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

With Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal all enjoying good wins earlier in the afternoon, the Red boys had no other ambition in their minds but clinching victory at Old Trafford.

Due to a two-match ban, Fergie had to watch his team play from the stands whereas his former captain Roy Keane was nowhere to find in the stadium. The Irish man’s sudden though predictable departure from Sunderland after being 27 months in charge of the club left the Black Cats somehow by their own on the field. In a way, this incident had quite a positive effect on the visitors as they looked much more strengthened mentally.

Despite convincingly dominating the field with over 75% of possession in both halfs, breaking the deadlock remained a real enigma.

Cristiano Ronaldo was always present to launch attacks for the Reds, but the Golden boy had to be substituted due to fitness problems. Anderson came in for the number 7, while Tevez and Giggs completed Manchester United’s substitution.

Tevez had to combine with Berbatov and Rooney upfront in 4-4-3 formation to boost Man United’s chances of scoring a goal; unfortunately, even that could not empower the Reds to something concrete. Berbatov came close to hit the back of the net, but his header from 7 yards out could only go wide despite being unmarked.

Manchester United’s supporters were all up on their feet, wishing that something could happen. As time were running out, anxiety and urgency filled the Red warriors on the pitch who were determined to fight until the last second.

With less than three minutes to play in injury time, Michael Carrick gave out all he could in his last efforts on goal. His ball hit the post, but defender Nemanja Vidic was sharp enough to tap it past the goal line to ensure all three points for Manchester United.

The dream of retaining the EPL crown is still very much alive for the Red Champions although it could have been a complete different story.

There are no changes in the top four as at now; Manchester are still 5 points behind the leaders with a game in hand.

Written by: Angela Asante