Post by Scott on May 30, 2007 23:47:44 GMT
In the FA Cup Villa very nearly stole a draw from Old Trafford. Henrik Larsson made his debut for Man United against the manager that he played for at Celtic and he gave United the lead before the hour. Milan Baros levelled on 74 and it looked to be going wrong for the reds until Larsson’s replacement from the subs bench, Ole Solskjaer hit a low shot in the first minute of injury time which went under the Villa ‘keeper and saw United through to the next round…just. But then we should know by now, ‘United never know when they are beaten’. The third meeting with Villa in two weeks saw a performance which was somewhat more decisive as Villa were swept aside in a 3:1 win. Park. Carrick and Ronaldo on target for United, all the goals coming in the first half.
United’s first visit to the Emirates Stadium saw a memorable tussle with Arsenal. As Arsenal searched for a goal it was United who scored on the counter attack through Wayne Rooney. As the game wore on Arsenal pressed and United held firm, despite some goal-mouth scrambles, and it appeared the reds were on course for victory. That was until Van Persie produced a quality goal on 83 minutes and then Thierry Henry stole the points and the headlines with a header in injury time. The title race looked to have been blown wide open and United fans feared it had, the result was heartbreaking but the FA Cup was on the horizon to take their minds off that league result.
Wayne Rooney came to the fore once again in the Old Trafford tie against Portsmouth, but not before a header from Nemanja Vidic cleared from behind the line after David James made a save. The ball was over the line and the home team and fans had reason to be aggrieved. Sol Campbell gave a good display much to the annoyance of the United fans, when they did have the ball in the net again, through Henrik Larsson, it was judged to be off side, cameras suggested otherwise but the game went on. The stubborn resistance ended 13 minutes from time with Larsson and Giggs combining, Giggs crossing and Rooney on target. Soon after that goal Rooney was on the end of Gary Neville’s pass, the striker then showed his skill with a chip over David James from almost 30 yards out. James was stranded and the United fans erupted and although Portsmouth managed a consolation, United progressed in the competition. United ended the month with a comfortable 4:0 victory over lowly Watford. Goals from the penalty spot via Ronaldo, an own goal from Doyley, and quick fire goals from Larsson and Rooney saw United collect the three points.
The game at Spurs will always be remembered for the emergence of a new United ‘keeper as John O’Shea was needed between the sticks. The game was quite a fiery affair in the first half but the course of the game changed when Cristiano Ronaldo went down in the area under contact from Steed Malbranque. Ronaldo dispatched the penalty for his 15th league goal of the season and the promise of a £400 bet payout from his manager. The second half display at White Hart Lane could not have been more different from the first, Carrick’s corner was headed into the net by Vidic and Ronaldo left his marker for dead and provided a cross which Paul Scholes was able to poke into the net for a 3:0 lead. The fourth goal was a stylish finish from Ryan Giggs. The injury sustained to Edwin van der Sar was a low point but the jolly green Irish giant, John O’Shea was happy to stand in and kept the all important clean sheet.
United powered to a 2:0 victory over Charlton before stumbling in the FA Cup game against Reading, a 1:1 draw earned Reading a replay. Ryan Giggs’ quick free kick stole the headlines and secured United a 1:0 victory over Lille in the 83rd minute of their Champions League encounter and it was soon on to Fulham as United needed to keep all three of their football plates spinning.
At Craven Cottage United entered a crucial point in their season. Fulham were arguably the better side for much of the game and drew first blood in the contest through Brian McBride after 17 minutes, though some miscommunication in the United back four contributed. Ryan Giggs levelled on 29 minutes with a volley from Wayne Rooney’s cross but Fulham were not ready to lie down for the Champions elect. It was all academic however when Cristiano Ronaldo collected the ball on the left wing and ran inside the attentions of the Fulham defence before firing United into the lead, giving the reds a precious victory just as the title race was getting interesting. The players on the field and bench celebrated together as though they had got one hand firmly on their trophy again. United hit Reading with three goals in the first six minutes in their cup replay with Reading to claim victory in their next game, Reading did hit two goals in reply to rattle some United nerves almost force extra time but it was United that booked their place in the next round before another round of the United Liverpool rivalry.
