Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea

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Blog, Chelsea, Football, Jesse Lingard, Manchester United, News, Old Trafford, Premier League, Romelu Lukaku, Soccer

25 February 2018

Man United moved back into second place in the Premier League as substitute Jesse Lingard gave them victory over top-four rivals Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Chelsea came close to scoring after just four minutes, as Alvaro Morata fired Marcos Alonso’s volleyed cross against the bar, with David de Gea tipping Eden Hazard’s follow-up over the bar.

Alexis Sanchez had a good chance for United when he should’ve shot first time after being set up by Anthony Martial, but he took a touch which let him down and he ended up firing at Thibaut Courtois with no power.

In the 32nd minute, Chelsea took the lead through Willian. From a United free-kick in Chelsea’s half, Chelsea counter-attacked with Hazard playing the ball through to Willian who fired the ball through de Gea. Scott McTominay should’ve followed Willian and de Gea probably should’ve saved the shot but, it’s hard to fault de Gea, who has been excellent all season.

In the 39th minute Romelu Lukaku equalised for United. After Sanchez played the ball to Martial inside the box, he layed it off for Lukaku who finished into the corner. This was his first goal against the top six this season, his 13th Premier League goal this season and his first goal against his old club.

In the second half, Danny Drinkwater had a long-range effort which was saved unconvincingly by de Gea, but United managed to clear the ball.

Lukaku, who had an excellent match, game close to scoring again when his acrobatic effort from Sanchez’s cross was tipped over the bar by Courtois. The momentum was certainly with United.

In the 75th minute, United took the lead for the first time in the match through substitute Jesse Lingard. Lukaku did great work with the ball on the right, before brilliantly crossing to Lingard who headed in.

In the 86th minute, Chelsea had a goal disallowed, with the assistant referee adjudging that Morata was offside from aces Fabregas’s pass. But, replays showed that he wasn’t.

In the end United held on for a massive win to consolidate our place in the top four and to move back above Liverpool into second.

One player who shone in this game was Lukaku who was excellent throughout. He came into the game having scored 12 goals in the Premier League so far this season but none and only four shots on target against the other teams in the top six.

But, in this game he was a massive reason for United’s victory. He scored the equaliser and then assisted the winner. Overall it was a brilliant display as he worked his socks off throughout.

Much of the build-up to the match had centred on the ongoing disputes between Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte. But, in this game, the pair shook hands before and after the game with all seeming fine.

United return to second in the league, 13 points behind leaders Man City, two points above third-placed Liverpool, and six points above fifth-placed Chelsea, who slipped out of the Champions League places due to Tottenham beating Crystal Palace earlier on Sunday.

Next up for United is a trip to Crystal Palace next Monday, the 5 January. Hopefully we can continue our winning form.

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Yeovil 0-4 Manchester United

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Ander Herrera, Blog, FA Cup, Football, Jesse Lingard, Manchester United, Marcus Rashford, News, Romelu Lukaku, Soccer, Yeovil

26 January 2018

Alexis Sanchez impressed on his debut as Man United comfortably beat League Two Yeovil 4-0 in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Early on, Jordan Green had an effort saved Yeovil by Sergio Romero with what was a good chance. Yeovil had another good chance through Omar Sownmi who had a header saved.

Scott McTominay had a very good chance for United, with his shot being well saved by Yeovil goalkeeper Artur Krysiak. Tom James had a decent effort from a free-kick which was unconvincingly saved by Romero.

In the 41st minute United took the lead through Marcus Rashford. Sanchez passed it to Rashford but, Yeovil got the ball off him, before some indecision at the back led to Rashford getting in front of the Yeovil defence to score. All Yeovil’s hard work in the first half had been undone.

In the 61st minute, Ander Herrera doubled the lead. From a Yeovil corner, United counter-attacked with Juan Mata passing the ball to Sanchez, who carried the ball before playing it through to Herrera who slotted in with his left foot to celebrate his 150th appearance for the club in style.

Substitutes Jesse Lingard and Romelu Lukaku finished the scoring off. Lingard finished well from outside the box, while Lukaku volleyed in to an empty net.

Sanchez showed some very positive signs of what could be to come, as he set up two goals and was constantly looking to do something with the ball. He gave away the all repeatedly in the first half, but that shows he was trying to something which is something we need.

17 year old Angel Gomes came on late on and nearly scored as soon as he came on, as he fired into the side-netting after beating his man. He looks like an extremely talented player for the future.

