Manchester United Man Utd Blog for Red Devils

Arsenal 1 Manchester United 3

2010-02-02T07:50:00.002+08:00

Manchester United crushed title rivals Arsenal at the Emirates to keep the heat on Premier League leaders Chelsea. The Reds went ahead through Manuel Almunia's own-goal before Wayne Rooney and Park Ji-Sung added their names to the scoresheet. Thomas Vermaelen scored with 10 minutes to go for the Gunners but it proved only to be a consolation.

Van der Sar (7): Did well, but not threatened much.

Rafael (5.5): Inexperience, was caught out of position several times.

Brown (6.5): Beaten by Arshavin at times, otherwise well played.

Evans (7): Played well, though make occasional mistake.

Evra (6.5): Caught out of position at times, not his best game.

Nani (8.5): On form, if only he had scored with the good chances.

Scholes (7.5): He played better when there are 3 central midfielders.

Fletcher (7.5): Tough, but not dirty. Wenger must have been jealous.

Carrick (8): Several good penetrating passes, should do it more often.

Park (7.5): Lots of hassling and energy and a great goal.

Rooney (7.5): Done well enough, could have scored more.

Subs:

Giggs (sub Scholes 71, 5.5) Nothing to show.

Valencia (sub Park 87, 6) One dangerous cross in the short span.

Berbatov (sub Nani 89, 6) Did well in the limited time.

Manchester United 3 Man City 1

2010-01-28T08:01:00.001+08:00

WAYNE Rooney scored in injury time to send Manchester United into the Carling Cup final and leave City heartbroken once again. Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick put United in command before Carlos Tevez pulled the Blues back into contention. However, just as they did in the league game earlier this season, United delivered the hammer blow in added time as Rooney headed home.

Man United 4 Hull city 0

2010-01-25T13:50:00.002+08:00

WAYNE Rooney scored all four against Hull to fire Manchester United to the top of the Premier League. The forward scored after just seven minutes, latching onto the rebound after Paul Scholes' long-range piledriver was saved, before three late goals sealed the victory. The quadruple takes Rooney's tally for the season to 20.

Van der Sar (6.5): Easy game, was obstructed often for Hull's corners and the referee turned a blind eye.

Rafael (6): Better than Neville, but still not first team standard.

Ferdinand (7): Played well despite being out for so long. We need him to shout at the defence.

Evans (5.5): Some mistakes here and there, quite unusual.

Evra (6): Out of position several times and that affected Evan's display.

Nani (7.5): Let's not get too carried away, but he deserve extended run in the right wing.

Fletcher (6): Tackle well enough, but unable to use the ball well and lost possession someitmes.

Scholes (6.5): Good vision and play in first half, missing in action for the 2nd half.

Park (5.5): Missed a good chance and played an average game.

Rooney (8): Luck and determination was with him.

Owen (6): Good running and positioning, but lack the final touch and luck.

Subs:

Berbatov (sub Owen 72, 6.5) Some good touches and a good assist.

Gibson (sub Scholes 72, 5.5) We need better midfielder, he can't tackle and lousy positioning.

Fabio (sub Evra 87, 5.5)Nothing to show, came in too late.

Man City 2 Man United 1

2010-01-20T21:08:00.001+08:00

The script was written perfectly for Manchester City as Carlos Tevez struck twice against old club Manchester United to leave the Blues on the brink of their first domestic final since 1981 after a 2-1 win.

Tevez's two goals (one from a controversial penalty, the other from a controversial corner) came after Ryan Giggs had given visitors United the lead, and his delirious celebrations reflected his, and City's, enthusiasm.

Man United 3 Burnley 0

2010-01-18T08:11:00.002+08:00

Dimitar Berbatov, Wayne Rooney and youngster Mame Biram Diouf struck against Burnley to ease the pressure on embattled Manchester United.

Off the field United are facing harsh criticism over their financial predicament, but it was back to business as usual on the pitch with victory over the Clarets.

