'We've got no excuses'
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola believes Wayne Rooney's opener changed the course of
Tuesday's defeat at Old Trafford
24.02.2010
Gianfranco Zola admitted Manchester United's first goal had all but ended
his side's challenge at Old Trafford on Tuesday. The Hammers had held firm
for the opening 37 minutes, going close to opening the scoring themselves
through Valon Behrami and Alessandro Diamanti, only for Wayne Rooney to
break the deadlock with a scintillating goal of his own. Substitute Ji-Sung
Park and Dimitar Berbatov combined before Rooney clinically headed in
Antonio Valencia's sensational volleyed cross to complete a flowing
one-touch move. "To be honest their first goal was a very good one," said
Zola. "It was well manufactured, although it was really unusual to see
Manchester United score on the counterattack at home. "After that, I was
expecting more but it's not easy to play against Manchester United when
you're one-nil down. They don't make it easy for you to come back but we've
got no excuses."
After falling a goal behind, the Hammers' challenge waned as the reigning
Barclays Premier League champions celebrated Old Trafford's 100th birthday
with a much-improved second-half display. Just 12 seconds had elapsed when
Valencia found Park inside the box and the South Korean rattled the
underside of Robert Green's crossbar with a rising drive. While the visitors
continued to try and pass the ball through United's midfield, the lively
Valencia, Darron Gibson and Paul Scholes began to exert more and more
influence as the game wore on. "I'm not very pleased to be honest. I think
that we were OK until they scored the first goal and, after that, we
should've done more. "In the first half we did very well coming from the
back and playing through the midfield, but we didn't do as well as we
normally do up front. Guillermo Franco and Carlton Cole couldn't control the
ball properly and it was different. "I liked the way that we occupied the
pitch in the first half. We showed composure and played some good football.
I take that as a positive but, to be honest, I'm expecting a lot more from
my team."
With eleven days before the vital home match with Bolton Wanderers, Zola
wants his players to regain their best form - both mentally and physically -
as quickly as possible. "We have to do much better than this and refocus
straightaway because an important game for us is coming up next week, it's
as simple as that."
One man Zola and his players will be happy to see the back of is Rooney, who
took his goal tally to 23 in 27 league appearances with two textbook
headers. "I described Wayne Rooney as a King Midas. Everything he touches
now turns into gold. He's in the type of form where every opportunity can
turn up a goal. I thought he had a normal game tonight but he still scored
two goals and could've got another one. That says a lot about the player.
"Having a player obviously helps the situation but, don't forget, one player
cannot do everything on his own. He can certainly make a big difference to
the team that's got him, although there have to be other players supporting
him. Manchester United and England both have those players so they will be
successful."
With the spectre of Rooney now a thing of the past Zola, who confirmed that
influential midfielder Scott Parker had been rested due to tightness in his
muscles, is expecting an improved performance - and result - against the
Trotters. "I though that Tuesday was a fantastic opportunity for us because
in our previous two matches we built up a good platform to go there and play
with more freedom, without being under too much pressure. I was expecting to
be more positive but, honestly, it's easy to say that from the outside but
when you're out there against the champions it's not so easy. "I think that,
generally, we've been playing better recently and that's given us greater
confidence. Forgetting about Tuesday, I think the team is looking in better
shape and that gives me a bit more confidence."
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Rampant Rooney denies Hammers
WHUFC.com
The champions were never troubled as West Ham United came up short at Old
Trafford once again
23.02.2010
Manchester United 3-0 West Ham United
Wayne Rooney did the damage as Manchester United saw off West Ham United at
a bitterly cold Old Trafford on Tuesday night. The England striker headed in
seven minutes before half-time just as the travelling Hammers faithful
started to think of seeing out the first half. Rooney repeated the trick on
55 minutes, nodding in to assure the champions of the points, Michael Owen's
late third off the bench confirmed the end of a two-match winning run for
Gianfranco Zola's side, who were on the receiving end of a thoroughly
professional Red Devils display, just as AC Milan were seven days before.
There was no sign of what was to come in the opening stages. Jonathan
Spector was the liveliest performer on view, with the former Manchester
United man three times getting in timely blocks in the first ten minutes to
stop the ambitious Antonio Valencia down the home side's right wing.
Alessandro Diamanti was proving an effective screen in front and a charge
down of a Gary Neville clearance fell for Carlton Cole to have the visitors'
first effort of the night, although it never troubled Ben Foster, in for
Edwin van der Sar in the champions' goal. On 20 minutes, Rooney surged
forward and looked likely to get a shot on Robert Green's goal but for a
late saving tackle from James Tomkins. The Hammers quickly broke on the
counter and, after neat footwork from Radoslav Kovac, the ball found its way
to Valon Behrami, who shot just wide across Foster's goal. The keeper was to
be more troubled a minute later by a deflected Diamanti effort, and he just
about managed to prevent the Italian's looped shot from crossing the line.
West Ham were on top but the home side sparked into life on 26 minutes when
Valencia and then Darron Gibson tested the visitors' defence before Green
scrambled away a flicked effort from Dimitar Berbatov. Gibson shot tamely
into Green's hands on 33 minutes before Upson did likewise to Foster barely
30 seconds later. Gibson went closer soon after that with Green having to
tip his 25-yarder around the post before the Irish midfielder had a third go
with a more pedestrian effort. The deadlock was broken on 38 minutes when
Rooney finished off a devastating move that began with Vidic surging forward
unchallenged. He played it to Berbatov who picked out Valencia. The winger
caught it first time and volleyed back for Rooney to head in. The No9 was
proving unplayable and nearly beat Green again with a 20-yard volley as the
interval approached. The hosts were quick off the mark in the second half,
Ji-Sung Park, an early replacement for the injured Anderson, smashed a shot
against the underside of the crossbar with Green beaten.
Birthday boy Mido, a half-time Hammers arrival, won a corner a minute later
and after the first effort was cleared, Behrami sent a shot skywards from
Diamanti's second flag-kick. The home side were in control though and
Rooney's second came in similar fashion to the first, Berbatov releasing
Valencia who picked out his team-mate with ease in a central position. With
the Hammers support singing 'We're gonna win 3-2', the visitors refused to
give up and Cole was inches away from connecting with a chipped Behrami
cross on the hour just after Rooney had nearly embarrassed Green with the
keeper stranded. Paul Scholes could have made it three-nil on 65 minutes
before a desperate Tomkins tackle stopped Rooney getting his hat-trick.
