Adam Dennehey WAFU manager
Dimitar Berbatov ensured it was a Boxing Day to remember for Manchester United who moved level at the top of the table with Manchester City after thumping Wigan at Old Trafford whilst Roberto Mancini’s side slumped to a goalless draw away to West Brom.
Sir Alex Ferguson was forced into fielding an under-strength defence with Phil Jones and Chris Smalling both missing through illness. Michael Carrick filled in for Smalling at centre-half with Antonio Valencia starting at right-back against his former side in place of Jones.
Anders Lindegaard once again was selected in goal ahead of David De Gea with Darron Gibson surprisingly making his first league appearance of the season and second in all competitions starting in central midfield alongside Ryan Giggs.
United started the game brightly and went ahead after eight minutes though Park Ji-Sung when the Korean guided a cross from his best pal Patrice Evra into the far corner past Ali Al-Habsi. It was the midfielder’s second goal of the season and a timely one at that.
Javier Hernandez was looking bright and he went down in the area under a challenge from Antolin Alcaraz but referee Phil Dowd ignored United’s claims for a penalty much to the relief of Wigan’s travelling supporters claiming that the Paraguayan’s challenge was a fair one.
Wigan’s best chance of the half came after 15 minutes but Connor Sammon timed his jump badly and failed to make contact with a Ronny Stam cross from the right much to the frustration of his manager Roberto Martinez.
Martinez was even more frustrated on 39 minutes later when Sammon was harshly sent-off after catching Carrick with a stray arm just inside the United half. It was a strange decision by Dowd and one that had Wigan’s players fuming.
Two minutes later United’s lead was doubled when Berbatov coolly finished after controlling Darron Gibson’s cross into the area. It was a smart finish by the Bulgarian, a smart cross by Gibson and good play from Hernandez who flicked the midfielder’s cross nicely into Berbatov’s path.
Sir Alex strung the changes at half-time with Jonny Evans going off with a suspected injury with Ezekiel Fryers coming on with Evra switching to partner Carrick in the heart of United’s defence. Al-Habsi denied Park shortly after the restart as United pressed for a third goal.
That goal came two minutes before the hour-mark with Berbatov getting his second of the game with a stylish finish on the turn after receiving a ball from Valencia. It was a great finish from United’s no.9 who looked fully intent on grabbing the match-ball.
Shortly after that, Giggs and Nani were taken off with Federico Macheda and Wayne Rooney coming on. The Italian almost scored with a chipped effort which Al-Habsi palmed over the bar before Caldwell amost headed into his own net.
Valencia got the goal that his play deserved 15 minutes from time when he powered in a low shot through a crowded area past Al-Hasbi into the far corner of the net. It was a great finish from the Ecuadorian who is clicking into form brilliantly at the moment.
Three minutes later Park went down on the edge of the box under a Alcaraz challenge and Berbatov dully did the business from the penalty spot, casually stroking his home penalty before celebrating in his usual relaxed manner.
United: Lindegaard, Evra, Evans (Fryers), Carrick, Valencia, Nani (Rooney), Giggs (Macheda), Gibson, Park, Hernandez, Berbatov.
Star Man
Dimitar Berbatov has had to be patient to wait for his chance to impress this season, but after scoring againgst Fulham he is making up for lost time. He led the line well and looked a threat every time he got on the ball. Based on his current form it looks like he may well get the contract extension that he so desires come the end of the season. A move to PSG may not quite happen just yet!
By Adam Dennehey @ADennehey87