Berbatov made the breakthrough thanks to a deflected effort on 64 minutes, and a neat finish from Rooney doubled the advantage shortly after. Substitute Diouf then scored his first United goal late on to seal the win.

Van der Sar, 6.5: Played well, but unable to command his defence, way too quiet.

Neville, 5: Lack of pace shown against Eagles. Time to lead United off the field.

Brown, 5.5: Bad game, luckily Burnley strikers are off form.

Evans, 5.5: As Brown, poor defending.

Evra, 6: Attack well, but out of position several times in defence, needing Evans to cover him.

Valencia, 7: Dominated the right wing, but team mates cannot finish off his crosses.

Carrick, 6.5: Was there both in attack and defence, though not much serious threat.

Scholes, 6: Some good, long passes, but did not do much else.

Nani, 6: One of his better games this season and it was only an average display, time to sell him.

Berbatov, 7: Played well despite having injury, nice touches and a good goal.

Rooney, 6: Many wayward passes and poor touches, lucky to score after delaying for too long.

Subs:

Anderson (sub Carrick 64, 5) Standing stil while defending and did not make any good forward pass, where was the Anderson of 2 years ago?

Owen (sub Berbatov 73, 5.5) Need to track back to receive balls.

Diouf (sub Rooney 73, 6.5) Looks lively and composed, clever goal.

Birmingham 1 Man United 1

2010-01-11T08:15:00.002+08:00

Man U came from a goal down against Birmingham to rescue a point at a freezing St Andrews. Cameron Jerome scored for the home side after a goalmouth scramble before Scott Dann's own goal put the Reds back on terms. Darren Fletcher was sent off after 84 minutes for a second bookable offence.

Kuszczak (7.5): Three great shot-stopping saves, but at fault for the goal as he again did not come out for the ball!

Rafael (6): Did ok, attacked less due to threat from Birmingham.

Brown (6): Could have played better, slippery ground, Benitez & Jerome was a bit too much for him.

Evans (6.5): Contained threat from Birmingham.

Evra (7): Full of energy both in attack and defence.

Valencia (7): Beat Ridgewell easily on the right but no one finshed off his crosses.

Scholes (7): Good range of passes and did not make defensive error.

Fletcher (6): Should not make unnecessary tackles when you are on a yellow and the referee is not your friend.

Carrick (6.5): Played some good passes into the attacking zone, but Birmingham had too many bodies.

Park (6): Brought energy but penetration not enough.

Rooney (6): Not at his best as a lone attacker.
Subs:

Giggs (5.5) (sub Park 66) Set pieces not good enough.

Diouf (5.5) (sub Scholes 81) Lone striker in his first game is a bit too much to ask of him.

Man United 0 Leeds 1

2010-01-08T08:14:00.001+08:00

United were dumped out of the FA Cup on their own patch by arch rivals Leeds. Jermaine Beckford's first-half goal sent Leeds into dreamland at Old Trafford. The in-form striker's 20th goal of the season was enough to dump United out of the competition.

Man United 5 Wigan 0

2009-12-31T10:53:00.001+08:00

United crushed Wigan at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick, Rafael Da Silva, Dimitar Berbatov and Antonio Valencia. The win leaves United just two points behind leaders Chelsea going into the new year, and if anything the margin of victory could have been greater with Rooney twice hitting the woodwork. It is the second time United have beaten Wigan 5-0 this season after their August clash at the DW Stadium.

Kuszczak 6.5: Not hus fault that wigan is not attacking much.

Rafael 7.5: Much better defensive display and a good goal.

Vidic 6.5: Played decently.

Brown 7: Played well defensively and join attack occasionally.

Evra 6: An off-night or a night off?

Valencia 8: A good goal and some assists, some crossess were a bit deep though.

Carrick 7: Nice goal and good midfield display.

Fletcher 7: Back to his natural position.

Park 6.5: Showed energy and played better than the past few games.

