Match Report
 today's match is sponsored by Green Towers Spa |
Match Report
It's a clear sunny day here at Old Trafford where Manchester United play host to Blackburn Rovers. A crowd of 18,402 fill this 21,000 capacity stadium.
The pitch is in poor condition.
Manchester United are playing in a 4-3-3 formation while Blackburn Rovers appear to be shaped for 4-2-4.
Today's match is refereed by Dave Summerbee.
The pitch is in poor condition.
Manchester United are playing in a 4-3-3 formation while Blackburn Rovers appear to be shaped for 4-2-4.
Today's match is refereed by Dave Summerbee.
0.00
0-0Manchester United get the match underway!
4.20
1-0Des Lockley threads a neat ball through to Frank Grimandi. Frank Grimandi knocks in a cross ball towards Juan Ruiz. Juan Ruiz directs the ball goalwards with his head. It's there!! Vladimir Keown has to pick the ball from the back of the net!
8.13
1-0Julian Izzet comes in with a late challenge on Paul White. Julian Izzet is given a warning by the referee! Paul White hobbles a bit, but should be okay.
9.02
Julian Izzet chips the ball to his team mate, Gabriel Castro. Gabriel Castro whips in a cross ball towards Tonton Dahlin. Tonton Dahlin is unmarked! He powers a header at goal. Tonton Dahlin scores for Blackburn Rovers!!
15.13
1-1Alistair Finney threads the ball through to Peter Power. Peter Power threads the ball through to Andy Hitchcock. Andy Hitchcock tries a spectacular long range effort. It curls slightly but Vladimir Keown manages to gather it effortlessly.
16.49
Eduardo Alvarez makes a simple pass to Peter Power. Peter Power flicks a high ball forward to Frank Grimandi who takes it down. Frank Grimandi runs straight at the defence! Frank Grimandi shoots from just inside the box. The ball dips but the keeper is more than a match for it. Good save!
18.25
1-1Eduardo Alvarez clumsily knocks into Julian Izzet. The referee calls over Eduardo Alvarez and shows him a yellow card! Julian Izzet stretches but gets up unharmed.
21.43
1-1Gabriel Castro kicks a strong pass forward to Julian Izzet. Julian Izzet lofts in a cross ball towards Victor Gimenez. Victor Gimenez makes a convincing header but it flies just off target!
22.08
Peter Power deftly passes the ball to his team mate, Juan Ruiz. Juan Ruiz rushes past Celestine Yekini! Juan Ruiz muscles his way past his marker and unleashes a shot at goal. Vladimir Keown easily gets down and covers it.
24.05
Julian Izzet flicks a high ball forward to Victor Gimenez who takes it down. Victor Gimenez makes a probing pass between the defence to Gabriel Castro. Some good footwork from Gabriel Castro provides some space. He shoots at goal. It's there!! Alex Soudani has to pick the ball from the back of the net!
32.08
Guilherme Quaresma threads the ball through to Des Lockley. Des Lockley flicks a high pass forward. Guilherme Quaresma controls it well on his chest. Guilherme Quaresma whips in a cross ball towards Andy Hitchcock. Andy Hitchcock directs the ball goalwards with his head. The ball dips under the bar and into the back of the net. Goal!!
45.00
Seeing a gap ahead, Francesco G. Cirillo plays the ball forward to Juan Ruiz. Juan Ruiz plays a one-two with Frank Grimandi and advances towards the goal... Juan Ruiz takes a shot at goal. The ball flies into the top corner - goal!!
45.00
The referee whistles the end of the first half!
Both teams emerge for the second half. Manchester United appear unchanged since the first half. Blackburn Rovers also appear unchanged since the first half. The Blackburn Rovers players look more motivated than they were before.
45.00
The whistle blows and Blackburn Rovers get the second half underway!
48.29
Eric Dehm knocks the ball to his team mate, Gabriel Castro. Gabriel Castro knocks the ball to his team mate, Wilco Seedorf. Wilco Seedorf tries a spectacular long range effort. The ball clips the underside of the bar and bounces just over the line. The fans cheer wildly!
53.56
Peter Power sees Juan Ruiz in space ahead and quickly passes the ball. Juan Ruiz whips in a cross ball towards Frank Grimandi. Frank Grimandi makes a looping header on goal but it is miles over!
57.54
Des Lockley controls the ball well before passing to his team mate, Andy Hitchcock. Andy Hitchcock controls the ball perfectly and tries a long range shot on goal. Vladimir Keown is helpless! The ball slams into the back of the net - goal!!
