Monday April 2, 2012 Day 31 Finished Ewood Park

Blackburn Rovers 0 - 2 Manchester United

  • Valencia 81’
  • Young 86’

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  1. Late show puts United five clear

    Late show puts United five clear

    Manchester United went five points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. More

  • Live Commentary

    Time:90'
    • Blackburn Rovers
    • Manchester United
    • 22:00 Well thanks for joining us tonight. Any comments on that late-show by United, and Rovers' predicament, let me know on Twitter. Good night and see you tomorrow - I'll be your man for Barcelona v Milan. FOLLOW HERE!
    • 90+3 That's the whistle - United move five points clear thanks to a late show from their wingers. 2-0, 76 points and seven wins on the bounce.
    • 90+2 United haven't let go of the ball for a good while now. 70% overall possession now.
    • 90+1 United just holding on to the ball now. Rovers fans still leaving early.
    • 90' Three minutes added on.
    • 89' Rooney is back defending to block a Marcus Olsson cross.
    • 88' "City's cracking up" is the song to the tune of Three Lions. Don't count your chickens lads. United, meanwhile, keeping possession easily.
    • 87' United fans are in fine voice now. Pedersen hammers one well wide.
    • 86' Rovers fans leaving in their droves now - harsh, they did well until that ridiculous goal from Valencia.
    • 85' GOAL UNITED! Fantastic strike from Ashley Young, turning from range and smacking a vicious low drive inside the right-hand post, off it even. Valencia assist.
    • 84' Who else has scored goals like that? I'm still in semi-shock, but am thinking Robbie Carlos, Kanu... Let me know on Twitter @Reda_Eurosport. FOLLOW HERE!
    • 83' Fergie lets rip at Welbeck after he gives the ball away with a needless flick.
    • 82' Well. He had defenders on him and they showed him outside and, from the tightest angle, he somehow swerved it in and out at serious pace to fly inside the far post beyond a completely conned Robinson.
    • 81' WHAT A GOAL FROM VALENCIA! From the right wing he unleashes a swerving bullet of a shot! One of the goals of the season if he meant it! Shades of the Roberto Carlos about that!
    • 80' Straight down the other end for United but Rafael's cross is blocked. Breath. Must. Catch.
    • 80' Pedersen hurls it near post, United don't clear their lines and Hoilett flicks it on for Yakubu to try a bicycle kick but he scuffs it well wide.
    • 80' UNITED SUB: Scholes off for Young.
    • 79' Hoilett gets around Ferdinand but the United defence recovers for now. Pedersen swings it in and Rafael dives in to head away for a throw.
    • 78' BRILLIANT CHALLENGE FROM FERDINAND! Pedersen was free on the left and drilled a perfect low ball for Yakubu, who was going to touch it in but Rio appeared from nowhere to block him!
    • 77' Giggs with a superb ball to send Rooney free wide left, lovely pass with the outside of the boot, but Rooney's low driven ball is too close to Robinson.
    • 76' Another Valencia cross almost drops for Giggs but it's half cleared. Now Giggs has it on the left but his cross has no target tall enough to make contact. Eventually it's put behind for a corner.
    • 75' Evra goes on a surging run forwards, he rides a few dangerous challenges but eventually loses control of the ball.
    • 73' A bit of head tennis on the edge of the Rovers box but cleared in the end.
    • 72' The corner is cleared but only to Scholes, who flicks it wide to Valencia who - instead of crossing - cuts inside and tries to shoot but it hits Pedersen in the face and Rovers survive.
    • 71' Rovers clear the initial free-kick, but Giggs picks it up on the right, superb cross but Hanley manages to nick it behind for a corner.
    • 70' Scholes wide to Valencia, brilliant cross from him but Giggs's flying volley is blocked. Now Welbeck is fouled by Hoilett, who kicks the ball away and is booked.
    • 69' Valencia buys another corner off Martin Olsson, United once more changing the tempo nicely. Carrick flicks it on but the ball flies over the head of Rooney and out for a goal kick.