Diamanti had Foster sprawling to save as the match entered its closing
stages before Kieron Dyer returned from injury to try and liven up the
Hammers attack. It was the home side that were still the most threatening,
and they wrapped up the win as the match entered its final ten minutes
through Rooney's replacement Owen's confident finish. Upson could have got a
consolation after that but scooped over from five yards. While the hosts
contemplate the League Cup final on Sunday, all Hammers thoughts will
quickly turn to the visit of Bolton Wanderers on Saturday week.
Manchester United: Foster, Neville, Brown, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Gibson,
Scholes, Anderson (Park 19), Berbatov (Owen 78), Rooney (Diouf 78)
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Rafael, Evans, Fletcher
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Tomkins, Upson, Spector, Behrami (Collison
63), Noble, Kovac, Diamanti (Dyer 75), Franco (Mido 46), Cole
Subs not used: Stech, Daprela, Da Costa, Ilan
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Ray up for End of Season awards
WHUFC.com
After enjoying last year's inaugural event, Ray Winstone is banking on
another great evening this May
23.02.2010
Lifelong fan Ray Winstone is looking forward to the West Ham United End of
Season Awards dinner to be held on Tuesday 4 May - with all proceeds from
the glittering gala night going to the Academy. The homegrown Hollywood star
was back at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday to see his daughter be a mascot
before his beloved Hammers ran out 3-0 winners against Hull City. Although
he has a notoriously busy schedule with movie commitments around the world,
Winstone has earmarked the May date already. It promises to be a special
night with X Factor star Stacey Solomon already booked as part of the
night's entertainment, which will also feature an array of player awards
including Hammer of the Year, young player of the year and Goal of the
Season. Tickets are going fast, with prices at £2,500 for a table of ten
with a limited number of individual places available at £250 per person.
Last year's star-studded event was hosted by comedian and West Ham fan Phill
Jupitus and was a memorable celebration of all things claret and blue.
Gianfranco Zola, who was on the receiving end of some light-hearted banter,
and the first-team squad were all in attendance on a night that saw Tony
Carr earn a special tribute. Winstone himself caught up with friends old and
new and admitted he struggled to recall much of the festivities afterwards.
He has pledged to be at the London Hilton in Park Lane this time around,
work commitments permitting. "I'll be there. I can't remember it last year,
so it must have been good," he said with a smile. He went to claim it looked
like there would be plenty more reasons to celebrate come the end of this
campaign. "I've got nothing to moan about this season. Zola's done a great
job with, week-in, week-out, players seemingly coming and going. "The team
has had plenty of heart. If you look at the goal difference, we've been
getting beat by the odd goal and sometimes you need a bit of luck, and we
probably haven't had that. I've got big hopes. We're going to be all right."
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Special Bolton sponsorship deal
WHUFC.com
Martin Peters will be the host for the Matchball sponsors when Bolton
Wanderers arrive in east London
24.02.2010
West Ham United have an exclusive Matchball sponsorship package available
for the major Barclays Premier League encounter with Bolton Wanderers at the
Boleyn Ground on Saturday week. The 6 March package provides the very best
in hospitality and is the ultimate way to enjoy what promises to be another
exciting contest. The Hammers will be looking to make it three wins from
three at home after the successes against Birmingham City and Hull City. As
well as providing fantastic benefits for your company, FIFA World Cup winner
Martin Peters will host the Sponsors Lounge for the visit of Bolton -
meaning the rare chance to get up close with a true great of the game and
all-time Hammers legend.
Priced at £3,000, the package includes:
• Table of ten in our intimate Sponsors Lounge, situated in the centre of
the Directors Box
• Lounge hosted by Martin Peters
• Fine dining experience with a three-course meal including wine
• VIP Directors Box seating
• A signed and cased football
• Company logo on cover of matchday programme
• Pre-match website feature
• Featured in weekly e-newsletter with a distribution of 140,000
• Matchday programmes for each guest
• Pre-match pitchside visit and photos with your lounge host
• On-site car parking (two per ten guests)
To book this exclusive package and to find out about sponsorship packages
for other matches this season, please call our Corporate Sales Department on
0871 221 2700 or email corporatesales@westhamunited.co.uk.
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In memory of Moore
WHUFC.com
Wednesday marks the 17th anniversary of the passing of the great Bobby Moore
OBE
24.02.2010
Wednesday 24 February 2010 marks the 17th anniversary of the passing of West
Ham United's greatest ever player - Bobby Moore OBE. In this World Cup year,
thoughts have naturally turned to his crowning glory - when he lifted the
Jules Rimet Trophy for England at Wembley in the 1966 final - while the club
continues to enjoy a successful partnership with the charity founded in his
name, the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK. Born in Barking in April
1941, the accomplished centre-back made his debut for the Hammers in a 3-2
Division One win over Manchester United on 8 September 1958 - when he was
just 17. Moore would go on to captain West Ham to FA Cup glory in 1964 and a
European Cup Winners' Cup triumph 12 months later. Then came July 1966, when
he captained an England side containing fellow Hammers Geoff Hurst and
Martin Peters in their 4-2 victory over West Germany in the World Cup final
at Wembley. In total, Moore would make 644 first-team appearances for West
Ham between 1958 and 1974, scoring 27 goals. He would go on to play for
Fulham - appearing in the 1975 FA Cup final defeat by his old club - before
moving to the United States and representing San Antonio Thunder and Seattle
Sounders. At international level, Moore appeared at two World Cup finals
tournaments, starring in 1966 and 1970, when he enjoyed a famous battle with
Brazilian legend Pele.
Tragically, the elegant defender was taken ill with bowel cancer, succumbing
to the disease on the morning of 24 February 1993 - he was just 51.
Thousands of supporters turned out at the Boleyn Ground to mark his passing,
turning the stadium into a shrine to their former hero, while a memorial
service was held at Westminster Abbey attended by the members of England's
1966 World Cup-winning team. A short time later, the South Bank end at the
Boleyn Ground was renamed in Moore's memory. Since his death, Moore's widow
Stephanie founded the Bobby Moore Fund, raising more than £10m in funds for
research into a cure for the disease that took her husband's life. In 2002,
Moore was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame while, in May
2007, a statue of the great man was erected outside the new Wembley Stadium.
