Source: Daily_Mail
Manchester United 2 Blackburn 0: It's a fight for Sir Alex Ferguson
See you Dimi: Fergie is delighted by Berbatov[LNB]Having conceded six goals at Arsenal, five goals at Chelsea and now two at Manchester United, Blackburn are looking forward to a break from the cream of the Barclays Premier League. [LNB]But central defender Ryan Nelsen has seen this season's title contenders close-up and his view will only add credence to those who think that United have lost a little something since they lifted their 18th league title in May. [LNB]'It is between United and Chelsea for the title,' said Blackburn's captain. 'I think they have got the experience and the players. But I'm going to throw it out there and pick Chelsea - and I'm sorry to say that because I'm a big fan of United. [LNB]'But I think Chelsea have got a lot of game-winners and a lot of players who have the ability to change games in the blink of an eye. [LNB]'I'd love to see United do it because I like what they do here. But it's logical that when you lose the world's best player it is going to affect your team. Ronaldo is irreplacable.'[LNB] Restored to something like full fitness after the recent bout of swine flu that ran though their ranks, Blackburn emerged with dignity intact on a peculiar afternoon at Old Trafford. [LNB]Sir Alex Ferguson's team created the best of the few chances and did not look like conceding until Nikola Kalinic had a goal ruled out in the first minute of added time, despite being at least a yard onside.[LNB] First class: Berbatov scores the first goal with a stunning volley on the turn[LNB] [LNB]Nelsen added: 'We've seen our "goal" again on TV and it's a yard onside - it is scary the linesman has missed that one. [LNB]'If it had been 2-1 and we had tossed a couple of balls into the box in the final minutes who knows what would have happened? It could have been a nervy end for United.'[LNB] [LNB] EURO WATCH CSKA Moscow (at Man Utd, tomorrow): The Russians will be fresh after Tomas Necid scored the only goal against Terek Grozny on Friday night.[LNB]Facing a visit to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, United will have to improve. They are handily placed in the league and could qualify for the second stage of the Champions League with two games to spare when they play CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford tomorrow. [LNB]It was not until Patrice Evra's mis-hit shot was controlled and put away on the turn by Dimitar Berbatov in the 55th minute that United could relax and play some decent football. [LNB]Substitute Gabriel Obertan had a couple of chances that he never looked like taking and then Michael Owen also shot wide when well placed.[LNB] Making it look easy: Wayne Rooney shoots at goal against Blackburn[LNB] [LNB]Wayne Rooney, of course, doesn't make such mistakes. So when Anderson crossed low from the left side, it was no surprise to see Rooney make a half-volley on the run look easy when it really wasn't. It was a piece of skill quite out of keeping with the mundane nature of the game. [LNB]MATCH STATS MAN UTD: (4-4-2): Van der Sar 7; O'Shea 7, Brown 7, Evans 7, Evra 7; Valencia 7, Carrick 6, Anderson 6, Nani 4 (Obertan 63mins, 5); Rooney 7, Berbatov 7 (Owen 78).[LNB] BLACKBURN (4-1-4-1) Robinson 7; Chimbonda 7, Nelsen 7, Samba 7, Givet 7; Nzonzi 7; Emerton 6, Dunn 7 (McCarthy 84), Andrews 7 (Pedersen 57, 6), Diouf 6; Di Santo 7 (Kalinic 75, 6). Booked: Emerton, Chimbonda. [LNB]Man of the match: Dimitar Berbatov. [LNB]Referee: Phil Dowd. [LNB]Sir Alex said: 'We are experienced enough at this club to know how difficult it is to win the title. It's not going to be any different this season.[LNB] 'We know you lose games you don't expect to lose. You have to maintain your consistency, get to January still in there - and know you have a great chance.' [LNB]On the club's injuries, he said: 'We sent Vidic to a specialist and, hopefully, he's going to be all right. Rio Ferdinand is having treatment and Ryan Giggs, too. Neither will make Tuesday and we have a fight on our hands to have them ready for Chelsea on Sunday.' [LNB]●Sir Alex will demand an end to the insulting chanting at Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger in a letter to United supporters this week.[LNB]A club spokesman said: 'We have gone on the record several times about this disgusting chant. We don't condone it and have appealed to fans several times in the past. The club will also tell stewards to take a harder line with fans who ignore the appeal.'[LNB] Manchester United's Michael Carrick in warning to Chelsea ahead of Premier League clash Fabio Capello set to hand Gary Neville surprise England recallMANCHESTER UNITED FC
