Manchester United 2 - 0 Newcastle
Wednesday 29th March 2006
Old Trafford, Manchester
Ruud van Nistelrooy's comeback trail was set alight by his shining example to his fellow professionals. Not only did he chase every ball, but he took on the captains role, shouting and screming at players, proving himself to be a real leader in the red United jersey.
With 5 changes from the side that beat Birmingham just three days earlier, the United midfield failed to flow in their usual fashion for the first twenty minutes, but soon got back into the swing of things as United began to take hold.
Vidic hit the post with a drive, Pique almost scored on his full debut, with his long strike forcing Shaka Hislop to make a great save.
Just when West Ham thought they'd be going into half-time with an equal goal tally, United struck. Park danced round Konchesky, taking over from Ronaldo as the teams trickster for a minute, and threaded the ball towards goal, and towards Ruud.
Ruud turned and flashed the ball to the back post, and the ball sailed smoothly into the back of the net.
United could have sat back in teh second half, but instead chose to attack and get more goals.
It almost happened -Ronaldo had a chance to play in Rooney but all Rooney could do was hit the post!
Ronny was upto his usual tricks again, and made the most of the time he was being given on the ball by wowing the crowd with flick after trick after chip. He was sensational, as we've come to expect in rcent weeks.
Will Ruud be in the team for Bolton? Who knows, but Ronny most certainly will be.
Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra (Silvestre 78), Ronaldo (Saha 87), Fletcher (Giggs 69), Pique, Park, van Nistelrooy, Rooney.
