All Things Footie | Tuesday, September 25 | Jordan
United We Fall
I guess they know how it feels now anyway. I bet there were a few Bayern Munich fans not too disappointed by United's showing in the champions league tonight. Just in case you missed it....
After a stunning goal from Paul Scholes United were minutes from a narrow 1-0 victory, despite Deportivo La Coruña's pressure Laurent Blanc, Ronny Johnsen and Fabien Barthez played some excellent defensive football.
Deportivo's final ball had been lacking all night - they dominated possession for most of the game and really didn't make enough of it. The inspirational Fran was superb for Deportivo all night, but it was the second half substitute Valeron (on to replace ex-Middlesborough star Emerson) who created their first. A sublime chip over the defence in the 86th minute, substitute Walter Panandini hammered home the late equaliser much to the joy of the Riazor crowd.
Depor sensed blood though and the second goal was an instinctive snap shot from the excellent Moroccan Nourredine Naybet following a perfect cut-back.
Van Nistelrooy was poor, as was United's other big summer signing Juan Sebastian Veron. Both lacked invention, though I do have sympathy for Van Nistelrooy, left up on his own for most of the game. Veron was caught in possession too many times and he is second to Scholes in my opinion as his lack of acceptance for defensive responsibility leaves United unguarded all too often.
Just a mention for Celtic who did well to beat Porto in what seemed a fairly routine game, but a big cheer for perennial underdogs and overachievers Rosenborg Ballklub who managed a phenomenal 1-1 draw with mighty Juventus at Lerkendal. It keeps the results interesting at least.