Check out some of the best images from the evening as the players celebrated their success in bringing the famous silverware back to Old Trafford in style and displayed it on the open-top bus.
Today, the title holders Manchester United played hosts to Birmingham City at the Theatre of Dreams. Though it was the second day in the premiership, but United opened their account today at home to entertain their fans. With Chelsea edging past Hull City and Arsenal destructing Everton by a huge margin yesterday, there was some pressure on United. Not because they fear defeat, but because it was United’s first game without Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, who had been the admired boys of the red part of Manchester up till now.
And the champions did not disappoint their fans. The game began at a fast pace with the Red Devils running long distances and causing problems for the Birmingham goalie. But he did pretty well to keep them at bay until Wayne Rooney scored the opening goal with a header cum kick. United dominated possession and focused on their pin-point passing with Scholes and Fletcher being at the heart of the midfield. Darren Fletcher had a great chance to make it 2-0 just before the half time interval; but he made a mockery of a shot that lacked conviction and placement.
Second half began with Giggs coming on for Nani who was knocked down a couple of times in the first frty-five minutes. The veteran did trouble the Birmingham players with his short runs and passes. Even Giggs was very close to score when his precise free-kick was deflected by Jerome. Sir Alex made his final substitutions when he handed Michael Owen his Premier league debut in United colors by replacing Berbatov. Wes Brown too joined his mates on the field after a long gap by replacing Jonny Evans.
All and all, the result of game was as expected. United defeated the visitors but I feel United could have won more convincingly by scoring more goals. Maybe, that’s one issue Sir Alex will address during his post match team talk. What are your thoughts about it?
As expected Manchester United closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to two points - with a game in hand - as they struggled to victory against Wigan. Wonder kid Wayne Rooney slid in Cristiano Ronaldo's cross in the first minute, but limped off with a hamstring injury five minutes later.
Sir Alex Ferguson made five changes from the side that beat Chelsea so comfortably - and they carried on where they had left off by taking the lead inside a minute. Rooney's
substitute Carlos Tevez then missed United's best chance after 25 minutes. It was a lucky day for the Argentine who was again left on the bench but Rooney's injury got him a chance to play the full 90 minutes. Unfortunately, Tevez could not score. Already under pressure to decide his future, Tevez was advised by Diego Maradona to leave Old Trafford. But Tevez wants to stay at Manchester and he does love the fans and the atmosphere. Maybe we might see some reshuffling at United at the end of this month.
With yesterday's win United have displaced Chelsea and if they win against Bolton, they would lead the Premier League table for the first time. And this will surely indicate that this season title race would be fought between Man United and Liverpool; with Arsenal no where to be seen and Chelsea handling their internal problems.
What a game it was. I always knew that it would be a great exchange between England's top 2 teams and with Liverpool dropping points, a win was necessary.
75,455 fans had gathered at Old Trafford to witness Manchester United take on Chelsea. With both teams needing a win desperately, it was Man United that went away as the winners. The final score read 3-0 in favor on United. I had never seen such a brilliant display by United since many days. And they played extremely well and turned the heat up under Luiz Felipe Scolari with a thumping win.
First half was full of chances, but neither was converted until a corner drew some angry exchange of words. The way Rooney went to the corner and just rolled the ball in and asked Giggs to swing a kick till Ronaldo guided it past Cech was something the ref and his assistant never understood. The move is legal but the officials termed it illegal. I was cursing the ref when within seconds Vidic scored and put United ahead. The ref blew his whistle and I said not again... But he was indicating the end of first 45 minutes :)
Second half was better as both teams passed the ball, but United always threatened. Wayne Rooney then turned in Patrice Evra's cross after 63 minutes to set United on the path to a deserved three points. United embarrassed Scolari further when Berbatov rounded off the win by grabbing the third from close range four minutes from time.
Jose Mourinho who had been sitting in the stands did not do Chelsea much good as the win leaves Man United five points behind Liverpool with two games in hand. Benitez might think about the timing and content of his tirade against United and Ferguson - as Fergie appeared inspired rather than deflated. United now face in form Wigan on Wednesday to move up in the table.
After Liverpool had thrashed Newcastle United last week to move up the table, Man United had to be at their best to pose some challenge. And Manchester United did keep up the pressure on Liverpool and Chelsea as they earned a hard fought battle against Middlesbrough. Dimitar Berbatov's third league goal for the club was enough to earn all 3 points at home.