    • 68' Giggs on the left with a fine cross, Evans far post but his header across goal doesn't land near a United player and Rovers clear!
    • 67' Great play by Evra down the left, he cuts past Pedersen but the lofted cross is scrambled behind for another corner.
    • 66' Rovers fans are making more noise now. That great spell around the hour mark has inspired them.
    • 65' Yakubu is confused after a throw goes United's way. Webb ignores him.
    • 64' UNITED SUB: Giggs is on for Jones.
    • 63' Blackburn have the ball in the back of the net after a cracking shot by Pedersen but the ball had gone out when NZonzi crossed and the assistant had signalled.
    • 62' The free-kick almost results in a goal but, after Pedersen's shot is deflected heavily off the wall, De Gea can only spill it, Ferdinand quickest to react and hacking away.
    • 62' UNITED SUB: Before the free-kick, Welbeck comes on for Hernandez.
    • 61' Scholes cannot believe he has been penalised for what seemed a good tackle around 30 yards out, but Webb decides he tripped Yakubu. No way, he got the ball. I thought Webb was meant to be on their team?
    • 60' Yakubu is sent in by Pedersen and he fires just wide! De Gea had it covered, the Yak was forced wide by Evans, but Blackburn suddenly turn it on!
    • 59' Yakubu blasts over from the edge of the box after Carrick gave it away! Dreadful from Carrick, but Yakubu should have done better!
    • 58' Successive corners now for Valencia but the second is cleared. Knocked back in, they're all watching it and Hernandez is in but - possibly assuming he had less time than he did - the Mexican tries to head it first time, the ball skimming off his hair and into Robbo's arms! Comedy of errors.
    • 57' Valencia earns a corner off Hanley and United are cranking it up somewhat. Poor ball though, cleared but only to Rooney. Now Rafael has a dig but good stop Robinson flying across! Now Valencia is on the loose ball but Hoilett tackles. Corner. Phew.
    • 56' Valencia puts in the corner, but it's cleared - just. Can Rovers counter? No, throw on th left.
    • 56' Rooney then will take this free-kick, a few yards from the edge of the D... He shoots for the top right but Robinson gets across to palm behind. Corner.
    • 55' Scholes is caught late as he offloads wide right to Valencia but Webb decides the advantage of a cross is not better than a free-kick from a shooting position. Booking to Hanley.
    • 54' Valencia now takes on Olsson, he fires in a vicious low ball that comes too quickly for Scholes, who is still able to control it but is muscled off the ball by NZonzi.
    • 53' Rooney decides to shoot from range after cutting in on to his right but sending it about a yard over.
    • 52' United come again as Scholes and Rafael combine, United forced back by Marcus Olsson's chasing though. Now Evra crosses but with no target man in there t's an easy clearance.
    • 51' Lots of nice short passing by United's midfield, as befits one containing Carrick and Scholes. Then a super cross by Valencia that Hernandez attacks but Dann nicks it away!
    • 50' Valencia takes on Olsson, clever cross but beyond Hernandez and Rooney is too deep. Dann clears.
    • 49' Pedersen hoists it near post for Dann but half-cleared. Back to Pedersen, knocking it back to Lowe who crosses and Dann attacks but flicks it well wide.
    • 48' Yakubu tries to feed Pedersen but blocked and Rovers have a throw. Pedersen will send this long...
    • 47' Hernandez is indeed fine, and play resumes, knocked back to Robinson.
    • 46' Hernandez goes down with a crack on the head. I think he'll be ok, would be inclined to think he was overreacting somewhat.
    • 46' The second half gets underway at Ewood.
    • - STATS: United with 66% possession, leading 7-5 in terms of shots but all of Rovers' efforts have forced saves with only two of United's doing likewise.
