United Left Frustrated By Feyenoord

Feyenoord 1 Manchester United 0

After making wholesale changes to his starting line-up it wasn't exactly the start Jose Mourinho wanted in his first European tie as United manager as his side fell to their second defeat in a week.

Hopes were high as Manchester United returned to the scene of Sir Alex Ferguson's first European triumph as United's manager. It was at the De Kuip stadium that the Red Devils enjoyed a glorious victory by defeating Barcelona 2-1 to lift the old European Cup Winners Cup back in 1991.

Their attention was now fully focused on the Europa League and a tricky opening group match against Dutch side Feyenoord, which would be the shortest trip for Mourinho's men in a group that will see them face longer journeys to Turkey and The Ukraine.

United departed Manchester with a squad that didn't include rested captain Rooney and injured Shaw but still had a side capable of seeing off the threat of the Dutch team.

Mourinho's starting XI for his first European match as manager of the side: De Gea, Darmian, Smalling, Bailly, Rojo, Schneiderlin, Pogba, Mata, Herrera, Martial and Rashford.

Only three players started the game from the eleven that played in the derby so there was a chance for Smalling to partner Bailly in place of Blind and defensive duo Rojo and Darmian replaced Valencia and Shaw.

In midfield, Pogba remained but he had a new partner in Schneiderlin with Herrera and Mata in support.

Up front, the impressive Rashford was handed his first start of the season alongside Martial.

The opening ten minutes was a cagey affair with both sides weighing each other up until the home side tested De Gea with a curling shot from the edge of the area by Berghuis. The United number one was alert to the early threat.

The rock in the United defence Eric Bailly took a knock to the thigh as he cleared his lines and stayed down for a worrying few minutes. He was thankfully able to continue after running it off.

A surging run from Herrera was halted by a foul which Pogba took but his effort on goal was easily saved by keeper Brad Jones.

United's first real chance fell to Martial in the 24th minute following good work from Darmian on the right side of the penalty area. His cross was low and hard and as it fell to Martial you felt it was goal-bound until it flew inches past the post.

The bright spark in the United side was the recalled Ander Herrera, who was covering every blade of grass on the pitch as he helped both the attack and defence.

Feyenoord had a slightly aggressive style to their play, which was shown in the number of free kicks they conceded as they tried to bully United out of their rhythm.

Record signing Pogba failed to stamp his authority on the game as he was dispossessed far too easily on a few occasions.

As the home side saw more of the ball the home supporters raised the atmosphere as they sensed their team were in the ascendancy this, in turn, prompted Mourinho to urge his players to calm down as he watched from the touchline.

As the half entered its final ten minutes it has to be said that United's play had been passive with no real threat in attack.

Mata almost got onto the end of a headed flick-on but that was as close it got as the half ended in a boring goalless draw.

Half time and not a lot to talk about as both sides struggled to get out of third gear. Neither keeper had been troubled and Mourinho will have to gee his players up if they are going to take control of the match and impose themselves further up the field.

Rashford cut a lone figure up front as he lacked any decent service and when he did gain possession he gave it away far too easily. The more he plays the quicker he will improve his all round game as his potential is immense.

At the start of the second half, Pogba slotted in higher up the pitch clearly looking to become more involved in the play than he was in the first forty-five minutes.

In fact, it was Pogba who tried a speculative effort from long range five minutes after the restart, but his shot was high over the bar. An effort more in frustration than anything else as there was nothing else happening in front of him.

By the 55th minute the pace of the game hadn't picked up and it badly needed an infusion of energy from somewhere as Ibrahimovic started to warm up down on the touchline.

Pogba once again tried his luck from distance but his shot was wide of the mark.

After the hour mark, Mourinho had seen enough and made a triple substitution by bringing on Ibrahimovic, Memphis and Young in place of Rashford, Martial and Mata.

A message of intent had been made by the manager as he sensed the game was there to be won. Immediately following the changes the three substitutes almost created a goal as Young did well on the right and delivered a cross to the far post that was met by the head of Ibrahimovic and Memphis almost connected with the ball.

As the match entered its final fifteen minutes it was a match even in chances, but with United edging the amount of possession without managing to create any clear-cut openings.

Ibrahimovic did manage to rise the highest to another Young delivery from a free kick, but the big Swede directed his header too high.

