Video: Newcastle v Man Utd Match Analysis & Highlights

Manchester United were slowed in their chase for the Premier League title with a goalless draw to Newcastle. In a fixture which usually splurges goals, it was surprising to see such a lack of them in a game which Newcastle started very well indeed, putting pressure immediately onto the United defence with excellent chances falling to Peter Lovenkrands several times only for him to waste them. United responded with an attack involving Chicharito and Rooney, but when the latter broke into the box after a lucky bounce, it was hit well over and the chance was of course gone.

United never really got into the pace - their pace, and although in the second half were not challenged very much in defence, were not greatly effective going forward either. Ryan Giggs spurned the best opportunity, as can seen above when a ball pulled back was hit agonisingly wide by the United veteran. It was the best chance of the game, and on another day, the Welshman would have seen it hit the back of the net, but unfortunately for him and United's title charge, to was not one of those days.

There were a couple of penalty appeals too. Firstly Nani went down in the first half, with no real contact on him. To be fair he didn't really appeal, probably through guilt for going down in the first place, but it isn't good to see. Then Lovenkrands was caught by Anderson in the box, with real contact, but nothing was given, much to the strikers frustration. United had another appeal turned down when Chiek Tiote raised his arms when a shot came at him in the box, and the final one in the last few minutes saw Chicharito fall under a challenge in the box. Lee Probert blew his whistle, and for a second United fans' eyes were wide open in anticipation. But a penalty was not given, rather a yellow card for Chicharito for simulation.

United are still on course for their 19th title, but will have their nervousness levels raised if Arsenal win against local rivals Tottenham on Wednesday. With Arsenal still to play at the Emirates, and Chelsea to play at Old Trafford, the way the title goes is well in United's hands. Maximum points will be United's target, but today's performance must be improved to do so.

DBSFootball in association with: http://www.watch-football.tv/football/ - Live Football Streaming.

Watch: Manchester United 2 - 1 Chelsea

Manchester United pushed aside Chelsea in their Champions League second leg clash with a 2 - 1 win on the night. Chelsea disappointed on the night, while United excelled in front of a delighted Old Trafford crowd.

Chicharito and Ji Sung Park goals were enough to see off Chelsea as their disgruntled and clearly crushed owner Roman Abramovich watched on with a silent, inner anger as he once again saw his dream of Chelsea lifting the Champions League trophy drift passed. United were just too much, and after Ramieres' sending off, a one man disadvantage gave Chelsea little chance despite getting a goal through Drogba to give them hope.

Fernando Torres started, and, as is becoming routine, he misfired, prompting his substitution at half time. United grabbed their first just before the end of the first half, to double their aggregate lead and set them on their way. Sir Alex Ferguson had made it clear that United wanted to win on the night, and Chicharito's goal through an accurate, low cross from an evergreen Ryan Giggs saw Old Trafford erupt and Ferguson's plans develop.

Chelsea often dominated in the possession stakes and managed more chances in the first half, but they had to wait until the 77th minute for their first goal of he tie. Drogba fired low into the goal past Edwin van der sar and he wheeled away in celebration, temporarily silencing the home crowd. Chelsea were back into the game and into the tie, but they still needed another goal.

Less than a minute late, United streamed down the field, and after a delightful chip over the blue defence to Park, the South Korean finished by smashing the ball into the opposite corner. It was the ultimate response. The response of Champions. European Champions? Possibly. United will be waiting for either Schalke or Inter.

Rooney had an absolute blinder of a game, his passes and his touches were outstanding, and his deep role suited him perfectly, looking more and more like a younger attacking Paul Scholes. Ryan Giggs also played brilliantly, assisting both goals while being assured and calm as always. Michael Carrick continued his form from the first leg, and John O'Shea's clever through ball for Giggs in the build up for the first goal was outstanding.

A £20 Million Bid for Berbatov Should be Accepted

You could say that Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney are like beauty and the beast. Watching the Bulgarian with the ball at his feet is a joy to behold, as he effortlessly glides past players with the silky skills of a suave, smooth and polished perfectionist. Meanwhile, Rooney charges around, with his undoubted quality, bullishly tracking back, rocketing cross field passes and sometimes getting involved in incidents he really shouldn't be.

You wouldn't, for example ever see Dimitar Berbatov screaming obscenities into a television camera after scoring a goal. That isn't his style, but both players are undeniably Manchester United quality, and are both passionate about their football.

However, the rumours circulating claim that Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing to sell the "beauty" of this pairing for an amount in excess of £20 million. Manchester United's top scorer, who is also the Premier Leagues top scorer with 20 goals, seems to have fallen out of favour with the United manager as his starts in games have become all to infrequent. Javier Hernandez's growing reputation as a guaranteed goalscorer at important times has seen him propelled into a starting spot alongside Rooney, whose place in the team seems more or less guaranteed.

Bayern Munich have apparently noticed this, and will reportedly attempt to persuade Berbatov to come back to the country where he made his name - with Bayern Leverkusen. The Germans are supposedly preparing a £22 million bid for the striker who was bought by United in 2008 for £30.75 million.

