Michael Owen's dramatic strike in the sixth minute of added time to win a sensational derby catapulted the former Liverpool man into Old Trafford legend.
Now England boss Fabio Capello might have to reconsider Owen's claims for a World Cup ticket next summer. This was no ordinary goal; this was a clinical finish in a high-octane match - the type Owen used to specialize in before injuries wrecked his career. Many thought Owen was finished as an international and a top-level player.
When United boss Alex Ferguson let Carlos Tevez drift away to City and took Owen on a free, questions were raised in the summer about the old man's judgment. This was the answer and, for extra satisfaction, Tevez was there to witness it - after City seemed to have grabbed a point when Rio Ferdinand gave the ball away and Craig Bellamy scored with 90 minutes up on the clock.
Fergie was seriously wound up by that poster of Tevez on a billboard in his new City strip above the words "Welcome to Manchester". So how about United retaliating with a picture of Owen and his arms outstretched over the same message? That would kill two birds with one stone, not only annoying City but Owen's former club and rivals from Anfield as well.
Fergie reckoned United could have won this by six or seven but United's mistakes made it "the greatest derby of all time". It was true that United were remarkably accident-prone although, at the same time, City's finishing was outstanding. This was a rollicking Manchester derby with real edge and a passion which has been somewhat artificial in recent years.
Fergie claimed City had become too cocky and would not be the dominant team in his lifetime. So he was delighted when his players backed up his boast inside the first two minutes. With Shaun Wright-Phillips caught napping at a quick throw-in, Patrice Evra cut the ball back for Wayne Rooney who skipped between Nigel De Jong and Kolo Toure before shooting home.
The joy was short-lived, however, as nervy Ben Foster gifted City their 16th-minute equaliser. Foster had already hesitated once and seen his clearance charged down by Tevez so this time he foolishly tried to take the ball round the Argy - with fatal consequences. Tevez won the ball and laid it back for Gareth Barry and he finished with precision. In the stands sat Capello's assistant Franco Baldini, who cannot have been impressed by Foster's claims for the England goalkeeping spot, though he will have admired Barry's accuracy.
One-time United hero Mark Hughes, the City boss, was off the bench punching the air while the fans who used to adore him responded with gestures of a different type. The tempo was set - fast and furious with tackles flying in from all angles but somehow the lid stayed on.
Just before half-time, the moment Tevez had waited for came his way as Toure and Stephen Ireland set him up - only for his right-foot shot to rattle the outside of the post. Fergie gave his men a boot up the backside at half-time and they came out with far more purpose after the break. Within four minutes the evergreen Giggs, who bossed the second half, looped a cross towards the far post and the vastly improved Darren Fletcher climbed above Barry to head home. But City equalised through a cracking effort from Bellamy, who deceived Park Ji Sung to create space, then unleashed a right-foot pearler from 20 yards which flew in the top right-hand corner.
It took the brilliance of goalkeeper Shay Given to keep City level as he frustrated the life out of Dimitar Berbatov - twice beating away headers from the Bulgarian. When Giggs had a go with a volley, Given was there again to push it over the top as he fell backwards. But the Irishman could not stop Fletcher heading United's third from Giggs' free-kick on 80 minutes.
Just when United looked like closing it out, Ferdinand was punished for being casual. He tried to loft the ball to John O'Shea only for Martin Petrov to chest down and send Bellamy away. The Welshman appeared to have run out of room yet found a gap between Foster and post to slide in a stoppage-time leveller.
The irony was that the party which took place in front of the visiting fans was to be City's undoing. Referee Martin Atkinson added on time for City's exuberance, there were another 30 seconds when Michael Carrick came on for Anderson - and United made the most of it. Rooney's free-kick was charged down but, when he hooked it back into the area, the ball was cleared only as far as Giggs. The pass which followed was out of this world, splitting the defence in two. Owen controlled it with the outside of his right foot before prodding the winner home.
Manchester United dismisses Manchester City 4 – 3
United beat Tottenham
Manchester United came out on top in a pulsating encounter at White Hart Lane in North London as they overcame Tottenham 3-1.