Two years ago, West Ham introduced the Bobby Moore Cup - an annual
pre-season fixture held in Moore's memory to raise funds for the charity
which bears his name. At half-time in the 1-1 draw with Spanish side
Villarreal CF in August 2008, Moore's No6 shirt was retired by the club in a
moving ceremony involving Stephanie and England defender Matthew Upson.
Meanwhile, the logo of the charity founded in Moore's memory features on the
kits worn by the club's youth teams.
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Carr proud of youngsters
WHUFC.com
Academy Director Tony Carr was pleased with the performance of his
schoolboys against Ipswich Town
22.02.2010
Tony Carr was proud of the efforts of his young West Ham United team in
battling back to secure an FA Premier Academy League point against Ipswich
Town. Academy Director Carr blooded no fewer than five Under-16s in
Saturday's fixture against the Tractor Boys, who had earlier knocked holders
Arsenal out of this season's FA Youth Cup. Full-back Jake Young was handed
his debut at U18 level, while midfielders Dominic Vose, Blair Turgott and
Mathias Fanimo and striker Robert Hall were all given another chance to
impress. The quintet, along with their six team-mates and yet another U16 -
substitute Dylan Tombides - did not let Carr down, helping the Hammers to
secure a hard-fought share of the spoils through Vose's late equaliser at
Little Heath. "We are going to try and blood some of the Under-16s at this
stage of the season and I thought we did really well against Ipswich's FA
Youth Cup team," said Carr. "Ipswich had a lot of territory and possession,
but we worked really hard and, even though we conceded to go behind late on,
we stuck at it and equalised very late in the game. "The young boys
acquitted themselves well and I thought we thoroughly deserved the draw."
The U18s, who sit sixth in the Group A table five points behind
second-placed Crystal Palace, return to action with a trip to ninth-placed
Southampton on Saturday morning.
West Ham United: Loveday, Young, Driver, McNaughton, Craig, Vose, Turgott,
Purdy (Tombides), Hall, Subuola, Fanimo
*West Ham United Academy graduate Daniel Kearns, who is now in his first
year as a professional, has been named in the Republic of Ireland's squad
for a training camp to be held at Bisham Abbey in Buckinghamshire between 28
February and 4 March. The Irish will use the gathering as preparation for
their upcoming UEFA European Championship Elite Round qualifying matches
against England, hosts Ukraine and Bosnia at the end of May. There, Kearns
could face West Ham club-mate Frank Nouble. Before then, the Irish have a
home friendly double-header with Poland arranged for 6 and 8 April.
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Man Utd 3 - 0 West Ham
Rooney took his run of goals to 19 in his last 19 matches in a fine display
By Sam Lyon
BBC.co.uk
Wayne Rooney took his goal tally to 27 for the season as Manchester United
saw off West Ham to move to within a point of Premier League leaders
Chelsea. The in-form frontman opened the scoring with a firm header from
Antonio Valencia's excellent volleyed cross. And another Valencia cross was
headed home by Rooney for the hosts' second, before substitute Michael Owen
clipped a late third from Paul Scholes's pass. West Ham battled bravely, but
fell away in the face of Rooney's brilliance. It was another sensational
performance from the England forward, and one that rendered a Hammers
display full of spirit, if lacking in final-third quality, pointless. Still,
the visitors need feel no shame in failing to find a way to stop Rooney at
Old Trafford - they are by no means the first this season - and how national
coach Fabio Capello will be hoping his key striker maintains this form up to
and through the World Cup this summer. The thought of where Manchester
United would be this term without Rooney must at times send shivers down the
spines of their fans, and once again the striker was the hosts' inspiration,
his touch and movement first class, and his form in front of goal simply
unstoppable. It was he who almost single-handedly dragged the hosts out of a
lacklustre opening to near domination as the game dragged to a close.
On the back of Saturday's defeat by Everton, and perhaps with half an eye on
Sunday's Carling Cup final against Aston Villa, Sir Alex Ferguson made five
changes, with the likes of Ben Foster, Anderson and Darron Gibson brought in
from the cold. However, the changes served only to produce a disjointed
first-half display and, but for Rooney, West Ham may have taken advantage.
Playing on the counter, the visitors went close when Valon Behrami lashed
wide after being played in by Alessandro Diamanti, while the Italian almost
embarrassed Foster in the home goal when his deflected shot was parried down
onto the goal line by the keeper. At the other end, Valencia should have
done better when his air-shot inside the box allowed a good chance to go
awry in the opening 10 minutes, before Robert Green produced a smart double
stop from the winger's shot and Dimitar Berbatov's flicked follow-up. But as
the game neared the break, the Hammers appeared more than comfortable - that
is until Rooney's goal-scoring intervention. It was a marvellous move.
Berbatov collected Ji-Sung Park's pass and crossed for Valencia, who
volleyed expertly into the six-yard area where the unmarked Rooney slammed
home a header. That lead was almost doubled seconds into the second half
when Park rattled the crossbar from Valencia's low cross, and yet there was
still a feeling that West Ham were in it if they could get the dangerous
Carlton Cole and Diamanti on to the ball. That was until the hosts
effectively settled the game on 55 minutes, Valencia - a close rival for the
man-of-the-match award - again the provider from the right for Rooney to
head past the sprawling Green. West Ham, on the back of two Premier League
wins for the first time in nearly a year, refused to compromise their
footballing approach and continued to probe at the Manchester United
backline. But with the returning Nemanja Vidic marshalling the defence
brilliantly, clear-cut chances were very much at a premium for the Hammers.
And as it turned out it was another England striker who put the match firmly
to bed in the 80th minute, Owen dashing on to Scholes's pin-point pass and
chipping over Green's dive and into the net. West Ham were aggrieved that
play was not stopped in the build up to the goal with Mark Noble lying
injured, but referee Alan Wiley was unmoved as Owen raced clear to fire into
the corner. There was still time for Scholes to fashion a chance for a
fourth, only for the midfielder to blast high and wide from 16 yards out. A
fourth would have been harsh on the visitors, though, and West Ham will now
look ahead to their potentially crucial six-pointer against relegation
rivals Bolton at the weekend. Ferguson, meanwhile, will comfort himself with
the knowledge that while his side are looking to win the league cup for a
fourth time in their history, they cannot fall any further than four points
off the Premier League summit with 10 matches left in the campaign.
