It was a must win game for both sides as United took on Aston Villa Sunday afternoon. Villa looking to get back on course for a fourth place finish and United needed to get back on track in order to keep their title hopes alive.
A careless back pass for James Milner saw the unusual award of a free kick in the penalty area, Ronaldo struck it hard and fast in to the top corner for 1-0, a technically difficult set piece to execute, but the number 7 converted as if he practised it every week. A needless goal for Villa to concede after they had started so well.
Villa equalised through John Carew and took the lead after half time through Agbonlahor and it was starting to look like a third defeat in a row was on the cards for united.
On 61 minutes SAF throw the dice and gambled on 17 year old Macheda, who replaced Nani.
On 80 minutes Ronaldo leveled the score left footed from the edge of the box, he hadn’t been playing at his best but found the back off the net twice, a sign of a truely great player.
The stage was now set for the dawning of a new United Hero. 92 minutes on the clock, Macheda recieves the ball from Giggs, he turns in the box and curls a shot past Friedel right in to the top corner. A dream start to the young Italian’s United career.
An inspired substitution from SAF who further proved his genius for football management, and a vital 3 points in the title race.
Toby Bowen
