Match Report: AaB Aalborg 0-3 Manchester United
Dimitar Berbatov's first two Manchester United goals sealed a comfortable Champions League away win in Denmark.
Berbatov had squandered a fantastic chance to put the European Champions when a mistake by the Aalborg goalkeeper smacked the on rushing Cristiano Ronaldo on the back, which placed the ball straight into the path of the Bulgarian who poorly volleyed wide. United started the half off very brightly at a frantic pace and Sir Alex Ferguson would have expected Berbatov to finish off this chance.
An injury to Paul Scholes spoilt the quick start that United had made when the midfielder was withdrawn to be replaced by Ryan Giggs. Test after the game revealed that Scholes has suffered ligament damage and could be out for up to eight weeks. The veteran midfielder missed a similar chunk of the season last term.
However, it didn't take long for Scholes' replacement to make an impression when Ryan Giggs played a superb pass to Wayne Rooney and the England forward made no mistake in putting United ahead. A superb turn of pace from Rooney who went toward the ball before spinning off behind the defender for Giggs to slide in a neat pass and Rooney to slot past Zaza.
Rafael looked very promising going forward at right-back, which nearly resulted in the young full back chipping the keeper from the edge of the 18 yard area. The youngster looked naive at times when defending - however really impressed when bombing forward and providing an outlet for either Ronaldo or Nani. Rafael chance was one of many in which United didn't take and would have left Fergie frustrated at half time by his side's lack of conviction in front of goal.
The second half began very much like the first, with United on top. Wayne Rooney had a sensational night and showed how important bagging that first goal of the season is with regards to confidence. Rooney showed exactly why he is regarded so highly at Old Trafford by showing great maturity on the ball, moving intelligently into space and also switching play with ease. Berbatov on the other hand looked sluggish, despite his playing style, and proceeded in giving the ball away cheaply when more quality was needed to release Ronaldo on a number of occasions.
However, the Bulgarian did score his first goal for the club in the 55th minute after an almighty cock up by the Aalborg skipper ,Augustinussen, - Berbatov half volleyed in from 20 yards to a feeling of almost disbelief. His second was similar in technique but owed less to defensive inability and more to the quality of Ronaldo's wingplay, and United were finally settled having knocked on the door most of the game.
In between Berbatov's goals came the injury to Wayne Rooney, who should be very pleased with his performance. Rooney apparently injured himself in a collision with the Aalborg keeper, Zaza, and was withdrawn for Carlos Tevez. Rio Ferdinand later explained the change was precautionary and the player should be back for the Blackburn game on Saturday - something United will be hoping for considering this impressive display.
United could then sit back and let Aalborg come at them, which allowed Cristiano Ronaldo, Berbatov and Tevez to play on the counter attack. Sir Alex Ferguson would have been pleased by the pace of the counter attack, with United using a number of players in the play, but will be extremely disappointed with the conviction in front of goal with only Rooney and Berbatov looked comfortable.
Berbatov repaid the favour to Ronaldo moments later with a superb outside of the boot pass to the flying winger but the Portuguese wizard could not find the net as he was sent wide by the keeper and struck the ball into the side netting. Nani was also released and preceded in chipping the on coming keeper who finger tipped the ball into the path of Carlos Tevez who ended up in the back of the net with the ball but was penalised for handball.
Although United were 3-0 winners on the night, Sir Alex will be concerned with the amount of chances missed. He can be comforted by the excellent display at the back by Rio Ferdinand who must be considered the best centre half in Europe at the moment. Injuries to the very impressive Rafael, Rooney and Scholes soured proceedings, but the score line reflected an good away performance that could have been even more impressive.
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