It took Manchester United injuries to demolish West Bromwich Albion. With many of the first team players injured, United had to depend on their youngsters and the starting 11 has been a makeshift since the last few games. But that provided the much needed spirit as their ruthless streak is back after their 5-0 win at The Hawthorns.
With Rooney injured, Tevez got a chance in the starting eleven and he made good use of this opportunity. He and Dimitar Berbatov set United on their way to victory with a goal apiece in the first half. Nemanja Vidic powered home a third and Cristiano Ronaldo netted twice for the Reds to make the scoreline look impressive. I always knew that one team had to suffer once United's merciless form returns, but never thought it would come at such a stage. The ruthless streak that they displayed has been lacking all season. With March & April being crucial months, I hope United continue this form all along to win the quadruple.
With 11 consecutive wins, United find themselves 3 points clear at the top of the Barclays Premier League table. Also the goal difference is looking aggressive now. Pressure is back on Liverpool as they try to catch United for the top spot.
The team that lacked the leaders a week ago, now leads the way for others to follow. Manchester United scored a late late winner at The Reebok to move 1 point clear of Liverpool and capture the top spot for the first time this season.
Dimitar Berbatov scored the winner late in the match by heading Carlos Tevez's cross past the Bolton goalie. Tevez was lucky enough to run with that ball supplied by Giggs as 3 players collided for the same. But Tevez keen to impress Sir Alex to extend his tenure at the club, marched on fearlessly and crossed it just in time for Berbatov to head in. Jussi Jaaskelainen was the most frustrated man on the field. His heroics for 90 minutes had kept United at bay and it looked as if the match would end in a draw. With saves from Cristiano Ronaldo, Scholes and Carrick, Jaaskelainen was doing everything to prevent United from scoring.
But alas, United did score late. Sir Alex also looked happy with the late drama that he witnessed. Five consecutive wins now have United at the head of affairs, piling the pressure on Liverpool ahead of Monday's Merseyside derby at Anfield. Rafael Benitez might be repenting for his words against Fergie as United have taken Liverpool head on. When they touched down after their successful Club World Cup quest in Japan they were seven points adrift of their fierce north-west rivals. Liverpool should note the statistic with alarm. Also, United maintained another clean sheet to equal Chelsea's record of 10 consecutive clean sheets.
Sir Alex Ferguson has been given a two-match ban and US$15,000 fine, following his row with referee Mike Dean during their match with Hull. The 66-year-old was fuming that Dean did not send off Hull defender Andy Turner for a foul on Michael Carrick during United's 4-3 win at Old Trafford. And later on the ref awarded Hull a penalty for an innocuous Rio Ferdinand challenge on Bernard Mendy, which infuriated the Scot even more.
The suspension starts on December 2 and means he will not be able to watch the Carling Cup match against Blackburn. He will also not be able to welcome the ex red devils captain Roy Keane, when he visits Old Trafford with his Sunderland side.
I feel that the FA has deliberately banned Fergie, since they know that their man was wrong and hence are trying to defend him. Even last year, Ferguson served a two-match ban for a finger-jabbing rant at referee Mark Clattenburg after a defeat at Bolton.