61.37
Peter Power changes direction and makes an attacking run forward. Peter Power tries a spectacular long range effort his aim is horrendously poor!
63.30
Gabriel Castro flicks a high pass forward. Tonton Dahlin holds off his marker to collect the ball on his thigh. Tonton Dahlin shoots from distance but it curls horrendously wide!
65.47
4-3Eric Dehm makes a strong solo run forward. Eric Dehm deftly passes the ball to his team mate, Julian Izzet. Julian Izzet knocks in a cross ball which is cleared easily by the defence.
67.21
Eric Dehm brings the ball forward. Eric Dehm runs straight at the opposition's defence. Eric Dehm knocks the ball forward, putting Wilco Seedorf through on goal. Wilco Seedorf rockets a shot on goal. The ball flies into the top corner - goal!!
71.40
Julian Izzet barges into Guilherme Quaresma. The referee warns Julian Izzet again to calm down! Guilherme Quaresma hobbles a bit, but should be okay.
73.18
Norman Harrison deftly passes the ball to his team mate, Julian Izzet. Julian Izzet shoots from 20 yards but it is miles over!
75.16
4-4Celestine Yekini hacks Des Lockley from behind! The referee reaches into his pocket ... it's a yellow card! Des Lockley grimaces as he struggles to run off the knock.
77.51
4-4Blackburn Rovers have made 3 substitutions with Harry McManaman replacing Alex Appiah, Anthony Dichio replacing Victor Gimenez and Jamie Bramble replacing Julian Izzet .
83.25
Jamie Bramble flicks a high pass forward. Gabriel Castro holds off his marker to collect the ball on his thigh. Gabriel Castro lofts in a cross ball towards Tonton Dahlin. Tonton Dahlin rises majestically and gets a header on goal. The ball is well placed but the keeper is a match for it. Excellent save!
84.15
Guilherme Quaresma flicks a high pass forward to Frank Grimandi who brings the ball under control. Frank Grimandi knocks in a cross ball towards Andy Hitchcock. Andy Hitchcock makes a deft header. The keeper is on top of it. Well saved!
90.00
Full-time is reached with the referee blowing his whistle!
Match Statistics
Goals
4
4
Shots on Target
8
5
Shots off Target
2
3
Offsides
0
0
Fouls
1
3
Yellow Cards
1
1
Red Cards
0
0
Possession
58.1%
41.9%
Play Area
24.3%
48.6%
27%
Scorers
| Juan Ruiz 4, 45 Andy Hitchcock 32, 58 | Tonton Dahlin 9 Gabriel Castro 24 Wilco Seedorf 48, 67 |
Man of the Match
| The man of the match was awarded to Juan Ruiz of Manchester United |
Match Ratings
| 1. | Alex Soudani (GK) | 6 | |
| 2. | Francesco G. Cirillo (DEF) | 6 | |
| 3. | Paul White (DEF) | 6 | |
| 4. | Alistair Finney (DEF) | 6 | |
| 5. | Eduardo Alvarez (DEF) |  | 5 |
| 6. | Guilherme Quaresma (MID) | 6 | |
| 7. | Des Lockley (MID) | 7 | |
| 8. | Peter Power (MID) | 7 | |
| 9. | Juan Ruiz (ATT) |  | 8 |
| 10. | Andy Hitchcock (ATT) | | 8 |
| 11. | Frank Grimandi (ATT) | 7 | |
| 12. | Scott Davies (DEF) | 0 | |
| 13. | Alexander Iosifidis (MID) | 0 | |
| 14. | Lampros Hatzis (ATT) | 0 | |
| 1. | Vladimir Keown (GK) | 7 | |
| 2. | Norman Harrison (DEF) | 6 | |
| 3. | Eric Dehm (DEF) | 7 | |
| 4. | Celestine Yekini (DEF) | | 5 |
| 5. | Alex Appiah (DEF) | 6 | |
| 6. | Julian Izzet (MID) | 6 | |
| 7. | Gabriel Castro (MID) | | 8 |
| 8. | Victor Gimenez (ATT) | 6 | |
| 9. | Wilco Seedorf (ATT) | | 8 |
| 10. | Spencer Newton (ATT) | 6 | |
| 11. | Tonton Dahlin (ATT) | | 7 |
| 12. | Harry McManaman (DEF) | 6 | |
| 13. | Anthony Dichio (DEF) | 6 | |
| 14. | Jamie Bramble (GK) | 6 | |