Uruguay Beat The Brits

 2-1 

England and Uruguay lost their first matches to Italy and Costa Rica respectively.  Today both teams tried to bounce back and earn some points as the two met in a Group D match.  England had five players from the Liverpool club in the starting line-up including captain Gerrard, Sturridge, Henderson, Johnson, and Sterling.  However it was the Liverpool player on the Uruguay team that stole the spotlight.

Late in the first-half Luis Suarez scored for Uruguay to take the lead.  Edinson Cavani played a chipped ball to Suarez near the back-post.  Suarez headed the ball back across the face of goal to beat keeper Joe Hart (39').

With their backs against the wall in the second-half England inserted two more attacking players, Ross Barkley and Adam Lallana, to try and get on the scoreboard.  England did manage to level the score, though it did not come from the bench.  Sturridge released Johnson down the right flank and Johnson rolled the ball into the path of Rooney.  Crashing the net with a well timed run, Rooney scored with a simple tap in for his first ever World Cup goal (75').

Following the equalizer the momentum started to shift in England's favor briefly.  But before they could turn the tables Uruguay dealt the crushing blow that decided the game.  A goal-kick by the Uruguay keeper was sent way down field and Cavani flicked the ball on with a header.  The England defense was caught napping and that flicked header actually put Suarez in-on-goal.  With a free shot Suarez put all his power into the shot and buried it in England's net (85').

With only minimal time left England could not produce a second equalizer.  Their chances of making it out the group stage is unlikely though not impossible; it will partly rely on the match between Italy and Costa Rica tomorrow.  Likewise Uruguay are not in the clear and will need a result against Italy in their final match.  Nothing is certain yet in Group D.

Bayern Munich Down Man United, On To Semi-Finals

 3-1 

Manchester United and Bayern Munich came away from the first meeting of the Champions League quarter-final with a 1-1 draw last week at Old Trafford.  Today in Germany, the second-leg was played with Munich starting the match with a slight away-goal advantage as well as home-field advantage.  

Although United were the team that had to score, they came out with a defensive mindset hoping to weather the initial storm that is the Bayern attack.  With seventy percent of possession in their favor, Munich failed to break down the United defense and the first-half ended scoreless.  The second-half, on the other hand, was far more exciting with momentum going back and forth quite quickly.  

After the half-time break Patrice Evra scored a spectacular goal to give United the lead.  A cross from Valenica was not cleared by any Bayern defender and Evra was able to run onto it and blast his shot back across the face of goal to score (57').  The lead was taken away in the blink of an eye however, as Mandžukić scored a header at the opposite end immediately following the goal from United (59').

At this stage of the match, the two teams were level on aggregate with one away-goal for each club.  United had done well to keep Bayern from scoring up that point, but the flood gates opened and Bayern put two more on the board.  First Robben setup Thomas Müller with a cross into the box that the forward managed to get enough on to turn into the United net (68').  Then Robben scored a final unassisted goal by coming across the box on his left-foot and rolling the shot inside the post (76').

With an aggregate score of 4-2, Munich ended with a comfortable margin over the Premier League team who go home empty handed.  The more surprising result of the day was the win by Athletico Madrid over Barcelona, eliminating the Catalans from the tournament.  The draw for the semi-finals is set for Friday with Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Athletico the four remaining teams in the competition.  The first-legs of the semi-finals are set for April 22 and 23 and should be an exciting build-up to the Final in Lisbon.

United Draw Bayern Munich, Schweinsteiger Sent Off

 1-1 

Bayern Munich came to England today to face Manchester United for a Champions League quarter-final.  The first-leg meeting at Old Trafford was another tough test for the Premier League club taking on the defending Champions League title winners.

The first-half was quite forgettable for the home team as Bayern Munich completely dominated United. In fact Munich held nearly eighty percent of possession and forced United to play in their defensive third for almost the entire half.  Ryan Giggs was a ghost, Fellaini could not hold possession, and Phil Jones offered nothing in terms of offensive support.  Fortunately for United the visitors were not able to score and they had a chance to regroup during the break.

