadays. He is much better if placing it hard..
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Rooney needs to accept that he just isn’t a technical player. I miss his no nonsense hard, driven shots. If he must chip, he should do so only when he is 1 on 1, and use the ‘Messi-dink’, it’s far more effective.
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This is our captain
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1. Vidic is our captain obviously.
2. What point are you trying to make with this 7 year old video?
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1. Evra will now be our captain with Vidic out.
2. Oh hey, look what a great leader we have…
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Who ever thought that this Rooney would turn into who he is right now?
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I did, I mean he is the same guy he is only more matured. It’s not like he never goes balistic in front of camera’s anymore, he got a ban in April for doing so FFS!
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Yeah, but I think the celebration back in April was for himself, he had a lot of critics questioning whether he was past it and he hit out at them.
He isn’t the same player to me. He looks a much happier guy when he is surrounded by world class players, the current lot doesn’t seem to fire him up.
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You know, I’m writing a piece about it right now. Stay tuned!
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thursday nite…
chanell 5 !!
ha ha ha ha ………………..
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ywnwa !
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19.
And, btw, it’s chaNNel 5 and not chaneLL 5 you illiterate scouse. Now do one, and piss off back to your club’s blog or, alternatively, go and queue up for your giro.
19.19.19.19.19.19.19.
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well im pleased to say once we move nani to the left he would be a differnt animal. Nani was immense, and he thrived on the left and looked like he had more freedom, he was beautiful. When he is on the right he cant move out of postion too much. Please fergie keep him on the left and let valencia and young fight it out for the right.
AND danny welbeck is by far a better footballer than chico and should really be rooneys long term partner. He really has a footballing brain and brings far more to the table than chico. The little pea would be a great impact sub
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Nani is best on the left? What have you been watching for the last 4 years? Nani is a RW beast…
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I definitely agree that Nani is better on the left. With Valencia on the right crossing and Nani on the left cutting in we are at our best. A 4-4-2 might not be as effective these days, but Fergie will always use it because it produces the most exciting, attacking football in the world. Jones and Carrick can hold their own in a two man midfield with Rooney dropping deep now and then. Welbeck should be Rooney’s long term partner, Chicha is not a target man.
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Welbeck is very smart player. I most pleased with his mature game approach. When slot in as a right midfielder couple of game before, he done exactly basic midfielder stuff correctly. Considering his age, I was impressed. Very good option in striker department.
Carrik start to find his former self. It is surprise to see he play a bit advanced position. Phil share bit of defensive burden with Carrik seems like helping him. To me, Carrik feel a bit difficulty when he get the ball out from defenders. Phil was comfortable with the ball and share this burden with Carrik ,I guess.
Valencia done very well. I struggle to see why we recruit Young. I thought Fergie use Young as a second striker department but he stick to wide area which part is really well packed with good players now.
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