Manchester United 2 - 0 Fulham
Sunday 1st October 2006
Old Trafford, Manchester
With the news that Louis Saha was benched for this game, and Solskjaer was leading the line of attack, came a small amount of anxiety for Manchester United fans - they had looked toothless in the last two games, against Benfica and Reading, and were now relying on a 31 year old who had just come back from 2 years on the sidelines. Not good news.
But in truth, Manchester United could have played a thouroughbred monkey upfront, and still would have won. Admittedly it was Solskjaer who put the finishing touches on the goals, but his contribution was nothing compared to that of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The young Portuguese superstar, still booed at every touch by the away fans, was on his game, and more than likely would have smashed a goal in in the dying minutes, a la Reading, has the cunning Ole Gunnar not been on the pitch.
A monkey too could have replaced Wayne Rooney, who looked fitter but still lacks the sharpness that we have become accustomed to over the years.
United's full strength defence started the game, with Fergie opting for a partnership of brutishness and intelligence with his selection of Vidic alongside Ferdinand. Neville and Heinze complemented the team nicely, although do not get forward as often as I would have liked.
Heinze had a few nice tackles and runs before his wild lunge at Ameobi. He got the ball (I think) but was unable to stop and ended up injuring himself! Thankfully he walked off the pitch rather than being carried off on the stretcher.
The game looked like heading for 0-0 at half-time when Ronaldo picked up the ball after his corner quick-pass to Evra, ran it inside and struck it towards goal. Harper could only parry the ball, and it fell to Solskjaer three yards out and with an open net. 1 - 0.
With the second half came some new Newcastle tactics. Their main aim prior to the goal was to stop United playing (with little luck), but after the goal they had to attack, offering some space to both Scholes and Carrick. Michael Carrick had a good game in the centre of the pitch, and some neat touches and tackles mean he will continue to stay in the team well ahead of O'Shea and Fletcher!
The second goal came two minutes in, with another Ronaldo corner at the root of the goal. Vidic met the corner with his boot, and it went flying towards goal. Harper may have had it covered, but then it deflected off Solskjaer and bumbled home to secure the three points for United.
Ronaldo hit the post a third time with two minutes to go, but it didn't matter. Ronaldo and United were outstanding.
Man Utd: Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Heinze (Evra 31), Fletcher, Carrick, Scholes, Ronaldo, Rooney, Solskjaer.