United had better chances in the match but the brave visitors defended manfully and could have taken the lead when Tuncay headed just wide in the 61st minute. I guess that could have put United under pressure. But Sir Alex intelligently substituted Paul Scholes for Darren Fletcher and the veteran did steady the ship as Dimitar Berbatov blasted in from close range six minutes later. With critics blaming the hangover from their exploits in the Club World Cup just before Christmas, this win has surely rubbished it.
United now move seven points behind leaders Liverpool with two games in hand. The reigning champions now turn their attention to the domestic cup competitions with a trip to Southampton in the FA Cup on Sunday followed by the first leg of their Carling Cup semi-final with Derby on 7 January.
The champions play their first Barclays Premier League match in 13 days at the Britannia Stadium today, following their participation in the Club World Cup in Japan. And Sir Alex Ferguson does not expect an easy time against Stoke in their Boxing Day clash.
While United were away in the Far East, the top two, Liverpool and Chelsea, failed to take advantage and dropped points. United are seven points adrift of Liverpool and six behind Chelsea - but have two games in hand on both. And hence Ferguson is now intent on regaining the high ground. His focus will be on how the the Premier League leaders go into 2009.
Sir Alex has also said that he has no intention of recruiting new players when the transfer window opens next week. He says he is happy to see out the season with the current crop of players at his disposal. The only hint he gave was he plans to bring back a couple of young players who have been on loan.
Another away game for Man United and another draw. This time a 0-0 draw with Tottenham. Boy, this is really bad. United are missing so many chances to get to the top spot. Sometimes, I feel that United are just lacking the desire to win, but then some brilliant individual performances prove me wrong.
In yesterday's against Spurs, Heurelho Gomes left White Hart Lane as a hero. So often ridiculed for his error-prone presence in the Spurs goal this season, he had to come to form only against United! With first half dominated by the home team, United were strong in the second half with some real chances but again - failed to score. Ronaldo had the ball in the net from the corner but referee Mike Dean was very harsh in ruling it out for handball. Rio Ferdinand had a good chance to head in one from the corner, but he missed it by inches. And the when it seemed that Giggs had secured all three points, Gomes produced a fingertip save to turn away his free-kick that was going to creep in.
Dimitar Berbatov received a hostile reception as the Spurs fans obliged with a stream of boos and jeers that began when Berbatov emerged for the warm-up and continued throughout the game. Berbatov could not produce his fantastic performance and was looking ineffective every pass he received was snatched by the Spurs defense. Ji-Sung Park and Michael Carrick were only the ones to threaten the home team with some forceful shots.
It left the Red Devils rueing their failure to take advantage to challenge the toppers in the Premier League; after Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea all had to be suffice with a point.
Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United's poor results away from Old Trafford is due to the difficulty of their fixtures. And after traveling to Spain in the mid week, they head to Manchester City for Sunday's derby showdown.
"We have had a lot of hard games. Chelsea, Arsenal and now Man City away from home, straight after a European (match) is not easy." reflected Ferguson. United would be looking to impress all on Sunday's short journey across Manchester to Eastlands, where United have won only twice in six trips.
Dimitar Berbatov is hopeful of recovering from his hamstring injury. Even Carrick and Ronaldo, who limped out in the last game should be fit to face the rivals. Everyone is talking about the £32.5million Brazilian superstar Robinho these days. But I don’t think he can be a major threat to United. Of course, he has got great pace and great technique, but he will only run on the pitch. He cant score a goal, because United have got all the strategies to control him.
United will and surely will beat Man City to keep their challenge for the premiership title.
It was a golden chance for ManU to redeem their contender ship for the title this season. But as usual, they wasted a great opportunity to close the gap on current leaders Chelsea and Liverpool. United were held to a goalless draw at Villa Park as Martin O'Neill's side ended their 14-match losing sequence against the Red Devils.
Wayne Rooney missed a great chance to win it for United when he fired over the bar from close range in the second half. Rooney started with Tevez after recovering from his injury and with the absentee of Berbatov. But the wonder kid could not produce a goal with his usual magnificent class. Sir Alex Ferguson's side pressed for a winner in the closing stages but rarely looked like finding it, completing an unusual day when none of the Premier League's so-called `big four' could muster a goal between them.
The worst part of the match was Ronaldo limping out of the draw in the closing stages with a leg injury. This could mean that Ronaldo will miss Tuesday's Champions League crunch game with Villarreal. I hope Ronnie's injury is not very serious and he comes back to his top form soon as United need him desperately to repeat the accolades they won last season.
