At half time City manager Mark Hughes brought on Pablo Zableta, and Elano to add more attacking options in an attempt to recover the damage. In the 59th minute United winger Ronaldo, was booked by referee Howard Webb. The player who collects the coveted ‘Ballon D’Or’ award this week hardly endeared himself to the City crowd, or the referee, by sarcastically applauding the official. Little did he know at that point just how his afternoon would end.
City had several chances to equal the scoreline but Elano’s free kick sailed over the bar, and Robinho wasted a break through by laying the ball too far in front of Benjani. With just over 20 minutes remaining the main talking point of the match occurred. A United corner taken by Rooney was inexplicably handled by Ronaldo. The referee deemed it to be deliberate, issued the second yellow card and sent the clearly unhappy Portuguese winger off.
Quite why a player who can be devastating with his head should handle in such a goal scoring position is unknown. Whether he felt he had been pushed, or as it appeared, claimed he had heard a whistle, only Ronaldo can answer. However hand ball is hand ball and the referee applied the law and United were reduced to ten men. It was his second dismissal on this ground having been sent off in the same game back in 2006.
This seemed to lift City who pushed for the equaliser. So much so that when a corner was won keeper Joe Hart ran forward into the United box. Unfortunately for him the ball broke to Wayne Rooney who chipped the ball from over forty yards towards the empty City net. Hart raced back like a man possessed and just managed to juggle the ball clear in time.
United however, held on, and left the City Of Manchester Stadium with all three points. I suspect that next season will see a very different City side taking on United. That cash isn’t going to stay in the bank long and losing to their great rivals at home will prompt a major spending spree in the January sales.
Elsewhere in the Premiership
Chelsea, at one time almost impregnable at home, lost 1-2 to troubled Arsenal. It was an excellent display by the Gunners whose two goals, the first of which had more than just a hint of offside about it, were scored by Robin Van Persie. Spurs lost for the first time at home since Harry Redknapp took charge, going down 0-1 to Everton.
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)