Analysis explained that a victory for the Red Champions would not only see them go back to third in the table, but also reduce the margin off the leaders Liverpool to only five points with two games in hand.

Traditionally, Manchester United are exceptionally ‘unplayable’ in the second part of the season. That is when they put the foot on the pedal and pick more points to claim their authority.
Therefore, Sunday’s game to Chelsea came as a huge test to check out if tradition is on Manchester United’s side this year again. And the Mancunians had the chance to do so in their own fortress – the Theatre of Dreams.

Going into the game, United had not lost a single home match this season, and they were keen to extend their record of six consecutive home wins out of seven. The Reds – who had not conceded a goal in the league since their defeat to Arsenal – were defensively boosted by the return of Patrice Evra who missed United’s four previous games through suspension.

On the other side, the pressure was on Drogba to find the key to unlock the Reds’ defence; the Ivorian striker was back in the starting line up at the expense of the French man Nicolas Anelka who was on the bench. Chelsea’s team spirit also received a boost with the return of skipper John Terry after serving a three-match ban; Joe Cole and Ballack were also fit to start but Malouda was out.

Coach Scolari understood how badly his side needed to put an end to their sluggish late form and his line up explained how much Chelsea was going into the game with the intention of preventing a loss.

The performances of both teams were of high quality; United looked more threatening though the visitors kept a lot of possession.
With more than half an hour gone down the clock, the score line was still goalless. Ronaldo tought he had put United in front when he headed home the ball from a Giggs cross, only to learn that his goal had been ruled out for offside. Berbatov missed a great chance to put United in front after the Reds had launched a wonderful attack. At a point, there were fears that Fergie’s boys will once again be wasteful in front of goal.

Man United continued to knock at the door in search of an opener; their thrilling football spiced up by Ronaldo’s flicks and crosses came very much at Chelsea’s anxiety.

With only seconds to go in the first half, Serbian Star Nemanja Vidic headed Manchester United in front from a corner. It was the defender’s fifth goal of the season, meaning that the Reds could go into the dressing rooms with their noses in front.

Ferguson knew that a second goal would kill the game off, and his belief in the pair of strikers upfront composed of Rooney and Berbatov did not failed him.

The England forward doubled Man United’s lead on 63 minutes, finishing off Evra’s accurate cross with a shot from six yards out to leave the home fans ecstatic.

However, even with the score line being at 2-0, United could not afford to seat back and relax. Park and Ronaldo continued to worry the likes of Ashley Cole and Bosingwa and their resilience and game plan paid off when Berbatov rounded up the match with a third goal for Manchester United.
The Bulgarian connected Cristiano Ronaldo’s excellent shot out of a free kick with a header on 86 minutes to emphasize United’s win.

This historic victory witnessed live by millions around the world means that Chelsea have been handed their heaviest defeat in the Abrahamovic era, and their second away loss since December 07.

Manchester United play Wigan on Wednesday, then Bolton this weekend. If United manage to win both games, they’ll be seating at the top of the table – one point clear of Liverpool who only play next Monday.

Written by: Angela Asante

His easy goal, just a few minutes to half-time, was enough for United to wrap up a memorable 1-0 victory over Abu Dhabi’s billionaires.

The Reds triumphed in the Sky Blues, leaving the hosts with few options. Ireland came close to break the deadlock but was denied by the post.

At the end, it was Rooney’s 100th goal that really made the headlines. However, Manchester United’s victory wasn’t as sweet as it could have been.
The Champions had to hang on until the end with 10 men as Cristiano Ronaldo was harshly sent off for fouling Wright-Philips and then handling the ball inside the penalty box.

But the Red Champions are united and strong in depth, and wealthy lads cannot tear them down that easily. All three points were theirs at the end of the day, and as Chelsea lost to Arsenal in the other derby, Man U find themselves just 5 points behind the leaders with a game in hand.

The club travel to Japan in a few days.

Written by: Angela Asante

Though the Red Champions are arguably favourites on paper to win the encounter, history also recalls that the Sky Blues clinched a double victory against the Devils last season under their former manager Sven Goren Eriksson. Man City also beat their rivals 3-1 in a friendly almost three years ago.

A special game for Evra

One player who knows all about City’s capacity is Manchester United’s French left-back Patrice Evra who made his Man United debut against the Sky Blues.

