Saturday December 29, 2012 Day 20 Finished Old Trafford

  1. Premier League - United edge West Brom at rain-soaked Old Trafford

    Premier League - United edge West Brom at rain-soaked Old Trafford

    Old Trafford survived a pitch inspection before Manchester United scratched their way past West Brom for a 2-0 win in the Premier League. More

  • Live Commentary

    Time:90'
    • Manchester United
    • West Bromwich Albion
    • - Don't forget you can watch highlights of this match, along with every Premier League game, from 00:01 on Monday morning (UK only).
    • - You can chat about this game or anything that takes your fancy with me on Twitter @Mark_Eurosport FOLLOW HERE
    • 90+4' FULL-TIME: Manchester United come through for another victory. It was rarely pretty on a muddy Old Trafford pitch, but they got the job done, and Robin Van Persie came on to finish it off. Thanks for joining us.
    • 90+3' Check in on those results as they come in across the Premier League. FOLLOW LIVE
    • 90+2' Robin van Persie scored his 27th Premier League goal of 2012, and 14th in the division this season to become outright top scorer. (Infostrada)
    • 90+1' It will look good on the scoresheet, but this has not been an easy afternoon for Manchester United.
    • 90' RVP MAKES IT TWO! Left-footed strike from just outside the area simply too good for Foster - a moment of class finally settles those nerves.
    • 89' WELBECK SO CLOSE! What a save from Foster, who denies a placed finish from the striker. Four minutes of stoppages to play.
    • 88' Ferguson spotted holding on to the ball for an awful long time on the touchline as it breaks his way. Not time-wasting, surely?
    • 87' Speculative hit from Odemwingie, but only just wide of the far post. Not miles away from a little deflection via Lukaku either.
    • 86' Still WBA have had more second-half possession than United (51-49). Still this game not put to bed.
    • 85' Great challenge from McAuley! It looked as if RVP had played Welbeck in for an almost-certain goal - McAuley kept his head to intercept on the stretch.
    • 84' Spotted: Ferguson smiling on the touchline. That makes a bit of a change after some of this week's reactions...
    • 83' A change for each side - Dorrans replaced by Fortune, Scholes on for Cleverley.
    • 82' VAN PERSIE! So close after Evra's pass through. Tamas a bit slow to react, but Foster wasn't - he makes a good stop.
    • 81' United still on track to win this one and stay seven points clear at the top, but they're not doing it in style.
    • 80' Welbeck tries to skim around Tamas with a long first touch - and then goes down as he races for the ball - no foul given.
    • 79' Dorrans spins his way out into a little space, but just as he gets ready to shoot Evans is all over him again. He's been busy, Evans, even if he's been caught out on occasion.
    • 78' Young with half a chance from a tight angle on the left - Foster grabs on.
    • 77' Ridgewell clatters into Van Persie who winces and rubs his knee after that tackle. He looks as if he's alright, though.
    • 76' Just the one goal here but it's a goal-fest in the Premier League this afternoon. Every game LIVE
    • 75' Important charge-down by Evans on Odemwingie - he had time to place a shot from the edge of the area after set-up play from Morrison and Lukaku. The subs making an impact.
    • 74' Change for the Baggies - Brunt off, Morrison on.
    • 73' United just trying to string some passes together, and get back in control of the game. Fergie said not to expect January dealings in his programme notes today.
    • 72' Welbeck wins a throw halfway into the West Brom half. A chance for United to build, although the ball quickly goes out on the full on the other side.
    • 71' Ridgewell now with a cross from the left. United on the ropes a bit here. Scarcely seen Van Persie since his introduction.
    • 70' WEST BROM HIT THE BAR! It's McAuley's header, and he's so close to undoing the own goal that put his side behind early on.
    • 69' West Brom have even shaded the possession stats so far in this second half. How often does that happen at Old Trafford? Evans has to give away a corner under pressure from Jones.
    • 68' Clumsy tackle from Brunt on Young, and that releases a bit of pressure on the Red Devils.
    • 67' And there's a change for WBA as well, with Lukaku replacing Rosenberg. Another body up front for the visitors.
    • 66' Here's United's first change - Van Persie on, Kagawa off.
    • 65' SHOT FROM VALENCIA! Looks like he should cross as the angle gets narrower, but he tests Foster at his near post and the keeper has to make a good stop.
    • 64' There's a bit of tension around Old Trafford. United have failed to kill the game off when the going was good. The last half an hour could be very scrappy.
    • 63' The rain really starting to come down at Old Trafford as well now - given the pitch was getting muddier anyhow, that's not great news for fans of flowing football.
    • 62' Yellow for Valencia following a less than clever tackle on Odemwingie.
    • 61' Young with half a chance - but the ball goes straight through his legs as he tries to pull the trigger. United do however have the consolation of a corner.
    • 60' United really need the likes of Vidic and Carrick to take control back of this game. Another goal would quieten things, too. But for now, West Brom playing well.
    • 59' Dorrans tries a shot from outside the area after a run to the byline from Odemwingie. It's blocked - but West Brom are looking like the better side at present.
    • 58' Horrible crossfield pass from Chris Brunt - out on the full, some 20 yards over everyone. Cue ironic cheers at Old Trafford.
    • 57' Six matches underway in the Premier League, and there's plenty of incident. Every game LIVE
    • 56' Another United corner - this time Young whips it towards Vidic and Evans - neither quite manages to direct an effort on goal.
    • 55' VALENCIA! The ball breaks to him after Young's cross. Valencia takes his time to find an angle, but ends up seeing his low shot deflected for a corner.
    • 54' West Brom's best spell of the match, this - a series of good passes, concluded by a cross from Long. Doesn't find its mark this time, but the Baggies are settling down.
    • 53' Odemwingie punished for climbing over Smalling as he tried to meet a cross at the far post.
    • 52' United lead on shots 9-4 - and on shots on target 6-2 - but West Brom are only one moment of magic away from spoiling Sir Alex's birthday on New Year's Eve.
    • 51' Another set piece from distance for West Brom - and Brunt's delivery picks out Tamas at the far post - that could have been trouble for United...
    • 50' Clean strike from Chris Brunt - hit at pace from 25 yards - it was straight at De Gea so the Spaniard could save, but anything to his left or right would have been a real test.
    • 49' West Brom at the moment really managing little more than to keep United at arm's length. When they're already behind, it doesn't bode well. But they're hanging in.
    • 48' Kagawa and Valencia combine down the right, waiting patiently for an opportunity to cross that doesn't come. In the end it's down to Cleverley, whose effort is blocked at the near post.
    • 47' Some predictions from you on Twitter - Hilma Hazmi: "Kagawa look decent this afternoon, a goal from him might come in the 2nd half. 2-0 win for Man utd!" - Joseph Sleiman: "Lukaku and rvp to both come on and score. Man U win 2-1" and this from Declan Judge on Cleverley: "looks like management have had a strong chat with cleverly past few days, he's really trying to get thru his passing range"
    • 46' West Brom kick us off in the second half!
    • - What did you think of that half? Is there any way back for the Baggies? Tweet me your thoughts and predictions to @Mark_Eurosport FOLLOW HERE!
    • 45+1' HALF TIME: The wall stands firm and despite a couple of wobbly moments at the end of this half United go in ahead and good value for their lead.
    • 45' United not dealing with that particularly well, and Rosenberg taken out on the edge of the area by Cleverley as the ball rebounds. One added minute to play - this set piece surely the last action of the half.
    • 44' Long goes to ground in a challenge with Evans, and West Brom have a useful set-piece position with the half drawing to a close.
    • 43' CLOSE! Foster almost loses his footing and lets in an embarrassing goal after a passback - was that the pitch at work? Either way, Danny Welbeck very nearly picked up a cheap goal.
    • 42' Shake of the head from Jonny Evans as he wallops the ball out of play after the ball hits a divot.
    • 41' It's not been an unqualified success for United, but they have looked very comfortable. And they still have RVP waiting on the bench if need be.
    • 40' From absolutely nothing Odewingie drifts in beyond Smalling and Valencia from the left, then fires a low shot wide of De Gea's goal. Just a reminder that West Brom have an attacking threat - we've not seen much of it yet.
    • 39' Valencia fizzes in a low cross into a swarm of bodies in the West Brom six-yard box - the ball pings out towards safety. United continue to push.
    • 38' Cleverley overhits a crossfield pass to Smalling, and that kills off United's momentum for a moment. The midfielder looks frustrated with himself.
    • 37' Vidic gets a head to the ball at the far post, but cannot steer it on target. West Brom clinging on, fingernails only, at present.
    • 36' Kagawa almost on the end of Cleverley's through ball - corner again for the Red Devils.
    • 35' Steve Clarke looks utterly miserable. Someone ought to remind just how brilliant his West Brom tenure has been thus far...
    • 34' Odemwingie at the other end tries a deep cross, which goes the whole way across the goalmouth and out for a throw.
    • 33' CARRICK NOW CLOSE! Fearful defending from West Brom, who just cannot get rid. Vidic gets the ball stuck under his feet but somehow still tees up a shot for Carrick. Somehow the visitors survive.
    • 32' WHAT A SAVE FROM FOSTER! Young denied by the former England keeper despite a vicious half-volley! Corner.
    • 31' Rosenberg now getting involved as West Brom pass the ball in United's final third - but where's the cross?
    • 30' Clumsy from Evra - Dorrans gets in front of the Frenchman and Evra simply sticks an arm out to try and get back on terms. Free kick for the visitors in a useful position.
    • 29' Ashley Young over the bar with a header after a deflected cross from Welbeck. United getting closer once again.
    • 28' The Baggies are just beginning to string a few passes to together. Not much in the way of purpose or direction yet, but they have to start somewhere.
    • 27' If Odemwingie were unable to continue, the presence of Lukaku could yet unsettle the United defence. Might not be the worst thing to happen to West Brom.
    • 26' The physios are now coming to Odemwingie who has been caught in a challenge. He's made his way off the field, so play will continue.
    • 25' Vidic tries a ranging ball out of his own half. Welbeck hurts himslef to clamber over the back of Ridgewell.
    • 24' The pitch is beginning to scuff up, however, particularly down the middle. It could look very different to play on this ground after 90 minutes.
    • 23' United working neatly in tight spaces - Kagawa and Cleverley particularly effective.
    • 22' Plenty of goals going in across the Premier League at present. Every game LIVE
    • 21' Possession stats have just flashed up on our screens - 79% to Manchester United so far. It's been one-way traffic.
    • 20' Welbeck penalised for handball instead, trying to control the ball with his back to goal.
    • 19' The Old Trafford crowd goes up for a penalty for handball as Tamas blocks Kagawa's cross. Ambitious - it was at point-blank range for one, and it hit Tamas' chest for another. They settle for a corner.
    • 18' WELBECK! Draws a save from Foster as United look to double their advantage - the placement good, but he couldn't quite find the power.
    • 17' Another superb pass from Cleverley - must have gone all of 60 yards to Welbeck, who was a whisker away from controlling and being one-on-one.
    • 16' Gareth McAuley scored his first ever career Premier League own goal. It was the fifth total own goal scored at Old Trafford this season (and first by the away side) – the most own goals there than any other stadium. (Infostrada)
    • 15' West Borm really struggling for possession here. Even when Odemwingie intercepts he's driven back towards his own corner flag by Smalling.
    • 14' Curious pass from Smalling - turning back and chipping long to his central defenders.
    • 13' Kagawa dropping deep and linking things up well. Looks effortless on the ball.
    • 12' Dorrans goes long as well, this time trying to feed Long. Vidic on hand to do the defensive work.
    • 11' Cleverley pings out a ball towards Welbeck - would have been quite something had it come off. Not quite.
    • 10' United have made an unfortunate habit (well, it's been great fun to watch) of giving goals away and having to dig themselves out of trouble - they've made the early running here this afternoon.
    • 9' UNITED LEAD! IT'S AN OWN GOAL! Ashley Young finds the ball bounce his way via Kagawa's flick - Young drills it across goal at pace, and McAuley paddles the ball past his own keeper.
    • 8' You can see that it's been raining a lot in Manchester - but it's something of a surprise that we were talking about a possible postponement earlier. The Old Trafford pitch is playing well.
    • 7' Vidic nods this set piece over the bar. He's a strong presence but he got that one wrong. United just starting to throw their weight around a little, however.
    • 6' Cleverley and Valencia combine on the right - but somehow there's no cross at the end of it. Valencia gets a second chance and wins a corner.
    • 5' Manchester City have started supremely well at Norwich by the way; they already lead 2-0. Every game LIVE
    • 4' Speculative shot from Dorrans from all of 30 yards. He's hit one or two crackers from that kind of distance - this was not one of them.
    • 3' Will be interesting to see how the pairing of Kagawa and Welbeck get on - leaving out Hernandez and Van Persie is a big call from Fergie. Not much to report yet.
    • 2' United settle into the match early, with Young trying to whip in a cross from the left. West Brom clear.
    • 1' Away we go at Old Trafford!
    • 14:55 The teams come out at Old Trafford. It has stopped raining and at first glance the pitch doesn't look too bad - we'll see how it holds up throughout the afternoon.
    • 14:50 A quick look at the Premier League table - United come into this game seven points clear at the mid-point of the season. WBA are a highly-impressive sixth and could mathematically be third by the end of the day, though that would require them to win by six or more goals. Which seems unlikely. Premier League table
    • 14:45 Good as he has obviously been, Robin van Persie's scoring record in 2012 is significantly less prolific than last year. Van Persie has scored 26 goals in 38 Premier League appearances in 2012, compared to 35 in 36 games in 2011. Maybe that's why he's been dropped.
    • 14:40 There's more: "The problem for me is that the profile of this club is huge. Alan Pardew has come out and criticised me. He is the worst at haranguing referees. He shoves them and makes a joke of it. How he can criticise me is unbelievable. He forgets the help I gave him, by the way."
    • 14:40 Clearly Alex Ferguson's comments about Alan Pardew won't have passed you by, but let's remind ourselves of one of the season's top rants to date: "The press have had a field day. The only person they have not spoken to is Barack Obama because he is busy. It is unfortunate but I am the manager of the most famous club in the world. Not Newcastle, a wee club in the north east."
    • 14:35 An interesting stat from Opta as a postscript to the Jonny Evans shemozzle from Boxing Day: Before 2012-13 Man Utd had only scored 7 own goals at Old Trafford in 20 PL campaigns. This season they have 4 already.
    • 14:30 We're getting to the sharp end of the early kick-off between Sunderland and Tottenham./ I won't tell you the score, but I will let you know that Gareth Bale has just been booked for diving. Sunderland v Tottenham Hotspur: LIVE
    • 14:25 This game almost didn't happen. It has been peeing it down in the North-West for days, and the Old Trafford ground staff had the pitch covered until a few hours before kick-off - the surface came through a 1.15pm pitch inspection by ref Jon Moss.
    • 14:20 Good afternoon everyone, and welcome to our coverage of Manchester United v West Brom. Will you look at that Manchester United team selection! Nemanja Vidic and Shinji Kagawa both start, but Van Persie, Hernandez and Ferdinand are all on the bench. Meanwhile George Thorne makes his second Premier League start for West Brom.
    • 14:15 MAN UTD: De Gea; Smalling, Evans, Vidic, Evra; Valencia, Carrick, Cleverley, Young; Kagawa, Welbeck... Subs: Lindegaard, Ferdinand, Giggs, Hernandez, Van Persie, Scholes, Buttner. // WEST BROM: Foster, Jones, McAuley, Tamas, Ridgewell, Thorne, Brunt, Rosenberg, Dorrans, Odemwingie, Long... Subs: Myhill, Lukaku, Morrison, Jara Reyes, Fortune, Dawson, El Ghanassy.

  • Summary

    • 90' RVP MAKES IT TWO! Left-footed strike from just outside the area simply too good for Foster - a moment of class finally settles those nerves.
    • 89' WELBECK SO CLOSE! What a save from Foster, who denies a placed finish from the striker. Four minutes of stoppages to play.
    • 85' Great challenge from McAuley! It looked as if RVP had played Welbeck in for an almost-certain goal - McAuley kept his head to intercept on the stretch.
    • 82' VAN PERSIE! So close after Evra's pass through. Tamas a bit slow to react, but Foster wasn't - he makes a good stop.
    • 70' WEST BROM HIT THE BAR! It's McAuley's header, and he's so close to undoing the own goal that put his side behind early on.
    • 65' SHOT FROM VALENCIA! Looks like he should cross as the angle gets narrower, but he tests Foster at his near post and the keeper has to make a good stop.
    • 55' VALENCIA! The ball breaks to him after Young's cross. Valencia takes his time to find an angle, but ends up seeing his low shot deflected for a corner.
    • 43' CLOSE! Foster almost loses his footing and lets in an embarrassing goal after a passback - was that the pitch at work? Either way, Danny Welbeck very nearly picked up a cheap goal.
    • 33' CARRICK NOW CLOSE! Fearful defending from West Brom, who just cannot get rid. Vidic gets the ball stuck under his feet but somehow still tees up a shot for Carrick. Somehow the visitors survive.
    • 32' WHAT A SAVE FROM FOSTER! Young denied by the former England keeper despite a vicious half-volley! Corner.
    • 18' WELBECK! Draws a save from Foster as United look to double their advantage - the placement good, but he couldn't quite find the power.
    • 9' UNITED LEAD! IT'S AN OWN GOAL! Ashley Young finds the ball bounce his way via Kagawa's flick - Young drills it across goal at pace, and McAuley paddles the ball past his own keeper.
    • 14:15 MAN UTD: De Gea; Smalling, Evans, Vidic, Evra; Valencia, Carrick, Cleverley, Young; Kagawa, Welbeck... Subs: Lindegaard, Ferdinand, Giggs, Hernandez, Van Persie, Scholes, Buttner. // WEST BROM: Foster, Jones, McAuley, Tamas, Ridgewell, Thorne, Brunt, Rosenberg, Dorrans, Odemwingie, Long... Subs: Myhill, Lukaku, Morrison, Jara Reyes, Fortune, Dawson, El Ghanassy.

Team Line-up & Ratings

  • Line-up

    Live Team Line-Up

  • Rate Players

    Rate Players

    Please to rate the players.

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    • Player Y! Users Expert My Rating
      Goalkeeper
      7.2 7
      Defenders
      6.5 7
      7.7 7
      6.9 7
      7.1 6
      Midfielders
      6.8 6
      Substitution Out83′ 7.1 8
      Yellow Card 6.8 6
      6.7 7
      Strikers
      Substitution Out66′ 7.3 7
      5.8 6
      Subs
      Substitution In83′ 6.3 -
      Substitution In66′ Goal 8 8
    • Player Y! Users Expert My Rating
      Goalkeeper
      6.1 8
      Defenders
      5 7
      Own Goal 5.1 6
      5.5 6
      4.9 6
      Midfielders
      4.9 5
      Substitution Out75′ 5.1 6
      6 6
      Substitution Out83′ 5.5 6
      Substitution Out67′ 5.3 6
      Strikers
      5.3 7
      Subs
      Substitution In83′ 3.9 -
      Substitution In75′ 4.4 7
      Substitution In67′ 6.3 7

Comment 151 - 171 of 171

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  1. I didnt see this game busy looking for a pub in Eygpt­ showing it (found it for Wigan) but it makes me wonder­ why so many trolls are commenting on the Man Utd posts­ slagging them off saying they are #$%$. We are 7­ points clear, which Mankini will tell you we are the­ best because we are at the top so how can these trolls­ slag off the great Man Utd. Sad sad people, back in­ mcr now so back to OT and happy days.

    From keith j, on Fri 4 Jan 17:53

  2. united are top because thay have the most points

    From ALAN B, on Sun 30 Dec 23:52

  3. Bet Harry lives in sussex and has no link to Manchester­ like most of UTDs so called supporters

    From Sadoldgit, on Sun 30 Dec 18:33

  4. United win Trophies play exciting football .People who­ dont apprerciate that are not fooball fans or are very­ jealous

    From Harry, on Sun 30 Dec 16:34

  5. @Stanislaw, you are starting to sound like Roberto­ Mancini. I see the hate in your blood and it won't­ get you anywhere. The world stands still to watch Man­ Utd play football.

    From Ben, on Sun 30 Dec 15:09

  6. William Mancs are from Manchester. You are insulting­ the whole of Manchester. Get back to school quick

    From Stocko, on Sun 30 Dec 14:35

  7. Yuri Man Utd's passing accuracy was better than Man­ City's.. What do you say about that #$%$^$d

    From Stocko, on Sun 30 Dec 14:32
  8. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    Keep on kidding yourselves Mongs ,sorry Mancs.Its only­ a matter of time before your phenominal luck ( Referee­ assisted of course ) runs out. As you all know whatever­ Cobweb Mr Manners and all round good guy Ferguson­ says,he means exactly the opposite,as he s flaky. When­ he says this squad is as good as he s ever had even you­ Gobshites must know he s lying..If West Brom had gotten­ anything out of the match,I guarrantee he would have­ lambasted the Ref for allowing the match to be played.­ "There s no doubt in my mind ( whats left of it )­ that the gem shouldna bin played,there s noo doot aboot­ tha,The Referee was a disgrace etc etc The slide­ started months ago ,and it continues Another year­ without a trophy not good for the ( self proclaimed)­ biggest club in the World,and you re right .......­ mouthwise!

    From William, on Sun 30 Dec 10:01
  9. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    Another poor boring performance by MU. One fluke goal,­ numerous passing mistakes. Unbelievable that they are­ still at the top.

    From Yuri, on Sun 30 Dec 5:14
  10. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    Love how they say there the best team in the­ world....hahahahahahahahaha! Barca , Madrid miles ahead­ of the fuzz, And now is it not Sport Club Corinthians­ Paulista who are the best team in the world after­ winning that little non league cup which yous claim­ made yous the best in the world, but then again a over­ aged dying hypocrite like Fergushun will say other­ wise, be nice when he go's and yous rot into the­ past.

    From RORY, on Sun 30 Dec 2:17

  11. 2-0 a good and firm performance! Welbeck can go I think­ and get another midfield in , get back Ronaldo.

    From Clement L, on Sun 30 Dec 0:46

  12. Welbeck is such a very poor striker that does not know­ how to score

    From Pierre, on Sun 30 Dec 0:04

  13. Go away you wee club from the north east shouldnt yo be­ discussing your second defeat of the week haha

    From red, on Sat 29 Dec 22:41

  14. Small clubs from the north,south,east,and west who­ would united play if it wasn't for there existence,­ Ferguson should keep his big fat gob shut they are his­ bread and butter he is a disgrace to knighthood

    From M J R, on Sat 29 Dec 21:40

  15. Machester united is super league in the warld i`m 100­ 0/0 fun the best for me.

    From Emmanuel Nzondo, on Sat 29 Dec 21:26
  16. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    SUPERMAN Ben , you sound just like the Ogre Sire­ Fergal......'there is no doubt about that ' ,­ what a cliche we will remember on the near retirement­ of that horrid , indisciplined ,grotesque and­ disrespectful man ......................he who should­ have been censured by the F.A. and severly dealt with ,­ yet he still crawls around the suburbs of Manchaster­ pleading his cause ! WHAT HAVE WE DONE TO DESERVE­ SUCH A PHENOMENAL HYPOCRITE TO SHARE OUR SPORT !

    From Stanislaw, on Sat 29 Dec 21:11

  17. up man united and thanks RVP for his goal to make­ united have a clean sheet in the game

    From Olusanya Sunday, on Sat 29 Dec 20:13

  18. Wellbeck out he ain't got it he ain't good­ enough I never seen such a poor striker at utd

    From Edmond dantes, on Sat 29 Dec 19:24
  19. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    ferguson will be more remembered for his stupid­ comments and moaning

    From B, on Sat 29 Dec 18:26

  20. doesnt matter to me, a win is a win. we need a healthy­ united is the bigger ? and we need it asap. chance to­ win a title is all that matters but health is what we­ need to focus.... manu manu manu manu manu manu manu­ all the way

    From Paul Willinger, on Sat 29 Dec 17:31
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