United defeated Otelul Gulati 2-0 at Old Trafford to claim the
pole position in Group C after Benfica drew 1-1 with Basel. United dominating
the game with about 20 shots on goal but still not ruthless enough to kill the game
early. There were lot of chances wasted but luckily Otelul Gulati wasn’t a
threat almost of the game. While United rued the missing chances the Romanian
was happy enough to sit back as they were not ambitious. United had early lead
thanks to Valencia after nice linkup between United player that release Jones
that later provided perfect cross which resulted the goal. United pressed on but
only had the second goal three minutes before time. Rooney shot was deflected
into the net. United talisman claimed it but UEFA said to award it as own goal.
United went into the game with some unexpected line up. As Vidic
was suspended Ferdinand came in to partner Evans as central defenders. Jones
was at rightback while Fabio at the left. The most surprising was Rooney played
at middle of midfield together with Anderson. My wish to see Valencia and Owen
play came true when both were at starting line up. Valencia played as right winger
while Nani played left. Owen partnered Berbatov at the front.
I was so happy Owen got chance to play this morning. As I
always said that he stills the best in the business. But much to my disappointment
when Owen was limped out after 11 minutes for suspected
hamstring. In was Hernandez.
Ferdinand also had commanding game as he marshaled the defense
very well. He has something to prove after the gaffer’s comment regarding his
performance. Jones also had fine game where his probing run cause problems to
Otelul Gulati defense. But the most talking points would be Rooney. He played
deep in the midfield. United obviously missed Scholes. This is the part that
United have to fill quickly. It seemed to be the main issue to solve. Cleverly
said to be the man but was limited by injury. But still United needs another
player in same quality but bigger experience. Rooney played exceptionally but
when he scores (the deflected) goal the suggestion was he is much better as
striker where he could score many goals. He passes was amazing especially the diagonals.
But he is the striker so his place is in front.
Beat Benfica United would be the Group Champion and could avoid
Europe big boys in the second round.
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