Berbatov 7.5: Sublime touches and a nice goal.

Rooney 7.5: Blew hot and cold over 90 mins!

Subs:

Anderson (sub Vidic 67, 5.5) OK.

Welbeck (sub Berbatov 67, 5.5) Nothing to show

Fabio (sub Evra 67, 5.5) Enjoyed the game.

Hull 1 Man United 3

2009-12-29T13:34:00.000+08:00

UNITED closed the gap at the top of the Premier League to just two points with a hard-fought victory at the KC Stadium.

Wayne Rooney scored in first half time injury time and despite a Craig Fagan equaliser from the spot, the Reds secured a vital three points with an Andy Dawson own goal and a Dimitar Berbatov tap-in.

Fulham 3 United 0

2009-12-29T13:25:00.002+08:00

Lacking in imagination and confidence, United's crippling injury list has clearly caught up with them as they missed the chance to draw level with Chelsea at the top of the table and suffered a fifth loss of the season. Danny Murphy, Bobby Zamora and Damien Duff were all on target for the home side as the Reds' patched up defence finally crumbled.

Kuszczak (5.5): Made one early superb save, should have done better for 1st goal.

Fletcher (5.5): Unable to get into his role.

Carrick (5.5): Not physical enough to match Zamora.

De Laet (5.5): Still learning and tough for him to partner 2 midfielders in defence.

Evra (5.5): One of his worst games.

Valencia (5.5): Did not receive much support and cannot break Fulham's defence.

Scholes (4.5): Bad game, gave away ball for first goal. Bad tackles and misplaced passess.

Gibson (5): His shooting was off and he is nothing without the shooting.

Anderson (4.5): Is it time to sell him? Only played well in a few games each season.

Rooney (5.5): Effort was there, but could not do much.

Owen (5): A bad game.

Subs:

Berbatov (sub Gibson 57, 5) Little impact.

Fabio (sub De Laet 57, 5.5) Attacked well.

Welbeck (sub Owen 72, 5) Couldn't get into it.

Man United 3 Wolves 0

2009-12-17T12:09:00.002+08:00

It had been an opening of uninspiring fare and United seemed to struggle to raise their game. United were in need of some outside help to make their dominance pay and they got it when Ronaldo Zubar inexplicably handled a Darron Gibson corner. The French Under 21 international had Vidic in close proximity but his offence was puzzling. Rooney won the battle with Hahnemann with a powerful penalty.

Gibson proved he has set piece accuracy to match his thunderbolt shooting when he sent over a second corner bang in the path of Vidic’s run and though Hahnemann got a hand to the Serb’s powerful header he could only help it over the line.

Both Dimitar Berbatov and Antonio Valencia had been disappointing peripheral figures against opposition they could have destroyed if they’d really got their teeth into it. They showed how easy they could have done it when the Bulgarian hooked a delicate pass over his right hand shoulder and the Ecuadorian thrashed in a cracker.

Man United 0 Aston Villa 1

2009-12-17T12:00:00.003+08:00

LACKLUSTRE Manchester United suffered their first Premier League home defeat of the season at the hands of Aston Villa. Gabriel Agbonlahor headed home Ashley Young's cross to put the visitors ahead after 21 minutes. The closest United came to an equaliser was Wayne Rooney's first-half effort that bounced away off the underside of the bar.

The Reds are now three points behind Chelsea after the league leaders drew with Everton earlier on. Agbonlahor had scored in the past three seasons against the Reds, so he was completing a rather impressive four-timer when he nodded home Young’s right-wing cross.