After two seasons which saw the Bulgarian score a total of 26 in 86 games, he was labelled rather harshly as "Berbaflop". He had cost a lot of money, and at his age, (now 30), it was beginning to look like a bad buy from Ferguson. This season has proved all of his critics wrong, with a stunning total of vital goals in vital games including a hat-trick against Liverpool. He has now almost scored the same amount of goals this season than he did in his firs to season's at Old Trafford, yet starting games is becoming a rarity.

I like Berbatov - he has grown on me - especially this season, but I think if United are offered £22 million like is being reported, then Sir Alex should take it. It would be sad to see Berbatov go after what he has done for United this season, and his incredible touch and fantastic hold up play will be missed by many. His calm, collected figure will be missed too, but at his age, £22 million is a fantastic deal, and one that will not be equalled in the future if this opportunity is passed.

United could use the money this summer to sign a younger striker or midfielder, someone who can contribute to the team for many years to come. A central midfielder is what is needed, and a player similar to Owen Hargreaves who is the engine of a side.

It will be sad to see Berbatov go. He is a brilliant player, with a unique style. Strong when he needs to be, quick when he wants to be, and deadly in front of goal - always.

A Champions Performance - A Vital Win

Wayne Rooney's swearing fit of joy/relief after he completed his unpredictable hat-trick pretty much summed up the feelings of the majority of Manchester United fans. This was a man who knew he hadn't played as well as he could have in the first half, and the pressure had been building. He had started ahead of the Premier League's top scorer, who sat on the bench with his new short hair cut, waiting to come on - a call many United fans were asking for. But he proved everyone wrong with that third goal which hauled United over the line ahead of an irritatingly hard to get past West Ham side.

United dominated the play, but after two very avoidable penalties were conceded and scored by Mark Noble, it was an uphill battle at the ground where a second string United team had conceded four in a Carling Cup encounter with Avram Grants side. Sir Alex was frustrated by the situation they were in; "Being two goals down was a travesty in terms of possession and chances created." 


So, sitting up in the stands, watching his players from above, the veteran United manager was in the perfect position to decide what to change - and big decisions were needed. The big substitution at half time was taking the perpetrator for the first penalty, Patrice Evra off, and throwing on the baby face Javier Hernandez, a young man with a growing goalscoring reputation.


It paid off, and in the 64th minute, a free kick was won. Now since Beckham and Ronaldo left United, there  has been a distinct lack of goals from free-kicks, especially at vital times. As Rooney stepped up, many I'm sure were expecting it to pathetically rebound off the wall, but this was not the case. Instead, Rooney scored 
the first of his three goals, and United were suddenly back in the game.


An Antonio Valencia cross was brought down superbly by Rooney and he took a touch to smash it into the bottom left hand corner of the West Ham net in a delightful finish. United weren't going to stop there however, oh no. Typically, United would go for the win, and, with all of the momentum of a quick fire double from an inspired Wayne Rooney, they were in the driving seat, with no chance of hitting the breaks.


When the little Brazilian Fabio worked his way into the box and was closed down by Upson, it looked like any chance was gone, but a clever little flick which hit the defenders arm prompted Lee Mason to point to the spot, for Rooney to step up and place into the corner. It also prompted Rooney to confront his critics with his potty mouth in front of the camera, in the midst of being mobbed by his United team mates. 


The win was there for the taking, but United were not safe yet, and United fans would have been thinking back to the early stages of the season when late goals were all that seemed to be occurring. Nevertheless, a nicely played counter attack saw Rooney roll it to Ryan Giggs, who never seemed to stop after being moved to left back at half time, and the Welshman crossed it across the ground for his little Mexican team mate to do what he does best from a few yards out.


Sir Alex Ferguson reacted to moving eight points clear of Arsenal in the table:

"We played like champions today, we kept our heads up and didn't lose faith in our ability.

"It's never easy coming here. They are fighting relegation but we had to do our thing.

"We dominated that second half and it was a real championship performance.

"Arsenal have a game in hand. It could go to goal difference but I somehow don't think so."

Berbatov came on and played brilliantly. His touch is, as ever, exquisite, and his hold up play is superb. It was a small cameo that may push him into contention for starting the Champions League game against Chelsea, but in Ferguson's mood of playing Rooney and Chicharito may over rule again. That is the beauty of it though, because the bench is so strong - Nani, Michael Owen, Chicharito and Rooney started on the bench - showing the strength in depth at United.


It was a a Champions performance, and a performance that has stepped United closer to holding aloft that Premier League trophy, ahead of Arsenal who drew at the Emirates against Blackburn.

Watch: Rooney Hat-trick & Chicharito Goal v West Ham

Manchester United showed why they are sitting at the top of the table with a brilliant comeback which saw Wayne Rooney score a fantastic hat-trick which included a curling free-kick and a coolly taken penalty. Chicharito rounded off the comeback with a typical poachers goal. Watch the goals below:

Watch: Chicharito Goals v Paraguay

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has once again showcased his fantastic goalscoring quality - this time for his country, Mexico against Paraguay in an international friendly. Mexico went on to win the game 3 - 1.