Spurs have been in form of the decade during the early part of the season and it took just 58 seconds for the sensation Jermain Defoe to put the ball in United net with an overhead kick. The chance was created following a loose pass by Berbatov, to Darren Fletcher, allowing Wilson Palacios to slide in. Robbie Keane shifted the ball to Benoit Assou-Ekotto and his cross to the far post saw Peter Crouch challenge Nemanja Vidic. Vidic appeared to get the last touch as the ball went into the danger zone, leaving Defoe to execute his bicycle-kick into the bottom corner.
But the Red Devils showed why they are champions by shrugging off the early setback and dominating the rest of the first half, with Ryan Giggs curling home an superb equalizer in the 25th minute. The superb free kick keeps the amazing record of scoring in every premier league season. Palacios had received a yellow card for the tackle on Berbatov that led to the free-kick, 25 yards from goal. Giggs' set-play curled over Keane in the wall and into the top corner.
Dimitar Berbatov missed an excellent opportunity to score against his former club before Anderson made it 2-1 with a powerful finish just before the break. The Brazil midfielder drilled into the bottom corner from the edge of the area after Scholes' long-range effort was blocked by Ledley King.
There was more drama to come in the second half as Paul Scholes was sent off for a second bookable offence, evoking Sir Alex Ferguson’s anger, while Ben Foster and Carlo Cudicini both produced excellent saves. The ten men of United contained Tottenham comfortably and Wayne Rooney then fired in a third 12 minutes from time to seal an impressive victory.
Premiere League Preview
All eyes will be on Old Trafford this weekend for the first clash between big four of the 2009/10 campaign.
It may still be early days in the new season but the importance of getting one over on your rivals should not be underestimated, at either end of the table.
Manchester United,Your browser may not support display of this image. Chelsea and much-touted Manchester CityYour browser may not support display of this image. all well-placed on the upper rungs of the Premier League ladder. Liverpool have stumbled to a disappointing start, and know they have ground to make up already, while the likes of Birmingham and Burnley have displayed enough promise to suggest that they could be dark horses as the top-flight marathon begins in earnest.
The latest round of fixtures will, however, be overshadowed by what promises to be a titanic tussle between Manchester United and Arsenal on Saturday evening - a game which can be seen live on Sky Sports 1 in UK and ESPNSTAR in South East Asia.
Reigning champions United appear to have shaken off the surprise of suffering a shock loss at Turf Moor, and put five past Wigan last time out, and Sir Alex Ferguson will have his troops primed for battle. Arsenal, though, have been mightily impressive so far this term, scoring 10 goals in their two fixtures so far, and they will head to Old Trafford confident they can put down a significant marker in the title race.
While the Gunners and Red Devils will have aspirations of crossing the finish line first come next May, Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea are also expected to have a major say in the destination of the crown. The Blues have made a perfect start to the season, taking nine points from three games, but they will not have things all their own way at Stamford Bridge this weekend when they play host to a Burnley side who have adapted to life among England's elite with consummate ease.
At present, though, it is Tottenham who are looking down on the rest of the table from their lofty perch at the summit and Harry Redknapp'sYour browser may not support display of this image. men will fancy their chances of racking up a fourth consecutive success this week. Spurs welcome Birmingham to North London on Saturday looking to preserve White Hart Lane'sYour browser may not support display of this image. burgeoning status as a fortress few away sides are able to breach.
Liverpool's troubles so far have already been alluded to and Rafa Benitez will not be relishing a tricky trip to Bolton. The Reds appeared bereft of ideas in their hugely disappointing 3-1 defeat to Aston VillaYour browser may not support display of this image. on Monday and Gary Megson will have his Trotters team sensing blood.
Anyone looking for a surprise package to emerge from the midst of the 2009/10 campaign could do worse than cast an eye over ever-improving Sunderland. Steve BruceYour browser may not support display of this image. has got the Black Cats purring and a trip to fortress Britannia Stadium to take on Stoke will hold no fear for the wily former Birmingham and Wigan boss.
West Ham, or rather their supporters, have dominated the headlines for all the wrong reasons this week and they will welcome the opportunity to turn attentions back to their performances on the field. A 3-1 victory over Millwall in the Carling Cup in midweek, a good result which has been somewhat overshadowed, should stand them in good stead ahead of a trip to Blackburn to take on a Rovers side yet to get off the mark.
Molineux promises to be bathed in gold this weekend as hosts Wolves take on Hull City. Mick McCarthy's side have made a solid yet unspectacular start to life back in the big time, while the Tigers will feel that they have yet to reap the rewards their industry this term has deserved.