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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson: "We had to win and we did that. In
the second half, especially, we played some really good football and it
could have been more.
"But we're happy with the three points. Wayne Rooney was magnificent again.
They were two excellent headers, although there was also some good play from
Antonio Valencia.
"Now there will be changes on Sunday (for the cup final). I have done that
all along in the competition and I will have to look at the situation to
make sure we have a fresh team."
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola:"We played some good football and looked
like we were in the game for most of the first half, but after that we did
not play as well. "Manchester United are a fantastic team and we could not
live with them. We probably played them at the wrong time after their defeat
on Saturday and, in Rooney, they have a player who turns everything to gold.
He is one of the most complete strikers in the world. "Now we look ahead to
the game against Bolton, which is absolutely massive for us."
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Man Utd 3 West Ham Utd 0
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 23rd February 2010
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola's dismal record against 'the top four' continues unabated as
United went down 3-0 to the reigning league champions at Old Trafford
tonight.
Zola's side offered little resistance after going behind late on in the
first half, which was especially disappointing given their bright opening to
the match - and that only ten games remain in this season's Premier League
campaign.
Alex Ferguson's side - who started as if they had one eye on this weekend's
Carling Cup final - were well below par initially but despite improving
dramatically rarely had to step out of second gear on a bitterly cold night
in Manchester.
West Ham, with just one change from the side that comfortable beat Hull at
the weekend briefly threatened to upset the odds with a strong opening
half-hour before rolling over, in typical fashion for this fixture, having
gone behind to a 38th minute Wayne Rooney goal.
The home side - who confirmed their win in the second half with another from
Rooney and a late strike by substitute Michael Owen, who always seems to
score against West Ham - failed to register a shot on target until Rob Green
made a great save with his feet from Dimitar Berbatov on 26 minutes.
That was mainly due to a bright start from United who went at their hosts
from the off, with Valon Behrami going closest to breaking the deadlock in
those early stages with a shot that flashed across the face of Ben Foster's
goal.
The Swiss midfielder's effort was followed by a deflected Alessandro
Diamanti shot a minute later that had Foster scrambling back to push the
ball clear of goal from under the crossbar. However that was about as good
as it got for Zola's side who were never at the races once Rooney opened the
scoring seven minutes ahead of the break.
A deep cross-field ball by Berbatov was volleyed back across goal by the
excellent Valencia who found the head of the in-form Rooney, left criminally
unmarked for the first time in the game. The England striker buried the ball
beyond Green with a bullet header that left the Irons 'keeper with no
chance.
Rooney almost doubled his personal tally two minutes later when a hopeful
volley on the turn clipped Green's bar before bouncing behind to safety.
However he had to wait just 10 minutes of the second period before notching
his second of the night after he was left criminally unmarked, once more, in
the six-yard box. Yet again Valencia, who gave poor Jon Spector a torrid
time, was provider for Rooney who simply couldn't miss from four yards.
The Irons had a great opportunity to get back into the game just two minutes
after Rooney had put the home side 2-0 up when Valon Behrami's cross from
the byeline was inches away from being converted by the well-below-par
Carlton Cole, who was inches away from converting the cross with his head.
Thereafter however Ferguson's side coasted to victory and it was no surprise
when Owen, long a thorn in the side of West Ham added a third goal ten
minutes from time - les than two minutes after he had replaced Rooney, who
left the field to a standing ovation.
With Mark Noble flat out on the ground having gone down moments earlier,
Manchester seized upon the advantage and Paul Scholes played the former
England striker in; Owen cooly lifting the ball above the advancing Green to
wrap up a comprehensive victory.
For United there were few positives on the night, at least in the final hour
of the game, as once again the teams' senior players failed to shine.
Grabbing at straws it may be but the return of Kieron Dyer for the final
quarter-of-an-hour at least gives Zola - who appeared to write the game off
from the moment he substituted West Ham's most dangerous player, Behrami, on
the hour mark - something to think about ahead of next weekend's crunch
clash with Bolton.
Although many would have written off tonight's game before the start it is
the case that West Ham, still perilously close to the bottom of the table,
simply cannot afford to take their foot off the gas in any of their
remaining fixtures. If the squad has been lulled into a false sense of
security by those two recent well-earned wins it's imperative that they
shake it off, and soon, for there are sure to be plenty of twists and turns
yet in the final third of the season.
Zola certainly started with the right intentions tonight, playing two up top
in Cole and Franco - but with the pair virtually anonymous the pressure was
always on with the ball constantly coming back. Former Man Utd defender
Spector was up against it from the start and constantly targeted by the home
side; it was almost criminal that he was offered virtually no assistance by
those ahead of him.
Mark Noble, in for the rested Scott Parker had an indifferent game once
again whilst Diamanti and Behrami, probably the liveliest of West Ham's
players, failed to make major inroads bar the aforementioned early
opportunities, despite giving a good account of themselves.
After a bright opening Radoslav Kovac and Julien Faubert both faded whilst
centre backs Tomkins and Upson looked ill-at-ease for much of the game; the
latter being responsible for playing Owen onside for the third goal and
missing an absolute sitter in the closing stages, firing over the bar from
five yards when it was easier to score.
Whilst the Hammers were always going to be up against it, playing as they
were one of the best club sides in the world at present, what disappointed
most was not the result - ater all, we either win 1-0 at Old Trafford or get
well beaten - but the way heads went down after the first goal went in.
Rooney's opening strike seemed to sap the will and desire from West Ham and
it was that, not the result, that left a slightly sour taste.
Zola's record against the top four since succeeding Alan Curbishley now
reads played 14, lost 9, drawn 5, won 0. WIth Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool
yet to come this season - all away - West Ham's home form in their remaining
fixtures takes on added importance in the battle to avoid relegation.
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Rooney brace closes the gap
In-form striker ensures United get back on track
By Ben Collins Last updated: 23rd February 2010
SSN
Man of the match: Wayne Rooney. Who else? The England striker continued his
stunning recent form with another brace.