Under fire Memphis showed the lack of confidence in his game at the moment as he fired a volley high into the jeering crowd. That summed up United's night.

Then Feyenoord took the lead on the counter with a goal that should have been ruled out for offside during the build up. Jorgensen was allowed to play on and crossed from the right and found an unmarked Vilhena in the box to fire easily past De Gea.

It was shocking defensive play by United who seemed to stop for the offside flag that never came and ended up conceding a sloppy goal.

To their credit United did go on the attack immediately after conceding and it was Smalling who almost benefitted from a neat flick from Ibrahimovic but his shot was blocked by a crowd of defenders.

Memphis failed to impress again as his free kick, which should have been aimed at a host of teammates in the box, was high wide and handsome.

As the clock hit 90 minutes Ibrahimovic took over the free kick duties and fired a thirty yard effort hard and goal bound that the keeper did well to get his body behind.

It was then the turn of Herrera, who was just about to pull the trigger until a late tackle on him denied him the chance of grabbing an equaliser. That was the last piece of action on a night that will not linger in the memory as there was absolutely nothing memorable in United's play whatsoever.

An opening defeat in the group stage isn't a disaster. However, there are tougher matches ahead and if United do in fact want to add this trophy to their museum showcase then Mourinho will have to put a bomb under his players.

Too many players that were given a chance to shine by Mourinho were off their game, including the recalled defending trio of Smalling, Darmian and Rojo. Maybe it was down to rustiness as they have all lacked valuable game time.

Mata and Herrera huffed and puffed without creating anything of substance. Pogba has yet to hit his stride and he played with a new midfield partner in Schneiderlin who did his job well enough after a spell on the sidelines.

Up front Martial has yet to hit the heights of last season and you would expect a player of his quality to hit top form soon. Rashford failed to live up to the hype surrounding his recent exploits, but he is young and will hopefully learn from the bad games as well as the good ones.

Ibramovich and Young did manage to lift the tempo of the game slightly when they were brought on. On the other hand, there is the matter of Memphis who once again failed to give his manager any reason to call on him anytime in the near future. He may drive a Rolls Royce but he is playing like a clapped out banger.

Two defeats on the bounce now and Mourinho will have to pick a side capable of beating Watford in the Premier League to avoid a hat-trick of defeats.

Until then thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.

Lingard Lords It Over Palace.

2016 FA Cup Final: Crystal Palace 1 Manchester United 2

Local lad Lingard became the hero as he won the FA cup in extra time for ten-man United with a blistering strike that lit up an otherwise ordinary final.

Manchester United have enjoyed a special relationship with the oldest club cup competition down the years that goes back to their first win back in 1909. Since then they have lifted the trophy eleven times but hadn't tasted success since 2004.

So, here was an ideal opportunity at the end of a poor league season to equal Arsenal's record by beating Crystal Palace and lift their first piece of silverware in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

Louis van Gaal and his players made a point of saying that this one was for the long-suffering fans who have had to endure yet another campaign in which United have failed to deliver on the promises of a squad that unfortunately didn't materialise.

In what many believe, and the majority hope will be van Gaal's last match as the manager he chose a starting XI that didn't hold any surprises: De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Blind, Rojo, Carrick, Fellaini, Rooney, Mata, Martial and Rashford.

Rojo came back into the side at left-back and Carrick kept his place in midfield in what could be his swansong for United. Fellaini was preferred to Herrera to partner Carrick along with Rooney.

There are always players who will be left disappointed in not starting a match of such importance among those must have been Lingard who was left on the bench in favour of Mata.

However, the one United player who must have felt devastated to be left out of the squad all together had to be Memphis who has endured a season in which his confidence seemed to have taken a battering and his omission won't help him in any way.

Palace got the final underway amid a wonderful atmosphere provided by both sets of fans.

Right from the off it became abundantly clear that Crystal Palace's tactics involved getting all the players behind the ball and use their pace on the counter-attack.

United played the majority of the first half around the edge of the opposition area but failed to take advantage of the chances that came up. Too many times they attempted to play through the middle with Rooney without the use of the wings.

Palace were happy enough to stand off Rooney and limit his passing options. The frustrations of the United players were clear for all to see as they were punished by the referee with three bookings for Smalling, Rojo and Mata.

