Tevez Wraps up for United

December 27, 2008

Tevez gifted United all 3 points after a tough Boxing Day trip to the Britannia. Stoke held United for 83 minutes before Tevez struck for 1-0 and 3 points. This was a potential red and white striped banana skin for United but Boxing Day has been a traditionally prosperous fixture which is a good record to keep in mind when going into a must win game at a difficult away ground.

The pre-empted excuses were abundant before kick off as pundits placed the blame for a possible slip up from the newly crowned World Champions on jetlag, however during play this was not apparent perhaps because the starting 11 was far removed from that of the side who played in the final in Yokohama.

Yet again United dominated possession but had limited chances on goal. Throw-in king Rory Delap was kept quiet with Van Der Sar dealing comfortably with most threats. The game did however have a scrappy element to it with various bookings ensuing. To be fair Wayne Rooney was lucky to finish the game after he flung an elbow out within 3 feet of the linesman’s nose. But not even a booking – perhaps the assistant referee should have gone to Specsavers.

Interestingly United only made one substitution during the 90. Berbatov came on for John O’Shea giving United an attacking line of Rooney, Tevez, Berbatov, Giggs and Ronaldo and perhaps surprisingly Ronaldo was the quietest of them all. This may however be due to the consistent and constant fouling from Andy Wilkinson. The Stoke man who was previously booked for hacking down Giggs continually pushed, pulled and kicked Ronaldo and pretty much anyone else along that flank. After Scything Ronny down for the 10000^th time Wilkinson finally saw red. He then had the nerve to go off clapping the home support. There is no more blatantly obvious way to acknowledge that you have done exactly what your manager asked –‘take one for the team and keep Mr Ballon D’or quiet.’

United finally got their breakthrough When Berbatov volleyed Gary Neville’s cross in to the path of Tevez who scored from close range.

Happily seeing off Stoke moves United in to a good position – 3^rd.with 2 games in hand but unfortunately Boxing Day also saw wins for Liverpool and Chelsea. Who keep up the pace at the top of the table.

Toby Bowen

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