Cristiano Ronaldo's 100th goal made it a double cause for celebration at Old Trafford as Manchester United marked 50 years in the game for Sir Alex Ferguson with a comfortable 5-0 win over Stoke. Tony Pulis side which has attracted lot of awe from the football pundits, were crushed by the Red Devils.
Ronaldo took just three minutes to reach his personal milestone with a trademark free-kick and rounded off United's biggest win of the season in similar fashion at the end. And during the course of these 90 minutes Michael Carrick, Dimitar Berbatov and debutant Danny Welback found the net. Sir Alex marked his own landmark day with a trio of Premier League debuts in the form of Danny Welbeck, Darron Gibson and Manucho.
With Chelsea and Liverpool also capturing 3 points, United trail them by 8 points. A long way to go to catch the leaders. Ofcourse, I am happy with United's emphatic victory, but I just can stop watching and appreciating Welbeck's goal again and again. Boy, it was some shot. It was fabulous. I am sure the England Under-19 forward will be one the leading strikers in the coming years.
Cristiano Ronaldo feels Manchester United must go for the jugular to reinforce their title ambitions at Arsenal on Saturday.
United have dropped points against Newcastle and Everton this season and Portugal winger feels Sir Alex Ferguson's side have much to prove as they go for a title hat-trick. United had an excellent record at Highbury, but they have so far managed just one point from two visits to the Emirates, conceding late goals on both occasions. Wenger's reputation of promoting youth has back fired so far but still they are a strong side to face and defeating them is not an easy task on their turf.
Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner is confident Arsenal can beat Manchester United and prove their league title chase is back on track.
While United's Darren Fletcher expects a wounded Arsenal side to "come out fighting" at their own Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Whosoever says whatsoever, I am confident that United would thrash Arsenal and would definitely retain the title for a 3rd time.
A double strike from the English duo of Wes Brown & Wayne Rooney ensured a 2-0 win for Man Utd against Blackburn yesterday.
The first 10 minutes was a typical Blackburn-United game, it was hammer and tongs, tackles flying in and it wasn't settled. But once United had the ball, they settled well and started threatening Rovers goalie Brown. Finally United broke the deadlock via Wes Brown who climbed high and headed the ball into the net. Blackburn boss Paul Ince was not happy with the goal as he thought it was a foul from Vidic on his goalie. Hence he has launched a verbal assault on referee Steve Bennett for not spotting the foul and allowing the goal to stand.
The second half was entertaining as United marched ahead with confidence and went on missing a lot of good chances, before Ronaldo set up Rooney for the second. With England head Fabio Capello in the stands, he must have been impressed with the English duo's performance; as he announces his squad for the international matches later today. But i feel United could have hammered more goals and won by a bigger margin. Currently with this win ManU sit at the sixth position in the table, 3 points behind leaders Chelsea: who play Aston Villa today.
Sir Alex Ferguson will be happy to offer Paul Ince some managerial advice that he has amassed in the last 35 years. United travel to Ewood Park to lock horns with Blackburn Rovers, with Rovers new man Ince being a prodigy of Sir Alex at his time at Old Trafford. Having got their league campaign back on track last weekend by overcoming Bolton, the Red Devils need to maintain their winning momentum with a list of injured players causing United manager some worries.
I think he will definitely change the central midfield as Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick and Owen Hargreaves injured. This gives a chance to Anderson, Darren Fletcher, John O'Shea and Ryan Giggs to jump in and sustaing the Blackburn pressure. Wayne Rooney, who picked up an ankle injury after opening the scoring against Aalborg in the midweek has been rated as 'very doubtful' by Ferguson.
Not even the return of Cristiano Ronaldo could prevent Manchester United from a disappointing 0-0 draw against Villarreal at Old Trafford. Ronaldo's second-half introduction certainly sent a surge through United, with fans giving him a warm welcome. But unfortunately, that was not enough for the European champions as their unbeaten 12 game streak on home soil in the competition came to an end.
Manchester United grabbed a 1-0 win at Fratton Park to register their first Barclays Premier League victory of the season. The victory came after a scruffy goal in the 33rd minute, which Darren Fletcher claimed.
United were still missing some key injured players like Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Owen Hargreaves and the suspended Nani.
Now United will face a gap of nearly two weeks as they prepare to face Russia's Zenit St Petersburg for the European Super Cup in Monaco on Friday.