Referee Mark Clattenburg didn't exactly endear himself to the Palace fans as not once but twice he didn't allow the advantage to be played following fouls by United. On the first occasion, they actually had the ball in the net but the play was called back and the second would have seen Ward through on goal but again Clattenburg blew his whistle much to the despair of an animated Palace manager Pardew on the touchline.

The first half ended, not for the first time in United's season, goaless, as they laboured in a pedestrian fashion at times. The match needed an injection of pace and imagination if goals were to come.

The United defence didn't really have a lot to do as most of the play was up at the other end. There were flashes of brilliance from Rashford and Martial who both spent the half looking for a way through the tight Palace defence. Carrick, in what was probably his last match, gave the ball away far too easily in dangerous positions and his lack of pace showed against the younger Palace players.

Van Gaal made no changes at the start of the second half. The match didn't take long to spring into life as first Fellaini crashed an effort against the bar after great approach play from Rashford. Then Martial saw his headed effort come back off the post. It was looking as if it could be one of those days.

Rojo's final came to an end on the hour mark when he was caught by a late lunge from Delaney that on closer inspection warranted more than the yellow he received. The Argentinian did try to carry on but was replaced by Darmian at left back.

This was followed by the departure of youngster Rashford after a defender had stamped on his knee. The way Palace were aggressively going into tackles was reminiscent of the 1990 replay.

Ashley young replaced Rashford and immediately slotted in at centre forward with Martial on the left. A positional tactic that not for the first time baffled the fans.

All of Palace's plans came to fruition in the 78th minute when they took the lead through substitute Puncheon who managed to beat De Gea from the tightest of angles. Not a mean feat. 1-0 to the Eagles and boy did their fans celebrate.

Ten minutes to go in the final and fans wondered how United would react. The answer came so quickly, within two minutes to be exact.

United levelled when Rooney decided the only way past the tight Palace defence was to run at them with the ball which he did with fantastic effect. Eventually, he sent over a cross which Fellaini chested down into the path of Mata who dispatched a shot that found the net after a slight deflection.

The game had come to life and with extra time looming van Gaal introduced Lingard for scorer Mata.

The Red Devils looked to have the upper hand at the start of the first period of extra time as the Palace players looked shattered both physically and mentally. Only former red Zaha continued to be a thorn in United's defence and it took heroic defending from Blind to prevent a goal.

Then as is always the case with United they made it harder for themselves when Smalling was sent off for a second yellow card after he had brought down Bolasie. To be honest, it was a harsh booking for Smalling but he was deceived by the forward's pace.

Down to ten men, it would take a huge amount of effort for United to win the match before being resigned to penalties.

United's player of the season came to the rescue in the second period as De Gea managed to get a boot to deny an effort by Gayle.

Then a chance for Carrick to write his name in United history as he found himself unmarked in the Palace area only to send his header wide of the goal when it looked certain he would become the match hero.

That honour fell to the feet of Jesse Lingard who netted the winner in the 110th minute. A cross from the right from the ever busy Valencia was only half cleared and there was Lingard lurking in the box to smack home a shot that was so sublime in its execution it will one of those Wembley goals that will be drooled over with every viewing.

There was still time for De Gea to thwart Zaha as he dived bravely at the wingers feet and received a knock on his head for his troubles.

When the final whistle blew it prompted jubilant scenes from the players and the bench as the reality sank in that they had actually won the cup after being reduced to ten-men and came from behind to fully deserve their victory. Even Louis van Gaal leapt from the bench jumping with joy into the arms of his assistant Ryan Giggs.

In all reality, it wasn't the greatest of finals but a lot of that was down to the way Palace had set out their stall. United were left frustrated many times but to their credit, they never gave up even when they had fallen behind and a player short.

Performances from the likes of Blind, Mata, Fellaini and Martial kept the dream alive. However, Rooney was the man once again who was at the centre of all United's moves and even though he was guilty at times of wasteful passes it was his inspirational run that provided the equaliser. As regards the man of the match then that would have to go to Valencia who completed his duties in defence and attack to great effect.

A last special mention has to go to the hero of the day Jesse Lingard. How refreshing it is in this modern game of football and its millions that it was a local lad from Warrington who came up through the ranks at United to score the goal that will be forever remembered and celebrated by United fans all over the world.