Kuszczak (6): Not that much to do

Fletcher (6): Inexperience in right back showed against better wingers

Brown (5.5): Caught off-guard for Villa winner

Vidic (6): Form had dipped this season

Evra (6.5): Lively display, but no end products

Valencia (6): Need to run at the defenders more

Carrick (6.5): One of the better players on the field

Anderson (5): Disappointing game, no impact

Park (5.5): Lost the ball too often

Giggs (5.5): Crosses and passes seldom reach intended targets

Rooney (6.5): Limited support from other players, played his heart out and nearly scored

Subs:

Owen (sub Giggs 45, 5.5) At least offered a partner for Rooney

Berbatov (sub Park 62, 6) Got into good positions, one miskick and another effort saved

Gibson (sub Anderson 68, 5.5) Not much extra offered after replacing Anderson

Wolfsburg 1 United 3

2009-12-17T11:58:00.001+08:00

A PATCHED up Manchester United finished top of their Champions League group thanks to Michael Owen's hat-trick against Wolfsburg.

The Reds took the lead when Owen headed home Nani's cross just before half time only for rumoured United target Edin Dzeko to equalise with a powerful header.

Substitute Gabriel Obertan's superb turn and cross created an easy tap in for Owen to put the Reds back in front, before the striker's smart chip sealed the win late on.

The victory was all the more impressive given United were missing 12 players through injury, Ryan Giggs was suspended and Ritchie De Laet ineligible.

West Ham 0 Man United 4

2009-12-07T08:32:00.002+08:00

United crushed the Hammers at Upton Park to keep up the pressure on Premier League leaders Chelsea. The only worries for United were injuries picked up by defensive pair Gary Neville and Wes Brown.

Paul Scholes scored the first with a trademark strike, albeit with his left foot, in injury time in the first-half. In the second-half Darron Gibson extended the lead with an even sweeter effort after a surging run by Giggs. At which point the West Ham door swung clean open with Antonio Valencia and Wayne Rooney supplying tap-ins after the Hammers defence had been swept aside.

Kuszczak (6.5): A marvellous save from Diamanti free kick and a poor kick from a simple backpass.

Fletcher (7): Good enough to be starting at right-back even when the regulars are back.

Neville (5.5): Nothing much to do, until he got injured.

Brown (7): Competent defending, led the make-shift back 4.

Evra (7): Again, attack well, defensively out of position occasionally.

Valencia (7): Good speed and strength and a goal too.

Gibson (6.5): A great goal, average otehrwise.

Scholes (7.5): Cracking goal and bossed the mid-field. A stupid yellow though.

Anderson (6.5): Lazy, not forward running, did not run to open space, slightly better in the last 30 min.

Giggs (7): Good game, make some good passes.

Rooney (6.5): Lack of service, but a nice run for the tap-in.

Subs:

Carrick (sub Neville 34, 7) Played well in unfamiliar position.

Berbatov (sub Gibson 67, 6.5) Neat touches.

Owen (sub Rooney 73, 5.5) did not do much.

Man United 2 Tottenham 0

2009-12-04T08:16:00.000+08:00

2 cracking strikes from Darron Gibson sent Manchester United through to the Carling Cup semi-finals at the expense of Tottenham. The Reds were put under pressure early on by a lively Spurs side, but Gibson struck after 16 and 38 minutes to put Sir Alex Ferguson's men in command.

United will play City in the 2-legged semi.

Portsmouth 1 Man United 4

2009-11-30T13:54:00.002+08:00

United were ahead in the 25th minute through Rooney. Antonio Valencia burst forward and exchanged passes with Rooney, and when the winger pulled the ball back for his team-mate in the penalty area, the England forward waited for a clumsy challenge to arrive from Michael Brown. Dean pointed to the spot immediately and Rooney tucked away the penalty.

Pompey were level, however, on the half-hour mark, although why Dean awarded it was open to debate. Kuszczak climbed above Piquionne, who appeared to have his shirt pulled by Nemanja Vidic. With United in shock, Boateng smashed in the penalty after missing against Stoke last time out.

United were ahead three minutes after the restart. There was nothing controversial about this effort, just Giggs weighting the ball perfectly through Pompey's defence for Rooney to place his finish home, his 10th of the season for United.

