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Manchester United Comment: Back-Ups Must Buck Up For The Bridge
Reserves must bounce back for trip to London.
Nov 4, 2009 6:03:28 AM
The thrills and spills of last night's Champions League match sent the hearts of Manchester United supporters racing but handed Sir Alex Ferguson a pulsing headache.
In a typical roller coaster ride, the Theater of Dreams presented 90 minutes of constant action as the hosts fought back from two goals down to claim a last-minute 3-3 draw.
A ground silenced by the unexpected prowess of the Russian also-rans found their voice as the introduction of new dad Wayne Rooney breathed life into the push for parity.
Few teams can breathe air into their lungs like United. Antonio Valencia's leveler came from a slice of luck, but the hosts should have been stretching for the winner after Darren Fletcher was denied a cast-iron penalty even though his legs were swept from underneath him.
An unbeaten home run in Europe stretching back 22 fixtures was saved, but the prospects for the visit to Chelsea on Sunday don't look as rosy.
Porous doesn't fit the nature of the Premier League holder's defending. Alan Dzagoev's opener saw him make a fool of Jonny Evans, Darren Fletcher marked space for Milos Krasic's slalom effort, while the minuscule Fabio stood no chance against twin behemoth Vasili Berezutsky.
Patrice Evra's 30-minute cameo puts him in the running to return to the spot of his spat with ground staff, but question marks are still swirling around Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand's participation.
Neither has covered themselves in glory as their seasons have yet to kick into gear after constant injury problems. But, without them United will struggle to have the caliber for the Stamford Bridge gun fight.
One match doesn't damn a player. A clean sheet was Evans' reward in the 2-0 win against Blackburn Rovers the last time he was on domestic duty.
A year ago, he also excelled in his side's 1-1 draw which put the brakes on the then rampant Luiz Felipe Scolari regime.
Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka could not cast a shadow over the Ulsterman on a sunny autumnal day then. Evans must re-discover the form that saw him block out the Blues big-shots if his side are to return to the summit of the Premier League table.
Matt Monaghan, Goal.com
Talk all things soccer with the rest of our readers in the Goal.com Forums
In a typical roller coaster ride, the Theater of Dreams presented 90 minutes of constant action as the hosts fought back from two goals down to claim a last-minute 3-3 draw.
A ground silenced by the unexpected prowess of the Russian also-rans found their voice as the introduction of new dad Wayne Rooney breathed life into the push for parity.
Few teams can breathe air into their lungs like United. Antonio Valencia's leveler came from a slice of luck, but the hosts should have been stretching for the winner after Darren Fletcher was denied a cast-iron penalty even though his legs were swept from underneath him.
An unbeaten home run in Europe stretching back 22 fixtures was saved, but the prospects for the visit to Chelsea on Sunday don't look as rosy.
Bridge too far? | Evans must get back to his best
Porous doesn't fit the nature of the Premier League holder's defending. Alan Dzagoev's opener saw him make a fool of Jonny Evans, Darren Fletcher marked space for Milos Krasic's slalom effort, while the minuscule Fabio stood no chance against twin behemoth Vasili Berezutsky.
Patrice Evra's 30-minute cameo puts him in the running to return to the spot of his spat with ground staff, but question marks are still swirling around Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand's participation.
Neither has covered themselves in glory as their seasons have yet to kick into gear after constant injury problems. But, without them United will struggle to have the caliber for the Stamford Bridge gun fight.
One match doesn't damn a player. A clean sheet was Evans' reward in the 2-0 win against Blackburn Rovers the last time he was on domestic duty.
A year ago, he also excelled in his side's 1-1 draw which put the brakes on the then rampant Luiz Felipe Scolari regime.
Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka could not cast a shadow over the Ulsterman on a sunny autumnal day then. Evans must re-discover the form that saw him block out the Blues big-shots if his side are to return to the summit of the Premier League table.
Matt Monaghan, Goal.com
Talk all things soccer with the rest of our readers in the Goal.com Forums
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