Source: Manchester_EveningNews
Wolves 0 United 1
Paul Scholes' 100th Premier League goal fired Manchester United back to the top of the table. Wolves provided stubborn opposition at Molineux but midfield maestro Scholes broke their resistance with a smartly taken 73rd minute goal. Wayne Rooney was not in the squad because of a knee injury and despite dominating possession United stuggled to find a cutting edge before Scholes' goal. Sam Vokes missed an injury-time sitter for Wolves, blazing over from close range with only Edwin van der Sar to beat. The win puts United two points clear of Chelsea and Arsenal, although Chelsea have a game in hand. United struggled early on. Former Red David Jones was set up by Matt Jarvis following a forceful run from the excellent Kevin Doyle and might have tested Edwin van der Sar had it not been for Michael Carrick's saving tackle. Stephen Ward had the golden opportunity though. Jarvis was again the provider, after darting down the right on the overlap. His deep cross found Ward completely unmarked and he only had to beat Van der Sar to score but he nodded tamely straight at the veteran Dutchman. The introduction of Gary Neville - Wes Brown was reported to have a knee problem - at the break might not have been an obvious attacking move but the experienced full-back helped his side get a measure of control for the first time. Patrice Evra and Michael Carrick both had chances and Jody Craddock also needed to act fast to rob Dimitar Berbatov after Wolves had got their offside trap all wrong as they attempted to defend a Carrick cross. Ferguson view Ferguson was then deeply unhappy at Nani being flattened by Jody Craddock as he raced forward trying to support Valencia, who had galloped down the wing. It was not entirely a one-sided contest. Jarvis flashed a shot wide after cutting in from the left flank and Nemanja Vidic was booked for chopping down Karl Henry. But United were the ones on top, their efforts just emphasising the guile they were missing in Rooney. In Scholes though, they have a player who will be remembered years from now, for both invention and goals. Finding the net has proved a problem in recent seasons for the midfielder. This year though, there have been signs of that old instinct returning. And when Craddock drilled Nani's low cross straight to the former England man he had the common sense not to rush, instead nipping past the defender's desperate lunge before drilling his shot into the far corner. It brought up his century of Premier League goals and his 148th overall for United and Ferguson will be hoping it will persuade the midfielder to sign the one-year contract extension he has been stalling over. Mame Biram Diouf could not add to the lead when he failed to find the target with a free header. But United have flexed their muscles, even if Rooney will be needed to land the winning punches. What is your verdict on the game? Have your say. [LNB]
