Source: Manchester_EveningNews
United 2 Blackburn 0
MANCHESTER United big guns Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney fired as the Reds defeated Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford. Sam Allardyce's men were proving stubborn opposition until Berbatov's acrobatic volley 10 minutes into the second half broke the deadlock. Substitute Gabriel Obertan made a lively Premier League debut although he missed a great chance to double the lead, sidefooting wide from close range. But Wayne Rooney's stylish finish after 87 minutes sealed the victory. Nikola Kalinic had a goal harshly ruled out for offside in injury time for Blackburn. The result see United return to winning ways in the Premier League after last week's defeat at Liverpool. The Anfield side's loss at Fulham earlier in the day means United are now seven points above them in the table. The Reds started strongly against Blackburn and as early as the third minute Nani sent a 20-yard shot whistling past the post following a marvellous crossfield pass from Wes Brown. A mistake by Blackburn defender Chris Samba let in Antonio Valencia 10 minutes later but he failed to take advantage and scuffed a shot off target. It was a clear opportunity and Blackburn looked nervous at the back at this stage following the mauling by Chelsea last weekend and nine straight defeats on the road. However the visitors responded in the 21st minute and El-Hadji Diouf got into a good position, only for John O?Shea to make a crucial interception. A minute later Berbatov nearly made the breakthrough with a downward header following a cross from Valencia. However goalkeeper Paul Robinson reacted superbly and turned the Bulgarian?s effort over the bar. Berbatov found the net after Rooney had squared the ball to him in the 40th minute, only to be ruled offside. Berbatov breakthrough United made the breakthrough after the break when Berbatov showed great skill when he got on the end of a cross-shot from Evra. He got the better of Ryan Nelsen, twisting and turning before sending a shot beyond Robinson for his fourth goal of the season. United boss Ferguson decided to make a change after 64 minutes bringing on Obertan for the ineffective Nani. He almost made a dream start in the 67th minute following a defence splitting pass by Anderson. Former Bordeaux winger Obertan raced away only to send a weak shot into the arms of a grateful Robinson. Berbatov came off in the 79th minute and replaced by Michael Owen, who scored in the cup victory against Barnsley. United should have extended their lead in the 83rd minute but Obertan again fluffed his lines. Clear in front of goal as Valencia played the ball into his path, he snatched at the chance and sent his effort wide. Obertan then had a hand in United?s second goal in the 88th minute when he found Anderson on the left flank. The Brazilian sent a good ball into the area and Rooney was the first to react with a sweet finish. Substitute Kalinic found the net for Blackburn in stoppage time but his effort was ruled offside before Owen sent a shot wide. What is your verdict on the performance? Have your say. [LNB]