Portsmouth kick-off Sunday's action with a lunchtime contest with Manchester City.With Sulaiman Al-Fahim now overseeing events at Fratton Park,Your browser may not support display of this image. having previously helped to manufacture the Abu Dhabi United Group's takeover at City, it will be intriguing to see which of the two sides now benefitting from Middle Eastern investment come out on top. The smart money would appear to be on the visitors, as they have taken maximum points from their two outings so far and are yet to concede, while Pompey have slipped to three consecutive defeats and look drained by the distracting takeover saga.
The South Coast outfit do not prop up the table at present, though, with that unfortunate honour going to Everton. The Toffees were expected to be among the frontrunners again this season, after taking positive strides in recent years, but a dismal start has seen them slip off the pace. A home date with inconsistent Wigan could help them to get back on track, but the Merseysiders will be forced to make do without Joleon LescottYour browser may not support display of this image. from now on after offloading the England international to Manchester City.
A busy weekend, which sees all 20 Premier League sides in action, comes to a close at Villa ParkYour browser may not support display of this image. on Sunday afternoon as Aston Villa take on Fulham. Martin O'Neill's men will have been buoyed by their heroics at Anfield last time out, while the Cottagers are looking to bounce back from a derby day setback at Chelsea last weekend.
Champions League Draw
Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Rangers now know who they will face in the UEFA Champions League group stage. Thursday's draw in Monaco has thrown up a host of intriguing fixtures in Europe's elite club competition.
Liverpool head up Group E and will tackle French giants Lyon, Serie A side Fiorentina and Hungarian outfit Debreceni as Rafa Benitez'sYour browser may not support display of this image. men aim to repeat their 2005 success.
Manchester UnitedYour browser may not support display of this image. - winners in 2008 and finalists in 2009 - are the top seeds in Group B, with Sir Alex Ferguson'sYour browser may not support display of this image. side facing lengthy trips to CSKA Moscow and Besiktas, while they must also tackle German champions Wolfsburg.
Chelsea have to overcome Porto, Atletico MadridYour browser may not support display of this image. and APOEL Nicosia if they are to secure safe passage from Group D into the knockout phase as they aim to claim the trophy which has become something of a Holy Grail for the Stamford Bridge club.
Arsenal tackle Champions League newcomers AZ Alkmaar,Your browser may not support display of this image. Greek powerhouse Olympiakos and Belgian side Standard Liege in Group H after overcoming Celtic in their qualifying round.
Rangers' bid to reach the latter stages in Europe sees them placed in Group G alongside top seeds Sevilla, Stuttgart and Unirea Urziceni of Romania.
Brazilian playmaker Kaka has been handed an immediate return to AC MilanYour browser may not support display of this image. with Real Madrid paired alongside his former club, plus Marseille and FC Zurich in Group C.
Defending champions Barcelona tackle Inter Milan in Group F - in two clashes which will see Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Samuel Eto'o facing their former clubs - with Dynamo KievYour browser may not support display of this image. and Rubin KazanYour browser may not support display of this image. completing the quartet.
Bayern Munich,Your browser may not support display of this image. who lifted the trophy in 2001, are up against Juventus, French champions Bordeaux and Maccabi Haifa in Group A.
The clubs will now meet home and away across six matchdays from September to December with the top two qualifying for the knockout phase, with the ultimate prize on offer in the final at Real's Santiago Bernabeu on 22nd May.
Champions League groups and fixture schedule
Group A: Bayern Munich, Juventus, Bordeaux, Maccabi Haifa.
Group B: Manchester United, CSKA Moscow, Besiktas, Wolfsburg.
Group C: AC Milan, Real Madrid, Marseille, FC Zurich.
Group D: Chelsea, Porto, Atletico Madrid, APOEL Nicosia.
Group E: Liverpool, Lyon, Fiorentina, Debreceni.
Group F: Barcelona, Inter Milan, Dynamo Kiev, Rubin Kazan.
Group G: Sevilla, Rangers, Stuttgart, Unirea Urziceni.
Group H: Arsenal, AZ Alkmaar, Olympiakos, Standard Liege.