With the cup victory United have finally ended their drought with the first major trophy in three years. The big question has to be whether it is enough to save van Gaal's tenuous position as manager? No sooner had the final whistle blown the media vultures circled the Dutchman looking for answers. At least let the man celebrate the victory before writing his obituary. There will be plenty of time for that.

Thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.

Mata Secures United Win

Norwich City 0 Manchester United 1

Manchester United kept up their pursuit of a top-four finish thanks to a Juan Mata strike in a game that was short on chances and poor in quality.

Norwich desperately needed a win to have any chance of staying in the Premier League whereas United looked to gain another three points to hang on to the tails of the teams sat above them.

Louis van Gaal made wholesale changes to his starting line-up including a forced change after Martial complained of not feeling fit during the warm up. It was the same situation that gave youngster Rashford his big opportunity that he took so well against Arsenal.  However, the manager decided against making the same swap this time around.

Starting XI: De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Rojo, Darmian, Carrick, Herrera, Mata, Lingard, Memphis and Rooney.

With the midweek game against West Ham on the horizon van Gaal decided to rest Blind and used a center-back pairing of Smalling and Rojo with Valencia and Darmian as full backs. In midfield, there were recalls for Mata and Herrera with Rooney used as the lone forward. Memphis was handed a rare start in a season he would want to forget in a hurry.

On a bright East Anglian day, Norwich  got the game underway with the brilliant Red army of supporters in fine voice celebrating the fact that United were going to Wembley and the Canaries were on their way to the Championship.

The Red Devils dominated the game at the start without any urgency and seemed happy to try and control the game and nullify the home side and their fans. However, it was the home team that came the closest to scoring when as early as the fourth minute Jerome looked odds-on to score, but there was United's player of the season David De Gea to literally put his body on the line for the cause to superbly block the headed effort.


United full back Darmian became an early casualty as he was stretchered off following a clash with Pinto and had to be replaced by Borthwick-Jackson.

Just before the half-hour mark Smalling rose the highest for a corner and powered a header inches over the bar to register the closest chance of the match up to that point for the Reds.

Not for the first time in a season low on goal scoring chances United pressed high up the field and played some nice passes around the edge of the oppositions penalty area without actually creating an opening, frustrating to say the least.

The away side were awarded a free-kick in a dangerous area after Lingard was upended. The resulting kick was taken by Memphis who blasted the ball straight into the wall. Yet another wasted free kick by a player who should do better when the opportunity arises in those situations.

As half time approached Memphis stretched his legs down the left wing and his run took him into the penalty area where he was tackled all too easily and the attack broke down. That summed up the Dutch wingers season.

Half time and the two teams were locked at 0-0 in a half that was so lacklustre van Gaal was probably wearing shades to hide the fact that he had nodded off in the sunshine.

The main talking point had to be the injury to Italian defender Darmian and the hope that it would turn out not to be as serious as it had initially appeared as he joined the bench for the remainder of the match wearing a brace on his injured left ankle.

United started the second half having made no changes and immediately went on the attack as they tried to find the all-important opening goal and it was Herrera who came the closest as he volleyed his snap shot into the side netting.

The Under 21 player of the season Borthwick-Jackson made some decent forays down the left unfortunately, Memphis wasn't on the same wavelength as the youngster.

In the opening quarter of an hour, United were camped in Norwich's half as they searched for just one break but Norwich held firm as they had to if they wanted any chance of staying in the top flight.

Mata and Herrera were as industrious as ever but you could see that they needed more of a threat to aim for up front as Rooney laboured on his own. It seemed that if a goal was forthcoming it would be one of the Spaniards who would be heavily involved.

Rojo was next to try his luck with a header from a corner but it bounced wide of the far post.

Norwich did, at last, get the home crowd on their feet when they pressed the United defence in a two-minute spell which amounted to, basically, nothing.

Eventually United's approach play paid off in the 71st minute when Valencia played a long ball out of defence which Rooney collected and purposely strode into the box as soon as he realised he didn't have an opening he cleverly spun around and delivered the ball on a plate for Mata whose left-footed strike gave the keeper no chance and put United into a deserved lead.

Van Gaal decided the time was right for a change and replaced Lingard with Schneiderlin for the last fifteen minutes. Interestingly, prior to the goal forgotten man Januzaj was about to make his entrance. That all changed once Mata had scored.

Memphis once again flattered to deceive on the left wing as he squandered two opportunities to play decent crosses to his teammates much to the despair of Rooney and Mata who had made excellent runs to get on the end of the expected ball that never materialised.