    • - That was a moderately entertaining half in the end - United bossing the ball but unable to find a way past Robinson, with Rovers looking useful on the break and denied by De Gea in injury time. What do you think? Of the game and United's 'interesting' formation? Tweet me @Reda_Eurosport, if you will. FOLLOW HERE!
    • 45+2 Half-time and United are being held by Rovers, who were under the cosh for much of the half but almost nicked one at the end but for De Gea's acrobatics.
    • 45+1 De Gea with another top save! Hanley got away from Jones and Evans to head towards the underside of the bar but the Spaniard tips it over!
    • 45' Yakubu holds it up for Hoilett, who finds a bit of space and goes for the shot when he should have looked wide to Lowe. The shot was blocked, a throw now which is hurled into the box, De Gea can only punch, Evra can't clear AND MARCUS OLSSON WITH THE SHOT BUT A GREAT SAVE BY DE GEA! Lovely half-volley but De Gea with a super stop. Corner!
    • 44' Jones is fouled and he looks to Webb in frustration. Played short again by United as Scholes and Rooney trade passes. Evra is doing a more advanced job wide left now as Hernandez does a one-two with Rooney, who gets his return through ball wrong. Frustrating.
    • 43' Looking at the replay on that penalty appeal and you can see the ball does appear to strike Dann on the arm - Webb, well placed, obviously decided it was ball-to-arm.
    • 43' The corner is not fully cleared but eventually they do bring it away with NZonzi, who is hauled down on halfway by Scholes. He should be booked here, but isn't. Just a chat from Webb.
    • 42' Carrick swings one in and Dann bundles it behind - United question Webb re: handball, but a corner is all he points for.
    • 41' United with more good possession, needless to say that free-kick yielded nothing as Pedersen gives away a free-kick.
    • 40' Olsson on the counter and Valencia chases back, pulling his shirt and earning himself a booking.
    • 39' Low fizzed cross by Valencia and Scholes attacks but blocked by a flying defender.
    • 38' Evra on the left cuts inside, now Carrick and Scholes combine as United continue to forage.
    • 37' Good cross causes problems for Robinson, who fails to hold on but manages to semi-palm it away. Eventually Rafael fails to turn into the area and the keeper has it back.
    • 36' NZonzi quit foolishly raises his hands to an opponent and is booked. Sort of dragged him back by the ear. CORRECTION! No booking for foul on Jones.
    • 35' Rovers fail to clear their lines depsite being given a chance to by Carrick, but Rafael puts in a poor cross too close to Robinson.
    • 34' An extended spell of United possession sees Valencia swing in a brilliant swerving cross that leaves Dann and Hanley no chance, but Jones flying in can only head well wide! Should have at least made Robbo work!
    • 33' Blackburn have a throw deep in their half. United clear and and build from halfway.
    • 32' Rooney with some defensive work, Olsson managing to cross in the end but forced into an up-and-under that De Gea claims.
    • 31' High corner in from Valencia, Evans far post nods it across for Evra, who returns it and Dann is out of position so Evans shoots but low and straight at Robinson!
    • 30' United have a corner as Olsson heads behind from Evra's cross.
    • 28' Valencia and Hanley are both limping a bit after that collision. Should be fine though.
    • 27' Valencia bursts away down the right but, after getting past NZonzi, Hanley makes the challenge.
    • 26' Long upfield for United but Rovers deal with it well enough.
    • 25' A long one is aimed for Yakubu but it drifts out for a goal kick.
    • 24' Scholes drifts a super ball wide right but Valencia is offside. Jeers, as he should have stayed on. Careless.
    • 23' A touch subdued at Rovers, I can hear the United fans more than the home support. Maybe I'm a bit deaf.
    • 22' I haven't seen the possession stats but it's looking like at least 80% United so far. Nothing to show for it yet!
    • 20' Aside from the occasional counter, this is all United. I would say that is sensible from Rovers, mind.
    • 19' Throw to United on the left but they look short, Carrick and Scholes both opting to keep it simple deep.
