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Special: Rooney Hits Treble And Puts Penalty Controversy In The Shade
Striker shows class as United hold their nerve.
Nov 28, 2009 10:39:12 AM
Doubts surrounded Portsmouth’s penalty, but no-one can question the ability of hat-trick hero Wayne Rooney as he stepped up to power Manchester United to victory.
The Premier League champions showed their class as they crashed new manager Avram Grant’s welcome party at Fratton Park to notch up a 4-1 win. Rooney's first treble in four years set up a successful trip to the south coast, while the 100th Premier League goal of Ryan Giggs’ career put a smile on Sir Alex Ferguson’s face in the stands.
The pair will have to share the headlines with Mike Dean after the referee from the Wirral went penalty crazy.
Few forwards strike fear into the heart of defenders like Rooney and his three-goal haul proved he is the beacon of United’s title defense. The Scouser kept his cool to slot home twice from 12 yards and his instinctive finish when played in by centurion Giggs was composure exemplified.
A game played at the high octane pace expected from the English top flight will also be remembered for the three spot-kick decisions. Reckless trips annoyed the Fratton Park faithful for United’s double, but they couldn’t believe their luck when Dean blew for theirs.
Replays proved inconclusive and the phantom offense only materialized when the slightest of shirt pulls from Nemanja Vidic became apparent.
For United, the signs are promising that they are finally slotting in to their groove as they quickly forgot that most unexpected of setbacks. Robbed of parity at Stamford Bridge, the 3-0 result against Everton that followed was a welcome fillip.
Today was all about showing the importance of versatility. The 4-5-1 favored by Ferguson should have blunted any of the visitor’s attacking threat.
Four goals later, those doubts can be cast to one side. The Scot’s tactical genius shone through as his decision to face up to challenge of the narrow Pompey pitch proved correct.
Space was never going to be available out wide, so why swim against the tide? Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Paul Scholes provided the anchor, with Giggs and the ever improving Antonio Valencia happy to cut in at any moment.
This perfectly weighted game plan needed the sprinkling of genius to succeed, however. Without Rooney’s perspicacity and inspiration, the foundation on which Ferguson built upon would have collapsed.
His every flick was delightful, shooting exceptional and link-up play effortless. Without the United No.10, the fires of the comeback would have been impossible to stoke.
Championship winning teams need a maestro to see them over the line, and where there’s Rooney, there is always a way.
Matt Monaghan, Goal.com
How is England's lack of youth development hurting the national team? Find out in the November issue of Goal.com Magazine.
The Premier League champions showed their class as they crashed new manager Avram Grant’s welcome party at Fratton Park to notch up a 4-1 win. Rooney's first treble in four years set up a successful trip to the south coast, while the 100th Premier League goal of Ryan Giggs’ career put a smile on Sir Alex Ferguson’s face in the stands.
The pair will have to share the headlines with Mike Dean after the referee from the Wirral went penalty crazy.
Few forwards strike fear into the heart of defenders like Rooney and his three-goal haul proved he is the beacon of United’s title defense. The Scouser kept his cool to slot home twice from 12 yards and his instinctive finish when played in by centurion Giggs was composure exemplified.
A game played at the high octane pace expected from the English top flight will also be remembered for the three spot-kick decisions. Reckless trips annoyed the Fratton Park faithful for United’s double, but they couldn’t believe their luck when Dean blew for theirs.
Replays proved inconclusive and the phantom offense only materialized when the slightest of shirt pulls from Nemanja Vidic became apparent.
For United, the signs are promising that they are finally slotting in to their groove as they quickly forgot that most unexpected of setbacks. Robbed of parity at Stamford Bridge, the 3-0 result against Everton that followed was a welcome fillip.
Penalty confusion | Dean's decision stunned United
Today was all about showing the importance of versatility. The 4-5-1 favored by Ferguson should have blunted any of the visitor’s attacking threat.
Four goals later, those doubts can be cast to one side. The Scot’s tactical genius shone through as his decision to face up to challenge of the narrow Pompey pitch proved correct.
Space was never going to be available out wide, so why swim against the tide? Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Paul Scholes provided the anchor, with Giggs and the ever improving Antonio Valencia happy to cut in at any moment.
This perfectly weighted game plan needed the sprinkling of genius to succeed, however. Without Rooney’s perspicacity and inspiration, the foundation on which Ferguson built upon would have collapsed.
His every flick was delightful, shooting exceptional and link-up play effortless. Without the United No.10, the fires of the comeback would have been impossible to stoke.
Championship winning teams need a maestro to see them over the line, and where there’s Rooney, there is always a way.
Matt Monaghan, Goal.com
How is England's lack of youth development hurting the national team? Find out in the November issue of Goal.com Magazine.
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