Against all the odds, Manchester United somehow managed to steal a win at a highly charged Anfield in Sunday's showdown with Liverpool.
The result truly proves the test for all United fans as to whether they're an optimist or a pessimist, as the game highlighted several deficiencies about the side. Yet United managed to continue to show just how effective Sir Alex Ferguson's team is at getting all three points no matter how poor the performance.
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Considering his known ability and supposed consistency, it was a
disappointing performance by Antonio Valencia on United's right wing.
It could be said that Glen Johnson got the better of the Ecuadorian winger, as the two scrapped for every inch of the pitch.His winning of the crucial penalty disguised what looked like poor hesitation in the crucial moment
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The result truly proves the test for all United fans as to whether they're an optimist or a pessimist, as the game highlighted several deficiencies about the side. Yet United managed to continue to show just how effective Sir Alex Ferguson's team is at getting all three points no matter how poor the performance.
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Rio
Not for the first time in his United career, Anders Lindegaard
gave another near-flawless performance between the sticks for Sir Alex's
side.
The Danish keeper is going to give the United boss real selection problems if he continues to impress, as his rival for the position, David de Gea, watched from the sidelines.
Lindegaard's finest moment in the game came when his quick reflexes allowed him to deny a deflected Luis Suarez effort.
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The Danish keeper is going to give the United boss real selection problems if he continues to impress, as his rival for the position, David de Gea, watched from the sidelines.
Lindegaard's finest moment in the game came when his quick reflexes allowed him to deny a deflected Luis Suarez effort.
Michael Regan/Getty Images
Anders Lindegaard
A well-taken goal was reward for Rafael's enterprising performance against Liverpool Sunday.
Though still looking a little shaky in defence, the Brazilian full-back combined with Antonio Valencia to make United's right flank their most dangerous yet again.
Is he turning into a bit of a goalscorer?
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Though still looking a little shaky in defence, the Brazilian full-back combined with Antonio Valencia to make United's right flank their most dangerous yet again.
Is he turning into a bit of a goalscorer?
Rafael
The surprise news heading into Sunday's clash was undoubtedly
Nemanja Vidic's absence from the teamsheet, but his replacement Jonny
Evans acquitted himself well at the heart of the United defence.
He and Ferdinand helped Sir Alex's side to an impressive defensive record during the second half of last season, and if Vidic's injury concerns prove more serious than first imagined, United fans can take solace in the fact that the back line is in safe hands in his absence.
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All eyes were on Patrice Evra and Luis Suarez's prematch handshake at Anfield, but thankfully there were no histrionics to distract from an emotional day.
In truth, Evra continued to look a liability at left-back, often tormented by the speed and trickery of young Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling.
The full-back did at least look a positive influence going forward,
He and Ferdinand helped Sir Alex's side to an impressive defensive record during the second half of last season, and if Vidic's injury concerns prove more serious than first imagined, United fans can take solace in the fact that the back line is in safe hands in his absence.
Johnny Evans
All eyes were on Patrice Evra and Luis Suarez's prematch handshake at Anfield, but thankfully there were no histrionics to distract from an emotional day.
In truth, Evra continued to look a liability at left-back, often tormented by the speed and trickery of young Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling.
The full-back did at least look a positive influence going forward,
It could be said that Glen Johnson got the better of the Ecuadorian winger, as the two scrapped for every inch of the pitch.His winning of the crucial penalty disguised what looked like poor hesitation in the crucial moment
Antonio Valencia
For all of the praise that has come Michael Carrick's way so
far this season, it is impossible to hide the fact that he is not a good
enough player to control a central midfield without Paul Scholes by his
side.
He and Ryan Giggs were given the run-around for much of the game by Joe Allen and Steven Gerrard, and only managed to get a grip on the game once Liverpool had gone down to 10 men.
Perhaps it's time to see what Anderson and Tom Cleverley can do.
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xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxHe and Ryan Giggs were given the run-around for much of the game by Joe Allen and Steven Gerrard, and only managed to get a grip on the game once Liverpool had gone down to 10 men.
Perhaps it's time to see what Anderson and Tom Cleverley can do.
Michael Carrick
Ryan Giggs' touch is still as silky as ever, but the Welsh
maestro still looked to be struggling with the pace of Sunday's game at
times.
He is without doubt a calming influence in the middle, but only really looks an effective force when Paul Scholes plays alongside him.
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He is without doubt a calming influence in the middle, but only really looks an effective force when Paul Scholes plays alongside him.
Ryan Giggs
After a very promising start to his United career, trequartista
Shinji Kagawa has begun to fade a little this past week as he struggled
to have much influence on the United attack Sunday.
His partnership with Robin van Persie is far from being on a telepathic wavelength yet and may be in jeopardy once Wayne Rooney returns from injury.
Perhaps a temporary move to the left flank may revitalise the Japanese playmaker's game?
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His partnership with Robin van Persie is far from being on a telepathic wavelength yet and may be in jeopardy once Wayne Rooney returns from injury.
Perhaps a temporary move to the left flank may revitalise the Japanese playmaker's game?
Shinji Kagawa
Robin van Persie still managed to get his name on the United scoresheet, despite playing poorly for much of the game.
But this is the true mark of strikers, a trait that made Ruud van Nistelrooy's name at Old Trafford as he too was an efficient penalty-taker.
The Dutchman has now scored five in the Premier League this season, but has faded a little in past games considering the furious start to his United career.
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Paul Scholes was my man of the match, despite only playing 45 minutes at Anfield.
His arrival on the scene calmed things down mightily in the middle; his passing was as accurate and astute as ever.
Fellow substitutes Chicharito and Danny Welbeck failed to have much impact in the time given them.
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Source: Bleacher Report
That is Manchester United in brief. You can always have your own opinions on any player discussed above.
But this is the true mark of strikers, a trait that made Ruud van Nistelrooy's name at Old Trafford as he too was an efficient penalty-taker.
The Dutchman has now scored five in the Premier League this season, but has faded a little in past games considering the furious start to his United career.
Robin Van Persie
Paul Scholes was my man of the match, despite only playing 45 minutes at Anfield.
His arrival on the scene calmed things down mightily in the middle; his passing was as accurate and astute as ever.
Fellow substitutes Chicharito and Danny Welbeck failed to have much impact in the time given them.
Paul Scholes in red
Source: Bleacher Report
That is Manchester United in brief. You can always have your own opinions on any player discussed above.
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