His hat-trick came in the 54th minute, from the penalty spot. Piquionne was penalised for fouling Giggs - and Rooney sent Begovic the wrong way from 12 yards.

Giggs netted with a free-kick three minutes from full-time for their fourth goal.

Kuszczak (8): Had 2 good saves in each halves to help his cause in the keeper battle at United.

Neville (6.5): Tough duel with Boeteng, did not go forward much.

Brown (7): Did reasonalby well, especially with Vidic off-form.

Vidic (6): Is his mind in Spain, unsettled by Pompey attackers.

Evra (7): Penetrating attacking but defending was mixed.

Valencia (7.5): His pace is too much for Portsmouth to handle.

Fletcher (7): OK in first half, did better in 2nd half.

Carrick (6): Expected to be involved more.

Giggs (7): Good vision and experience.

Scholes (6.5): Did well passing forward, but held ball too long at occasions.

Rooney (8): Hat-trick.

Anderson (sub Carrick 76, 5) Did nothing much.

Man United 0 Besiktas 1

2009-11-26T08:22:00.002+08:00

Turkish side Besiktas ended United's 23-match unbeaten home record in the Champions League. Rodrigo Tello's first-half effort did the damage, and goalkeeper Rustu Recber put in a brillant display to ensure United did not score.

Slack defending created the space for Tello to shoot after 20 minutes. The long-range strike itself took a slight deflection off Rafael Da Silva that took it out of Foster's reach and catch him slightly flat-footed.

Man United 3 Everton 0

2009-11-22T22:23:00.002+08:00

Darren Fletcher scored a memorable goal as he launched Manchester United on their way to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Everton.

Although they were already well on top against the Merseysiders who, apart from a brief five-minute second-half flurry were completely outclassed, United were struggling to make the breakthrough until Fletcher fired home a magnificent volley.

Michael Carrick and Antonio Valencia were also on target to complete the Red Devils' biggest win since August and ensure they heeded Sir Alex Ferguson's pre-match call for a more clinical attitude.

Van der Sar (7.5): Important brave save at the feet of Cahill and another good save from Rodwell late in the game.

Rafael (6.5): Excellent first half, especially when attacking. Lack of height showed in 2nd half.

Brown (7.5): Did well, capped by an excellent tackle when Saha was almost clean through.

Vidic (7.5): The same old Vidic, physical and committed.

Evra (9): Did his mate Park brought back some ginseng? Excellent stamina and great attacking play.

Valencia (7.5): He is fast, he is strong, he defends and he scores. Only setback is he is one-footed.

Carrick (8): Controlled midfield in a steady way, run into open space for teammate to pass and a well-taken goal.

Fletcher (9): Superb goal, industrious effort and great defensive play.

Giggs (7): Link up well with Evra and good assist for the 2nd goal.

Owen (6): Made good runs, but finishes and passes could not match the runs.

Rooney (7): Hassle the defenders and bring energy to his team mates.

Substitutes

Scholes (sub Rafael 63, 6.5) Good eye for gaps to make precise passes.

Obertan (sub Rooney 74, 6) Another cameo, ahead of Nani at the moment

Gibson (sub Carrick 82, 5) Make up the number.

Chelsea 1 Man United 0

2009-11-10T15:16:00.002+08:00

Chelsea scored in the 76th minute when Ashley Cole was alleged to have been fouled by Fletcher on the left flank (which TV replays showed that it is not a foul).

Captain Terry (and Anelka) rose to glance Lampard’s free-kick into the corner of the net but United were furious that Drogba appeared to be in an offside position as the ball bounced beyond Van der Sar and into the net. Drogba had also pushed Wes Brown to the ground during the corner.

7 Van der Sar: Did well generally, Drogba was defintiely interfering with play from an off-side position by going for the ball that led to the goal and being so near the keeper.

