United On Fire

Manchester United 4 (Ronaldo 3, 24, Tevez 26, Carrick 59) West Ham United 1 (Ashton 28)

A very early goal, combined with playing a team already on their summer holidays meant United moved to within 1 win of the title.   From the moment Ronaldo was allowed far too much room to take a shot and score in the third minute this was always going to be a United victory.  However, the stupid sending off of Nani threatened to change the game, and Nani will be heavily punished for his stupidity.

Whilst Ronaldo was sent off for a headbutt that was more of a eyebrow brush in the 2nd game of the season, Nani’s attempt was far more effective at hurting his opponent, and he was rightly sent off.  What was worse was the desperate attempts at play acting.  Last time he does that, one can only hope.

That black moment aside, this was a good result.  Ronaldo tucked his 2nd of the game and 40th of the season using his thigh, but a couple of minutes later Tevez scored a screamer that had his ex-fans clapping in appreciation.  Tevez has been a little underused and somewhat in the shadow of Ronaldo this season.  His performances against West Ham and Barcelona prove that he could still become a United great.

A couple of minutes later, it was the United fan’s turn to applaud an opposition goal.  A lofted ball into the box had both Dean Ashton and Rio Ferdinand backpeddling.  As Rio tried to get his head to the ball, Ashton decided he could make better use of his feet and managed to produce a magnificent overhead kick.  Unfortunately for him, he seemed to injure himself in the process.  Ashton has been tipped as a possible United signing, and whilst I don’t see it myself, he proved today was a good player he is.

Despite being down to 10 men, it was mostly cruise control for United, especially when another ex-Hammer got United’s 4th.  Carrick picked the ball up in midfield and was allowed far too much time to set himself for a shot.  There was a deflection that wrong footed the keeper, Green and the ball was in the net.  Despite conceding 4, Green was at fault for none of the goals.

The game ended 4-1 and United go to Wigan knowing that a win will see them win the league.   Wigan are clear of the relegation zone and whilst will still pose a threat, they don’t have anything to play for.  Mind you, we might still win it on Monday night when Chelsea face Newcastle.  Stranger things have happened.

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