There was a clear chance for Schneiderlin to seal the game after Rooney had set him up, but unfortunately he pulled his shot well wide.

The last change of the match saw the impressive Fosu-Mensah come on for Carrick in the last few minutes which produced smiles on the away bench as once again Januzaj was stripped and ready for action only for van Gaal to have a change of mind.

There was one last chance for the away side after goal hero Mata was unceremoniously dumped on his backside. Memphis took the resulting free kick and came within a whisker of adding a second.

The last shot of the game fell to Herrera who hit his effort high and wide which summed up the quality of the match both sets of fans had been forced to witness.

Full time and another important win and three points for United in their quest for a finish in the top four. So many times this season it has been said that the result was more important than the performance, which has never been more so than in this match. For all the possession United enjoyed they still made hard work of killing of a team that in ninety minutes only troubled De Gea once.

It's difficult to choose a player for the man of the match after so many below average performances, so Valencia gets the nod for his effort. Maybe Januzaj should get a special mention for at least providing the entertainment by taking the time to get ready for action, not once, but twice only not to be used at all.

With two matches left to play, United will be sweating on how local rivals City get on at home to Arsenal before their trip to play West Ham in mid-week for the last ever match at Upton Park when the Hammers will be aiming for revenge for the FA Cup defeat United inflicted on them last month.

Thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.

Darmian's Stunner Seals Win.

Manchester United 2 Crystal Palace 0

A stunning strike by Matteo Darmian, his first goal for the Reds, guaranteed a win and three more points for Man United in their chase for a top-four finish.

Time is running out for United as they chase an all important place in that top four and their fate lies with the teams above them. All they can do is win their own matches and hope that results go their way.

A midweek match isn't the ideal preparation for the FA Cup semi-final this weekend, but it gave van Gaal an opportunity to make some changes and at the same time have a look at the potential final opponents should United and Palace meet at Wembley in the season-ending showpiece in May.

With one eye on the semi-final van Gaal made three changes to the starting eleven. Rojo, Fellaini, and Depay made way for Darmian, Lingard, and Martial. The team: De Gea, Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Valencia, Schneiderlin, Mata, Lingard, Rooney, Martial and Rashford.

United got the match underway with many seats empty inside the Theatre of Dreams desperately in need of a win to keep alive any hopes of a Champions League place.

There was something for the home crowd to celebrate as early as the fourth minute when an own goal by Palace put the home side ahead. It was Delaney who unwittingly put a low cross from Darmian into his own net when there was no United player anywhere close to the ball.

Following the goal, both teams had chances, including a close effort by Mata followed by Adebayor who pulled his shot wide.

Antonio Valencia enjoyed a lot of the ball down the right wing and was involved in many of United's attacks in the opening twenty minutes that saw Mata and Lingard linking well with Rashford to almost create a couple of openings.

There was nearly a second goal provided by Martial, whose shot from distance was saved by the keeper Speroni at full stretch. Next up it was Rooney trying his luck after a neat lay off from Martial. The captains' drive was collected by the busy Palace keeper. This was Speroni's first match since last May in which he also faced United.

After half an hour the Red Devils were well on top in the game and looked the more likely side to add to their lead with Martial and Valencia providing the threats down the left and right respectively.

That man Delaney almost doubled his own goal tally for the night when he deflected a dangerous cross from Martial just wide of his post.

Teenage goal machine Rashford was played through on goal by his captain Rooney, but the usually prolific striker hit his shot weakly at the keeper. There were then two chances in quick succession the first from Lingard and the second by Martial both of which were well saved by Speroni in the Palace goal.

Just before the break there was a bad two-footed challenge by Souare on Juan Mata that quite rightly received a yellow card and he was lucky it wasn't worse for him and Mata.

Half time and United would have to be happy with the slender 1-0 lead they had. The fact that it was only one goal was down to the man between the sticks for the away side after Speroni made save after save to deny United on numerous occasions.

As the second half began all United had to do was continue in the same vein as they had in the first half and their patience would surely be rewarded. Unless, of course the keeper had other plans. No changes were made by van Gaal as Palace restarted the match.

An early chance fell to Rooney after more great work from Martial who managed to cut the ball back from deep, but Rooney's low shot was just deflected wide by a defender.