The little Mexican has now netted a fantastic 14 goals in just 22 appearances. This season, Chicharito has scored 16 goals in 34 appearances for Manchester United.

At only 22 years old, he is becoming a vital player for both club and country. After signing for United before the World Cup, Hernandez said:

 "I shall always be the same chap, with my feet always on the ground, and I see this as another challenge in my career. I am, first and foremost, a human being," 

Chicharito on The "Monster" Rooney & Tevez Comparison

Javier Hernandez is living the dream. Playing regularly for Manchester United, scoring vital goals, getting on with your business and playing with some great players. Yet from all of his quotes and interviews, he seems so down to earth and grounded. The 22 year-old Mexican has been in sensational form in his first season in England, scoring a brilliant total of 16 goals so far and starting a very promising partnership with Wayne Rooney - pushing the Leagues top scorer, Dimitar Berbatov on the bench in the process.

'Chicharito', as he is known, spoke of Wayne Rooney, comparisons to the former United striker and current City player Carlos Tevez, and what his secret to success on the field is:

"Playing with Wayne is a dream. He's a monster to be alongside and I never believed I would get so many games and goals during my first season at United."

“'The Little Tevez'? I'm really proud that people are comparing me to him but I am Chicharito and am living my dreams at the moment.” 

 “I am very happy because I know there is much more to come. My secret is to study opposition defenders and work out their weak points."

 "I try to outwit them with my speed and anticipation in the area. So my goals are not down to luck."

Hernandez was bought by Sir Alex Ferguson for £6 million this summer and is probably the buy of the season. When you consider Chelsea's splurge of money on Torres and Manchester City's £30 buy of Edin Dzeko, Chicharito looks such a great buy for the club.

His impressive performances in last years World Cup saw him score a few vital goals including one against France and one against Argentina, and the former Guadalajara player believes that the physical aspect of the game in better in England:

“Perhaps the better physical preparation here in England is the key to my performances. This aspect of the game is better than in South America and I have profited.” 

Now Hernandez will be hoping United can push on after the international break and go on to cement their place at the top of the Premier League, and progress against City and Chelsea in the FA Cup and Champions League respectively.

Beckham Big Fan of Chicharito

Former United star David Beckham has heaped praised on Manchester United's new star, and brilliant little goal scorer, Javier Hernandez and told the Mexican to enjoy playing for the "best club in the world".

Beckham played close to four hundred games for United, and scored 87 very important goals making himself the biggest name in football since his debut in 1992 in the League Cup against Brighton Hove Albion. Hernandez's competitive debut was a different situation altogether. He came on against Chelsea in the Community Shield, scoring his first goal for United in a 3 - 1 win.

This has been one of many goals this season for Chicharito and Beckham has been impressed with the 22 year-old:

"Chicharito has been exceptional when he’s played. He scores goals, he takes chances, he works hard for the team.

"It’s great to see that. It’s great to see a young player doing really well who is from a different part of the world. To go to Manchester United and do well is exceptional."

Hernandez has taken the place of Berbatov in the last few games, and has not disappointed, scoring two against Marseille to pull United through to the Champions League quarter finals. Beckham emphasized the quality of Hernandez, as Sir Alex wouldn't have him in the team if he wasn't good enough.

"He wouldn’t be in the team and he wouldn’t be scoring goals if Sir Alex Ferguson didn’t think he was a good player.

"It says a lot that he’s playing, it says a lot that he’s getting minutes on the field, obviously, the manager thinks a lot of him. Good luck to him."

The current LA Galaxy star finished by wishing Chicharito good luck in his career at United.

"Enjoy playing for Manchester United. It’s the best club in the world."

 Beckham's television career included his various Pepsi adverts and it seems the Mexican is following in Beckham's commercial footsteps with this new Coke Zero advert:

Rooney: I'm Staying At United Into My Thirties

Wayne Rooney has dismissed any talk of a big money transfer this summer. Rumours have been circulating - as they so often do - that the contract troubles last summer are still very much present in the United camp and that the signing of a new 5 year contract was simply a way of making more money out of a sale in the summer. These rumours suggest that the bridges that Rooney burned with Sir Alex Ferguson over his contract saga are beyond repair and that the manager will look to sell in the summer. But Rooney says these rumours are simply not true. Firstly, he banished any idea that him and Sir Alex have fallen out:

“My relationship with Sir Alex [Ferguson] has no problems whatsoever."

Perhaps all of those doubters were looking too far into the situation, and not taking the contract he signed for face value. You can't really be blamed for that considering Rooney's poor form at the start of the season with his personal problems causing havoc on his on field performances. The England striker said:

“I’m enjoying my football here and, if I was going to leave in the summer, I wouldn’t have signed a new contract when I did. I’ve signed it and I intend to see it through to the end.”

Those questioning his commitment anger him too:

"Yes, you get angry. On Sunday I didn’t even know it was in a newspaper until I was on the way home from training. I stopped off at the garage to get petrol and a few people asked me if I was leaving in the summer. I’ll be here until I’m in my thirties though, that’s for sure.”

