Match Report: Blackburn Rovers 0-2 Man United
Manchester United put in an impressive performances against their Lancashire rivals winning 2-0 with goals from Wes Brown and a superb strike from Wayne Rooney.
The conditions were horrendous from the start, which should have suited Rovers considering United's passing style could have zipped across the surface too quickly or, as the rain got worse, slowed down considerably - however neither scenario's materialised as United gave Blackburn a lesson in pass and move football.
A beautiful quick passing move resulted in Darren Fletcher finding himself in space on the edge of the Blackburn penalty area. The Scot proceeded in charging into the box but shot wide of Jason Brown's goal who had closed the midfielder down. Fletcher should have put it away and will be disappointed not to add to two goal tally.
Rooney, Berbatov and Giggs were all on top of their game, interchanging positions at will and showing some sublime touches in the process -Berbatov especially. A minute later after the Fletcher chance, United had the ball in the net. Wayne Rooney swung a cross in from a corner and Wes Brown jumped to head in United's first and leave his namesake Brown on the ground arguing that Vidic had restricted him.
Towards the end of the second half, with United knocking the ball around at ease in their 4-2-3-1 formation Wayne Rooney, who was operating as a right forward, came off the touchline to come inside to run onto a beautiful pass by Berbatov. Rooney attempted to chip the onrushing Brown who saved well from a good opening and a good chance.
Paul Ince looked furious at half time, although he showed only the frustrations to Steve Bennett - who he felt should have given a foul on Jason Brown. Ince really couldn't have found anything positive out of first half performance in which United gave an impressive display of possession football. He may have also been angered by the cries of 'Charlie, whats the score, Charlie, Charlie whats the score!?' from the United faithful - a reference to Sir Alex Ferguson's remarks years ago about the former United player.
The second half started where United at left off on top and creating chances. Ronaldo, who wasn't at his brilliant best, still put in a good shift on the right hand side constantly trying to take on his man and dragging more players out of position at times. Ronaldo also had a shot, which was set up by Berbatov, which was dragged wide. Ronaldo did however setup the second goal in the 64th minute he proved too strong and quick for full back Martin Olsson and sprinted towards and touchline. He then cut the ball back to the forward running Wayne Rooney who hit the ball with his right foot over Brown and into the top right corner. A beautiful goal that summed up United's dominance.
Anderson and Fletcher, in a deeper roles, picked up passes and really dictated play - helped by the intelligent movement in front of them. Carlos Tevez, John O'shea and Ji-Sung Park replaced Ryan Giggs, Patrice Evra and Wayne Rooney respectively as Fergie demonstrated the sheer depth and quality of the squad and rotated accordingly. Although before Rooney was substituted he did have a chance to lob Jason Brown, although his attempt just missed at the target and landed on top of the goal. The Rovers keeper was again called into action to deny Berbatov his first Premier League goal for the champions, when after a shocking back pass by Samba, Berbatov latched on the ball and attempted to around Brown - which was saved by the Blackburn reserve keeper.
United were simply brilliant yesterday and obtained the three points in a ground that has only once in the past six years see United win. Paul Ince had no reply to his former manager's team's performance and summed that up is his post match comments after the game. United have a week off due to the international break but return to action on the 18th October to play WBA.
Manchester United lineup | Discuss game in forum
Source:(Stretford End)