It was a disappointing trip to Anfield for the Red Devils as they were narrowly beaten 2-1 at the hands of bitter rivals Liverpool in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Despite dominating possession for most of the game, United failed to create enough chances, and were caught out as a result as a late Dirk Kuyt strike sent Fergie's men out. Things could've been different if Antonio Valencia's surging run had've resulted in an early lead for the Premier League Champions, but the flying Ecuadorian saw his effort hit the post.
However, after that great opportunity passed, the Merseysiders exposed the weaknesses of David De Gea at claiming crosses, as Daniel Agger headed home a Steven Gerrard corner, with the young keeper in no man's land.
United were back on level terms before the break, after good work from Valencia set Rafael bursting down the right side, who played a pinpoint ball across to Park, who slotted into the back of the net.
Momentum was firmly with the Manchester side, but they provided no real threat to Pepe Reina's goal, and they were to pay in the dying moments as a mistake from Patrice Evra allowed Dirk Kuyt to hit the winner.
It was a tough day for Evra, after the Luis Suarez racism saga. The Frenchman was booed throughout by the home fans, and was at fault for the winner, meaning it was a day to forget for the stand-in captain.
The reds would have faced a fifth round home tie against Brighton and Hove Albion had they prevailed. The two sides meet again in the league at Old Trafford in two weeks time.
Monday, 30 January 2012
Saturday, 14 January 2012
Legend Returns
Fergie's men continued their excellent form from last weekend's fantastic 3-2 win at the Etihad stadium with a comfortable performance against Bolton, ending with a 3-0 victory to take the Reds level on top alongside Manchester City, who play against Wigan on Monday.
Despite the the scoreline being a formality in the end, United had a frustrating first half, with Wayne Rooney missing a penalty, smartly saved by Bolton keeper Bogdan, who refused to give up a clean sheet without a fight, thwarting the Reds' attacks on mutliple occasions.
But just before the break, it was the perfect scenario, as returning Paul Scholes, making his first Premier League appearance since coming out of retirement, smashed home a Rooney cut back to send the Old Trafford faithful wild. The midfield genius had a magnificent game, dominating the midfield, and minus a couple of mis-placed passes and a couple of typical fiery challenges, was almost flawless in his 70 minute cameo.
The second half saw Bolton open up in defence, and the Reds took full advantage, with Rooney sliding Danny Welbeck in for a well deserved goal. However, the tireless striker was injured in the process and replaced straight after giving United the 2-0 lead.
The players continued to attack without success, until Michael Carrick completed the scoring to secure an easy three points for the Champions.
The day, however, belongs to Scholes, who's retirement had caused much debate as to who would replace him. Instead of spending money, Sir Alex decided to end the speculation by bringing the 37 year old back until the end of the season. One player that might've been in with a chance of taking over was Darron Gibson, but he has now left to Everton on a four and a half year deal for a reported £1.5million, as a result of failing to catch the eye when given the opportunity.
Despite the the scoreline being a formality in the end, United had a frustrating first half, with Wayne Rooney missing a penalty, smartly saved by Bolton keeper Bogdan, who refused to give up a clean sheet without a fight, thwarting the Reds' attacks on mutliple occasions.
But just before the break, it was the perfect scenario, as returning Paul Scholes, making his first Premier League appearance since coming out of retirement, smashed home a Rooney cut back to send the Old Trafford faithful wild. The midfield genius had a magnificent game, dominating the midfield, and minus a couple of mis-placed passes and a couple of typical fiery challenges, was almost flawless in his 70 minute cameo.
The second half saw Bolton open up in defence, and the Reds took full advantage, with Rooney sliding Danny Welbeck in for a well deserved goal. However, the tireless striker was injured in the process and replaced straight after giving United the 2-0 lead.
The players continued to attack without success, until Michael Carrick completed the scoring to secure an easy three points for the Champions.
The day, however, belongs to Scholes, who's retirement had caused much debate as to who would replace him. Instead of spending money, Sir Alex decided to end the speculation by bringing the 37 year old back until the end of the season. One player that might've been in with a chance of taking over was Darron Gibson, but he has now left to Everton on a four and a half year deal for a reported £1.5million, as a result of failing to catch the eye when given the opportunity.
Sunday, 8 January 2012
Derby Day
Following two poor defeats at the hands of Blackburn and Newcastle, the Reds would love nothing more than an easy win to get them back on track.
However, instead of a lower league cup tie to get back to winning ways for a stuttering United side, they are facing a massive clash against Premier League and local rivals Man City in the FA Cup third round. Not exactly the easy game they wanted, but a win would give the Champions a major psychological boost for the remainder of the campaign.
But a win at the Etihad stadium seems far from likely after the dire performances of the last week. First of all, a shocking home defeat to bottom of the league Blackburn, followed by a pounding from Newcastle, on both occasions conceding 3 to highlight the leaky defence of early season is back.
There were also troubles off the pitch, with Wayne Rooney fined and dropped, missing the Blackburn defeat as a result of a night out on Boxing Day. There have also been reports that Rooney is on his way out of Old Trafford, which would be a major blow for a United side already struggling for creativity.
Elsewhere, Federico Macheda has joined QPR on loan for the rest of the season, with Mame Biram Diouf expected to follow the Italian out of the Theatre of Dreams for a loan spell to gain some experience.
Tom Cleverley should be back in action soon which will help improve recent displays, along with any other potentials signings if Fergie decides to add to the squad.
It's tough to see the Reds beating City, however, as their home record is outstanding and United out of sorts, but with both sides having numerous players missing, the result is not easy to predict.
However, instead of a lower league cup tie to get back to winning ways for a stuttering United side, they are facing a massive clash against Premier League and local rivals Man City in the FA Cup third round. Not exactly the easy game they wanted, but a win would give the Champions a major psychological boost for the remainder of the campaign.
But a win at the Etihad stadium seems far from likely after the dire performances of the last week. First of all, a shocking home defeat to bottom of the league Blackburn, followed by a pounding from Newcastle, on both occasions conceding 3 to highlight the leaky defence of early season is back.
There were also troubles off the pitch, with Wayne Rooney fined and dropped, missing the Blackburn defeat as a result of a night out on Boxing Day. There have also been reports that Rooney is on his way out of Old Trafford, which would be a major blow for a United side already struggling for creativity.
Elsewhere, Federico Macheda has joined QPR on loan for the rest of the season, with Mame Biram Diouf expected to follow the Italian out of the Theatre of Dreams for a loan spell to gain some experience.
Tom Cleverley should be back in action soon which will help improve recent displays, along with any other potentials signings if Fergie decides to add to the squad.
It's tough to see the Reds beating City, however, as their home record is outstanding and United out of sorts, but with both sides having numerous players missing, the result is not easy to predict.
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