7 O’Shea: Another stable performance. Made decent crosses while supporting Valencia.

7.5 Brown: Handled Chelsea's attack well.

8 Evans: Showed his agression, and that is what we need when Vidic is not in the team!

6.5 Evra: Out of position on occasions and no end-products when attacking.

6.5 Valencia: Ensured that cole did not attack too much.

7.5 Fletcher: Great physical presence, if only he could shoot better.

7 Anderson: Good display, need to make more forward runs.

7 Carrick: Covered lots of ground and disrupting Chelsea's play.

7 Giggs: Did well, but should have opted to shoot then trying to pass when in good position.

7.5 Rooney: Played well as a lone striker, more alive in the 2nd half.
Substitutes

5.5 Obertan (Giggs 84) Should have came on earlier, lively cameo.

5 Owen (Anderson 84) Not enough time for him to put in any decent shot.

Man United 3 CSKA Moscow 3

2009-11-06T13:08:00.000+08:00

United qualified for the Champions League knock-out stages after coming from two goals down to draw with CSKA Moscow.

Alan Dzagoev put the Russians ahead before Michael Owen levelled with an instinctive finish. However, slack defending allowed Milos Krasic to score before the visitors' extended their lead through Vasili Berezutsky just after half time.

United were then denied what looked like a clear penalty when Darren Fletcher was fouled in the box - and the Scottish midfielder was booked for diving to add insult to injury. Federico Macheda hit the inside of the post as United piled on the pressure late on and Paul Scholes pulled a goal back after 84 minutes, heading home from Gary Neville's cross.

Antonio Valencia's deflected shot in injury time - which will go down as a Georgi Schennikov own-goal - secured the draw United needed.

Man United 2 Blackburn 0

2009-11-03T13:54:00.002+08:00

United big guns Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney fired as the Reds defeated Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford.

Sam Allardyce's men were proving stubborn opposition until Berbatov's acrobatic volley 10 minutes into the second half broke the deadlock. Wayne Rooney's stylish finish after 87 minutes sealed the victory.

Nikola Kalinic had a goal harshly ruled out for offside in injury time for Blackburn.

Van der Sar (6.5) Not much to do, did ok when called upon.

Evra (7) Got forward often but mostly no end result, only 1 misplaced shot turn out to be assist for 1st goal.

Brown (7) One miscued error that was not punished, otherwise untroubled.

Evans (7) Good game, need to pass the ball quicker though.

O’Shea (7) Good defending, but did not support Valencia well enough.

Nani (6.5) Decision-making is his main weakness.

Carrick (7) Tackled and challenged for ball for a change. Made some good passes.

Anderson (6) Lost when defending midfield, slightly better when attacking.

Valencia (7) Strong and pacy, help out defence as well.

Rooney (7) OK display and a good goal.

Berbatov (7.5) Superb goal, could have got a hat-trick if not for poor finishing and great goal-keeping.

Obertan (for Nani 63, 5.5) Did not take his chances well, decent pace.

Owen (for Berbatov 79, 6) Lively and could have scored.

Barnsley 0 Man United 2

2009-10-29T22:47:00.000+08:00

DANNY Welbeck and Michael Owen scored to send Manchester United through to the last eight of the Carling Cup.

Welbeck headed home from close range after six minutes, and although Barnsley had some decent chances themselves, Owen's sharply taken goal just before the hour settled matters.

The main negative on the night for United was a straight red card for Gary Neville after the skipper's foul on Adam Hammill after 63 minutes.

Liverpool 2 Man United 0

2009-10-29T22:39:00.002+08:00

MANCHESTER United suffered another nightmare against Liverpool with Fernando Torres and David Ngog scoring and Nemanja Vidic being sent for the third successive time against Rafael Benitez's men.

Spain star Torres held off Rio Ferdinand to strike a fierce shot past Edwin van der Sar on 65 minutes. Antonio Valencia came closest to levelling when he cracked an angled drive against the bar, but the Reds plight worsened when Vidic was sent off for a second yellow card. Moments earlier referee Andre Marriner only gave Jamie Carragher a yellow card when he felled Michael Owen when the substitute striker was arguably through on goal. Javier Mascherano was sent off for Liverpool late on for a second yellow before Ngog scored to seal the win.