Goal of the match: Michael Owen's third was arguably the pick of the bunch
as the forward boosted his fading World Cup hopes with a clever finish after
an astute pass from Paul Scholes.
Moment of the match: Rooney's opener broke West Ham's resistance at an
important time and laid the platform for their success.
Talking points: Can Rooney lead United and England to glory this year? Will
West Ham stay clear of relegation danger?
Wayne Rooney's double set Manchester United on course for a 3-0 win over
West Ham which put them back within one point of leaders Chelsea. United's
hopes of a fourth straight Premier League title suffered a setback as they
were beaten 3-1 at Everton on Saturday. But the Red Devils bounced back at
Old Trafford as Rooney followed up his two-goal performance at AC Milan with
another brace of headers. The in-form striker pounced either side of the
break, with late substitute Michael Owen reviving his fading World Cup hopes
by wrapping up a comfortable victory. West Ham had eased their relegation
fears with back-to-back wins but despite holding United out until the 38th
minute, they never looked like maintaining their revival. Rooney's double
took his season tally to 27 and it was little surprise that Sir Alex
Ferguson opted to stick with him as the Red Devils were eager to put
Saturday's setback behind them. The United boss did make three changes in
midfield while there was a return for fit-again Nemanja Vidic in defence.
Goalkeeper Ben Foster was also handed a chance to revive his World Cup
ambitions as he made his first appearance since November in place of Edwin
van der Sar. Rio Ferdinand did not return following suspension, although
Ferguson later revealed the newly-installed England captain had suffered a
back twinge. United lost Anderson, one of the newcomers in midfield, to an
early knee injury but Park Ji-Sung was an able replacement while Darron
Gibson was the hosts' main early threat. Although two long-range efforts by
Gibson were easy for Robert Green, one of Foster's rivals for an England
call-up, a third forced a fine low save from the Hammers' keeper. The wisdom
of Ferguson's selection was then proved when Rooney rounded off a fine
breakaway by planting a diving header past Green. Park fed Dimitar Berbatov
and his crossfield ball was volleyed back across the box by Antonio Valencia
for Rooney to head home from eight yards.
The visitors had given United a brief scare when an Alessandro Diamanti
strike looped off Gary Neville and almost caught out Foster, who
back-tracked and palmed the ball onto his own goal-line before gathering at
the second attempt. But 10 minutes after the break, Berbatov released
Valencia with another excellent pass down the right and the Ecuador winger's
cross found Rooney unmarked to beat Green's despairing dive. The Hammers
almost pulled one back as Carlton Cole failed to connect with Valon
Behrami's cross with the goal at his mercy. Rooney then bundled Green off
the ball and although his effort from a tight angle was on target, Julien
Faubert had got back to cover goal and clear the danger. Rooney's bid for a
third league hat-trick of the season was then halted as he made way for Owen
in the 78th minute, and just two minutes later the sub sealed victory with
his eighth of the season. Paul Scholes fed Owen in the left channel, and
with a finish reminiscent of his match-winner in the Manchester derby back
in September, Owen tucked the ball beyond Green and in off the far post for
his first league goal since that last-gasp effort against City. Scholes then
blazed over late so the veteran midfielder's wait for his 100th league goal
goes on.
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Zola bows to United class
Hammers boss accepts they were beaten by better team
By Ben Collins Last updated: 23rd February 2010
SSN
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola held his hands up after his side were
brushed aside 3-0 at Manchester United. The defending champions came into
the game on the back of a shock 3-1 defeat at Everton on Saturday and
bounced back with a comfortable victory at Old Trafford. The Hammers had
eased their own relegation fears with back-to-back wins and held their own
in the opening half-hour. But Zola felt United's quality then shone through
as Wayne Rooney rounded off a fine breakaway to head the hosts into a
38th-minute lead. Rooney headed a second - his 27th of the season - in the
55th minute, before late substitute Michael Owen wrapped things up to send
United back to within one point of league leaders Chelsea. "It's never an
easy game against the champions," Zola told Sky Sports. "When they're on the
back of a bad defeat like the one they had before, it's even more difficult.
"We were well in the game early on but, in my opinion, we didn't keep the
ball well enough up front, as we normally do, and they punished us on the
counter-attack. "That was quite unusual to see - United playing
counter-attack at home - but credit to them, they are a fantastic team and
they deserved to win. "There's not much I can say really - all game they had
too much for us - although I'm disappointed because maybe the third goal
could have been avoided."
Zola was disappointed referee Alan Wiley didn't stop play when Mark Noble
was down injured as Owen scored the final goal with 10 minutes left. But the
Hammers must now turn their attention to the visit of relegation rivals
Bolton in their next league match on March 6. "Those are the games that will
change the story for us," said Zola. "We are disappointed for the way we
lost, and for the supporters that came up - they probably deserved something
more. "But now we have to be focused and concentrate on the game against
Bolton, which is going to be a massive game."
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Man Utd 3 West Ham 0
By NEIL CUSTIS
The Sun
Published: 23 Feb 2010
MANCHESTER UNITED celebrated 100 years at Old Trafford last night. It is no
exaggeration to say Wayne Rooney is now among the greatest to have played
here in that time.