After half-time Giggs was pulled and replace by Kagawa, likely because of his experience against Bundesliga teams.  The change was positive and Kawaga assisted in creating the first goal of the match.  Kagawa delivered a corner-kick into the box and Vidic was able to score with a glancing header to back-post (58').

The lead did not last long however, as Bayern Munich's substitute Mario Mandžukić assisted on a goal at the other end.  Fullback Rafinha played a ball into the United box and Mandžukić headed it back down for Schweinsteiger who finished with a half-volley (67').  Although Schweinsteiger put his team level with United, his day ended on a sour note.  A late tackle on Rooney earned him a second yellow card and he was sent off in the final moments of the match meaning he will miss the second-leg of the quarter-final.

Bayern Munich have an away-goal advantage heading into the replay in Germany next week and will have home field advantage.  United were out-played for most of the match, but managed to score nonetheless.  The second-leg should be exciting as both teams will feel that they can win and move onto the semi-finals.

Dzeko Nets Two As City Win Manchester Derby

 0-3 

Manchester United hosted rival Manchester City today at Old Trafford for the second meeting of the season.  City won the first meeting 4-1 back in September and more recently stomped Arsenal 6-0 over the weekend.  Today United again fell short to their rival.

Manchester City took less than a minute to score against United to put the home side in an early hole.  Fernandinho played Nasri in behind the United back line to work a shot that came off the goalpost.  The shot's ricochet off the post went to Dzeko waiting at the opposite post for an easy tap in finish (1').

Having to play from behind from the get-go, United were forced to take more risks and push more players forward to try to get back into the match.  Unfortunately for United their passing was poor throughout the match leading to ineffective attacks.

City added two more goals in the second-half while United failed to respond in kind.  Dzeko scored his second goal on the day from a corner-kick.  Nasri delivered the cross into the box and Dzeko was left unmarked for a free volley that he stuck in the back of the net.  Then in the closing minutes of regulation Yaya Touré was able to work a shot following a favorable deflection off a United defender.  With loads of space Yaya Touré easily finished for the final goal of the match (90').

The win for Manchester City helps them keep pace with Chelsea at the top of the table.  City are just three points behind the leaders with two fewer games played.  The title race could come down to the last match of the season as both clubs remain in good form.  United have no realistic chance of defending their title, but still have hopes of lifting a trophy in the Champions League.

Van Persie's Hat-Trick Puts United In UCL Quarter-finals

 3-2(agg.) 

Manchester United hosted Olympiakos at Old Trafford today for a Champions League replay.  The Greek club won the first meeting 2-0 in Piraeus leaving United with their backs against the wall.  Playing in front of their own fans, United were significantly better than the first meeting between the two clubs.

The match started with high intensity as challenges came flying in from both sides leading to three yellow cards in the first ten minutes.  The players did settle into the game after that and by the end of the first-half Manchester managed to erase the two goal deficit.

Robin Van Persie won a penalty when he was knocked down by defender Jose Holebas in the box.  Van Persie took the shot from the penalty spot and scored the first goal of the day (25').  Then in the first-half stoppage-time Rooney setup Van Persie for a second goal.  Rooney played a low cross into the box and Van Persie made a great run to get in front of the defender and scored first-time (45 +1').

Shortly into the second-half Van Persie was able to complete his hat-trick, scoring from a free-kick.  Olympiakos keeper Roberto Gago failed to stick to his assignment and left the far-post unguarded allowing Van Persie's shot to find the net (51').

Olympiakos played better in the second-half than they had in the first, but could not create a goal that would have put them back in front.  Van Persie and the rest of the Red Devils were simply too good for the Greek club today as United move on to the quarter-finals.

