Check back every Monday for BC Magazine’s “Euroscore” Round-up of matches from the weekend!
England
This weekend’s Euroscore featured match took place at the City Of Manchester Stadium as Manchester City took on neighbours Manchester United.
With unfashionable City recently becoming one of the world’s richest clubs it was neighbours United who were keen to show these unfashionable upstarts that they are still the biggest kid on the block. The frustration for City is that despite having the money burning a hole in the bank they can’t actually spend any of it on new players until the transfer window opens again next month.
Whether manager Mark Hughes will be allowed to bring in the players he actually wants or is served them up like unwanted Christmas presents remains to be seen. Hughes is of course an ex-United star, a fact that added even more spice to the occasion. The signing by City of Brazilian stars Robinho and Jo from Real Madrid and CSKA Moscow respectively signalled the shape of things to come. Now expect City to build around these two with some more major names shortly.
In the meantime it is United who hold most of the aces with players of the calibre of Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored an incredible 42 goals last year. Add to that England stars Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, former Dutch international keeper Edwin Van Der Sar, and recent addition from Spurs Dimitar Berbatov and it was clear that United, for the time being at least, were favourites to win the match.
Anything could happen though and last year City took all six points from their rivals. This game however went very much as predicted with United dominating the early stages and a misfiring City left chasing shadows in a 0-1 United victory. Only Robinho threatened United to any extent sliding in dangerously on Van Der Sar, following that with a disappointing free kick attempt. However with half an hour gone Van Der Sar weakly punched the ball clear leaving himself hopelessly out of position. City’s hard working and always impressive Stephen Ireland lifted the ball back towards the United goal. The ball bounced to safety off the post with City and England defender Micah Richards unable to get a finishing touch.
At the other end United were guilty of misfiring in front of goal and chances were squandered by Berbatov, Rooney, Ronaldo, and full back Patrice Evra. Just as half time loomed England midfielder Michael Carrick drove the ball across the City goal from the left hand side. Young City ‘keeper Joe Hart could only parry the ball into the path of Wayne Rooney who tapped in his 100th career goal.
Article comments
1 - Robert M. Barga
Psh, you have your knots all ties up wrong. It is the Columbus Crew who is clearly the best team in Manchester. Hell, they need not even be playing in that city and the are better than your sorry teams
that said, please don't kill me
2 - Dr Dreadful
Not understanding you, Robert. Is there a suburb of Columbus called Manchester where the Crew have their stadium?
If not, well, let's test your theorem by arranging a friendly between Columbus and either of the Manchester teams and see how they get on.
You barbecue the hot dogs and I'll order 11 body bags.
3 - Robert M. Barga
I was basically saying that english clubs are worse than our 2008 MLS cup winners, and that our team is better even though it doesnt play there (i.e., you guys suck)...
granted, last time we played a friendly we lost, but we had a great brawl (i was among those insulting the Queen, even though I think she is great and all)... If Manchester ever plays the Crew, here at home, I will make you some hotdogs and get you pleanty to drink (real beer, not the piss we Americans call beer)...
4 - Dr Dreadful
I was basically saying that english clubs are worse than our 2008 MLS cup winners, and that our team is better even though it doesnt play there
As you admit, last time Columbus Crew played an English team they lost - although in friendly matches anything can happen. I guarantee you, though, that if the Crew were ever to play Manchester United, Manchester City or any of the other 18 Premier League sides in a serious competitive match, the English team would wipe the floor with them.
Sure, MLS is improving, but up against the Premier League? I'm sorry, they're just not in the same... well, league.
Oh, and for the record, I'm not a fan of either of the Manchester teams.
5 - Robert M. Barga
I think our best could take on one of your teams, after all, you guys took the Crews star for a few seasons
that said, you are right, we are nothing yet (I am an united fan when looking at the british game, but crew fan otherwise)
6 - Dr Dreadful
It may be a long time before we get to test this out. The major international club competitions are, at present, intracontinental - the two oldest and most important being the European Champions' League (formerly the European Cup) and the Copa Libertadores in South America.
There is of course the Club World Cup, but no-one really takes that seriously.
7 - Robert M. Barga
psh, world cup or olympics...
i think we have another friendly schedualed for next year, but i think it is away (alas, no cheering for me)
8 - Carrick
Have to say that Manchester United would beat Manchester City any day. The league cup first leg may have gone to the blues, but United WILL pull it back later tonight. I hope!