Reading 1 - 1 Manchester United
Saturday 23rd September 2006
Reading, London
Manchester United need to stop the rot soon - after losing to Arsenal last weekend, a draw against lowly Reading leaves them already two points behind Chelsea, who have resumed their position at the top of the Premiership.
At least both Gabriel Heinze and Michael Carrick were back in the first team, adding some extra bite in place of O'Shea and Silvestre.
Heinze returned for his firt start since last season, havuing fully recovered from his broken leg. He looked less than used to the fast-pace of the Premiership, but will get there. he was taken off for tiredness on 70 minutes after an hour's solid running up and down the left flank.
One person who didn't make the first team was Louis Saha, with Fergie preferring to play Rooney up from on his own. In truth, United looked toothless without him, and it was only in Cristiano Ronaldo that they had a genuine goal-threat.
It was the Portuguese youngster who was most fired up for this game, not surprising given the constant booes he received whenever he was on the ball. His passing and vision were on top form, whilst the Reading defenders afterwards admitted that they had no idea which way he was going to go half the time!
The game turned in Reading's favour after a few United chances, when Gary neville handled inside his own box. The penalty was duly converted by Doyle to put reading in and unlikely winning position.
United were forced into attack, with fergie sending on an energetic Louis Saha, but still failed to find the cutting edge, with poor crossing and too much passing around the box instead of direct play.
It was lucky for United Ronaldo was on - the superstar ran round two defenders before nudging the ball into the box and smashing the ball into the bottom corner for a great equaliser.
there were no real chances for the winner, and United fans will be diappointed to drop two points behind Chelsea.
