United Sink the Pirates in Vodacom Opener

Excellent Start
By Chris O'Brien
July 24 2006

Manchester United kicked-off their Vodacom Challenge campaign in style with a 4-0 drubbing of the Orlando Pirates in Durban. A brace from the returning Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, a long-range effort from Kieran Richardson and an own-goal from Francis Chansa were more than enough to secure an easy win.

Manchester United got their South African tour off to the perfect start with a 4-0 drubbing of the Orlando Pirates.

It was a delight to see Ole Gunnar Solskjaer returning to the fold in style with a superb brace as the Red Devils, without many of their leading names, cruised to an easy 4-0 victory in the opening game of their pre-season campaign.

Sporting the new impressive 'retro' jersey, United got off to the perfect start with Solskjaer having opened the scoring inside the first five minutes. The Norwegian finished superbly after great work from Giuseppe Rossi and Ryan Giggs as the tourists stamped their authority from the beginning.

The Pirates eventually put their shaky start behind them and enjoyed a short spell of pressure. However, Ben Foster enjoyed a relatively untroubled debut for United and was something of a spectator for long periods of the game.

United remained more dangerous in front of goal and Rossi went close with an effort from near-range. The travelling United fans didn't have to wait long for the second though, with Solskjaer robbing Lehlohonolo Seema inside his own 18-yard box and firing home in style. That was his final contribution of the game, with Sir Alex Ferguson withdrawing the forward at the interval, though the Scandinavian will be delighted with his return to action.

John O'Shea and Ryan Giggs were also taken off at the break as Fergie turned to youth. Dong Fangzhuo, David Jones and Jonathan Evans were all introduced for the second period, with Liam Miller and Chris Eagles brought on later on in the game.

The game was put beyond doubt on 57 minutes as Kieran Richardson, preparing for a make or break season at Old Trafford, drilled home a 20-yard shot before United reached four in comical fashion. A David Jones cross caused chaos in the penalty box as two Pirates defenders collided and the ball smashed into the face of goalkeeper Francis Chansa before finding its way into the back of the net.

United maintained a quick pace in the closing stages and should be delighted with this opening run-out against the 2005 Vodacom Challenge winners. The Red Devils now look forward to a game against the Kaizer Chiefs, before playing the winner of a game between the two South African teams for the pre-season trophy.

Full Time - Orlando Pirates 0-4 Manchester United

Orlando Pirates: Francis Chansa, Mabe, Seema, Mdledle, Malinga, Okonkwo, Isaac Chansa, Makhanya, Arendse, Mbele, Mahlangu.
Substitutes: Phali, Lekgwathi, Mokoena, Leremi, Collins Chabalala, Mamamela, Siveko, Tonic Chabalala.

Manchester United: Foster, Bardsley, Brown, O'Shea, Evra, Fletcher, Scholes, Giggs, Richardson, Solskjaer, Rossi.
Substitutes: Steele, Simpson, Miller, Gibson, Dong, Evans, David Jones, Eagles.