Matchday 1: 15th/16th September
Matchday 2: 29th/30th September
Matchday 3: 20th/21st October
Matchday 4: 3rd/4th November
Matchday 5: 24th/25th November
Matchday 6: 8th/9th December
Manchester United demolished high flying Wigan
Premier League Champions Manchester United ended a difficult week in some awesome style as Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen both scored landmark strikes in a 5-0 demolition of Wigan at the DW Stadium.
If United were lethargic in midweek against Burnley, they were ruthless in a second half that saw them put the ball in back of the net for five times, four of them stunning goals, to more than justify Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to make seven changes to the side that slumped against Burnley at Turf Moor.
After an entertaining but goalless first period Rooney broke the deadlock after half-time for his 100th United goal, via the most sublime header from Antonio Valencia's cross, before strike partner Dimitar Berbatov netted a wonderfully impudent goal of his own.
Rooney scored his second via a deflection off Mario Melchiot before his replacement Owen clipped in a brilliant fourth for his first in United colours.
The most polished of displays was given added gloss in injury time when Nani scored a fabulous free-kick from range. Day Belong to Wayne Rooney The day, however, belonged to Rooney, such an unselfish worker, as he scored his 100th and 101st goals for the club.
Yet United found it hard going in the first half even though they had plenty of possession.
Ferguson was looking for an immediate response after what happened at Turf Moor and his side almost took the lead in the fourth minute with a swift break.
Nani cut the ball back into the area and Darren Fletcher was the first to react but saw his effort cleared off the line by Titus Bramble.
Three minutes later Paul Scholes hoisted a shot high over the bar following a clever flick from Berbatov after Fletcher had carved out the opening.
Wigan were again on the back foot after 16 minutes when Rooney strode forward but his effort was deflected wide.
Rooney then made time and space in the area only for goalkeeper Chris Kirkland to smother his close-range shot.
United were looking menacing every time they poured forward and Berbatov headed into Kirkland's arms following a cross from Nani four minutes later.
Wigan, however, almost took the lead with their first real attack in the 26th minute.
Jason Koumas showed good skill to work his way to the edge of the penalty area. He tried to curl the ball beyond Ben Foster only for the goalkeeper to react superbly and divert it to safety.
United responded in the 32nd minute and Rooney got away from Bramble only to rattle a shot against Kirkland's legs.
Then Fletcher's effort was cleared in the 39th minute after he had been set-up by Scholes.
Wigan, however, came close to opening the scoring in the 49th minute when Charles N'Zogbia won a free-kick off Patrice Evra early in the second half.
N'Zogbia dusted himself down and and picked out Paul Scharner in the area. He peeled away from his marker only to head narrowly wide of the post.
Valencia, such a cult figure during his time at Wigan, had to endure catcalls and jeers after going to ground in the 54th minute.
The Ecuador winger, however, was smiling two minutes later when he supplied the cross that led to the opening goal.
It came from Rooney - a fine header into the corner - and a landmark one as well. He savoured the moment and the goal was his reward for another typically hard shift.
That was the cue for United to turn the screw and Berbatov added a second two minutes later.
He started and finished the move cheekily chipping the ball over Kirkland before finding the net with his second touch after Scholes supplied the through ball.
United made it 3-0 in the 65th minute thanks to Rooney's second goal of the game. There was touch of luck about this effort as his shot took a slight deflection off Melchiot to wrong-foot Kirkland after Berbatov had supplied the opening.
Rooney was given a rousing reception by the visiting fans when he was replaced by Owen in the 72nd minute.
It was damage limitation now for Wigan, who had lost at home to Wolves in midweek.
However Owen made it 4-0 to United with his first goal for the club, a cool finish into the corner in the 85th minute after he had been set up by Nani.
Nani had the final word with a superb free-kick in stoppage time from 25 yards that sailed over a stranded Kirkland's head.
Man Utd move three points clear
Manchester United moved top of the table with a 2-0 comforatble win over
And substitute Michael Carrick settled any lingering nerves by firing home a wonderful second goal on 82nd minute to see off Pompey.
After sitting out United’s penalty shootout defeat by Everton in the FA cup semifinal on Sunday, Rooney and Ronaldo returned for United as they set about seizing control of the league and they were given the perfect start.
United were in front via their first dangerous attack on nine minutes as
There were still few jitters around Old Trafford, however, until Carrick made the points safe, supplying a polished finish to a ball from midfielder Paul Scholes who was making his 600th appearance for the club.
United’s pleasure was enhanced by news of