Robin Van Persie was clearly the most important player in the match, but in the final moments of regulation he took a knock that forced him to exit the field.  A foul from behind left him in obvious pain and the striker was carried off on a stretcher.  Hopefully the injury was not too serious as United need his firepower for the matches to come.

Manchester United Shutout By Olympiakos

 2-0 

Manchester United travelled to Greece for the first leg of a Champions League fixture against Olympiakos.  United have underperformed up to this point in the Premier League, but in the group stage of the Champions League the Red Devils were unbeaten.  Olympiakos on the other hand are well in control of their league race, but only narrowly escaped their Champions League group.  Today the home team had all the fight as the underdogs stuck it to the English giant.

Olympiakos scored in the first-half thanks to a bit of good fortune.  Giannis Maniatis took a shot from range that would have been saved by United keeper De Gea easily.  On the way towards goal though, Alejandro Domínguez managed to get a flick on the ball with his heel to put the keeper on the wrong foot and find the net (38').

Manchester United fell further behind following the half-time break.  On loan from Arsenal, Joel Campbell scored the second goal for Olympiakos with a well struck shot from outside the box.  With his left-foot Campbell curled the shot around defender Ferdinand then back inside the post to score (55').

United could not rally and get a goal back to put them, at least, in better shape for the replay.  The second leg at Old Trafford is scheduled for March 19th and United will need to get at least two goals to stay alive in the Champions League.

Fulham Force Draw Against Man. United

 2-2 

Manchester United hosted last-place Fulham today at Old Trafford.  United may not be in the position they would like to be, but Fulham are certainly in worse shape flirting with relegation.  Van Persie and Rooney got to start at forward for United and saw a lot of the ball as the Red Devils controlled more than seventy percent of possession for the match.

Although United maintained nearly all of the possession in the first-half, Fulham scored the only goal on one of their rare chances.  Steve Sidwell put Fulham in front when Lewis Holtby played him in-on-goal.  Sidwell made a run behind Darren Fletcher and Holtby picked him out with a chipped ball over the top which Sidwell finished with a first-touch volley (19').

The second-half began similar to the first with United getting all the possession and Fulham playing almost entirely in their own half.  United used all three substitutes in an effort to boost the offense, bringing in Januzaj, Hernandez, and Valencia with about twenty minutes left to play.  Although the subs did not directly affect the score, United were able to get a pair of back-to-back goals to steal the lead.

Juan Mata fired the ball across the face of goal, possibly looking to put a shot on goal.  Instead the ball came to Van Persie waiting at the back-post for an easy tap-in finish (78').  Right after the first goal from United, Michael Carrick scored another for the lead.  A poor clearance by Kieran Richardson sent the ball to Carrick who was able to step into the shot from outside the box (80').  The shot took a favorable deflection off Scott Parker giving keeper Stekelenburg no chance at a save.

Fulham appeared to be fighting a lost cause, down a goal and void of any offense, but they rallied late and produced the equalizer.  Coming in at half-time, substitute Darren Bent scored in stoppage-time for Fulham.  United keeper De Gea was forced to make a save on a shot from Richardson and the rebound was left in front of the net.  Bent was waiting with a header and finished for the final goal of the match (90 +4').

Despite the overwhelming possession, United were not particularly good today.  Time after time United tried to play the ball in from the wings and every time Fulham were able to clear.  Both clubs have tough games up next as Manchester United travel to play Arsenal and Fulham get the red-hot Liverpool at home.

Stoke City Beat Struggling Manchester United

 2-1 

It was a wet and windy day at the Britannia Stadium as Manchester United came in to play Stoke City.  United have not been up to standard and Stoke were keen to take advantage of that slump.  Manchester United had a dreadful first-half and by the end of it the Red Devils were down a goal and down both centerbacks.

After only ten minutes Jonny Evans was forced to come out with a lower leg injury and Rafael entered the match.  Starting rightback Chris Smalling moved inside next to Phil Jones to make room for Rafael. Before United could settle into this new formation Stoke scored to take the lead.  Charlie Adam scored from a long free-kick shot that took a lucky deflection off Michael Carrick (38').

