United 2 - 0 Blackburn

Line Up:

VDS

Brown Rio Vida Evra

Ronaldo Anderson Hargreaves Giggs

Tevez Saha

Although Blackburn were on a good run of form, losing only once this season, I was quite optimistic about this match. I was certain that United minus Rooney could win this match, and indeed I was right. Ronaldo scored 2 goals in the first half to hand Man Utd a deserved win over the Rovers.

During the first half United tried to attack but Blackburn defended whole heartedly, infact it was until the 30 minute mark when United broke the deadlock. Ronaldo, whose cross-shot had forced a corner, rose powerfully to meet Giggs' corner and headed the ball to the back of the net. Seconds later it was 2-0. Saha released Tevez and he played a perfect ball across the box for Ronaldo, who steered his shot back across Friedel. 2-0 at half time.

The second half started and I really thought more goals were to follow the previous 2, but for once I was wrong. Blackburn came out quite aggressively but their hopes of getting something out of this match were shortly diffused by the sending off of Dunn. From then on United tried to attack and created some great chances but the Blackburn defence wasn’t in the mood of conceding more and the match ended 2-0.

It wasn’t an entertaining match in my opinion. Rooney was missed and his replacement Saha was off the pace. He didn’t play well, but I don’t blame him. He only played because Rooney is injured and we have no more decent attackers. It will take some time till we see Saha at his best again. Defensively we were spot on. The midfielders had a good game too especially Ronaldo whose confidence rose sky high after his goals. Giggs showed glimpses of genius and Blackburn had to foul him, to stop him. Meanwhile Tevez worked hard up front and deserves full credit for his performance. All in all we got another 3 points and we are on top of the League. Maybe only until Arsenal play Reading on Monday. I feel Arsenal could drop some points away to Reading.

Our next match is in a fortnight away to Bolton, a win is expected but there won’t be Rooney banging any hat tricks like he did last year at the Reebok Stadium. I hope Saha gets back to his formal best so we’ll kill of a pretty weak Bolton side. Until then I’ll be supporting the 3 lions. Only a win will do for England, I just can’t picture a EURO2008 without England. I began supporting England and Utd in 96, since then England hasn’t missed out on a single tournament so it will be a first for me not witnessing England in a major Tournament. Oh well it would decrease the possibility of me having a heart attack. I always feel as if my heart will stop during major football matches were England or Utd are involved.
Anyway COME ON ENGLAND!

Ratings – VDS-7, Brown-8, Ferdinand-7, Vidic-8, Evra-7, Ronaldo-9, Anderson-7, Hargreaves-8, Giggs-7, Tevez-7, Saha-6. (Carrick-6, Nani-6)