Van der Sar (7): Made excellent saves but did not cover near post for Torres goal

O’Shea (6.5): Solid defending, link up with Valencia not as good.

Ferdinand (5.5): Disappointment for his standard, out-muscled by Torres.

Vidic (6.5): Played hard and did not deserve the sending off.

Evra (6): Did not do too well both in attack and defence.

Valencia (6): Crosses not too good, but a decent display and hit the post with a good effort.

Scholes (6): OK display.

Carrick (6): No inspiring passes.

Giggs (5.5): Below par performance

Rooney (6): Could not do much after returning from injury.

Berbatov (6): Not much inspiration, not helped by referee also.

Subs:

Owen (sub Berbatov 74, 5.5) OK.

Nani (sub Scholes 74, 5.5) Bring a little more penetration.

CSKA Moscow 0 Man United 1

2009-10-22T16:04:00.002+08:00

United maintained their 100 per cent Champions League record thanks to a late goal from Antonio Valencia against CSKA Moscow. Valencia had fired a second-half warning shot when he rocketed a volley against the bar from outside the box, and he eventually beat Igor Akinfeev with an angled shot with just four minutes left. It was Valencia's second goal in two games following his strike against Bolton at the weekend.

Van der Sar (6.5): Seldom threatened.

Neville (7): Turned back the years with a good display, one of the better crossers of the ball.

Ferdinand (6): Did ok.

Vidic (6): Need to regain his form soon.

Fabio (6.5): Good attacking option, defensively still need improvement. A lack of concentration almost cost Utd a goal.

Valencia (7): Played well in the 2nd half, especially last 20 min. Too predictable before that.

Scholes (7): His tackles were well-timed and make good long passes.

O’Shea (6.5): Good performance for Mr Versatile.

Anderson (5): Wasteful in possession, did not know what to do with the ball at times.

Nani (6): Frustrating decision-making after beating defenders, played better near the end.

Berbatov (6.5): Not much service, not suitable as a lone striker, light up after Owen's entry.

Subs:

Brown (sub Ferdinand 57, 6) One rusty moment, else well done.

Owen (sub Scholes 70, 5.5) Completely missed a volley.

Carrick (sub Fabio 88) Too late to rate

Man Utd 2 Bolton 1

2009-10-19T13:30:00.002+08:00

Antonio Valencia scored his first Manchester United goal as the Reds went top of the Premier League. Sir Alex Ferguson's men were ahead early on when Zat Knight scored an own-goal before Valencia struck from close range with 33 minutes gone.

15 minutes from time when Bolton dragged themselves back into the contest when Kevin Davies launched a far post cross towards Taylor, the midfielder steered his header into the left corner.

Van Der Sar (7) : Steady and composed display after recovering from injury.

Neville (6): Poor clearance that led to Bolton's goal. Lack of height was exposed. Fared better going forward.

Ferdinand (6.5): Above average display, could not win much aerial battle without Vidic.

Evans (6.5): Need to improve on his strength and header to cope with the bigger strikers.

Evra (6): Lack of height exposed cruelly for the goal.

Valencia (7.5): Actively involved in the game and generally made good decisions, a well-taken goal.

Carrick (6.5): Steadied the midfield, but did not create much.

Anderson (6): Cannot stop anyone in the midfield and foul unnecessarily.

Giggs (7): Another good effort, held the ball wel in the last few minutes.

Owen (6.5): Made intelligence runs and good understanding with Berbatov.

Berbatov (8): Great inspirations, but no one could finish his passes and flicks. Almost scored, but denied by a great save.

Subs:

O’Shea (sub Evra 83, 6.5)) Size and height does matter against big strikers.

Welbeck (sub Owen 83, 5) Out of tune with the rest.

Scholes (sub Anderson 86, 5.5) Did nothing much.