Then, near the end of the first-half, Phil Jones came down hard trying to win a header.  Jones hit his head as he came down and a stretcher was required to get him to the sideline.  Manager David Moyes made an interesting decision with his next substitution and brought on Welbeck in place of the defender.  This forced Carrick to drop into centerback and Rooney to drop into midfield asWelbeck took the other forward position next to Van Persie.

Half-time seemed like a blessing for United as they made adjustments to their shuffled line-up.  As the second-half started United showed signes of improvement and Van Persie helped level the score.  Juan Mata played the striker in-on-goal and Van Persie scored with a half-volley to equalize (47').

However, moments later Stoke regained the lead when Adam scored a second goal following some more good luck.  Winger Marco Arnautović misfired on his shot attempt and the ball rolled right in front of Adam who smashed it home (52').

Manchester fought to get a second goal with Rooney, Van Persie, Welbeck, and Hernandez all getting action today.  Stoke held on though to get a rare win against the Red Devils.  Next week Stoke travel to Southampton and United host Fulham in Premier League play.

Eto'o Hat-Trick Lift Chelsea Over United

 3-1 

Chelsea looked to keep pace with Arsenal and Manchester City, who both won matches yesterday, in their match today against Manchester United.  No Rooney or Van Persie for United who remain out injured giving Welbeck the start up front.  For Chelsea it was Samuel Eto'o who started at striker and made the biggest impact in the match.

Eto'o scored two goals in the first-half to give Chelsea the edge.  The first goal came when a left-footed shot from Eto'o took a favorable deflection off Michael Carrick.  The United midfielder was in good position to block the shot, but Carrick only got a piece of it and the ball was sent to the upper-ninety for Chelsea's first goal (17').

Eto'o scored a second goal following a corner-kick.  United defender the initial service, but Chelsea reclaimed possession and defender Gary Cahill found himself in a good position.  Cahill was able to work a cross into the box for Eto'o who scored first-touch moments before half-time (45').

Shortly after half-time Eto'o completed the hat-trick when Cahill again got involved on a corner-kick.  Cahill won a header at the near-post and United keeper De Gea managed to make the save.  He could not control the save though, and Eto'o was waiting just a yard away from goal for an easy finish (49').

Manchester United added striker Hernandez to play along side Welbeck and the young Mexican got a goal for the Red Devils late in the match.  Welbeck found Phil Jones in the box and Jones had a go at goal.  His shot may have been curling wide, but Hernandez was crashing the far-post and steered the ball into the net (78').

The one goal was all United could muster and their situation going forward was made worse when a challenge from captain Vidic earned him a red card in stoppage-time.  Vidic came in with both feet on a tackle to Eden Hazard and was immediately sent off.  Fullback Rafeal was lucky to not be shown a red card when he also made a two-footed tackle on Cahill.  He only saw a yellow card for his offense, but the match was essentially over at that point.

United probably have no realistic chance at defending their title with the current state of the club.  Injuries and general poor defense are holding back last season's champions who struggle to find that top form.  Chelsea are the real contenders with Arsenal and Manchester City just ahead in the table.  Next for Chelsea is an FA Cup match against Stoke City, while United get Sunderland in the Capital One Cup.

Manchester United Get Payback on Swansea

 2-0 

Manchester United suffered a devastating loss to Swansea City in the FA Cup last week and looked to get payback as the two clubs met today for a Premier League match.  Swansea's win over United in the FA Cup was the first time the club has ever won at Old Trafford and today's league game was also played in Manchester.  Now out of the tournament, United's goal is to focus on the league and get back into the top-four.

Welbeck was the lone striker for United today with Van Persie and Rooney still out of the line-up with injuries.  Eighteen year old Adnan Januzaj played in the attacking midfield role behind Welbeck and United were far better today than the previous meeting.  Swansea were perhaps better over the first-half of today's match, but neither side scored before the break.