We all hear the old cliché of champions having the knack of winning whilst not playing well and United were to show that at Anfield in a game in which a Liverpool victory would not have been a surprise. Liverpool would go on to have some success with their ‘chess game on a football pitch’ performances but on the domestic front in this game they fell short as John O’Shea scored a winner in injury time. The fact that United were twelve points clear and had got there by claiming victory against our rivals prompted celebrations which showed that the players were starting to believe this could be our year. The team also reached the quarter finals of the Champions League with a 1:0 win over Lille at Old Trafford. The goal was scored by Henrik Larsson who was making his last home appearance for the club. Middlesbrough could have knocked United out of the FA Cup at the quarter final stage, United took the lead in the first half through Wayne Rooney but Boro scored twice, either side of the half time interval to go into a 2:1 lead. United needed a Ronaldo penalty to force the game into a replay. Seven days later United cruised to a 4:1 victory over Bolton. On the downside, Gary Neville was injured after a challenge from Gary Speed but United soon managed to take the lead when Ronaldo pulled the ball back for Ji Sung Park to score the opener. He later fed team mate Rooney for the second goal, and could have had one himself before half time but his shot was denied by the Bolton ‘keeper who could only push the ball into the path of Park for his second. Ronaldo gave a man of the match performance and deserved a goal but others were on hand for that as substitute Alan Smith set up Rooney for his second goal and United bagged the three points. Ronaldo did hit the net in the next game, as United edged the FA Cup replay against Middlesbrough thanks to his penalty, setting up a semi final with Watford in the process.
United ended March with a home game against Blackburn, victories at this stage were of course more important than performances but the start could not have been worse as Matt Derbyshire smashed home from close range to put United behind. United fans everywhere were praying for a good response from United and after the hour Paul Scholes jinxed his way through the Blackburn defence and fired past Brad Friedel to level and inspire the team to go on and shoot for victory. Goals from Carrick, Park and Solskjaer followed. The full time whistle brought a fantastic second half revival to an end and saw the latest most crucial victory in a long list of must wins.
The first few games of April threatened to de-rail United’s entire season. The team suffered defeat to Roma in the first leg of the Champions League Quarter Final and would need the performance of a life time in order to progress. The second blow came the following Saturday at Fratton Park. Edwin van der Sar was at fault as Matthew Taylor opened the scoring on the half hour and towards the end of the game Rio Ferdinand scored an own goal. No one watching could forget Ferdinand walking back to the centre circle with his head low and shouting at himself, and despite a last minute goal from John O’Shea United had slipped up and left themselves just three points ahead of Chelsea. It was not great preparation for United’s return leg with Roma. The Italians were 2:1 on aggregate and on course for the Semi Finals until United washed away their poor recent form with an unforgettable performance in which they ended up thrashing Roma 7:1. Scoring early was going to be important if the reds were going to pull this off and Carrick’s goal started it all perfectly with his curling shot past Doni. “One nil will do,” the commentator said, showing that he didn’t really know Manchester United very well at all. A picturesque goal from returning Alan Smith followed on 17 minutes and the third came courtesy of Rooney. A Ronaldo double either side of half time sent United fans everywhere into wild celebrations but the goal scoring still was not over. Michael Carrick hit his second and even Patrice Evra found the net. Manchester United recorded an 8-3 aggregate lead over Roma, one of the most impressive nights at Old Trafford and one which no fan will ever forget.
That magic performance inspired the team through a 4:1 victory over Watford in the FA Cup at what is a lucky ground for United in the competition and the team were back to winning ways domestically with a 2:0 win over Sheffield United at Old Trafford. The win, goals from Carrick and Rooney, took United 6 points clear of Chelsea. Next came another meeting with Middlesbrough and a game that looked like it was going to have disastrous effects on United’s title charge. Kieran Richardson scored an early goal to relax the home crowd and gave the impression that United would have an easy game. Unfortunately Middlesbrough proved once again to be the thorn in United’s side when Mark Viduka scored on the stroke of half time. That was a hammer blow to a United side that had already seen Rio Ferdinand injured, he would not appear in the second half. The final whistle ended the affair and dented United’s title hopes, at the end of the game United were just four points clear with Chelsea playing Newcastle the next day looking to close the gap even further. Game on indeed!