    • 18' United clear from the resultant throw and they restore order by laying camp upfield.
    • 17' GOOD SAVE DE GEA! Flying stop with on hand after Hoilett finds space and pings in a curling shot from range. Lovely flick by Yakubu opened United up to send the Canadian through.
    • 16' United all over the hosts but this time the cross from Rafael is over Rooney's head. Berbatov would have met that, but he's not even on the bench.
    • 15' Throw to Rovers on the left, Olsson takes his time so as to take some pressure off his team-mates.
    • 14' Valencia on the run again but his low cross is hacked away by Dann.
    • 12' More good play from United but Jones's long shot is well over.
    • 11' HERNANDEZ HITS THE WOODWORK AND IT ALMOST GOES IN BUT ROBINSON SAVES ON THE LINE! Fantastic effort from the Mexican as he met a low Valencia cross, drilling it against wood but rebounding into the arms of Robinson. Could have gone in but Robbo clawed it off the line. Hanley was everywhere on that.
    • 10' Hanley with a timely intervention from Rafael's cross! Hernandez and Rooney were there for it!
    • 9' United with all the ball still, but Rovers are back in numbers.
    • 8' Rooney on the left wing, he cuts it inside to Jones, now Valencia, back to Jones with a super low cross AND ROONEY WITH THE VOLLEY but he misses it too! As in, missed the ball!
    • 7' The Mexican would bury that normally - it dropped invitingly for a half-volley but he seemed to scuff it and got the direction all wrong. He is feigning some kind of minor injury but I don't think so.
    • 6' Pedersen with a foul, putting paid to that Rovers spell. De Gea takes a while to clear his lines after a back-pass but he gets it away. Now Rooney with a long ball, it catches Rovers completely at sea and Hanley makes a mess of it AND HERNANDEZ IS IN but he mis-hits it wide!
    • 5' Rafael is forced to head out from Orr's cross. Throw Blackburn, taken short and crossed by Hoilett but United get it away and it hits a Rovers player to go out on the other side...
    • 4' Hoilett almost combines with Yakubu but United can clear. Olsson has it now on the left but he overhits his cross.
    • 3' Lengthy spell of possession for United but Valencia's ball for Hernandez is a bit short and poor, Olsson (Marcus) clears.
    • 2' Ferdinand is almost caught out of position on Yakubu after Hoilett drifted away from Carrick. The defender clears though and Jones wins a throw on the right. Short from Rafael and Jones crosses but beyond Rooney, who was late arriving.
    • 1' The first half is underway. Early fizzing cross from Valencia but nodded clear by Dann.
    • 19:55 I will be really interested to see where Orr appears for Rovers - he could play at right-back you know, with Lowe shunted up to midfield, or a flexible 4-to-5 at the back. Meanwhile, it seems like my 4-5-1 United formation is the correct one. Rooney to play wide but with a brief to roam with Evra in support. Phew, confusion over.
    • 19:50 A lot of you are commenting on how there are three central midfielders and one wide-player on show for United. Hard to say until we see them out there, but I would hazard Rooney and Hernandez will trade roles as winger-forwards, although Rooney could well just play wide. Seems odd but it's been one before. Doubt Evra will play in midfield, but you never know.
    • 19:45 If you're wondering where Blackburn striker David Goodwillie is tonight, this story may help you decide for yourself. BLACKBURN STAR ADMITS ASSAULT
    • 19:40 There are odds tonight, and most of them favour United quite heavily. Our mates at William Hill have United at 2/5 and Rovers, despite being hosts, 7/1. The draw is at 7/2. But Rovers' home form is good - three wins from five - and, the last time they played United, Steve Kean's side won 3-2. What do you reckon? Give me your predictions!
    • 19:35 Any comments about the team (and referee) selection tonight? Is Fergie effectively bullying Berbs? Why on earth is Bradley Orr playing in midfield? Do Blackburn have a chance of an upset? Should we be allowed to shoot trolls and spammers? Have your say on Twitter @Reda_Eurosport. FOLLOW HERE!