Everyone has their favourites - Duncan Edwards, Bobby Charlton, George Best,
Denis Law, Eric Cantona and, most recently, Cristiano Ronaldo to name but a
few. But Rooney is flying into their sphere. The manager himself admitted as
much last night. Alex Ferguson said: "If he continues to improve at this
rate he will be a complete player, ready to join the distinguished band of
United legends." He is still only 24 and, providing the Glazers do not make
the club go bust in the next decade, Rooney has got everything to go on and
be regarded as the very best to have played at the Theatre of Dreams. Last
night he added another brace to his best tally for a season. It saw United
move back to within a point of leaders Chelsea, albeit having played a game
more. Rooney's two headers in the 38th and 55th minutes made it 27 club
goals for the season by the Scouser. It is 19 in his last 19 games and,
following some intensive training-ground work on his heading, he has used
his noggin for six of his last seven goals. He is unstoppable, without
parallel in the game at the moment. The man on whom the hopes of club and
country rest between now and July. Ferguson knew he had a dilemma when he
lost Ronaldo in the summer. It was a huge goals gap to fill. He filled it
simply by changing Rooney back into the player he was. Not the selfless one
that moved wide and deep to allow Ronaldo to float and flourish. But the raw
striker hanging on the shoulder of the last defender and waiting to burst
into goals. The man who makes it squeaky-bum time for defenders just by
having his name on the teamsheet. Rooney's goals last night were a triumph
not just for the individual but for the team with the build-up that created
them. For the first, Park Ji Sung found Dimitar Berbatov, who spread the
ball wide to Antonio Valencia. The Ecuadorian's cross was superb, volleying
to the far side of the six-yard box, from where Rooney sent a diving header
past Rob Green. Rooney nearly had a second soon after, with a stunning piece
of skill three minutes before the break. Berbatov was involved again,
chesting the ball off to Rooney who flicked it sideways between two
defenders and then sent a dipping volley on to the roof of the net. The work
between Berbatov, Valencia and Rooney was leaving the Hammers' defenders
with twisted blood all night. The same combination created the second goal
as Berbatov slid the ball down the line for Valencia to cross and Rooney
headed home again. It was only another Rooney supershow that denied Valencia
the man-of-the-match accolades. From a Darron Gibson corner, Rooney almost
completed a headed hat-trick but a deflection off Mido sent the ball the
wrong side of the post.
Roo was all action and, after chasing a seemingly lost cause with Green
towards the corner flag, he won the ball and curled a shot back to goal only
for it to be blocked just in front of the line by Julien Faubert. Brilliant
stuff by a brilliant player! The only downside for Rooney came when his
number was held up on 78 minutes as Ferguson finally decided to unplug the
human dynamo. Whenever Rooney is subbed - even with the game won - he really
looks like a little kid who has had his ball taken off him by teacher. He
came off to a tremendous ovation and his replacement Michael Owen needed
just two minutes to add United's third. First, Owen kept the ball in on the
left and then ran across the top of the box to get a return pass from Paul
Scholes and sidefoot home. To think West Ham had arrived full of confidence
after winning their last two games without conceding. To add to that,
Ferguson made five changes following their weekend defeat at Everton. He was
also missing Rio Ferdinand, whose four-game domestic ban was over but who
suffered a back injury yesterday morning. Ben Foster was back in goal after
not starting a game since December, Nemanja Vidic played his first of the
year and midfielder Anderson was back for the first time since going AWOL
last month, only to limp off on 19 minutes. The Hammers also had a great
early chance which Valon Behrami screwed wide. Was it really pointing to a
rare away win for the Hammers? Er no! Up popped Rooney and everything
changed. As Fergie said: "The hallmark of a truly great player is the
ability to grab a game by the scruff of the neck when play is deadlocked and
it needs something special if there is to be a winner." Rooney was that
player last week in Milan, again last night and probably will be against
Aston Villa in Sunday's Carling Cup final. Fergie dare not leave him out,
Rooney wants his ball back.
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Wayne Rooney is head and shoulders above all the rest
James Ducker, Northern Football Correspondent
The Times
"King Midas" was how Gianfranco Zola eloquently referred to Wayne Rooney
last night after the Manchester United striker's latest exhibition of
goalscoring brilliance. "Everything he touches turns to gold," the West Ham
United manager cooed, which is a good job because it is not only the hopes
of his club that Rooney carries on those broad shoulders.
With the World Cup finals less than four months away, Rooney's exhilarating
form must be about the only thing that has prevented Fabio Capello from
throwing in the towel.
As if the England manager did not have enough problems to contend with in
defence, the loss of Rio Ferdinand with a recurrence of the longstanding
back injury that had already raised question marks about the wisdom of his
promotion to captain must have been greeted with the same sense of
foreboding that opposition defenders feel on the eve of an encounter with
Rooney.
With Glen Johnson and Ashley Cole, the full backs, out injured and John
Terry in emotional turmoil, Ferdinand's latest injury has left Capello's
first-choice defence in tatters, but, for all the worries the Italian has at
the back, he can at least comfort himself in the knowledge that, at the
opposite end of the field, he possesses arguably the best player on the
planet on present form.
Rooney's 26th and 27th goals of an extraordinary season set up United for a
straightforward victory over West Ham that moved them to within a point of
Chelsea, the Barclays Premier League leaders, and gave further credence to
Sir Alex Ferguson's claim that his striker will become a "complete player,
ready to join the distinguished band of United legends" if he maintains this
level of performance.
Denis Law, one of that select group Ferguson was referring to, celebrates
his 70th birthday today still holding the record for the most goals scored
by a United player in one season, but with a minimum of 12 matches remaining
this season, Rooney may fancy his chances of surpassing the Scot's record of
46 goals achieved during the 1963-64 campaign.
As much as Chelsea will curse Rooney, Terry and Cole must, in part, be
grateful that United's one-man goal machine continues to hog the headlines.
Indeed, if they represent the unseemly face of English football, Rooney
provides a welcome antidote. He did not have to be at his glittering best
against West Ham, who, having taken only a point from the previous 11
matches in which they had conceded first, never seemed to believe that they
could recover from falling behind in the 38th minute — and so it would
prove.
United had shipped five goals in their previous two games, but despite
morale-boosting back-to-back victories over Hull City and Birmingham City,
West Ham rarely threatened the home team's goal, a couple of speculative
efforts aside, and after Rooney's initial intervention, it was merely a case
of how unpleasant the champions wanted to make life for Zola's players. In
the end, 3-0 was a fair reflection on proceedings.
A subdued first period, previously notable only for Nemanja Vidic's first
appearance for eight weeks after a calf injury, sparked into life when
Rooney finished a fine counter-attacking move, even if Zola will have been
perturbed by the ease with which United sliced through his team.
United got the ball upfield quickly, Park Ji Sung, an early replacement for
the injured Anderson, finding Dimitar Berbatov, who chipped the ball
expertly to Antonio Valencia out on the right. The Ecuador winger's
first-time pass on the volley was measured to perfection, allowing Rooney to
score with a diving header.
Rooney's rise and rise contrasts starkly with the fortunes of Anderson,
whose future at Old Trafford will not have been helped by his substitution
with a knee injury 19 minutes into his first appearance for five weeks.