This victory came on manager Jose Mourinho’s 55th birthday on his 100th game in charge of the club. He’s won 62 of those games.

United haven’t failed to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup since 2014 and this competition is probably United’s best chance of a trophy this season. Mourinho made some 10 changes to his starting 11 but it was still a strong side.

Next up for United is a trip to Tottenham next Tuesday, the 30 January. Hopefully we can continue our winning form.

West Brom 1-2 Manchester United

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Blog, Football, Jesse Lingard, Manchester United, News, Premier League, Romelu Lukaku, Soccer, West Brom

17 December 2017

Man United moved back to within 11 points of Premier League leaders Manchester City by overcoming West Brom.

United started strongly in the first half. In the 27th minute, United opened the scoring through Romelu Lukaku. From a Marcus Rashford cross, Lukaku headed in to give United the lead. Once again his celebrations were muted, but they might’ve been in respect for his former club.

United doubled the lead in the 35th minute through Jesse Lingard. From the edge of the box, Lingard’s shot was on target, but beat West Brom keeper Ben Foster via a Ahmed Hegazi deflection.

In one of West Brom’s only times attacking United, Jake Livermore managed to test David de Gea from outside the box. But, United were looking comfortable.

West Brom were better in the second half, attacking United more. Rashford came close to extending United’s lead, as he fired narrowly wide. Lingard also had an effort on goal, firing straight at Foster following a counter-attack.

West Brom felt that they should’ve had a penalty when Ashley Young blocked off James McClean, allowing de Gea. McClean felt as if he had been barged to the floor.

West Brom pulled a goal back in the 77th minute, as Gareth Barry tapped in after a scramble in the box following a corner. Jay Rodriguez came close to equalising, but he headed a Chris Brunt cross wide.

West Brom came close again to equalising, with another scramble following a corner but, this time the ball ended up in de Gea’s hands. In the end, United held on for the win.

United manager Jose Mourinho said his side would fight until the end after moving back to within 11 points of Man City. He said that he would go on holiday if he felt it was impossible to catch City.

It was less routine than it was supposed to be for United, but a win’s a win. All United can do is keep winning and hope that City falter at some point.

If Lukaku starts scoring again that will help United get more wins. He has now scored 15 times for United and three in his past four appearances.

United remain in second, 11 points off runaway leaders City. West Brom are in the relegation zone in 19th place, two points away from safety.

Next up for United is a trip to Bristol City in the EFL Cup next Wednesday, the 20 December. Next up in the league is a trip to Leicester next Saturday, the 23 December. Hopefully we can continue our winning form.

Arsenal 1-3 Manchester United

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Antonio Valencia, Arsenal, Blog, Football, Jesse Lingard, Manchester United, News, Premier League, Soccer

A brilliant tactical performance from United, including a magnificent performance from goalkeeper David de Gea, helped United to be the first side to win a league game at Arsenal since January.

In what was a breathtaking game throughout, United took the lead in the 4th minute. Laurent Koscielny played a poor cross field pass which was intercepted by Antonio Valencia, before he played it to Paul Pogba, who gave it back to him, and Valencia finished under Petr Cech.

After another defensive mistake in the 11th minute, Jesse Lingard doubled United’s lead. After robbing Skhodran Mustafi, he linked up with Romelu Lukaku and Anthony Martial, before side-footing past Cech.

Those goals meant United had scored as many goals in 11 minutes as they had in eight away fixtures against the Premier League’s so-called ‘big six’ clubs.

It was a breathtaking first half, with 20 shots on goal in total. Alexandre Lacazette hit the bar from close range, with Granit Xhaka firing narrowly wide in a goalmouth scramble. De Gea, who was simply fantastic, denied Hector Bellerin, Sead Kolasinac, and spectacularly keeping out a Romelu Lukaku own goal.

But, de Gea was finally beaten four minutes after the break, as Lacazette pulled a goal back for Arsenal. The ball was played over the top to Aaron Ramsey, who tapped it off to Lacazette, who had a simple finish.

One of the best saves that de Gea made was a double save, which denied Lacazette and then Alexis Sanchez. First, he got down low to stop Lacazette’s effort and then was able to get his leg back up to deny Sanchez’s follow-up.

But, with Arsenal pressing and only allowing United 26% possession in the first 15 minutes of the second half, United counter-attacked Arsenal brilliantly to open up a two-goal lead again. After Pogba had burst into the box, he squared it for Lingard, who tapped in his second of the match.