In any event United were not made to pay for this stumble, Chelsea failed to beat Newcastle. As happy as that made the United faithful, they were soon focused on a first leg home tie in the Champions League Semi Final against AC Milan. Cristiano scored to secure a dream start, but two first half goals from the superb Kaka turned the game on its head. Milan went in with a 2:1 lead at half time but the game was rescued by Wayne Rooney in the second period, bringing the score to 2:2 after a brilliant flick from Scholes. United’s reaction to clawing level was to keep on going and it was Rooney who sent United into the lead with a powerful first time shot into the bottom corner of Dida’s net. Advantage United, but only just, and work still had to be done if we were to be in the final.
The last game of April saw United visit Goodison park for a never-to-be forgotten match against Everton. The toffees went into a 2:0 lead thanks to a first half deflected Alan Stubbs free kick and a second half goal from Manuel Fernandes in the second half. At the same time Chelsea were 2:1 ahead in their game against Bolton and the title race looked to be twisted once again. Kevin Davies’ equaliser for the Wanderers would have looked like a disappointment Chelsea could take in the face of a defeat for United. At Goodison, however, United had other ideas. It was stand in ‘keeper Iain Turner’s mistake that gifted John O’Shea a goal and a route back into the game just after the hour, then less than ten minutes later Phil Neville put through his own net to level. Heartbreak for him, delight for Manchester United who then sensed victory. The go ahead goal came from none other than ex Evertonian Wayne Rooney before sub Chris Eagles curled in a beautiful shot to finish the game 4:2 in favour of the reds. A score line which looked extremely unlikely at half time put one hand on the Premiership trophy for the Old Trafford club, as Sir Alex Ferguson gleefully gave the Chelsea score (2:2) from the sidelines. We wanted our trophy back and we almost had it now.
A poor United side crashed out of the Champions League with a 3:0 defeat to Milan and the dreams of the treble were over but United went into the weekend knowing that only a win would do in the Manchester Derby at Eastlands. Cristiano Ronaldo capped a good week for him personally after being named Player of the Year, he netted a penalty in the first half after Michael Ball’s foul. It was a case of just deserts for Michael Ball who had stamped on Ronaldo earlier in the game. Nails were bitten from then until the end of the game and United gave away a penalty of their own ten minutes from time. Michael Ball (again) popped up and dived in the area, capping a rather ironic affair, with bitter blue fans booing Ronaldo whenever he came near the ball. To the relief and delight of the United fans Darius Vassell drove his penalty straight at Van der Sar and United held on to claim victory.
United were confirmed as Champions the next day when Chelsea finished their game at Arsenal with only a point.
As it turned out, the Manchester Derby provided United with their last victory of the season as it seemed that once United had reached their goal they ran out of gas, understandable, after the season they had endured and enjoyed but the team still had games to play. A guard of honour was given for the new Champions, by the old ones at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea and United battled to a scoreless draw in the preview of the Cup Final. The last game of the season saw West Ham battling for survival, the United line up was stronger than in the Chelsea game but it was West Ham that took the points necessary to stay in the Premiership, thanks to Carlos Tevez. A victory would have been nice but the celebrations at the end were no less impressive as the United players lifted the Premiership crown.
One game remained, Chelsea again in the FA Cup Final. The right teams for the occasion, but as it happened it looked a game too far for both of them. In the event Didier Drogba was the difference in extra time, his goal won Chelsea the cup and arguably saved Chelsea’s season at the same time. A tired end to a fantastic season, one which saw Manchester United rightfully return to the summit of English football.