The next opportunity fell to Mata who benefited from Rashford's tenacious hard work to fire a shot towards goal that Speroni turned around his post for a corner.

From the Blind corner, United doubled their lead in the 55th minute with a screamer from Darmian on the edge of the box that the keeper this time had no chance in stopping in a month of Sundays. Not a bad way to open his goal account by chesting the ball down then volleying it in off the post in front of the Stretford End.

The third goal almost came when Rashford unselfishly laid the ball off to Lingard inside the penalty area only to see the keeper make a double save from himself and Lingard.

That was Rashford's last moment of action as he was replaced by Memphis. The standing ovation from the home crowd as he left the pitch showed how much his all-round effort was appreciated.

Speroni was at it again when he tipped a Rooney header over his bar. Herrera made an appearance in place of Lingard for the final twenty minutes of a match that United had a firm control of.

The third and final change made by van Gaal was to give Rooney a breather and replaced him with Fellaini.

There was a scare for Smalling as he went into a challenge and he seemed to struggle for a few minutes as he tried to run off the knock. Thankfully, he managed to recover as the match progressed.

The home side went through the motions as the match entered the final ten minutes with the game won it was a case of not risking an injury before the weekend. Dutch winger Memphis tried to get his confidence back on track with a curling effort which was deflected away from goal.

Fresh from his first goal for the club Darmian clearly had a taste for more as he tried his luck again, but this time, it wasn't as spectacular and probably best forgotten.

The match ended with another win and three points in the bag for the home side. The match was a relative stroll for United as Palace offered no threat in attack and it turned out to be a good work out for the Reds ahead of the all-important match at the weekend. This display was an improvement on the win over Villa but far from the polished performance that the fans are looking for and more importantly expect from United.

Rashford impressed once again with Mata pulling the strings alongside Rooney. Schneiderlin proved his value to the side with his unassuming but effective style of play. The defence had a relatively easy night of it which allowed them to play higher up the pitch and provide the extra ammunition in attack.

However, it was Anthony Martial who again stood out as he was involved in the majority of United's attacks and if not for the outstanding form of the away keeper he would have added to his season's goal tally.

All the attention now turns to the semi-final at Wembley and the showdown with Everton in the FA Cup, which is the last chance for van Gaal and his team to get their hands on a trophy.

Lastly, talking about trophies, congratulations to Warren Joyce and his U21s who managed to retain their League title by beating Spurs. A superb achievement by the youngsters, most of whom have managed to break into the first team during this season which shows the fantastic array of young talent currently at the club.

Thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.

Martial Unwraps The Toffees.

Manchester United 1 Everton 0

Anthony Martial ensured that United kept up the dream of a Champions League place with the 1,000th strike at Old Trafford in the Premier League.

It was a welcome return to Premier League action for United following the latest round of internationals with the visit of Everton to Old Trafford.

As is usual the international matches brought more injury woes for United with the news that Bastian Schweinsteiger could be out for the rest of the season with a knee injury while on duty with Germany. However, there was more positive news on Herrera and Young, who used the break to get in some important fitness work.

Van Gaal enjoyed possibly his best away performance of the season at Goodison Park in the 3-0 win back in October. But since then the Toffees have vastly improved as a team and have only lost one away game all season so United would have to be on their toes against their possible FA Cup semi-final opponents.

United's starting XI was unchanged from the side that defeated Man City away: De Gea, Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Rojo, Carrick, Schneiderlin, Mata, Lingard, Rashford and Martial. Ashley Young and Ander Herrera were named on the bench alongside Memphis Depay whose disappointing debut season continued on the sidelines.

After the unveiling of the renamed South Stand in honour of Sir Bobby Charlton, the match got underway with United attacking the Stretford End looking for the vital three points that would put pressure on Man City.

It was a lively start to the half by both sides as they went in search of an early opener with Martial coming the closest with a rasping drive that narrowly flew past the far post after a slight deflection. A shot that Charlton himself would have been proud of.

The visitors had clearly come to Old Trafford with aspirations of getting a result and looked well organised throughout the side, but a little suspect when Rashford stretched his legs down the right as his pace was too much for Baines.

After half an hour the match was an open affair with the play reverting from end to end. Martial and Rashford were causing all sorts of problems with their pace for the away defence. Blind and Smalling stood firm at the back with the strong threat from the Belgian striker Lukaku.