    • 19:30 For United, Paul Scholes, Javier Hernandez and former Rovers defender (playing in midfield tonight) Phil Jones come in; Ryan Giggs, Daniel Welbeck and Ashley Young all make way. Anders Lindegaard, Anderson, Darren Fletcher and Nemanja Vidic are long-term absentees. There is no place on the bench for Dimitar Berbatov, despite his record against Rovers.
    • 19:30 Gael Givet is the only absentee for Rovers, the defender with a hamstring injury. Bradley Orr comes in for Mauro Formica, the only change from the last three matches.
    • 19:25 Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire)
    • 19:25 TEAMS - Blackburn: Robinson, Lowe, Dann, Grant Hanley, Martin Olsson, Orr, Pedersen, Nzonzi, Marcus Olsson, Hoilett, Yakubu; Subs: Bunn, Dunn, Modeste, Formica, Petrovic, Rochina, Henley /// Man Utd: De Gea, Rafael Da Silva, Evans, Ferdinand, Evra, Carrick, Scholes, Jones, Valencia, Hernandez, Rooney; Subs: Amos, Giggs, Smalling, Park, Young, Welbeck, Pogba
    • 19:20 If you want to speak to me about this game, or any other football matters, get in touch on Twitter @Reda_Eurosport. FOLLOW HERE!
    • 19:15 Blackburn scored three goals from three shots on target when they beat Manchester United on New Years Eve, but Rovers have won just one of the last seven on home turf against the Red Devils (W1 D4 L2).
    • 19:15 FACT: Only the top six teams in the league have scored more goals in the Premier League than Blackburn (43), but only Wolves (65) have conceded more than Steve Kean’s men (62).
    • 19:10 FACT: Dimitar Berbatov has scored eight goals in his last five Premier League appearances against Blackburn and the nine goals he has netted in total against Rovers is the highest versus any opponent for the Bulgarian in the English top flight.
    • 19:10 FACT: Wayne Rooney has scored 17 goals in his last 17 appearances for Manchester United in all competitions; Rooney has scored in four of his last five Premier League appearances against Rovers.
    • 19:10 Mancini does have a point - Rovers like the big games and victory for United is by no means a given. In addition to Blackburn's shock 3-2 win at Old Trafford over the festive period, Rovers have won three and lost just one of their last five Premier League games at Ewood Park.
    • 19:05 This is just as important for City - who drew 3-3 at home to Sunderland at the weekend - so why not some chat from boss Roberto Mancini? ""I will bet with you that United will draw at Blackburn. Don't ask me why I know. I just know they will. This is football."
    • 19:05 Sir Alex Ferguson: "It just shows you how things can change when you dig in and don't let things get to you. Now, no-one talks about their fans and any protests. He (Kean) has held his dignity very well and he deserves praise from everyone including his own supporters. I'm sure a lot of them will be wishing they hadn't done that because he's certainly shown his mettle during those times when things were difficult for him."
    • 19:05 Steve Kean: "It obviously depends how the results go with other teams but I've said for a number of weeks it's about us making sure we can perform consistently. We need to make sure we maintain our status, that's the first target, and then strengthen and make sure we can improve. We need to make sure there's a balance between the young players getting into the team and the experience that we have, because we've lost so much experience."
    • 19:00 United can move five points clear of Manchester City if they win this match; Rovers, meanwhile, will move three poins clear of the drop zone if they win. A draw is a decent result for both sides too, as it gives them an advantage in the race for the title and against the drop respectively. Premier League standings
    • - Hello and welcome to our LIVE coverage of Blackburn Rovers and Manchester United's Monday night Premier League clash - a local derby and a vital match at both ends of the table. Kick off at 8pm UK time!