Rooney's form has certainly picked up in the last few games. He played very well against Marseille on Tuesday with his touch much improved and his cross field passing ability delightfully brilliant as well as clever, quick thinking passes to set up goal scoring opportunities.

"The last two or three weeks is the best I’ve felt all season. I feel sharp and, if the manager needs me to get up and down the pitch, then fine.

"I haven’t played as many games so I feel good, but the more you play, the more consistent you are and better you feel.

“Since I had my injuries, people have taken their chance when they’ve come into the side and done brilliantly, so I’m delighted that we are still in three major competitions and it’s going well.”

He isn't getting carried away however with the possibility of a Manchester United treble. United remain in contention for the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League, but Rooney insists United must take one game at a time:

“We have to just take each game as it comes. We can’t look at that [The Treble].

“If you talk about that then it just puts pressure on ourselves, so we need to just concentrate on each game and see what happens.

"We didn’t win the league last year or the Champions League or the FA Cup, so we need to prove to ourselves that we are capable of doing it.”

Video: Sir Alex & Phelan Laughing at Benched Berbatov

Sir Alex Ferguson had a good old laugh with his assistant Mike Phelan over Berbatov's moody expression having been left on the bench. Despite his team being involved in a very tense, nervy game which could have seen United knocked out at any point with a Marseille away goal, Sir Alex had time to have a little laugh.

Watch Goals and Match Summary here

Watch: Manchester United 2 - 1 Marseille

Just a quick summary tonight - I have a politics essay to finish!

Manchester United played a solid, strong game against a difficult to beat, well rehearsed Marseille side. A Chicharito double pulled United through this one, with his fantastic ability to find space in the box proving vital at the pivotal times in the game to kill off any possible momentum the French side could gain.

 

The win however did come with its negatives. Both John O'Shea and Rafael had to be substituted due to hamstring injuries. O'Shea started and was replaced by Rafael because of a hamstring injury, but well into the second half, Rafael had pulled up holding his hamstring, and was substituted with his twin bother replacing him.

Marseille will be bitterly disappointed with themselves after creating some wonderful opportunities to score, with Gignac and Diawara missing glorious chances early on. Gignac was played through with a skillful ball over the United defence leaving the French hit man one on one with van der sar. He attempted some sort of lob or high placement as the ball bounced and was hit wildly over the bar. Then, Diawara saw a cross fly right on his head. With no defenders marking him, his free header went woefully wide, allowing United fans to breath a sigh of relief.

A late Wes Brown goal led to some more buttock clenching, nail biting times for United fans as Marseille pushed forward for that crucial goal to win the tie. They searched, but couldn't find that goal, and leave the competition at Old Trafford, knowing that they had their chances and wasted them.

One more thing: Wayne Rooney had a great game. His cross field, attacking long balls were masterful which Paul Scholes often achieves with apparent ease. He created the first goal both with the first ball to the wing, and his continued determined run into the box and eventually crossed to Chicharito who claimed an easy tap in. Impressed with the two strikers tonight. What must Berbatov be thinking? 

The Reds Go Marching On - Crushing Arsenal's Cup Hopes

Watch Goals Here

Manchester United don't lose three in a row. After two disappointing losses against Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League, there was a wave of relief around Old Trafford when Fabio da Silva smashed the ball into the roof of the net to set United on track to overcome Arsenal. It was a fantastic team performance from a very much altered United side which saw some magnificent individual displays all round in a team which contained seven defenders.

Arsenal began well, keeping possession well when they had it and creating more shots in the first ten minutes than they did in the whole 90 at Barcelona in midweek. However, despite a bright start, Arsenal could not get past the quite amazing Edwin van der Sar who even at 40 displayed millions of reasons throughout why Sir Alex Ferguson is still attempting to persuade him out of retirement.

The two starting wingers, Fabio and Rafael da Silva combined to create a wonderful chance early in the first half as Fabio's cross was met by Rafael after a cutting run. Unfortunately, his header was not one from that of an experienced, prolific striker, but rather what he is; a right wing back, and his header went wildly over. It was however, a warning to Arsenal - these two were dangerous - and more was to come.

It was the goal that changed the game, and it came from Rafael. It was a brilliant move that would have been terrible if it wasn't finished with a goal. Fabio began the attack on the right, and feeding it to Rooney, continued his run. Rooney spotted the ever energetic Hernandez, and dinked it to him, and the "Little Pea" duly directed his header towards the goal brilliantly. Almunia kept it out, but pushed it into the path of the onrushing Fabio who smashed it into the net for the opener.

From then on, Unite has control, and played with confidence going forward and wonderful solidity at the back, with the Smalling, Vidic and Van der Sar keeping out the intricate Arsenal attack superbly.

Arsenal didn't create too much in retaliation, but a beautifully curling shot from van Persie which just dipped over the top corner of his compatriots goal, as well as a Samir Nasri's volley which bounced into the ground into van der Sar's safe hands. A Hernandez shot however, once again led to a United goal, doubling United's lead and giving Arsenal no chance of getting back into it.