As the half neared its end Schneiderlin proved once again how valuable he is to the side with another commanding display in midfield as he fed the forward players with the ammunition to attack.

With Darmian providing the width on the right United had a good balanced look about them. The only downside was that Carrick was having a torrid time up against Barkley with the youngster showing up his elder for pace and challenges on more than one occasion.

Half-time and all square at 0-0 for the tenth time at Old Trafford this season with both sets of defenders standing their ground and coming out on top against their attackers with United edging the best of the very few chances and it has to be said slightly on top but with nothing to show for their efforts. A less than entertaining forty-five minutes and at times a cagey affair.

The second half started with a change for the home side as van Gaal replaced Rojo with Fosu-Mensah which meant that Darmian had to switch flanks.

Lukaku had the first chance of the half, but as he turned to shoot from close range Blind was behind him to make a vital challenge before the striker could do some serious damage.

Then in the 53rd minute, United took the lead through their French sensation Anthony Martial to raise the roof off Old Trafford. The move began with Mata on the right wing who played the ball into the feet of Rashford who turned on the style with a backheel into the path of the onrushing Fosu-Mensah.

The substitute collected the pass in the area and played the ball across the goal mouth where Martial was waiting to pounce with a left-footed finish, albeit with the aid of the keeper, to give his side the lead. That strike was United's 1,000th Premier League goal at Old Trafford.

It was a lead that was almost cancelled out by Everton a few minutes later when Jagielka sent a bullet header crashing off De Gea's crossbar.

Carrick's miserable day came to an end when he was replaced by the returning Herrera for the final thirty minutes. Carrick had endured a frustrating afternoon and looked decidedly off the pace.

Since the goal, United looked livelier as Everton were knocked out of their stride and struggled to get a hold of the ball as the Reds went in search of the important second goal to kill the match off.

The link up play between the home sides' forwards was at times exciting to watch, especially between Mata and Martial who between them almost conjured up a chance as the game entered its final fifteen minutes. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough of those moments of inspiration throughout the game.

Daley Blind was replaced by Valencia after he received a knock while clearing his lines. Blind performed well at the back and was outstanding against the power of Lukaku. The change meant that Fosu-Mensah switched to centre-back to partner Smalling.

De Gea produced a moment of deja vu after his heroics last season in the same match with a save on the line from a goal bound effort from that man Jagielka again. During this period, Everton enjoyed their best spell of the game and United had to be alert to the danger.

Alert they were as they saw out the match and collected all the three points to move up into one point of neighbours Man City in the fight for a Champions League place.

A special mention has to go to Daley Blind who was brilliant at the back alongside the ever reliable Smalling. Martial proved his scoring ability and his partners in attack never stopped running all day. Fosu-Mensah showed he has the talent to succeed with an assured performance after coming on with an assist for the goal and an all important block when Everton threatened towards the end.

It was vital that United won this match as next week they will be away to Spurs who themselves are chasing the title. So, a victory along with a clean sheet stands the Red Devils in good stead for the trip to London.

After an incredible 60 year association with Manchester United, Sir Bobby Charlton was honoured before the game with the renaming of the South Stand after the legend. A fitting tribute to a man who is after all Mr. Manchester United.

How about renaming the last available stand, the old Scoreboard End, after the man who literally rebuilt the club after the devastation of the second world war and went on to make the club into the giant it is regarded as now, Sir Matt Busby.

To end on another high it was great news to hear that Luke Shaw will start training with a Physio on the training ground this coming Monday. After the horrific double leg break, he suffered back in September let's hope that next season he will come back stronger and full of confidence.

Thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.

Rashford Secures Derby Win.

Manchester City 0 Manchester United 1

Manchester United shrugged off fatigue to defeat local rivals City in their own backyard with teen sensation Rashford scoring the vital goal on his derby debut.

After a week that saw United labour to earn a replay in the FA Cup and knocked out of the Europa League it was a return to the Premier League and the short journey across the city to take on local rivals City for the 171st time.

Since the start of the Premier League United holds the upper hand against their noisy neighbours as they have won 19 of the 37 matches played, but in the last five years, the balance has been redressed by the Arab-funded blues.

This was be the last derby match with Pelligrini in charge of City and just maybe van Gaal at United, because a loss today would have been a disaster for the Red Devils who have struggled as the season nears its end.