As he disappeared down the tunnel, a desolate figure, it was fair to wonder
how much more of the mercurial Brazilian we are likely to see this season,
particularly given the pessimistic forecast Ferguson gave on the injury.
Having been omitted from the previous seven squads after infuriating the
manager by skipping training and fleeing back home, he was hardly the
flavour of the month anyway.
That title, as it has for much of the season, belongs firmly to Rooney, who
put United two in front in the 55th minute after Park had rattled the
crossbar shortly after the restart.
Berbatov, enjoying one of his more productive nights, rolled a sumptuous
pass into the path of Valencia, who, exhibiting strength and determination
to hold off Jonathan Spector, crossed for Rooney to nod home. Six of
Rooney's past seven goals have come from his head — eight in total this
season.
If there was another reason for Capello to be cheerful, it was the sight of
Michael Owen coming off the bench to score with a lovely finish from Paul
Scholes's pass in the 80th minute, his eleventh goal in 11 matches against
West Ham, but he was the only England player on show apart from Rooney who
enhanced his reputation.
Robert Green and Ben Foster, the West Ham and United goalkeepers, looked
like accidents waiting to happen, another headache for Capello, who must
surely know that if England come unstuck in South Africa, it will most
probably be as a result of defensive issues.
Foster's kicking was abysmal and Green twice flapped at a corner from Darron
Gibson before catching the ball after two atrocious attempts to punch clear.
Then, just after the hour mark, the West Ham goalkeeper came hurtling from
his goal and foolishly tried to shepherd the ball out, only to be legally
barged out of the way by Rooney, whose effort from an acute angle was
stopped near the goalline.
If only everything in life was as reliable as Rooney.
Manchester United (4-4-2): B Foster — G Neville, W Brown, N Vidic, P Evra —
L A Valencia, D Gibson, P Scholes, Anderson (sub: Park Ji Sung, 19min) — D
Berbatov (sub: M Owen, 78), W Rooney (sub: M B Diouf, 78). Substitutes not
used: T Kuszczak, Rafael Da Silva, J Evans, D Fletcher.
West Ham United (4-4-2): R Green — J Faubert, J Tomkins, M Upson, J Spector
— V Behrami (sub: J Collison, 63), M Noble, R Kovac, A Diamanti (sub: K
Dyer, 75) — G Franco (sub: Mido, 46), C Cole. Substitutes not used: M Stech,
Ilan, M Da Costa, F Daprela. Booked: Faubert.
Referee: A Wiley.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers are cashing in on wage threats
Published 00:00 23/02/10 By David Anderson
The Mirror
Fergie has his hairdryer and David Sullivan just threatens to slash
everyone's wages by 25 per cent. Either way, the motivational methods have
had the desired effect for Manchester United and West Ham. Sullivan cheekily
claimed credit for the Hammers' mini-revival, saying his threat clearly
spurred Gianfranco Zola and his players on. The West Ham co-owner said he
didn't care if he had united the players against him as long as they won.
And win they have. Their back-to-back victories against Birmingham and Hull
- their first since March 2009 - have lifted them clear of the relegation
scrap. Zola's men are four points above the safety line and in such a
competitive season, that represents real breathing space. There was an
horrendous traffic jam on the M62 last night, delaying the arrival of any
fans at Old Trafford. But, finally, for West Ham the road ahead looks clear
after a traumatic season. The pressure was off them to some extent last
night and the game was not as important as it would have been a fortnight
ago. This meant the Hammers could afford to play a bit against United rather
than park the bus in front of the goal as most opposition teams do and hope
for the best. They carried their confidence from those wins and played well
in the first 25 minutes. Carlton Cole gave a nod to Fabio Capello that even
if England's World Cup base isn't yet ready, he is the finished article.
The Hammers have a strong spine, running from Rob Green, through Matthew
Upson and Radoslav Kovac to Cole and they refused to lie down and die like
so many visitors here. Alessandro Diamanti continues to excite and frustrate
in equal measure and, unfortunately last night, saw him do more of the
latter. West Ham were well in the game until Antonio Valencia set up that
goal-machine Rooney to head home the opener and crown a magnificent flowing
move from the champions. Even when that same double act combined to put
United 2-0 up, West Ham still kept going. Cole had a chance to make the
final half hour interesting when he headed wide in a rare lapse from the
normally-reliable striker. Still West Ham's fate will not be decided by
whether or not they can beat United and defeating the likes of Hull will be
more important. They can take some heart from their performance against a
United side clearly fired up after a blast from Fergie's hairdryer in
response to their poor display at Everton on Saturday. And on this evidence,
they should still be blowing bubbles in the Premier League next season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester United 3-0 West Ham: The Daily Mirror Match Report
Published 23:00 23/02/10 By David McDonnell
Sir Alex Ferguson maintains he will rest Wayne Rooney at some point before
the end of the season. But with Rooney in such devastating form, his two
goals last night taking his tally for the season to 27, how can Fergie leave
out his main man? With the World Cup looming, Fabio Capello is
understandably concerned at England's star striker suffering burn-out before
he has even got on the plane to South Africa, such is Manchester United's
reliance on Rooney. And when you consider that Rooney has started all of
United's last 16 games, his only breather coming way back on December 8,
Capello's fears would appear to be well-founded. But on the evidence of last
night, the burden of carrying United alone this season does not appear to be
having an adverse effect on Rooney, as he maintained his extraordinary
heroics. Of Rooney's 27 goals this season, 23 have come in the Premier
League, with 16 in his last 15 games. Add the fact eight of his goals have
come from his head this season - including six of his last seven - and
Rooney is fast emerging as the complete striker. And he's still only 24. At
this rate, Rooney will come close to matching Cristiano Ronaldo's remarkable
42-goal haul of 2007-08, which many - Fergie included - claimed was
unreachable. According to Fergie, such is Rooney's natural desire and
exuberance, he rarely needs a rest, and he will lead the United attack again
in Sunday's Carling Cup final against Aston Villa. The rest, if you can call
it that, was all of 12 minutes as Rooney and strike partner Dimitar Berbatov
made way for Michael Owen and Mame Biram Diouf after 78 minutes. By that
stage Rooney - with two headed goals from Antonio Valencia crosses - had
single-handedly destroyed West Ham, to haul United within a point of leaders
Chelsea. Rooney could have had a hat-trick, leaving Robert Green stranded at
the byline on the hour after chasing down a seemingly lost cause and beating
the West Ham keeper to the ball. And what a goal it would have been. With a
swift turn from an outrageously acute angle, Rooney curled the ball towards
the empty net, only for Julian Faubert to deny him.