Hernandez hit it in the box, only for Johan Djourou to get in the way. The blocked ball bounced up awkwardly and Rooney met it with a soft header which crept into the corner from the post. A flailing Sagna leg could not stop it, and as the ball nestled into the net, Rooney wheeled away with United fans overjoyed at the very likely possibility of an FA Cup semi final.

United held on well, and really could have scored two or three more goals but for a solid Almunia performance. Arsenal fans will be distraught after yet another trophy has slipped away from them. Not only that, but despite the fantastic sight of both Antonio Valencia and Aaron Ramsey returning to action after their terrible injuries, Johan Djourou was stretchered off with what looks a bad injury. The process of fixing him up, putting him on the stretcher and so on, took around six minutes, and we all wish him well in his recovery. It looked like a dislocated shoulder.

It was however, nice to see a Manchester United - Arsenal clash which for 90 minutes contained no bad blood or controversy. Then Paul Scholes came on. He received a yellow card for a rash tackle straight after coming on, and a few minutes into the injury time produced another slightly late tackle. It wasn't a bad tackle - he didn't get the ball, but didn't actually commit a foul. Arsenal players retaliated angrily, and a show of pushing and shoving began between a few players. Arsenal players were asking for a second yellow, but Chris Foy just gave him a stern talking to, which was a good decision.

If he had been sent off, we wouldn't have witnessed a truly beautiful volleyed pass to Rooney which saw United look for a third. Rooney crossed it to Chicharito but it was stopped by Almunia.

A fantastic game, which sees United cruise into the semi-finals of the FA Cup in search of their 12th win of the trophy. So many positives can be taken out of this game from Sir Alex, who may have been worried about a self destruction by his players towards the end of the season. It was quite the opposite to that, and United have a great confidence boost going into their Marseille game on Tuesday. On the other hand, it's time for Arsenal to push on and commit to winning the League.

Watch: Manchester United 2 - 0 Arsenal

It was a great Manchester United performance with some fantastic individual performances as well as a very positive team performance which saw the return of Valencia.

My Match Report Here:

Watch the win here:

United 1 - 0 Arsenal
Fabio Goal



United 2 - 0 Arsenal
Rooney

Nani to Move to Central Role?

Early in Nani's Manchester United career, he was criticized by certain football fans for imitating Cristiano Ronaldo at every opportunity. The nationality obviously can't be helped, but certain similarities in their playing style plus resemblances in some mannerism's prompted people to label Nani as a Ronaldo "wannabe".

Nani has recently asked to not be compared to his former team mate as he has been having a fantastic season as one of United's main providers of goals with 15 assists for the season as well as plenty of goals. But there is one area of Ronaldo's time at United that Nani would be pleased to copy.

Rumours that Ashley Young is pushing for a move to Old Trafford have been building, but one must ask where he would fit into the United team if he does arrive in the summer. With Antonio Valencia soon to return and surely certain to start whenever fit, Giggs signing a new contract, Ji Sung Park soon to return and Young best on the wing - competition out wide would be fierce. Alexis Sanchez is also another prospective winger who has been linked toa move to United.

Ronaldo moved from the wing to a central role in his time at United, and became one of the most prolific strikers in the world. He was able to make the position his own - pushing Rooney out wide and away from the goals, and fought for the title of the best in the world with his very worthy opponent, Lionel Messi.

What is to stop Nani doing something similar? Perhaps not as the leader of the line, but he could certainly cut it as an attacking midfielder just off the striker. Which striker may be the dilemma for Ferguson, as he has watched Berbatov become top scorer and Hernandez close behind, while guaranteed starter Rooney has lagged behind in possible the worst season of his career.

The more quality and creativity on the pitch the better, and Nani's much improved final ball doesn't have to be missed; Valencia's delivery is superb, as is Young's while Sanchez's ability to shimmy around players with his low centre of gravity could cause chaos among opposition defences.

Nani has all the potential to follow in his compatriot's footsteps - perhaps not to the extent of being worth £80 million, but certainly a very valuable player to Manchester United - as he has been throughout the season. Sir Alex Ferguson commented on the two Portuguese attackers in the past, claiming Nani has settled into English football quicker than Ronaldo:

"Ronaldo was exceptional, a once-in-a-lifetime player, but it did take him time to settle and develop in the English game.

"I think Nani has done it a bit quicker."

Nightmare Day for United as Liverpool Cruise to Victory

Watch the Match Highlights Here

What a bad game that was for Manchester United. Seeking to take advantage of an Arsenal slip up to Sunderland was not going to be easy against a rejuvenated Liverpool side, but no one would have predicted such a poor performance and miserable result for Ferguson to ponder.

After a good start from Liverpool, United got hold of possession, and started to control the game. The first goal changed it all, and after that, frustration showed, with tackles flying in from every angle, culminating in four yellow cards at the end of the first half.