A top four finish and automatic entry into the Champions League is the target for both clubs. With only a handful of matches left it's getting to the point where any number of sides could sneak one of the valuable places needed.

Van Gaal had received criticism over his team selection and subsequent substitutions against Liverpool and he decided to make two changes. One was to elbow Fellaini to the bench and start with Schneiderlin. The other was to replace Varela at right back with Darmian. The Fellaini change was met with support by many United fans after his less than impressive displays of late.

Starting XI: De Gea, Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Rojo, Carrick, Schneiderlin, Mata, Lingard, Martial and Rashford.

Both teams started the match in a wholehearted fashion with neither side wanting to give an inch. Smalling epitomised that when he was booked for tugging back an advancing Aguero. Blind and Aguero would then have a running battle for the remainder of the half.

De Gea made the first save of the game after an attempt by Navas as he blocked the shot with his legs.

On the quarter hour came a big moment for a young man when Marcus Rashford was played through by Mata and the striker showed the calmness of a veteran as he strode through and slid the ball past a despairing Hart. A brilliant finish from a confident player in his first taste of a Manchester derby. The way he destroyed defender Demichelis with one touch was a joy to watch.

A Great start for the visitors and one that had the away fans up the volume. Martial had a chance to double the lead within a few minutes of the goal not once, but twice with Hart saving one and the other was off target.

With half an hour gone, it has to be said that this had been a confident display by United with City labouring and not allowed to get into any rhythm. The forward line of United looked a threat every time they attacked the makeshift centre-backs.

This was proven on the stroke of half-time when scorer Rashford showed a quick turn of pace and burst into the area only to be upended by Demichelis for a blatant penalty which referee Michael Oliver incredibly waved away.

Then not one but two City players shoved Rashford around and the youngster stood his ground. No action was taken by the ref but it made for a lively end to the half. You can't fault the passion shown by the players and Rashford has it in bucket loads.

Half-time and United led through a wonderful goal by Rashford. The whole team deserved to go in at the break ahead with every player in red having shown the effort and guile to stay ahead. Not often that has been said this season.

City didn't really trouble De Gea and his back four and apart from the Navas effort no save had to be made. Special mention for Lingard, who played extremely well in the number 10 position.

The second half got underway with no changes having been made by van Gaal. From the off Martial almost benefited from a poor back pass that had Hart in all sorts of trouble as he managed to clear but was injured for his effort and was stretchered off.

As the hour mark approached the Reds still looked comfortable as they went in search of the vital second goal with substitute keeper Caballero twice coming to his side's rescue with stops from first Martial then Rashford. This was followed by a low drive from Rojo which again the keeper pushed away.

Van Gaal's first change of the day came when he replaced birthday boy Rojo with Valencia for the final half-hour as City started to gain momentum against a tired looking United defence.

The change meant that Darmian switched over to the left back position. A change that City immediately took advantage of with Aquero sneaking in at the near post to fire a header against the post following a cross after Darmian was well beaten. A clear warning for United to be more careful at the back.

Seeing the need for more strength and fresh legs van Gaal made his second substitution for the crucial last twenty minutes when he brought on Schweinsteiger for Mata.

The changes made in United's defence caused confusion every time City attacked and it was that man Aguero again who this time found himself unmarked at the far post but only managed to head the ball back across the goal.

The match against Liverpool and the effort put in by United in the first half took its toll in the last minutes of the match, especially with Darmian, who had to be replaced after he had gone down with cramp a couple of times. Fosu-Mensah was given another chance to show his worth at the back.

Six minutes of added time made the end more nervous for the away side as City had a flurry of chances to grab the equaliser. But with players like Lingard helping out the defence United stood firm to end the match with all the three points and equally important local bragging rights.

United thoroughly deserved the victory after they had held on after a high tempo first 45 minutes that of course was difficult to keep up for the full ninety minutes. However, they did hold on and came away from the Etihad with the valuable three points in the chase for a top four finish.

It was difficult to pinpoint one player for the man of the match as all the team had put the effort in. You had Martial and scorer Rashford's pace up front combined with Lingard playing behind the strikers.

Schneiderlin held well in midfield and Smalling at the back was a rock once again. But just because he scored a goal of pure class on his derby debut Rashford came out on top.


Manchester is still RED.

Thanks for reading.

Miles Dunton.