Shortly after half-time Manchester were able to break down the Swansea defense and pull in front.  The first goal of the match came following a header by Shinji Kagawa that was denied by keeper Tremmel.  The header was on target and Tremmel did well to block the shot.  However, the rebound was left in front of the net and Antonio Valencia was in place to smash it home (47').

A second goal for United came soon after when Welbeck scored an awkward goal.  Captain Evra had pushed forward and was looking to slot Welbeck behind the Swansea defense with a through-pass.  As he was making the pass Evra was bumped, but the foul was not called and advantage was played.  The right decision as it were, as Welbeck managed to beat the keeper by getting just a flick on the pass from Evra.

The points will be appreciated by the United faithful as the Red Devils look to challenge the clubs currently at the top of the table.  Of course they would like to still be part of the FA Cup, but there is still hope for a major tournament win in the Champions League set to resume late in February.

Cardiff City Comeback to Hold Manchester United

 2-2 

Manchester United travelled to Wales for a Premier League match against Cardiff City today.  The Bluebirds of Cardiff City have held their own under manager Malky Mackay since coming into the league while United have somewhat under-performed coming off a championship season.

Van Persie was unavailable for United today so Javier Hernández  started with Rooney in the attack.  Rooney was a central figure throughout the match, drawing attention early following an incident with Jordan Mutch.  In the opening minutes Rooney was caught pulling the jersey of Mutch, but he also took a swing at his legs and was lucky to only see a yellow card.

Moments later Rooney put United in front scoring the first goal of the match.  Cardiff City defender Ben Turner played a poor pass that winger Valencia intercepted and sent into the box.  Hernández was in the box and flicked the ball on to Rooney coming in behind him.  Rooney did well to turn on the ball to find space before scoring a partially deflected goal (15').

Playing from behind did not seem to bother Cardiff City and the home side showed the ability to expose United's defense on the left side.  Mutch played a well timed through-ball behind defender Jonny Evans that gave Fraizer Campbell a clean shot on goal that beat the keeper (33').

Manchester United then managed to retake the lead right before half-time on a set-piece.  Rooney delivered the corner-kick that found Evra at the near-post.  Evra was unmarked and got a free header to put United back in front (45').

Playing from behind again, Cardiff were persistent in the second-half and made positive changes with their substitutions.  Mutch was replaced by Korean international Kim Bo-Kyung who made an big impact late in the game.  Following a United foul, a free-kick found Bo-Kyung at the near-post for a header finish and the final equalizer (90 +1').

Manchester United continue to search for the form that led them to a title last season.  Van Persie's absence was felt today, but the depth of United, which is usually what helps make them great, has been lacking.  Cardiff passed a tough test today and should be happy with a come-from-behind win over a top tier club.  So far Cardiff have proved they belong in the same league and that they can compete with some of the football giants.

Southampton Stun Manchester United

1-1

Southampton have started the season on the right foot and came into today's match in the top four of the Premier League table.  Manchester United are always tough to beat at home, though their season has not started they way they expected.

Wayne Rooney helped create the goal that put United ahead in the first-half.  Rooney managed to get behind the Southampton defenders and get a shot away.  Keeper Boruc made a good save to deny Rooney, but the rebound went right to Van Persie who finished on an empty net (26').

Aside from the first-half goal, Southampton's defense was stout and kept United from scoring further.  Keeping the score low was crucial for Southampton as a goal late in the match spoiled United's chance for the win.  During a corner-kick, centerback Lovren got just enough on his shot to send the ball towards goal.  Southampton captain Lallana was tangled up with keeper De Gea preventing him from making the save.  After a closer look it was revealed that Lovren's shot came off Lallana before finding the net (89').

The late equalizer ensured the draw and Southampton escape Old Trafford with one point.  Manchester United seem to be missing Sir Alex Ferguson as their season has been less than impressive.  Next week United host Stoke City while Southampton face Fulham.

Manchester United Top Liverpool in Cup Play

1-0

The first big match-up in the 2013-14 Football League Cup, or Capital One Cup, came today with Manchester United hosting Liverpool.  In the third round match Manchester United elected to start Hernandez at striker who hasn't seen much action this season playing behind Van Persie.  Luis Suarez hasn't seen much action lately either, but with his suspension complete Liverpool welcomed him back into the starting line-up.

United had the hot start today with Rooney and Kagawa looking spry at Old Trafford.  Liverpool survived the early barrage though and got Sturridge and Suarez involved.  By half-time no goals were scored, but the match was wide open.

Manchester started the second-half better than the first and quickly scored from a set-piece.  Rooney delivered the corner into the box that Hernandez finished.  The Mexican striker attacked the service at the near-post and turned the shot into Liverpool's net (46').

Liverpool managed a few good shots after conceding the goal, but Rooney and United were able to keep up the attack and keep Liverpool's defense busy.  No other goals were scored and United move to the next round.

R.V.P. Scores Hat-Trick, United Clench League Title

  3-0

Aston Villa traveled to Old Trafford for the Monday night match against Manchester United.  With a win United make the point difference to large for second-place City to overcome.  Aston Villa on the other hand are on the verge of falling out of the Premier League for the first time since it began in 1992.

Van Persie started as the striker for United with Kagawa playing behind him and Rooney back in the holding midfield position next to Carrick.  Rooney is not seen in this position often, but he seemed to take to the new role, distributing the ball well out of the back.  

Aston Villa had trouble defending this offense and let United score early and often.  The first came in the opening moments of the match when Rafael played a cross to the far-post that Giggs was able to lay down across the face of goal.  Van Persie was waiting for the pass in front of the goal and finished easily put United in front (2').

Van Persie scored again when a long pass from Rooney fell perfectly for him.  Van Persie let the ball come down over his shoulder then hit it out of the air for a stunning finish (13').  The Dutch international had more in him though, and completed the hat-trick before half-time.  The play started with a through-ball from Kagawa that put Giggs behind the defense.  Giggs could have shot himself, but instead played a square-pass to Van Persie who scored his third of the game (33').

The second-half was better for Aston Villa as Benteke, Weimann, and substitute El Ahmadi were able to test the United keeper and stop United from scoring any more goals.  However Villa could not produce any goals in the second-half and United finished 3-0.

Manchester United now cannot be caught in the table and have now won the twenty league titles.  Aston Villa still have a lot to play for as they are dangerously close to finishing in the bottom three.  The last four games of the season will have a huge impact on the future of the club.

City Win Manchester Bragging Rights

1-2

The Manchester Derby is always a big match, and these days titles can be won or lost when the two clubs throw-down.  Manchester City seem as though they will have to hand the title over to rivals United at the end of the season, but town bragging rights are still on the line.  United won the first meeting at the Etihad Stadium in December so revenge was on the minds of the City players today.

The first-half ended scoreless with possession and chances about even.  A few yellow cards were issued too, which is expected when these teams meet.  After the break the game heated up and City scored early in the second-half.  Nasri laid a ball off that Milner was able to strike.  Milner's shot took a slight deflection off Phil Jones on the way in towards goal, but not enough to keep it out of the net (51').  

The lead did not last long though as United responded moments later.  Van Persie delivered the cross into the box from a free-kick that Jones was able to connect with at the back-post.  More of a shoulder than a header, the ball came off Jones into the back of City captain Kompany that sent the ball into the net for an own-goal and a United equalizer (59').  

Agüero then came off the bench for the last twenty minutes to reclaim the lead for City.  It did not take him long either as he scored after a very good individual effort.  Coming across the box to his right, Agüero managed to shake Phil Jones to work the shot for the match-winning goal (78').  United remain well clear of City in the table, but the City fans can at least appreciate this win at Old Trafford for now.