Three very very avoidable goals were conceded, all falling to the fortunate but as always hard working Dutchman Dirk Kuyt - inside the six yard box every time. The first saw Luiz Suarez carve open the makeshift United defence with complete ease, passing into the path of Kuyt lurking on the line for an easy tap in. All United had to do was stop Suarez. They didn't.

Next, and Nani grabbed another assist for the season, as he temporarily forgot which side he was playing for, unhelpfully nodding the ball back into the United area rather than clearing it, for Kuyt to pounce with an easy header to finish. Nani was then rewarded by Liverpool with a knee-high challenge from Jamie Carragher which saw the winger have tears streaming down his face as he was stretchered off to boos from the Anfield crowd. Rather ungrateful seeing as he just helped you to a win, isn't it?

The cherry was placed firmly onto the Reds delicious (for them) cake, when a Luiz Suarez free kick was parried away by van der sar only to the feet of - guess who - Dirk Kuyt. His first ever Liverpool hat trick, and a hat trick that had come at the worst possible time for Manchester United, as they now had to climb a momentous mountain to come back from three goals down.

The consolation came late on, and was a matter of way too little, way too late. Take nothing away from the classy finish from the excellent Javier Hernandez whose header was placed perfectly into the corner after a difficult and massively frustrating day at the office, this little guy will see a lot more goals in this fixture in the future. No doubt.

It was a terrible display from United, who do not move six points clear of Arsenal, but instead stay just the three points ahead, knowing that Arsenal have a vital game in hand.

A goal for United early in the first half would have changed everything. A breakthrough would have lifted the team, and given some belief to work with. As it was however, the team looked noticeably uninspired all game, and could muster nothing to respond to the three goals that meant anything in terms of the game. The Hernandez goal may prove valuable in the long run in relation to goal difference, but it won't lighten my spirits too much.

No creativity - again a phrase banded around here, but it is true. I am quietly pleased that once again the midfield failed to grab hold of the game by the scruff of the neck, as it may open Ferguson's eyes to the obvious need of some creative midfielders and a holding player. United really will fall behind the pack next season if this isn't sorted.

Arseal will be delighted with this result, and will have breathed a sigh of relief after their goalless draw yesterday. The Gunners will now be able to see that as one point gained rather than two lost, and give them the confidence to push on and overtake the wavering United, who have now lost two on the bounce.

That Arsenal - Manchester United game is looking more and more pivotal in this title race, and after this result may well decide which way this title swings. Hopefully United will have sorted themselves out by then.

Watch: Liverpool 3 - 1 Manchester United

Manchester United suffered in what was one of their worst performances this season - and there has been a few. Below are the match highlights. Match thoughts are to follow.

First Half Highlights



Second Half Highlights

Chicharito will Thrive on Valencia's Delivery

Manchester United may have coped well in his absence, but Antonio Valencia has been sorely missed at Old Trafford. His blistering pace on the right wing that has fans off their seats in anticipation - hoping, and often witnessing a dangerous delivery into a good area for the strikers to pounce on has sadly been absent since the wingers very unfortunate injury.

One loss in the Premier League all season isn't bad going for United, but boy would they welcome back their Ecuadorian winger who adds a fiery spark and invaluable energy into the United attack providing chance after chance for the strikers.

It is the kind of delivery that United's relative new boy Chicharito will thrive on.

Since Valencia's injury in September, Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez has proven himself as a deadly finisher, taking the nickname the "baby faced assassin" from United fans. His movement, his awareness of his surroundings, his pace, his vision, his unnerving ability to finish a move off with a delightful finish, have threatened to uproot a strike partnership worth a combined total of around £50 million in Rooney and Berbatov.

So just think of what the Mexican boy will do when he finds ball after ball flying into his territory - the oppositions box. I predict a fantastic partnership between him and Valencia in the future when the winger is fully recovered and back on form. It will be an exciting, and rather frightening prospect, especially for defenders.

Valencia showed it last season - his delivery and intelligent balls into the area helped Rooney to his highest ever scoring total. He provided the assists that Rooney has missed this season - as the English striker has gathered his lowest ever total of goals with seven (granted, the season isn't over).

With Rooney gradually building confidence, starting with his spectacular overhead kick a few weeks ago against City, Berbatov having his best United season by far, and with the little pea having an astonishing first year at Old Trafford, there will be healthy competition for the front spots. When Nani and Valencia occupy the wings, the strikers will have no excuses for a lack of goals, with the deliveries coming at them every two minutes, and hopefully the goals will come in, helping United to more trophies.

Exciting times, no matter what some say.

Watch: Wigan 0 - 4 Manchester United

Manchester United moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League after a convincing four - nil win against relegation strugglers Wigan. A Chicharito double, Wayne Rooney goal and Fabio strike gave United the win, and gives them some breathing space above Arsenal, whom Sir Alex Ferguson recently said are United's only title challengers.

Manchester United face Chelsea on Tuesday 1st March, while Arsenal have their Carling Cup final against Birmingham a little sooner on Sunday against Birmingham.