RoM formed on the back of a season which saw United on the up, but not quite there. Our first season together has seen our team go from strength to strength, playing football which has dazzled and entertained us.
Premiership Champions 2006-2007. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?
I have created a RoM video which celebrates our best moments and goals 06/07.
Click
---------
I hope you enjoyed the thirteenth edition of The Paper. Any comments about it please leave in the comments thread on this board
Editor: Scott
United’s first visit to the Emirates Stadium saw a memorable tussle with Arsenal. As Arsenal searched for a goal it was United who scored on the counter attack through Wayne Rooney. As the game wore on Arsenal pressed and United held firm, despite some goal-mouth scrambles, and it appeared the reds were on course for victory. That was until Van Persie produced a quality goal on 83 minutes and then Thierry Henry stole the points and the headlines with a header in injury time. The title race looked to have been blown wide open and United fans feared it had, the result was heartbreaking but the FA Cup was on the horizon to take their minds off that league result.
Wayne Rooney came to the fore once again in the Old Trafford tie against Portsmouth, but not before a header from Nemanja Vidic cleared from behind the line after David James made a save. The ball was over the line and the home team and fans had reason to be aggrieved. Sol Campbell gave a good display much to the annoyance of the United fans, when they did have the ball in the net again, through Henrik Larsson, it was judged to be off side, cameras suggested otherwise but the game went on. The stubborn resistance ended 13 minutes from time with Larsson and Giggs combining, Giggs crossing and Rooney on target. Soon after that goal Rooney was on the end of Gary Neville’s pass, the striker then showed his skill with a chip over David James from almost 30 yards out. James was stranded and the United fans erupted and although Portsmouth managed a consolation, United progressed in the competition. United ended the month with a comfortable 4:0 victory over lowly Watford. Goals from the penalty spot via Ronaldo, an own goal from Doyley, and quick fire goals from Larsson and Rooney saw United collect the three points.
The game at Spurs will always be remembered for the emergence of a new United ‘keeper as John O’Shea was needed between the sticks. The game was quite a fiery affair in the first half but the course of the game changed when Cristiano Ronaldo went down in the area under contact from Steed Malbranque. Ronaldo dispatched the penalty for his 15th league goal of the season and the promise of a £400 bet payout from his manager. The second half display at White Hart Lane could not have been more different from the first, Carrick’s corner was headed into the net by Vidic and Ronaldo left his marker for dead and provided a cross which Paul Scholes was able to poke into the net for a 3:0 lead. The fourth goal was a stylish finish from Ryan Giggs. The injury sustained to Edwin van der Sar was a low point but the jolly green Irish giant, John O’Shea was happy to stand in and kept the all important clean sheet.
United powered to a 2:0 victory over Charlton before stumbling in the FA Cup game against Reading, a 1:1 draw earned Reading a replay. Ryan Giggs’ quick free kick stole the headlines and secured United a 1:0 victory over Lille in the 83rd minute of their Champions League encounter and it was soon on to Fulham as United needed to keep all three of their football plates spinning.
At Craven Cottage United entered a crucial point in their season. Fulham were arguably the better side for much of the game and drew first blood in the contest through Brian McBride after 17 minutes, though some miscommunication in the United back four contributed. Ryan Giggs levelled on 29 minutes with a volley from Wayne Rooney’s cross but Fulham were not ready to lie down for the Champions elect. It was all academic however when Cristiano Ronaldo collected the ball on the left wing and ran inside the attentions of the Fulham defence before firing United into the lead, giving the reds a precious victory just as the title race was getting interesting. The players on the field and bench celebrated together as though they had got one hand firmly on their trophy again. United hit Reading with three goals in the first six minutes in their cup replay with Reading to claim victory in their next game, Reading did hit two goals in reply to rattle some United nerves almost force extra time but it was United that booked their place in the next round before another round of the United Liverpool rivalry.