  • Summary

    • 85' GOAL UNITED! Fantastic strike from Ashley Young, turning from range and smacking a vicious low drive inside the right-hand post, off it even. Valencia assist.
    • 81' WHAT A GOAL FROM VALENCIA! From the right wing he unleashes a swerving bullet of a shot! One of the goals of the season if he meant it! Shades of the Roberto Carlos about that!
    • 78' BRILLIANT CHALLENGE FROM FERDINAND! Pedersen was free on the left and drilled a perfect low ball for Yakubu, who was going to touch it in but Rio appeared from nowhere to block him!
    • 63' Blackburn have the ball in the back of the net after a cracking shot by Pedersen but the ball had gone out when NZonzi crossed and the assistant had signalled.
    • 62' The free-kick almost results in a goal but, after Pedersen's shot is deflected heavily off the wall, De Gea can only spill it, Ferdinand quickest to react and hacking away.
    • 60' Yakubu is sent in by Pedersen and he fires just wide! De Gea had it covered, the Yak was forced wide by Evans, but Blackburn suddenly turn it on!
    • 59' Yakubu blasts over from the edge of the box after Carrick gave it away! Dreadful from Carrick, but Yakubu should have done better!
    • 58' Successive corners now for Valencia but the second is cleared. Knocked back in, they're all watching it and Hernandez is in but - possibly assuming he had less time than he did - the Mexican tries to head it first time, the ball skimming off his hair and into Robbo's arms! Comedy of errors.
    • 57' Valencia earns a corner off Hanley and United are cranking it up somewhat. Poor ball though, cleared but only to Rooney. Now Rafael has a dig but good stop Robinson flying across! Now Valencia is on the loose ball but Hoilett tackles. Corner. Phew.
    • 56' Rooney then will take this free-kick, a few yards from the edge of the D... He shoots for the top right but Robinson gets across to palm behind. Corner.
    • 51' Lots of nice short passing by United's midfield, as befits one containing Carrick and Scholes. Then a super cross by Valencia that Hernandez attacks but Dann nicks it away!
    • 45+1 De Gea with another top save! Hanley got away from Jones and Evans to head towards the underside of the bar but the Spaniard tips it over!
    • 45' Yakubu holds it up for Hoilett, who finds a bit of space and goes for the shot when he should have looked wide to Lowe. The shot was blocked, a throw now which is hurled into the box, De Gea can only punch, Evra can't clear AND MARCUS OLSSON WITH THE SHOT BUT A GREAT SAVE BY DE GEA! Lovely half-volley but De Gea with a super stop. Corner!
    • 42' Carrick swings one in and Dann bundles it behind - United question Webb re: handball, but a corner is all he points for.
    • 34' An extended spell of United possession sees Valencia swing in a brilliant swerving cross that leaves Dann and Hanley no chance, but Jones flying in can only head well wide! Should have at least made Robbo work!
    • 31' High corner in from Valencia, Evans far post nods it across for Evra, who returns it and Dann is out of position so Evans shoots but low and straight at Robinson!
    • 17' GOOD SAVE DE GEA! Flying stop with on hand after Hoilett finds space and pings in a curling shot from range. Lovely flick by Yakubu opened United up to send the Canadian through.
    • 11' HERNANDEZ HITS THE WOODWORK AND IT ALMOST GOES IN BUT ROBINSON SAVES ON THE LINE! Fantastic effort from the Mexican as he met a low Valencia cross, drilling it against wood but rebounding into the arms of Robinson. Could have gone in but Robbo clawed it off the line. Hanley was everywhere on that.
    • 8' Rooney on the left wing, he cuts it inside to Jones, now Valencia, back to Jones with a super low cross AND ROONEY WITH THE VOLLEY but he misses it too! As in, missed the ball!
    • 6' Pedersen with a foul, putting paid to that Rovers spell. De Gea takes a while to clear his lines after a back-pass but he gets it away. Now Rooney with a long ball, it catches Rovers completely at sea and Hanley makes a mess of it AND HERNANDEZ IS IN but he mis-hits it wide!
    • 19:25 TEAMS - Blackburn: Robinson, Lowe, Dann, Grant Hanley, Martin Olsson, Orr, Pedersen, Nzonzi, Marcus Olsson, Hoilett, Yakubu; Subs: Bunn, Dunn, Modeste, Formica, Petrovic, Rochina, Henley /// Man Utd: De Gea, Rafael Da Silva, Evans, Ferdinand, Evra, Carrick, Scholes, Jones, Valencia, Hernandez, Rooney; Subs: Amos, Giggs, Smalling, Park, Young, Welbeck, Pogba

Team Line-up & Ratings

  • Line-up

    Live Team Line-Up

  • Rate Players

    Rate Players

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    • Player Y! Users Expert My Rating
      Goalkeeper
      6 6
      Defenders
      5.4 6
      5.7 7
      Yellow Card 5.6 6
      5.8 7
      Midfielders
      5.8 6
      5.5 6
      5.3 6
      5.6 6
      Strikers
      6.1 7
      6.3 7
      Subs
    • Player Y! Users Expert My Rating
      Goalkeeper
      7.6 7
      Defenders
      6.2 6
      6.4 6
      6.2 6
      6.4 7
      Midfielders
      5.8 5
      Substitution Out63′ 6 6
      Substitution Out79′ 6.3 6
      Strikers
      Goal Yellow Card 7.7 8
      6.5 6
      Substitution Out61′ 6.6 5
      Subs
      Substitution In63′ 7.3 7
      Substitution In79′ Goal 8.1 7
      Substitution In61′ 6.3 6

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  1. yahoo y you taking all the coments of

    From leslie, on Sun Apr 8 12:54
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