£13 million Striker "a big fan of Manchester United"

Asamoah Gyan, the Ghanaian striker who plays his football for Sunderland, had announced his ambition to one day play for Manchester United - his manager, Steve Bruce's former club.

Gyan was signed on the 31st August 2010 for the Black Cats for a club record fee of £13 million after catching the eye of Bruce with his impressive displays for Ghana in the World Cup. He scored three goals in the competition, helping his country to the quarter finals only to be cheated out of it by Uruguay and since his move to Sunderland has scored 11 goals in 25 games.

He said:

"Of course I'm a big fan of Manchester United and will like to play for them if the chance comes my way."

It would be unwise to say this and then not reaffirm his commitment to his current side, while citing the need to repay the fans for their continued support. So he did:

"But at the moment I'm at another great club and will want to concentrate on that and help repay the faith the club and the fans have reposed in me."

Manchester United look likely to be a striker down come the end of the season, as it doesn't look like Michael Owen will be offered a new contract after suffering yet another injury. However, I don't see Sir Alex making a move for Gyan, no disrespect to Gyan, but I think United would be going for a better striker who would be able to nail down a regular place in the team ahead of the likes of Rooney, Berbatov and Chicharito.

1-2-1 With... Tom Marshall (Mexican Football Writer)

After my last chat with American football writer Jeremiah Johnson, I realised that I couldn't talk about football in North America without taking the time at look at the US' neighbor and footballing rival Mexico. With its proximity to South America and the US, I feel that Mexico has been overlooked as a footballing haven.

In view of this I went to Tom Marshall who is a freelance writer on Mexican football, to find out a bit more about the land that spawned the likes of Hugo Sanchez, Jared Borgetti and most recently Chicarito...

Full Name: Tom Marshall

Website: mexicofooty.blogspot.com

Football Team Supported (Mexican and Foreign): Mexico: Atlas. Foreign: neutral but watch Premier League mainly.

What is the top football club in Mexico and how do they compare to their counterparts in Europe and South America?

Fans of Chivas, the most successful team in Mexican domestic football

The best supported are Guadalajara Chivas and Club America. Chivas are quite unique in that they play with only Mexican players and currently rely heavily on their youth system to produce players. The last big name they produced was Javier Hernandez who isn't doing too badly at Manchester United. Carlos Vela and Carlos Salcido are both products of the Chivas youth system too. They are also the Mexican club with most league titles: 11.

Chivas do currently face a dilemma. With their policy of only Mexican players, if youngsters aren't of the desired quality they have a problem. Other Mexican clubs often inflate the prices of players when Chivas are interested because they know that Chivas can't bring someone in from South America like other Mexican clubs can. It's a similar dilemma to what the Basque clubs faced when they only played with Basques. At the moment fans complain about the team but the average age is 23 years and needs time. With a brand new international quality stadium Chivas fans, like many other fans, simply don't want to wait for something that is in no way guaranteed.

Who would you say are the top 3 players playing in the Mexican domestic league? And why?

Christian Benitez (Santos):24-year-old Ecuadorian striker Christian Benitez is strong, direct, fast and a good finisher. He spent a year on loan at Birmingham with little success but he'll surely go to Europe again and has all the quality needed to make it.



Humberto Suazo (Monterrey): 29-year-old Chilean striker Suazo has the knack of being in the right place at the right time. Was the key player in Monterrey winning the championship last year. Similarly to Benitez, many in Mexico are scratching their heads at how no European clubs wanted him after his loan spell with Zaragoza in the first half of 2010. May have one last chance to make it in Europe.



Christian Gimenez (Cruz Azul): 29-year-old Argentine attacking midfielder provides the midfield magic. A product of the Boca Juniors youth system Gimenez is the creative beat of Cruz Azul and scores spectacular goals (have a look on You Tube).



Note: Mexico is spoiled for good goalkeepers at the moment, many of whom would make the grade abroad: Jesus Corona (Cruz Azul), Jonathan Orozco (Monterrey), Luis Michel (Chivas), Oswaldo Sanchez (Santos), Memo Ochoa (America), Alfredo Talavera (Toluca)

With Chicharito being a hit in Premier League, all eyes are on Mexico's potential prodigies. Could you name 3 Mexican U21 prospects who you feel might be able to ply their trade in Europe in the future, what are their positions and attributes?

Martin Galvan (Cruz Azul): the 17-year-old striker has been seriously injured over the last five months but it now coming back. Made his debut aged 14 for Cruz Azul although has had disciplinary problems that forced him out of the U-17 World Cup. Barcelona wanted him to join their youth system but his family didn't have enough money to send him. Now Arsenal are said to be following his progress.



Edgar Pacheco (Atlas): 20-year-old attacking midfielder/winger with a lot of energy. Has just got back into the Mexican squad. His versatility, drive and long range scoring ability make him one to watch.



Erick Torres (Chivas): 18-year-old striker. Club insiders are very excited about this prospect and readily mention Torres in the same breath as Chicharito. Some believe he's better than the Manchester United man. A predator and 1.80m (5'11) tall. Moved straight from the Under 17s to the first team where he's scored one goal so far this season.

Is this the next Chicharito?

Who do you consider to be the greatest Mexican footballer ever? And why?

Hugo Sanchez the greatest Mexican footballer ever in action for Real Madrid

Hugo Sanchez for the impact he had playing for Atletico and Real Madrid and the titles he won in Europe. 207 goals in 283 games for Real. Five consecutive league titles. You can't really argue with the stats. Sanchez put Mexican football on the map.

Which foreign players would you say have had the biggest influence on Mexican domestic football?

When businessman and media owner Emilio Azcarraga bought America in 1959 it is said he stated: "I don't know anything about football but people have told me that the best players are Brazilians and Argentinians. On that base I'll construct America." Azcarraga followed through on his promise to bring South Americans. Some of the best in the late 60s and 70s were Francisco Moacyr Santos, Jose Alves, Carlos Reinoso (the current manager) and Enrique Borja.

I'd say they have the biggest influence because America's policy laid out the groundwork for today's league in which many South Americans enjoy huge success. Obviously, Chivas are the exception.

Which foreign coach has had the biggest impact on domestic football in Mexico?

Ricardo La Volpe during his tenure as Mexico manager

Difficult question. Dutchman Leo Beenhakker had a big impact although his America team didn't win the league. Indeed, he was only at the helm for one season. Nevertheless Beenhakker brought the attacking Dutch style to Mexico. The emphasis was on attacking, free-flowing football. Another coach that had a big impact was Argentine Ricardo La Volpe. His Atlas team of the late 90s played effective attacking football. Even today commentators use the term Lavolpista to describe teams that like to attack.

Who is the greatest/most respected Mexican coach and why?

Javier de la Torre lining up trophies he helped Chivas win

Javier de la Torre managed Guadalajara Chivas during the famous Campeonismo period. Out of the eight titles Chivas won, de la Torre was at the helm for five of them. No team has ever dominated Mexican football like Chivas did in the 1960s and for that de la Torre must take a lot of credit. In total he worked for Chivas for over 60 years.

Which foreign team has the largest following in Mexico?

These days Barcelona followed closely by Real Madrid and Manchester United. The number of Manchester United fans is growing all the time thanks to Chicharito. Obviously, apart from being massive clubs, Rafa Marquez recently played for Barca and Hugo Sanchez is a legend at Madrid.

How do you feel about Mexico's World Cup 2010 performance?

Same as usual! On one hand reaching the last 16 is a good achievement but everyone in Mexico demands more. El Tri has gone out at the last 16 stage in the last five straight finals! People want a quarter final at least. There's no reason that Mexico can't do it but you need a bit of luck too, which they didn't have against Argentina even though they matched them for quality.

What is your most memorable international match involving Mexico?

My favourite Mexico match was against France in the last World Cup. Looking back France were terrible but at the time and especially going into the break at 0-0 it felt like it would be another case of Mexico playing well but failing to capitalise. Then Chicharito broke the deadlock with a goal that really put him on the map internationally. The celebrations after the game were wild too.



Which European player is the most popular in Mexico?

European-based player would be Leonel Messi. Actual European? Probably one of the Spanish world cup winners: David Villa, Iniesta or Xavi.

What do you think of the decision to allow Qatar to host World Cup 2022 instead of the US?

I don't necessarily think it should've been the United States but a lot of the Qatar bid didn't really make sense, as has been well documented. It's such a small country and it'll be so hot. It's good to take the game to new places but it doesn't seem completely thought out. From a Mexican point of view, holding the World Cup in the U.S. would be great. The Mexican national team is the only football team that regularly sells out stadiums over there.

Finally where do you think the Mexican Domestic League football and the international team will be in ten years time?

Domestically: Hopefully some major changes. I've done an article on them: http://bit.ly/fDeXXN One of the main points is that businesses and individuals shouldn't be allowed to own more than one team. The television deals needs to be thought about too. On the positive side the fact Mexican teams pay higher wages than in Argentina and Brazil means that if a restructuring is carried out there is no reason why the league can't become the best on the continent.

Two of the "Golden Generation" Chicharito and Carlos Vela celebrate together

International: A lot depends. The raw ingredients are there to be successful. The 'Golden Generation' that won the U-17s World Cup in 2005 in Peru needs to finally establish itself. Players like Giovani Dos Santos, Hector Moreno, Carlos Vela and Efrain Juarez have huge potential but have had a frustrating couple of years. If they can get playing regularly in Europe and with Chicharito thrown in the mix, there's no reason why Mexico can't do as well as Uruguay did at the last World Cup.

Please could you tell us a little about your website and your plans for the future in football?

I run a blog - mexicoworldcup.blogspot.com - and a Twitter - @mexicoworldcup - all about the game here in Mexico. They were featured by the Guardian during the last World Cup. I plan to keep up the blog, keep doing bits of work for Manchester United and other media organisations and hopefully in the future get some work writing about Mexican football in a U.S. newspaper or website.

(END)

I hope you enjoyed that insight into Mexican football, I certainly did. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Tom for taking his time out to enlighten us. As usual thanks for reading.