Pogba was sent off for a stamp on Hector Berellin in the 74th minute but, that didn’t affect United, who held on to stop Arsenal recording 12 straight league home wins and to secure a first win for Mourinho in his past 12 away fixtures against the ‘big six’.

Arsenal could’ve had a penalty late on, as Danny Welbeck was caught by Matteo Darmian, but by then, the 10 men of United had managed to weather the storm that Arsenal threw at them.

The only negative that came out of one of the matches of the season is the fact that Pogba will now miss three games, including the Manchester Derby next weekend.

Arsenal will wonder how they only managed to score once, but de Gea was simply incredible in goal. He was praised after the match by both managers.

United remain in second place, eight points off leaders Man City, whilst Arsenal drop out of the Champions League qualification places into fifth.

Next up for United is the Manchester Derby next Sunday, the 10 December. Hopefully we can continue our winning form.

Manchester United 4-1 Burton Albion

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Anthony Martial, Blog, Burton Albion, EFL Cup, Football, Jesse Lingard, Manchester United, Marcus Rashford, News, Old Trafford, Soccer

Man United eased past Burton Albion in the EFL Cup to set up a last-16 tie at Swansea.

The victory was never in doubt, as first-half goals from Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard and a second-half goal from Anthony Martial put United in a commanding lead. But, with the last kick of the game, substitute Joel Pereira dropped the ball, allowing Lloyd Dyer to score.

United opened the scoring inside five minutes through Rashford. Michael Carrick played the ball into Lingard, who flicked it on, and Rashford fired home. A minute later, United nearly scored another. Ander Herrera played the ball through to Lingard, whose shot was blocked.

United doubled the lead in the 17th minute through another goal from Rashford. After picking up the ball from Daley Blind, Rashford took one touch before firing emphatically in off the post.

United continued to threaten, with Juan Mata and Martial coming close. In the 26th minute, Joe Mason had a great chance to score. After a mistake by Victor Lindelof, Luke Varney played Mason in, but his poor effort was saved by Sergio Romero.

Soon after that, Mata came close again, hitting the post. From the follow-up Matteo Darmian crossed in and Martial’s acrobatic effort was blocked.

In the 36th minute, United scored another through Lingard’s deflected effort. Martial’s piece of skill gave the ball to Lingard, whose shot was deflected in off a Burton player.

In the second half, United continued to dominate, with Martial dribbling through, before having his shot saved. But, a couple of minutes later, in the 60th minute, Martial did add a fourth. It was an assist from Rashford, who played Martial in and Martial finished coolly.

Martial came close again, just dragging a shot wide from close range. He also came close from a free-kick, narrowly missing with a good effort.

The only thing which Mourinho will be unimpressed with is that with the last kick of the game, Pereira dropped the ball, which led to Dyer scoring a consolation.

United have very good strength in depth this season. Keeper Sergio Romero made his first start since the Europa League final, while club captain Michael Carrick was making his first appearance of the season.

Even though there were nine changes from the 4-0 victory over Everton last Sunday, the team was still very strong. Rashford and Mata were the only players to keep their places from that game. Rashford and Martial are fighting it out with each other for a place in the starting eleven.

Next up for United in the EFL Cup is a trip to Swansea in the fourth-round on the 24 October. Next up in all competitions they are away at Southampton next Saturday, the 23 September. Hopefully they can keep the winning form going.

Rashford and Juan Mata were the only two players who started the 4-0 win over Everton last Sunday to make the team, but there was still no starting place for Luke Shaw.

Since returning from injury in last season’s Community Shield, the former Southampton defender has started just 17 of 72 games.

Shaw came on at the start of the second half by which time United were 3-0 ahead.

Middlesbrough 1-3 Manchester United

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Antonio Valencia, Blog, Football, Jesse Lingard, Manchester United, Marouane Fellaini, Middlesbrough, News, Premier League, Soccer

Man United finally moved off sixth spot in the Premier League with a victory against Middlesbrough in their first game since sacking Aitor Karanka.

Middlesbrough started the game brightly, dominating possession in the opening 15 minutes. But, they could not turn pressure into goal and it’s not surprising, as they are the lowest scorers in the league, with 20 goals. United did have a really good chance in the first 10 minutes, Marcus Rashford running clear of the defence, before having a shot well saved by Victor Valdes.
Rashford had another chance, when Juan Mata crossed in for him at point blank range, but he shot straight at Valdes and Antonio Valencia had the rebound saved from a narrow angle. At this point United were the dominant team and should’ve been in front.