United needed to win to exorcise the memory of last weekend's shock 3-1
defeat to Everton, which handed Chelsea a significant advantage in the title
race. Rio Ferdinand had been expected to start after completing a four-match
ban, but a twinge, related to his ongoing back problem, meant United were
unwilling to risk him. That means England's newly-appointed captain will
miss Sunday's final against Villa, as well as Wednesday's friendly against
Egypt, both at Wembley. United overcame the early loss of Anderson, who was
forced off when he pulled up in the 16th minute, Fergie describing the
midfielder's prognosis as "not good". West Ham started brightly, Valon
Behrami dragging a shot wide midway through the first-half, while Alessandro
Diamanti almost caught out Ben Foster with an audacious lob. But United soon
assumed control and took the lead in the 38th minute, a powerful header from
Rooney finishing off a breathtakingly quick move on the counter-attack.
Nemanja Vidic, playing his first game of 2010, surged forward from the back
before feeding Ji-Sung Park, who in turn found Berbatov. Berbatov picked out
Valencia, whose cushioned, volleyed pass was met by Rooney, who made no
mistake with his close-range header. The goal drained the visitors of their
early exuberance and gave United the encouragement to build on their lead,
Rooney almost doing so with an impudent looping effort just before the
break. Spotting Green off his line, Rooney swivelled before scooping the
ball high towards the West Ham goal, the execution only marginally out as
his effort found the roof of the net. United made an explosive start to the
second-half, Park hitting the underside of the bar with a curling shot
within 10 seconds of the restart. But they only had to wait 10 minutes for
the second goal, which effectively sealed the win and allowed Fergie's men
to breathe a little easier with a two-goal cushion. Berbatov turned
exquisitely before applying a majestic pass into the path of Valencia, whose
cross was dispatched by Rooney for his second header of the night. Owen made
an immediate impact after coming on for Rooney, exchanging passes with Paul
Scholes before steering the ball past Green for his eighth United goal in 20
appearances.
It was Owen's first Premier League goal since his dramatic late winner in
September's Manchester derby, and yet again Capello was not there to witness
it. Capello, in South Africa on a pre-World Cup trip, also missed Rooney's
latest heroics but the England boss needs no further confirmation of his
star player's qualities. But a human-sized cotton wool ball to wrap Rooney
up in until the end of the season would do for Capello right now.
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Manchester United 3 West Ham 0: match report
Read a full mach report of the Premier League game between Manchester United
and West Ham United at Old Trafford on Tuesday Feb 23 2010.
Telegraph
By Rory Smith
Published: 6:30AM GMT 24 Feb 2010
Another labour complete for Manchester United's Hercules. Wayne Rooney, a
week on from his slaughter of the Milanese lion, continued his quest for
immortality by putting West Ham to the sword last night. Two headed goals to
see off Gianfranco Zola's side, 19 in his last 19 games and 27 for the
season so far. Rooney runs the risk of his deeds becoming the stuff of
legend. The England international's form has kept Sir Alex Ferguson's side
in touch with Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table. Carlo
Ancelotti's team lead United by just one point, albeit with a game in hand.
They can feel the champions' breath on their necks, and it is Rooney leading
the charge. Gill is not the enemy within For all the power and panache of
his display here, Hercules was not the classical allusion of choice for
Zola, a man with more right than most to judge a forward player.
"The only way of describing him is to say he is like King Midas," said the
West Ham manager. "Everything he touches at the moment turns to gold. He had
a normal game tonight but he scored twice and could have had more, and that
says everything."
More worrying for Ferguson, though, is the fact that by far the most apt
parallel is with neither hero nor king, but titan. Rooney, in the absence of
Cristiano Ronaldo, is United's Atlas. His shoulders bear the weight of the
world. It was always the Portuguese's role, of course, to make the
difference in finely-balanced games, to produce a moment of magic to mask
all of United's failings. Rooney must do that now. He has always been
United's beating heart, the team's pumping lungs, but he increasingly finds
himself its brain, too, dictating play, setting the tempo. It is his job to
lift United above the ordinary. For the time being, he is relishing the
task. From the off here, he bustled and buzzed, his through ball wasted by
Valencia in the seventh minute as the Ecuadorian, impressing again after his
devastating cameo in Milan, scuffed a shot straight at the lunging Jonathan
Spector. United hardly impressed in the first half - Valon Behrami could
have given the visitors the lead, while Ben Foster, a moment later, almost
spilled a deflected effort from Alessandro Diamanti over the line - and, as
Old Trafford grew restless, it was to Rooney that they turned. The striker,
thriving on such expectation, responded, arrowing a header past Rob Green
after Dimitar Berbatov and Valencia crafted the most imaginative move of the
match. He almost had a second before the break, flicking the ball over
Matthew Upson, swivelling and shooting in the blink of an eye, but seeing
his effort skim the roof of the net.
He did not have to wait long for his second. Moments after Park Ji-Sung
cracked the bar from the first attack of the second period, Rooney found
himself unmarked three yards out, with Valencia's perfectly-weighted cross
in his path. Game over. For West Ham, at least. Rooney might have had two
more, hunting down Green as he waited in vain for the ball to roll out but
seeing his effort blocked on the line, failing to shoot as he bore down on
goal. His pain at seeing the man who had replaced him to a standing ovation
just a moment earlier, Michael Owen, score the third after an exquisite
exchange with Paul Scholes was evident, for all the polite applause from the
bench. The doubt remains, though, that United may struggle should Rooney
lose form or fitness. Their defence, even with the return of Nemanja Vidic,
looks suspect, and a better side than West Ham may have profited from the
occasional lapse here. In midfield, the increasingly threatening Valencia
apart, there is little authority and a complete absence of menace, while
Berbatov, as ever, is most politely described as mercurial. But there is
little problem with being a one-man team when that man is in the sort of
seam of form which United's standard-bearer finds himself in. Too reliant on
one player to succeed at home and abroad? Atlas shrugged.
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