We all hear the old cliché of champions having the knack of winning whilst not playing well and United were to show that at Anfield in a game in which a Liverpool victory would not have been a surprise. Liverpool would go on to have some success with their ‘chess game on a football pitch’ performances but on the domestic front in this game they fell short as John O’Shea scored a winner in injury time. The fact that United were twelve points clear and had got there by claiming victory against our rivals prompted celebrations which showed that the players were starting to believe this could be our year. The team also reached the quarter finals of the Champions League with a 1:0 win over Lille at Old Trafford. The goal was scored by Henrik Larsson who was making his last home appearance for the club. Middlesbrough could have knocked United out of the FA Cup at the quarter final stage, United took the lead in the first half through Wayne Rooney but Boro scored twice, either side of the half time interval to go into a 2:1 lead. United needed a Ronaldo penalty to force the game into a replay. Seven days later United cruised to a 4:1 victory over Bolton. On the downside, Gary Neville was injured after a challenge from Gary Speed but United soon managed to take the lead when Ronaldo pulled the ball back for Ji Sung Park to score the opener. He later fed team mate Rooney for the second goal, and could have had one himself before half time but his shot was denied by the Bolton ‘keeper who could only push the ball into the path of Park for his second. Ronaldo gave a man of the match performance and deserved a goal but others were on hand for that as substitute Alan Smith set up Rooney for his second goal and United bagged the three points. Ronaldo did hit the net in the next game, as United edged the FA Cup replay against Middlesbrough thanks to his penalty, setting up a semi final with Watford in the process.
United ended March with a home game against Blackburn, victories at this stage were of course more important than performances but the start could not have been worse as Matt Derbyshire smashed home from close range to put United behind. United fans everywhere were praying for a good response from United and after the hour Paul Scholes jinxed his way through the Blackburn defence and fired past Brad Friedel to level and inspire the team to go on and shoot for victory. Goals from Carrick, Park and Solskjaer followed. The full time whistle brought a fantastic second half revival to an end and saw the latest most crucial victory in a long list of must wins.
The first few games of April threatened to de-rail United’s entire season. The team suffered defeat to Roma in the first leg of the Champions League Quarter Final and would need the performance of a life time in order to progress. The second blow came the following Saturday at Fratton Park. Edwin van der Sar was at fault as Matthew Taylor opened the scoring on the half hour and towards the end of the game Rio Ferdinand scored an own goal. No one watching could forget Ferdinand walking back to the centre circle with his head low and shouting at himself, and despite a last minute goal from John O’Shea United had slipped up and left themselves just three points ahead of Chelsea. It was not great preparation for United’s return leg with Roma. The Italians were 2:1 on aggregate and on course for the Semi Finals until United washed away their poor recent form with an unforgettable performance in which they ended up thrashing Roma 7:1. Scoring early was going to be important if the reds were going to pull this off and Carrick’s goal started it all perfectly with his curling shot past Doni. “One nil will do,” the commentator said, showing that he didn’t really know Manchester United very well at all. A picturesque goal from returning Alan Smith followed on 17 minutes and the third came courtesy of Rooney. A Ronaldo double either side of half time sent United fans everywhere into wild celebrations but the goal scoring still was not over. Michael Carrick hit his second and even Patrice Evra found the net. Manchester United recorded an 8-3 aggregate lead over Roma, one of the most impressive nights at Old Trafford and one which no fan will ever forget.
That magic performance inspired the team through a 4:1 victory over Watford in the FA Cup at what is a lucky ground for United in the competition and the team were back to winning ways domestically with a 2:0 win over Sheffield United at Old Trafford. The win, goals from Carrick and Rooney, took United 6 points clear of Chelsea. Next came another meeting with Middlesbrough and a game that looked like it was going to have disastrous effects on United’s title charge. Kieran Richardson scored an early goal to relax the home crowd and gave the impression that United would have an easy game. Unfortunately Middlesbrough proved once again to be the thorn in United’s side when Mark Viduka scored on the stroke of half time. That was a hammer blow to a United side that had already seen Rio Ferdinand injured, he would not appear in the second half. The final whistle ended the affair and dented United’s title hopes, at the end of the game United were just four points clear with Chelsea playing Newcastle the next day looking to close the gap even further. Game on indeed!