On 30 minutes, Ashley Young whipped in a deep cross for Marouane Fellaini to head the ball past Valdes into the the back of the net. The only Boro player to force David de Gea into a save in the first half was Gaston Ramirez. It was the performance of a team who had hardly scored this season.

In the second half, in the 62nd minute, United doubled their lead. Jesse Lingard picked up the ball, dribbled a bit, before firing terrifically into the top corner from 25 yards. United invited Boro to apply pressure after they scored their second, and after Chris Smalling made a mess of an easy clearance in the box, Rudy Gestede to halve the deficit. It was their first goal in eight and a half hours of football. 

Boro put on the pressure after that, mainly because Gestede had come on and made a difference. Alvaro Negredo had been isolated up until Gestede came on, so it was a difference to have a partner up front. Gestede also clashed with Eric Bailly, which cause a confrontation between the two sides. It also looke to have carried on when the players headed for the tunnel at full-time.

In the third minute of stoppage time, United settled the game through Antonio Valencia. It was a howler from Valdes. The ball was coming towards him, he went to clear it, but he slipped, which allowed Valencia to tap in. 

It wasn’t too surprising that United held on. Boro have gone behind 16 times this season and only picked up two points on those occasions. And United haven’t lost after taking the lead in the league, since August 2015. Boro will be disappointed with this one though, having dominated possession for large periods of this game.

United made seven changes to the team which beat FC Rostov in midweek and they were able to ground out a tricky three points. They were able to win even without suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic and injured Paul Pogba. It was their 600th Premier League victory – the first team to reach that mark.

United are on an 18 game unbeaten run in the league, stretching back to October. They are now in the top five for the first time in 184 days. They are in a very good position to make the top four. Middlesbrough on the other hand, are 19th, five points form safety.

Next week is the international break, but after that, United are at home to West Brom on Sunday, the 1 April.

Manchester United 3-2 Southampton

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Blog, EFL Cup, Football, Jesse Lingard, Manchester United, Manolo Gabbiadini, News, Soccer, Southampton, Wembley Stadium, Zlatan Ibrahimovic

A late goal from Zlatan Ibrahimovic won the EFL Cup for Man United against a hugely impressive Southampton.

Southampton started the brighter and had a goal controversially ruled out. Striker Manolo Gabbiadini poked home from close range, but the linesman gave offside against Ryan Bertrand who was not interfering at all and Gabbiadini was clearly onside. And United took an undeserved lead in the 19th minute through Ibrahimovic. He stepped up to a free-kick 25 yards out and stroked it beautifully past Fraser Forster, but it was within reach of Forster.

Jesse Lingard doubled the lead in the 38th minute. After some good build-up play, Marcos Rojo played it to Lingard, who calmly struck it into the bottom corner beyond Forster. Most people probably would’ve thought that United were going to go on to win comfortably, but Gabbiadini had other ideas. Moments before the end of the first half, he pulled a goal back. From a James Ward-Prowse cross, he poked the ball through the legs of David de Gea.

He equalised in the 48th minute with a great finish. United failed to clear a corner and the ball was crossed into the box. Gabbiadini on the turn shot the ball into the bottom corner. After the equaliser both teams had chances to score. But, it was Southampton who came the closest, as Oriol Romeu hit the post with a header from a corner. De Gea also saved from Dusan Tadic and James Ward-Prowse.

United had a really good chance as well. If Lingard had the same composure as he had when he scored he would’ve scored, but when the ball came to him at the back post, he put it over the bar. But, in the 87th minute, the hall came out to Ander Herrera on the right wing. He whipped in a great cross inviting Ibrahimovic to attack it and he headed in the winner for United.

It was a goal which cemented his cult status with United. It also shows what a fantastic job Jose Mourinho did in luring him to Old Trafford in possibly the best free transfer of all time. He took his tally to 26 goals for the season in this game and this was his first trophy since joining. This was Mourinho’s first success since his summer appointment, but it was a lucky one. United looked jaded as they were in Europa League action on Tuesday, while Southampton haven’t played for two weeks.

Southampton can be proud of this performance, but just fell short. Mourinho had a warm exchange with Claude Puel at the end of the game, as he must’ve known that his team were very lucky to come away with the win. Mourinho is now level with Sir Alex Ferguson and Brian Clough as the most successful manager in the league cup after his fourth triumph.

Next up for United they are at home to Bournemouth on Saturday, the 4 March. Hopefully they can carry on their winning form and kick on in the league.