Manchester United vs the x Men

This mornings game against Sunderland was a look back at the past for some fans, with Sunderland fielding Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Kieron Richardson and Keano running the show. But the cellar-dwellers had no chance against a rampant United and the 3-0 halftime score reflected the absolute control that United had. The first goal, a borderline offside, that Rooney put away. For the second it was Rooney the provider as he crossed a beautiful ball for Saha to guide in and the third just before half-time, a Ronaldo special, a freekick just outside the box that curved and spun into the net, leaving the Sunderland keeper standing and watching. After such an impressive first half, the pace eased in the second and it was up to Saha to score an 80th minute penalty to wrap up the scoring. All in all, a good performance and more Christmas booty, now its time to deal it to the Hammers.

Of note, the performance of Rooney as a provider, a role he delved into a couple of seasons ago when he had difficulty scoring and turned to helping others. His talent in this role could provide for a great future later as the younger attacking demons encroach on his strikers role.

Merry Christmas

The Manchester United Supporters Club of NZ would like to take the chance to wish all the supporters and friends a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

An early Christmas present

It has been 15 years since Everton last won at Old Trafford and United made sure they failed again when Ronaldo scored a late penalty to win the game.

It was an uncompromising first half and cards were flashed everywhere but it was Ronaldo who broke the deadlock after 20 minutes. There appeared little on for the Portugal winger when he collected Carlos Tevez's square pass but, having stepped inside Carsley's poor challenge, he let fly with a superb shot which dipped and swerved beyond Howard.
It was tough luck on Everton. However, it took them only five minutes to level as Pienaar exposed some hesitancy on the part of rookie defender Danny Simpson and picked out Cahill with an excellent far-post cross which invited the headed finish.
Although they succeeded in cramping United's style, the Merseysiders were not the first to find that keeping Ferguson's range of attacking players totally quiet is virtually impossible.
Joleon Lescott nodded Rooney's disguised far-post chip off the line, then Ronaldo skimmed the bar with an acrobatic volley as an unmarked Tevez waited behind.

Tim Howard's powers of concentration were questioned by Ferguson during his time at Old Trafford but the American's agility has never been in doubt, and after one low stop to deny Tevez, he stood firm to beat away an Anderson piledriver. It was the sum total of United's threat until Rooney strode onto Ronaldo's short free-kick and blasted a shot which flicked off the crossbar. The introduction of Louis Saha at least gave the hosts an aerial threat but a draw looked certain until Pienaar stuck out his back leg for Giggs to trip over, giving Ronaldo the opportunity to claim the win.

But when Steven Pienaar brought Ryan Giggs down, Ronaldo nervelessly converted his 16th goal of the season, sending Tim Howard the wrong way, to move the Red Devils back to within a point of leaders Arsenal.

Cristiano Ronaldo had produced another match-winning performance in Manchester United's 2-1 victory over Everton and admitted the win was vital heading into the busy Christmas programme.

‘I think the team played very well. In the first half it was not too good but in the second half I think we played better, created more chances and I think we deserved to win. It's important, we've got many games coming up now and it's important always to win. At home you need to win. With the next games, there is not too much time to rest, so it was important to win to stay near the top.'

Regarding his personal contribution, Ronaldo said: 'I'm very happy with Christmas coming up. I think Father Christmas gave me my present early !

'The most important thing is the team. The game was very tough, Everton played very well and created a few bad things for us. I think the lads played very well.'

all blacks !

An explosive first half at Anfield in the match between Manchester United and Liverpool this morning, with Liverpool having at least 5 good chances, including 2 sitters. Van de Sar really has been out of sorts the last few months and will need to settle REAL soon. The atmosphere was white hot and every ball was strongly contested. Then just when it looked like a hard fought first half was going to end in a draw, there was late bit of magic from Rooney to Tevez and United went into the changing rooms one up. In to the second half and both sides kept up the attack, but Uniteds defence was much more solid and the Black machine held out the weak Liverpool attack for a well deserved win.

Hargreaves played an excellent game in midfield and Evra, Rio and Vidjic were strong in defence, but the man of the match for me was Tevez, strong, aggressive and always willing to get stuck in with the tackle. Makes a big difference when your forwards drop back and get stuck in and the little Argentine was a dynamo.

Photos Xmas party

100 not out

Ryan Giggs scored his 100th goal for Manchester United as the lads rolled Derby by 4-1. Carlos added a couple more and Ronaldo scored a late penalty. Ronaldo's pitiful dive ruined what had been a good match and I have serious doubts about him EVER repealing his ways. The most talented player to play in England, possibly the world, in a very long time, this aspect of his game HAS to be curtailed NOW.

On a happier note the Manchester United FC NZ Supporters Club Christmas Party was excellent. There was a great turnout and heaps of kids lapping the circuit of the bars. There was another party on downstairs and they had installed a bouncy castle in the bar, so you can imagine the kids delight. Lots of old faces and some new mugs added up to a most enjoyable afternoon.

Many thanks to Woody and his missus for all the usual behind the scenes work and thanks to everyone that bought a plate as well. And thanks again to the Navy for allowing us to use their wonderful facilities.
Photos to come ....

Turning again, The Player of the Year for the Sunday football team was Korean John and after a countback, Goalscorer of the Year was In Taek.

On a quieter note, many people have expressed concern about Wesley, he is currently doing well, but is still in Rehab. Owing to the delicate nature of the said trauma it is advisable to check with his father about going to visit. If you do just roll up, PLEASE see his doctor or a nurse before visiting him, thanks.

Christmas Party

The Manchester United FC New Zealand Supporters Club Xmas Party is on this Sunday at the Naval Base sports ground clubrooms in Ngatiranga Bay, Devonport.

Great facilities, good beer and an excellent BBQ.

Kick-off is 12 pm

ALL WELCOME

United vs Fulham

Manchester United opened up with all guns blazing against Fulham this morning at Old Trafford and ran out comfortable 2-0 winners.

2,4,7 m: Tevez misses three chances as United pour it on.

10 m: A defensive error allows Ronaldo a glimpse of goal and he buries it.

40 m: Fulham miss a late chance to equalize when given a free header in the box

57 m: O'Shea crosses a beautiful ball to Ronaldo who heads it home.

66 m: Rooney misses a great chance, after good lead-up work from Hargreaves, Wayne and Tevez.

71 m: Louis Saha replaces a very agitated Rooney.

77 m: Ronaldo booked for diving in the box, a 50-50 call that was probably as much to do with his reputation than the right decision.

85 m: A great United break gives Ronaldo a chance for his first hat-trick, but the goalie saves his shot.

COME ON YOU REDS !!

The Man in Black

Oh Captain, my Captain.

Well done to our own Michael Hester, the referee in tonights game against the LA Galaxy.

Mike was the Captain and star midfielder for the Man Utd NZ football team, before deciding to embark on a refereeing career.

A loyal RED and great leader, he has been sorely missed in the last couple of years.

EXCELLENT one, Kina.