In any event United were not made to pay for this stumble, Chelsea failed to beat Newcastle. As happy as that made the United faithful, they were soon focused on a first leg home tie in the Champions League Semi Final against AC Milan. Cristiano scored to secure a dream start, but two first half goals from the superb Kaka turned the game on its head. Milan went in with a 2:1 lead at half time but the game was rescued by Wayne Rooney in the second period, bringing the score to 2:2 after a brilliant flick from Scholes. United’s reaction to clawing level was to keep on going and it was Rooney who sent United into the lead with a powerful first time shot into the bottom corner of Dida’s net. Advantage United, but only just, and work still had to be done if we were to be in the final.
The last game of April saw United visit Goodison park for a never-to-be forgotten match against Everton. The toffees went into a 2:0 lead thanks to a first half deflected Alan Stubbs free kick and a second half goal from Manuel Fernandes in the second half. At the same time Chelsea were 2:1 ahead in their game against Bolton and the title race looked to be twisted once again. Kevin Davies’ equaliser for the Wanderers would have looked like a disappointment Chelsea could take in the face of a defeat for United. At Goodison, however, United had other ideas. It was stand in ‘keeper Iain Turner’s mistake that gifted John O’Shea a goal and a route back into the game just after the hour, then less than ten minutes later Phil Neville put through his own net to level. Heartbreak for him, delight for Manchester United who then sensed victory. The go ahead goal came from none other than ex Evertonian Wayne Rooney before sub Chris Eagles curled in a beautiful shot to finish the game 4:2 in favour of the reds. A score line which looked extremely unlikely at half time put one hand on the Premiership trophy for the Old Trafford club, as Sir Alex Ferguson gleefully gave the Chelsea score (2:2) from the sidelines. We wanted our trophy back and we almost had it now.
A poor United side crashed out of the Champions League with a 3:0 defeat to Milan and the dreams of the treble were over but United went into the weekend knowing that only a win would do in the Manchester Derby at Eastlands. Cristiano Ronaldo capped a good week for him personally after being named Player of the Year, he netted a penalty in the first half after Michael Ball’s foul. It was a case of just deserts for Michael Ball who had stamped on Ronaldo earlier in the game. Nails were bitten from then until the end of the game and United gave away a penalty of their own ten minutes from time. Michael Ball (again) popped up and dived in the area, capping a rather ironic affair, with bitter blue fans booing Ronaldo whenever he came near the ball. To the relief and delight of the United fans Darius Vassell drove his penalty straight at Van der Sar and United held on to claim victory.
United were confirmed as Champions the next day when Chelsea finished their game at Arsenal with only a point.
As it turned out, the Manchester Derby provided United with their last victory of the season as it seemed that once United had reached their goal they ran out of gas, understandable, after the season they had endured and enjoyed but the team still had games to play. A guard of honour was given for the new Champions, by the old ones at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea and United battled to a scoreless draw in the preview of the Cup Final. The last game of the season saw West Ham battling for survival, the United line up was stronger than in the Chelsea game but it was West Ham that took the points necessary to stay in the Premiership, thanks to Carlos Tevez. A victory would have been nice but the celebrations at the end were no less impressive as the United players lifted the Premiership crown.
One game remained, Chelsea again in the FA Cup Final. The right teams for the occasion, but as it happened it looked a game too far for both of them. In the event Didier Drogba was the difference in extra time, his goal won Chelsea the cup and arguably saved Chelsea’s season at the same time. A tired end to a fantastic season, one which saw Manchester United rightfully return to the summit of English football.
RoM formed on the back of a season which saw United on the up, but not quite there. Our first season together has seen our team go from strength to strength, playing football which has dazzled and entertained us.
Premiership Champions 2006-2007. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?
RoM Video
I have created a RoM video which celebrates our best moments and goals 06/07.
Click
---------
I hope you enjoyed the thirteenth edition of The Paper. Any comments about it please leave in the comments thread on this board
Editor: Scott
