Tevez & Carrick leave United one point from glory
Tevez equalises
By Chris,
May 13 2009
Manchester United need just one more point to secure another league championship following a hard-fought 2-1 win at Wigan on Wednesday evening. United’s Lancastrian rivals took the lead on the half-hour mark – but second-half goals from Carlos Tevez and Michael Carrick secured a typical second-half fightback which means United can tie up the title at Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime.
Sir Alex Ferguson made five changes from the side that comfortably beat Man City on the weekend. Rooney returned to the attack and partnered Dimitar Berbatov. Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes and Anderson all came into the midfield; whilst utility man John O'Shea replaced Rafael at right-back.
Wigan enjoyed a strong start with United showing glimpses of complacency. Luis Valencia squandered an excellent one-on-one opportunity, whilst Michael Brown had a long-range effort blocked by an unsettled Reds backline. The Latics were then denied a decent penalty shout on ten minutes as Nemanja Vidic seemed to clip Valencia's legs as he aimed a shot at a goal; but United eventually settled and began to dictate the play.
On twelve minutes, Wayne Rooney somehow glanced a header over from only six yards before Michael Carrick sent a shot inches over the bar. United were starting to really boss possession but were left frustrated by some off-colour finishing and some stubborn defending from the home side.
Wigan, however, stood firm and broke the deadlock against the run of play on the half-hour mark. Nemanja Vidic slipped as he looked to clear a Lee Cattermole punt forward and Hugo Rodallega takes advantage by steering the ball beyond Edwin van der Sar.
The Latics looked increasingly comfortable after the break and Sir Alex Ferguson quickly changed things from the bench. Brazilian midfielder Anderson, largely ineffective again, was dragged off and Carlos Tevez was thrown on to add impetus to a three-pronged frontline.
If Tevez felt he'd made a defiant statement in Sunday's Manchester derby, his immediate impact at the JJB Stadium was even more so. The Argentinean had been on the pitch only four minutes when he scored another brilliant strike.
He met Carrick's scuffed long-range shot with an audacious back-heel which found its way beyond the goalkeeper in front of the delighted away supporters. The travelling masses sang "Fergie, Fergie, sign him up" as Tevez continues to stake his claim for a permanent deal.
United pushed forward for a winner and started to really boss proceedings - but the search appeared to be in vain until Michael Carrick settled the contest with less than five minutes of normal time remaining. Ronaldo drew three Wigan defenders on the right-flank, allowing O'Shea the space and time to latch onto a short pass, cut inside and square for Carrick who floated home an exquisite finish.
United held on comfortably at the end despite a late Wigan free-kick and corner. The result means United need just a point against Arsenal on Saturday afternoon to seal the destiny of the title race. The result means Chelsea's hopes of winning the title are now a mathematical impossibility.
The Scousers now need a miracle. The eighteenth league championship is in touching distance - but can Fergie's men seal the deal this weekend against Arsene Wenger's Gooners?
Full Time – Wigan Athletic 1-2 Manchester United
Attendance – 21,286
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Wigan couldn't sell all their tickets even for our visit, and with a following of 5,000 the home crowd was about 16,000 !!
F*ckin shadow my a.rse.
Bring on the title winning party saturday lunchtime
New In Ed Hardy Tee's Summer 2009
www.snowandshine.co.uk
Disappointed to Rooney play the full game out wide again. I really hope we aren't converting him in to a wide man because its just not right. I really hope he gets put back up top.
We need something different, a bit of guile and Berba has that.
Yes, he could have had a better season but get rid of him as some suggest??? Ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous