Match Analysis: Late goal for Man Utd in 0-1 win against Valencia

Smash and grab – Javier Hernandez’s late goal settled a tight contest.

Valencia were without Joaquin, so fielded a fluid Mata-Pablo-Dominguez trio behind Roberto Soldado, who started ahead of Aritz Aduriz. Jeremy Mathieu was preferred to Jordi Alba at left-back.

Manchester United were without Wayne Rooney, which made it an easy decision to start with a 4-5-1 (indeed, it would have been interesting what Sir Alex Ferguson would have done if Rooney had been available. Michael Carrick and Anderson’s returns from injury were timed well in the absence of Paul Scholes, whilst Rio Ferdinand replaced Jonny Evans.

Overall, the first half was fairly static, with both teams playing in front of each other, and cautious about coming forward. Indeed, it looked like both were primarily looking to play on the counter-attack, and therefore were reluctant to give the other any space to break into.

The shapes were as expected – United defended with plenty of men behind the ball, with Park Ji-Sung tucked in more than Nani on the opposite side, who started off trying to play high up the pitch, but was subsequently forced back by Mathieu’s darts forward. 

Valencia’s attacking three played reasonably narrow, with the wide players looking to get behind the ball and form two banks of four. As we’ve come to expect from Valencia – the front four rotated, and therefore it wasn’t unusual to see Chori Dominguez or even Soldado in a wide position when out of possession.

Anderson on Albelda

The most significant tactical factor in the first half was Ferguson’s use of Anderson high up the pitch to occupy David Albelda, Valencia’s deep-lying playmaker. This rather nullified both sides – Valencia looked slightly lost since they were unable to play through a player they generally look to at every opportunity, whilst United were then using their most attacking central midfielder in a primarily defensive role, and unable to create.

Neither side were getting the ball to their dangermen often enough – Nani had a quiet first half aside from one moment when he easily outpaced Mathieu, whilst Juan Mata struggled to find any space in the centre of the pitch. The bigger danger for Valencia came from their right-winger, Pablo Hernandez, who got past Patrice Evra and put a dangerous ball across the six-yard box that no-one got to.

Second half

Little changed at the start of the second half, although Nani played higher up the pitch once more, meaning United often looked as if they were playing some kind of lopsided 4-3-3, with Nani, Berbatov and Anderson high up the pitch, and Park deeper with the two central midfielders.

The best chance United had came from a long ball out to Berbatov on the left – he managed to beat his man and move in on goal, where his poked shot was saved easily at the near post. It was far from a blatant chance, and yet it was as good as we got before the managers turned to the bench.

Substitutions

Unai Emery was the first to change things, making a positive move by withdrawing Dominguez and introducing Aduriz, who played just off Soldado in a 4-4-2. Valencia immediately looked brighter and their overall strategy changed – they were getting the ball forward more quickly, getting their wide players down the line rather than cutting in, and firing crosses into the box. The delivery all night from wide positions was generally very good, but even the addition of a second striker couldn’t get them a goal.

Ferguson knew that he no longer had to field three central midfielders himself, and so responded with a similar change, taking off his most attacking midfielder (Anderson) and bringing on a second striker. Berbatov also departed, so we now had United in a 4-4-2 with Federico Macheda and Javier Hernandez upfront.

Game more open

The moves towards 4-4-2 didn’t change how either side defended, as both looked to get two banks of four behind the ball, and then had one of the strikers dropping off when not in possession. But what it did do was to open up the midfield, creating space in the central zone and allowing both sides to create more goalscoring opportunities. Valencia probably had more of the play, but rarely created a clear cut chance.

In truth, United did nothing better tactically than Valencia – they were simply more efficient in the final third on one single occasion, and the first goal in this game was always likely to be the winner.

Valencia had a warning sign moments before the goal, when Nani crossed for Hernandez, who couldn’t quite reach the far post cross. It was another Nani run that created the goal for Hernandez, with Macheda acting as the link between the two. 

Valencia had men over to defend against Hernandez, but his instant control and shot caught them out. Nani was yet again United’s main man – even when turning in a disappointing performance overall, he was still capable of providing the drive and directness needed to win the game.

Conclusion

A good demonstration of a tactical change in a game – a 4-5-1 v 4-5-1 battle, followed by a 4-4-2 v 4-4-2 battle. The first half was extremely cagey and devoid of any real goalscoring chances, but the final 15 minutes was much more open, and United were simply more clinical in front of goal.

Neither side played particularly good football, and it was obvious both were lacking creativity in the centre of the pitch – had this game featured Ever Banega and Paul Scholes, it might have been an entirely different contest, both tactically and in general terms. Valencia looked far better in the second half when they started to get the ball wide and get crosses into the box, and Joaquin was also missed – the home side needed someone to stay wide rather than constantly drift into the congested centre.

For United, the perfect away win in Europe. Carrick looked slightly unfit but generally did a decent job, and Anderson was in his element. His best position has been debated at length, but he often seems to turn in good performances in games where United are playing defensively as a whole, and therefore the attacking midfield role (his) is still broadly defensive-minded. 

Whether United need a player like that in the majority of Premier League games is doubtful, but like Fletcher and Park before him, Anderson might be able to make a name for himself as a ‘big game player’.

Ronaldo urged Madrid fans to learn from Man Utd supporters!

Cristiano Ronaldo has urged Real Madrid fans to follow the example of Manchester United supporters.

Ronaldo reckons Real need support from the stands and has pointed to his time at Manchester United for how supporters can inspire the players.

"In Manchester it was the same from time to time, as the fans were silent for a while before they started to sing and help the players,” Ronaldo said.

"You don't always have to play brilliantly to get the fans excited. I know it's not easy but supporters occasionally have to try and enthuse us.

"Everyone in the stands are fans of Real Madrid and want the best for the team. Together we will be better and more formidable at home."

No more Christmas party for players, no thanks to Rooney!

Sir Alex Ferguson will ban his stars from holding a Christmas party in the wake of Wayne Rooney's prostitute scandal.

The Manchester United boss is fed up at the hassle caused by the bashes, namely hotel damage in 2006 and a rape charge - later dropped - against Jonny Evans a year later.

Club insiders say Fergie was livid to discover from the Rooney fall-out that players appeared to be ignoring his warnings about behaviour.

And he was also worried his squad had met at Rio Ferdinand's new Italian restaurant and partied with the likes of hooker Jenny Thompson.

A source said: "It's pretty much the end of the line for the traditional bash.

"In recent years it was seen as more acceptable for private functions to get the green light rather than when the players went on bar crawls in the city.

"But Sir Alex can't even legislate for what goes on behind closed doors.

"No one wants to be a killjoy but the players have a busy Christmas programme and this has been a situation of their own making."

Sneijder hopes to finish his career at Manchester United

Inter Milan ace Wesley Sneijder says he'd quit for England only for Manchester United.

The classy Dutch midfielder, who was linked with a £30m summer move from Inter Milan to Old Trafford, is a huge United fan.

Sneijder, 26, told the Daily Star Sunday: ‘‘If somebody asks me if I will ever play for Manchester United, it’s impossible for me to say no. How can you say that if the chance came you would not play for one of the biggest clubs in the world.

 ‘‘The Premier League, in terms of top clubs, is the strongest in the world, and it would be nice to finish my career saying I have played at the very top in Spain, Italy, and England.

‘‘There is not many who can say they have done that, and if that does happen for me I would only want it to be with Manchester United.‘‘

‘‘I don’t think there is any player in the world who could publicly rule out ever playing for Manchester United, and if they did I would doubt they were telling the truth.

‘‘I have played with Real Madrid who many consider the best club in the world, and now I have played with this Inter Milan team who made history last season by winning the treble.

‘‘I am still an Inter Milan player and very much committed to the club, but I can’t say what will happen in the future and if Manchester United approached me in the summer of course I would listen.’’

Atletico Madrid demand £17 million for David De Gea

Manchester United have been told they can sign Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea - for £17 million.

The Mirror says Sir Alex Ferguson’s interest in the 19-year-old emerged after his midweek spying trip to Spain.

De Gea recently agreed a new deal until 2013 – after just five first-team appearances – with the price being quoted the release fee in the contract.

With debt-ridden Atletico needing cash, Ferguson may sign him for less.

Fergie confirms interest in Chilean hot prospect, regretted not signing Marcelo Salas

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted Manchester United are tracking Udinese sensation Alexis Sanchez.

The Chile international enjoyed an outstanding World Cup campaign to enhance his reputation as one of the most promising young forwards on the planet.

With sources close to the wide man previously suggesting he dreams of playing for the Red Devils, it's likely the United boss will continue monitoring his form in Serie A this season. (http://nettoboy.blogspot.com/2010/06/chile-and-ecuador-hot-prospect-have.html)

"We have looked at Sanchez and he has impressed us," said Ferguson. "As have other players.

"He has had very good games and is an interesting project.

"We have gathered some background, as with other footballers at his level, but nothing more than this - for the moment."

United snapped up Antonio Valencia from Wigan instead to patrol the right flank, although the serious injury he sustained against Rangers has halted his progress at Old Trafford.

Ferguson also admitted he was disappointed not to land Marcelo Salas, a United target in the nineties, when he was on the hunt for a new striker.

"We have watched some Chileans in the past," he recalled.

"The most interesting case was that of Salas, who had a brilliant World Cup but he was at Lazio.

"We would have liked to have had him."

Fergie and Giggs told Gary Neville to SHUT UP!

Alex Ferguson reckons Gary Neville tires himself out with too much chat.

And he believes that is why the 35-year-old's Manchester United career is fading, while Ryan Giggs is still going strong at 36.

Boss Fergie said: "Ryan is a low-key person.

"But some people can tire themselves with their talking - Gary Neville is a very emotional guy which can cost him energy."

Giggs says Neville is his best mate at the club. But he admits: "He does get on your nerves because he talks too much.

"I do wish he'd shut up just occasionally."

Sir Alex admits he is still haunted by last year Munich defeat

Sir Alex Ferguson admits he is still haunted by last year's Champions League defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich.

Ferguson has guided the Red Devils to two Champions League successes in his 24 years at the club, but reckons they should have won at least twice that.

United were knocked out by Bayern as Arjen Robben's late volley at Old Trafford sent the German giants through on away goals.

"We've only won it three times, which is not enough for this club, and we've been unlucky a lot of times. Other times we've just ballsed it up," Ferguson told The People.

"The reality is we could have won it another two or three years.
Last year still plays on my mind, that Bayern Munich game. Christ, I'm still not sleeping after that! I keep thinking about that game and keep getting angry about the way we lost it.

"We were in complete control until Rafael was sent off and then they came back into it. That result hurt and still does, but against Borussia Dortmund at Old Trafford in 1997 we had about 15 chances and about eight one-on-ones with their keeper.

"If we'd got past Bayern Munich I think we would have reached the final last year and I'd have fancied us against Inter Milan."

Schweinsteiger revealed Hargreaves as role model and was desperate for his boots!

Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has revealed his role model as a youngster was Owen Hargreaves and he was desperate for his boots.

Reflecting on his development and growth at the Bundesliga outfit, the Germany international looked back at the years he had as a child and also revealed a few old memories.

"I was a ball-boy at the stadium, it was always fantastic being up close to the pitch, watching the stars," said the 26-year-old to Bayern's official website.

"Elber, [Oliver] Kahn, [Jens] Jeremies, [Thomas] Linke, [Mehmet] Scholl – and a couple of years later, I was playing alongside them. I also watched them train as often as I could, after I’d cycled back from school to the club’s youth hostel.

"I recall once being the only person at the training ground, and I spent ages watching Owen Hargreaves all on his own, playing a ball against a wooden bench and trapping the rebound. He’d already signed pro forms back then.

"And I was desperate to get hold of a pair of boots like the pros wore, and I basically begged him to give me his!"

When asked whether Hargreaves gave him what he wanted, Schweinsteiger replied: "Yes, he gave in at some point. We’d known each other for a long time, we’d both lodged in the club hostel.

Alex Ferguson: Anderson came close to leaving last season

Sir Alex Ferguson admits Anderson came close to leaving last season.

The 22-year-old endured a difficult campaign, scarred by poor form, and was tipped in some quarters to be eased out of Old Trafford during the January transfer window.

In the end, he stayed where he was, only to suffer a cruciate knee ligament injury during a Premier League win over West Ham in February.

Happily, Anderson is now on the road to recovery and began training.

It means a return to duty is not far away, with Ferguson hoping the break has allowed the midfielder to re-assess his future.

"Anderson has an incredible talent," said Ferguson. "He loves training and playing. He wants to play every game and train every day.

"But that is a problem for me because at 22 he has not got the maturity to understand we operate a squad here.

"When he does understand that, he will be a fantastic player here but last season he was talking about leaving because he was not playing in every game."

Rather than put his arm around the player's shoulder, Ferguson opted to stand well back from someone who first made his mark with FC Porto in the hope that common sense would eventually prevail.

In that sense, Anderson's extended break came at a good time, with Ferguson now believing the player can fulfill his massive potential.

"Maybe it is a good thing he has been injured for a spell because he can look at the situation," said Ferguson. "In some ways, I don't want to change his mentality because it is wonderful to see someone who wants to play every minute of every day.

"If you have someone with that enthusiasm, you have to be careful you don't check it to the point when you lose it. I didn't talk to him about leaving. I just let him get it out of his system. Maybe the injury has quelled the storm in his body because he came back here with the same enthusiasm and has been telling me he is ready to play.

"Everyone has seen the quality in his game and he will get his opportunity."

Holland goalkeeper to snub Arsenal for Man Utd move

Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg favours a move to Manchester United rather than Premier League rivals Arsenal, according to talkSPORT.

Stekelenburg, 27, is near the top of both Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson's wishlist as they look to add a new shot stopper to their squads. After shining for the Netherlands on their path to the World Cup 2010 final, his Dutch club are hopeful of a bidding war to ramp up his price.

The Dutchman is set to disappoint the Amsterdam giants' board as he has set his heart on replacing Edwin van der Sar at Old Trafford. A suspected move will occur next summer as the giant goalkeeper has no intention of departing in the January transfer window.

Forlan admits still in touch with Fergie and staffs

Atletico Madrid ace Diego Forlan admits he keeps in touch with Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Forlan has enjoyed a stellar career since leaving Old Trafford.

He told manutd.com: "The gaffer sent me several texts during the World Cup finals. He offered support and encouragement, which I appreciated. He’s always watching, he never misses anything.

"I also keep in touch with Mike Phelan, coach Rene [Meulensteen] and Martin, the manager’s brother. Players drift apart so I don’t have any contact with the players, but I still have contact with United people."

Match Analysis: Berbatov stunning hat-trick in 3-2 win against Liverpool

Manchester United threw away another two-goal lead – but a Dimitar Berbatov hattrick saved them.

Sir Alex Ferguson went with a 4-4-2 – the first time he has done this in a ‘big’ game since Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over United last season. John O’Shea moved to right-back to replace Gary Neville.

Roy Hodgson went for Fernando Torres upfront alone at the top of a compact side. Raul Meireles was the link player, with Steven Gerrard deeper in midfield. Joe Cole made his return on the left side of midfield.

The home side started extremely strongly, getting the ball quickly forward to their front four players and pinning Liverpool back inside their own third. Liverpool defended with two banks of four, and Meireles got goalside of Paul Scholes and attempted to close him down, to stop him dictating play.

 Liverpool defended reasonably well when the ball came into the box early on, but they weren’t able to find out-balls to get the ball up the pitch and stop United coming back again and again. Fernando Torres only completed three passes in the opening half, and was barely involved in play.

Contrast in styles

The battle down United’s right-hand side looked like it was going to play a big part in the game. Nani had recorded four assists from four right-wing crosses in his previous four games, and Paul Konchesky started the game by trying to get as tight as possible. 

The Portuguese winger created relatively little though, and the biggest threat down that side came when John O’Shea motored forward and he and Nani caught Joe Cole 2 v 1 (with Konchesky having moved too central), reminiscent of the situation Darren Fletcher and Gary Neville created to create Park Ji-Sung’s winner in the same fixture last season.

Liverpool’s football was more based around short passes and keeping possession. Indeed, they completed more passes than United in the first half (220 to 176), despite being second best for almost the entire 45 minutes. They had the right idea, however – they were working the ball slowly across the midfield, using their numerical advantage to narrow United’s midfield and working the ball out to the flanks into crossing positions. Unfortunately, the crosses themselves were dreadful – a sliced effort into the stands from Konchesky and an overhit punt from Christian Poulsen the most obvious examples.

Crosses

Aside from a break where Wayne Rooney and Berbatov combined brilliantly and moved the ball out to Nani who wasted a good position, United were mostly faced with trying to break down two banks of four solidly behind the ball. With 2 v 3 in the midfield, and Scholes and Darren Fletcher unable to find much room, United were looking to get crosses in.

 Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel dealt with this well, but Torres did not when marking Berbatov at a corner, and the Bulgarian headed in. It was the only shot on target United had in the first half. It was also the second goal Liverpool have conceded from a corner this season (the first being against Manchester City).

Hodgson changed nothing major at half-time, although Joe Cole looked to be coming into the centre of the pitch more often. United still hit the ball forward and wide quickly. Fletcher did this with a wonderful 60-yard ball to Nani, who cut inside onto his left foot, and crossed for Berbatov who finished acrobatically. United looked out of sight.

Liverpool change formation

Liverpool switched to 4-4-2 with the addition of David N’Gog for Maxi Rodriguez, with Meireles coming out to the right. And immediately they got a goal back – Jonny Evans got himself into a poor position and make an equally poor challenge on Torres. Gerrard converted the penalty. The threat of an additional striker clearly caused United problems straight away, although in truth it was an individual mistake from Evans rather than a well-crafted goal.

Despite Torres’ notorious success against Nemanja Vidic in previous contests, following his unsuccessful first-half against the Serbia international he made a deliberate effort to make runs off the back of Evans and O’Shea instead. It was O’Shea’s clumsy tackle on him created the free-kick for Gerrard’s second – and here we can attribute the goal to the presence of a second striker – Ngog’s run to the right flank dragged Evans out of position and created the gap for Meireles through ball. But again, it was a needless tackle as Edwin van der Sar would have been favourite to get to the ball (presumably why Howard Webb showed O’Shea a yellow card and not a red).

The shift from 4-4-1-1 to 4-4-2 got Liverpool back into the game – but it also cost them defensively. Paul Scholes became completely free in the centre of midfield, and he had time to knock the ball out O’Shea, who crossed for Berbatov’s third. Three crosses, three goals. Ferguson brought on both Darron Gibson and Anderson to shut up shop with a 4-5-1.

Conclusion

Each side only had one successful method of creating chances. United got crosses in towards Berbatov, Liverpool played the ball into space behind the defence for Torres. Those two approaches created all five goals.

It was a minor surprise that United started with 4-4-2, but they showed they know how to play this way – they get the ball quickly into advanced wide positions and put the ball into the box. It’s a simple formation, and sides that use it successfully generally do so with a very simple approach.

Hodgson’s tactical shift got him back into the game. It’s slightly easier to move from 4-5-1 to 4-4-2 when facing a 4-4-2 than when facing a 4-5-1, as you’re merely conceding your own midfield advantage rather than giving the opposition an extra man in that zone. Ultimately, however, the match game down to the fact that Liverpool couldn’t defend from crosses, and Berbatov took advantage.