Review Man City v Man Utd Review Man City v Man Utd

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Result: Man City 0-1 Man Utd19mins: Shaun Wright Phillips runs at United defence gets fouled by Darren Fletcher no booking33mins: Shaun Wright Phillips runs at United defence gets fouled by Darren Fletcher booking40mins: Shaun Wright Phillips runs at United defence gets fouled by Dimitar Berbatov no booking53mins: Shaun Wright Phillips runs at United defence gets fouled by Dimitar Berbatov no booking59mins: Shaun Wright Phillips runs at United defence gets fouled by Cristiano Ronaldo booking65mins: Shaun Wright Phillips runs at United defence gets fouled by Patrice Evra booking75mins: Shaun Wright Phillips runs at United defence gets fouled by Patrice Evra no booking85mins:Shaun Wright Phillips runs at United defence gets fouled by Michael Carrick bookingBefore the start of the match, United bo s Sir Alex Ferguson had complained about the treatment being received by winger Cristiano Ronaldo. He claimed that teams in previous matches had specifically targeted Ronaldo and had tried to kick him out of the game. He wanted referees to be stronger and start to book all the players who committed these fouls. Well today, at the City of Manchester Stadium, never has a point been turned on its head as much as this. As displayed above, on countle s occasions the United teambrought down City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips as he attempted to attack for the Blues. Time after time, Wright-Phillips would use his pace, touchand low centre of gravityto squirm his way past United players, only to be purposely fouled by these opponents. The unfortunate City winger could barely stand on his own two feet at the end of the game, such was the punishment he received. It should be noted, however, that Wright-Phillips did not roll about on the floor and demand a free-kick every time he was fouled, as would have been the case if it was Ronaldo who had been on the receiving end.City bo s and former United strikerMark Hughes made one change to the side that had so comfortably beaten Schalke in the previous match,with Brazilian star Robinho recalled in place of Danny Sturridge. United manager Ferguson made five changes from the side that faced Villareal, including recalls for Edwin Van Der Sar and Serbian defender Nemanja Vidic.United started much the stronger of the two sides, and dominated the early exchanges.Scouser Wayne Rooneysaw his shot partially saved by Joe Hart in the city net, Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov had his glancing header tipped round the post by the City keeper, and French full-back Patrice Evra smashed an effort over the bar. The only attack the home side managed in the first-half culminated in a snap-shot by Irish midfielder Stephen Ireland grazing the outside of the post. United finally tooka much-deservedlead in the 42nd minute, when Rooney pounced from three yards after Hart had saved from Michael Carrick.Mark Hughes made two changes at half time, with Pablo Zabaleta, deemed fit enough only for the bench, and Elano replacing Didi Hamann and Darius Va sell. This was the perfect chance for Elano to show Hughes of his qualities after recently criticising the manager for being left out.City were much improved after the break and created a couple of half chances, notaby when Zimbabwean striker Benjani saw his shot hit the side netting and Belgian midfielder Vincent Kompany smashed a shot just wide. Spanish defender Javier Garrido also saw his speculative 30 yard Darren Daulton Jersey free kick narrowly mi s the post, with Edwin Van Der Sar stranded.Then on 68 minutes, Uniteds Portuguese midfielder Ronaldo blatantly handled a Rooney corner after mistiming his jump, leaving referee Howard Webb with no choice put to send the winger off. Ronaldos sending off was warmly greeted by the home supporters, who started a chorus of Cheerio.City now had a chance to level the game, but depsite seeinga vast majority of the ball, they were unable to break down a resolute United back-line. Richard Dunne saw his effort brilliantly cleared off the line by Evra and then, after a City corner was cleared in injury time, with keeper Joe Hart upfield, Wayne Rooney ran half the length of the field and attempted a speculative 50 yard lob, only to see Hart sprinting back and somehow managing to claw the ball away under his goal.Overall, City, in my opinion, didnt deserve a point. They were completelyoutplayed in the first half and then lacked the imagination and creativity needed to force an equaliser.Ratings:Hart Made a couple of decent saves, including one from Rooneys lob at the end, and not at fault for the goal 7Richards Handled Ronaldo well, but failed to get forward as much as he could have done 6Kompany Very impre sive in the centre of defence and moved forward into midfield with ease 7Dunne Solid at the back, and made a couple of timely tackles. Nearly scored at the end 7Garrido One of Citys most improved players this season. Defended well and supplied width on the left 7Hamann Failed to get a foot in the game in the first-half and was replaced at the break 5Ireland Didnt look fully fit and failed to bomb forward as he has done in previous games 6Wright-Phillips Best player for the home side by a country mile. Ran the midfield in the second-half, but was fouled every time he attacked 8Va sell Not in the game first-half, and taken off 5Robinho Another one who didnt look fit. Unimpre sive and need more from him in games like this 5Benjani Failed to hold up the ball, and didnt cause Ferdinand and Vidic too many problems 5Subs:Zabaleta Imorved the balance of the team. Got stuck in and came forward well 7Elano Saw lots of the ball in second-half, but pa sing was poor. Needs to improve 6Sturridge Came on towards the end and didnt make an impact 6Man of the Match: Shaun Wright-Phillips

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