Anderson's First OT Goal = First Place in Group C (v. Valencia, 12.07.10)

Hello,

I was looking forward to this game for two reasons.  First, I thought United played as close to a perfect away game in Spain in the first leg against Valencia.  Second, with the 7-1 thumping of Blackburn and a week off, I thought United would come out flying.  Well, the game turned out to be a mixed bag but the job was done.  United has won the group and will advance against a 2nd place opponent in February, three possible opponents being from Italy.

First off, the real shock of the game was before it started seeing Ben Amos in net.  Sir Alex does this a lot, giving young players a chance and his confidence was founded as while Amos did not a great game, he was solid enough.  While United dominated possession in the first half, as usual, they allowed Valencia plenty of space.  Then Carrick cost United a Champions League record by allowing Dominguez to steal the ball and helped Pablo Hernandez score the only goal United allowed during the group stage.  It seemed like Carrick had a lifetime to make a decision but stood there.  It was strange and Carrick's second CL blunder in less than a year that cost United (if you are counting; remember Bayern at OT). 

Be sure to read club executive member BEN PIKE's article on Carrick on RED RANTS.

Within a couple of minutes, United had nearly produced the equaliser as Rooney hit the bar.  I thought Rooney played very well and is beginning to look like the player he was last year.  Leaner, faster and a huge threat.  The team plays better when he is on the pitch.  His vision and passing ability in this game, save a few loose passes, was outstanding.  Park has also stepped up his game for the first time in as long as I can remember. 

As mentioned on Facebook, Anderson had only scored one time before, away against Tottenham.  He had the instinct to follow in Park's thunderbolt strike that the Valencia keeper Guaita was unable to hold on to and blast it in for the equalizer.  Bit of sloppy play from United allowed two shots on Amos who handled them nicely at the end of the game.

Job done.

Hopefully Rio is ok.

My next post will be United's possible opponents.  Stay tuned.

Thanks for reading,

Derek