“I played my first match against Manchester City and that helped me, as I knew how hard I had to work,” Evra said to the media.

The defender has indeed developed his talent, since joining the English club from Monaco in 2006, and cemented his place in the team’s starting XI, replacing Gabriel Heinze who is now a Galactico.

Rooney’s powerful mentality ahead of the game

While supporters expect Evra to keep up his good form on Sunday against the team which he faced in his Premier League debut, Wayne Rooney thinks about leaving up to the fans’ expectations.

“Sunday is a massive game,” the striker said.

“We owe the fans a derby win, even though we did win two trophies last season. Losing both games last season was extremely disappointing.

“It is a massive game, especially after what has happened at City with the takeover. It will be nice to show them who the Kings of Manchester are.”

Indeed, the duel between the clubs of Manchester will be fiercer than ever, as it will explain whether money is stronger than historical achievements in football or not.

The Red Champions are placed third in the league table and any slip-up against 11th placed Man City will almost mean the end of the road for them, something which Wayne Rooney is well aware of.

“It is a must-win game for us,” he declared.

“We cannot afford not to win it, especially if Liverpool and Chelsea win.

“We have had some difficult away matches but we should still have done better.

“But we are still not too far away from Liverpool and Chelsea and that is the main thing for us.

“We normally finish the season strongly so hopefully we can do that again.”

Rooney – still one goal short of a 100 – is already predicting a flurry of goals against Manchester City.
The 23 year old England forward has been preparing really hard to go and pour back all the dynamite in the blue skies at the City of Manchester Stadium.

The balance between the two clubs

Manchester United have failed to hit the back of the net in over 180 minutes, and last time’s goalless draw at Villa Park prevented them of taking full advantage on the current league leaders who also lost points on that same day.
As for Manchester City, their 3-0 win at home to Arsenal have uplifted their spirits and confidence and their Brazilian duo – Elano and Robinho – cannot wait to trash the EPL titleholders.
Both were left out from the squad that impressively beat Shalke 04 2-0 in Thursday’s UEFA Cup match in Germany due to injury problems. However, they should be fit to face Manchester United’s Portuguese Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo for another battle of the Giants. Zabaleta also returns to action.

Concerning Manchester United’s list of available players for the local derby clash, things have eased up a bit for Fergie with the possible return of Berbatov.

Speaking to the press, the Scottish boss said: “Dimitar started training today but hamstring injuries are never easy to deal with.

“We have to be careful because he has never had one before.

“We will have to gauge whether it is wise to use him from the start on Sunday or better to have him on the bench.

“It really depends how he comes through the next couple of days.”

Either way, Man United have many options, talking about strikers, with Danny Welbeck, Manucho and Tevez all available.

It will be no surprise if the score is astonishing. However, the game could also be tight depending on the formation that the coaches will want to play. What is certain is that this encounter will be remembered as one of the greatest Mancunian derby ever.

Written by: Angela Asante

Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Dimitar Berbatov started in front with the aim of playing a direct positive game.

Aalborg’s players were very physical and bad challenges cost them several yellow cards. Paul Scholes was stretched and had to be taking off after only 16 minutes. Ryan Giggs came on to replace the good old Scholes and the former Wales captain did not take long to make an impact in the game. His intelligent ball found onside Wayne Rooney who netted in with a low shot.

Ronaldo missed a bunch of chances to widen the margin; Aalborg was fortunate to end the first half being only a goal down. However, their worst moments were just about to arrive.

New signing Dimitar Berbatov stroke twice in the second period to seal Manchester United’s emphatic 3 – 0 win away in Denmark. The Bulgarian capitalized on a defensive mistake to score his first Manchester United goal on 55 minutes.

…And the best of Berba came 11 minutes from time. Ronaldo made a superb cross, setting up Berbatov who stepped up high to fire the ball in spectacular fashion from 12 yards out of the post.

The new comer had already received much criticism from the public following his lack of impact in his previous first games for the club. But last night, the 27 year old explained why he was a number 9 player by proving his worth and ability.

Berbatov has got his first ever Champions League goals in his first ever Champions League appearance and his inclusion in the squad last night was nothing less than vital for Man United to record their third consecutive victory. T

Written by: Angela Asante