United Complete Pre-Season with Sevilla Victory
Goalscorer
By Chris O'Brien
August 19 2006
Manchester United's final pre-season friendly saw the Red Devils secure a comfortable 3-0 victory over Uefa Cup holders Sevilla. Some 40,134 were in attendance at Old Trafford for a game arranged to mark the official opening of the ground's new quadrants.
Manchester United completed their pre-season preparations with a 3-0 victory over Uefa Cup holders Sevilla.
The game was marked to celebrate the 'official' opening of the new quadrants, and some 40,134 made their way to Old Trafford as goals from Louis Saha, Cristiano Ronaldo and youngster David Jones proved more than enough for United to secure an impressive victory.
Sir Alex Ferguson had a number of injury troubles prior to kick-off which affected his team selection. Skipper Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick were all unavailable, but otherwise the United boss named his strongest possible starting line-up against a strong Spanish side.
United had a handful of decent chances during the first-half but were frustrated by the visitors' defence. Gabriel Heinze headed wide in the opening minutes, whilst Paul Scholes also going close in the opening stages. Louis Saha and Phil Bardsley also went close with efforts at goal, but there was no way through for United.
Sevilla, a dangerous attacking team, had
chances of their own and should have taken the lead after only ten minutes when
an unmarked Luis Fabiano headed an excellent Daniel Alves cross wide of the
woodwork.
Tomasz Kuszczak, having completed a loan move from West Bromwich Albion during
the week, made his United debut after the interval as he replaced Edwin Van Der
Sar. The Polish shot stopper was called straight into action as he denied an
effort from Dirnei Renato, to the delight of the welcoming home support.
The breakthrough for the Red Devils came on the hour mark and was made by Ronaldo. The Portuguese star, who saw his every touch cheered by United's supporters, found Saha with a neat pass and the French striker bundled the ball home right in front of a delighted Stretford End.
United started to dominate proceedings and doubled their lead as Ronaldo turned scorer. The winger fired a free-kick past Sevilla 'keeper Andrés Palop before David Jones put the result beyond doubt in the closing minutes with a well-taken goal to end a pleasing pre-season campaign for Fergie's men.
Bring on the Fulham.
Attendance - 40,134
Manchester United: van der Sar (Kuszczak, 46), Bardsley (Solskjaer, 56), Brown, Silvestre, Heinze (Evra, 56), Ronaldo, Scholes (Miller, 74), O'Shea, Park, Giggs (D Jones, 74), Saha (Richardson, 74).
Substitutes Not Used: Rossi.
Sevilla: Palop, Navarro (captain), Castedo (Chevanton, 46), Alves, Escude, Adriano (Blanco, 75), Navas, Marti, Kanoute (Puerta, 75), Fabiano (Maresca, 46), Renato.
Substitutes Not Used: Hinkel, Cobeno, Mora, Dragutinovic.