Manchester United 3 - Manchester City 1 - Report
Only 1 Today
By Chris O'Brien / David Hobbs
December 13 2003
Manchester United went top of the Premiership with an impressive 3-1 victory over local rivals Manchester City. Paul Scholes marked his comeback in style with his 2nd killing off the threat of a comeback from City following Wright-Phillips' strike that brought the visitors back into the game.
| Manchester United 3 - Manchester City 1 - Report |
Manchester United went top of the Premiership with an impressive 3-1 victory over local rivals Manchester City. Paul Scholes marked his comeback to the side in style with a brace, with his second goal killing off the threat of a comeback from City following Sean Wright-Phillips' impressive strike that brought the visitors back into the game. Ruud Van Nistelrooy was also on the scoresheet as United took advantage of the early kick-off, soaring to the top of the table. The Reds still occupy this position despite the afternoon matches, with Chelsea being beaten by Bolton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge, and Arsenal not in action until tomorrow. The first real chance of the game was United's and Paul Scholes' first goal of the afternoon. Great build-up play by Kleberson and Keane ended up in Gary Neville's cross being met by Paul Scholes to break the deadlock. Welsh-Wizard Ryan Giggs had the chance to double the lead a few minutes later on the 18th minute when van Nistelrooy's lay-off met the Welshman who took too much time on it and got dispossessed by a City defender. Just after the half-hour mark Giggs' was involved in the set-up of United's 2nd goal of the afternoon. Giggs' inch perfect cross was headed home past David Seaman by Dutch master-class Ruud van Nistelrooy. City nearly got back in the game before the interval when Robbie Folwer's deflected shot nearly chipped the American goalkeeper Tim Howard. But Howard punched it over into safety.
Half-Time- Manchester United 2 - Manchester City 0
A few minutes after the break, City found themselves back into the game after a great solo effort from Shaun Wright-Phillips. Manchester United 2 - Manchester City 1. Later on in the game, Ruud van Nistelrooy was sent one-on-one with Seaman but Seaman was the man who came out on top when he pushed the ball against the post. United still led 2-1. Paul Scholes then finally ended the game in fashion when he headed the ball home to make it 3-1. Game set and match United. The defeat mounts the pressure on City boss Kevin Keegan. The former England boss talked of Champions League hopes the big-spending trophy-less club, but following another defeat, many of the City faithful are begginning to lose patience at the club lack of consistency. United fans are loving every minute of it! Full Time- Manchester United 3 - Manchester City 1 |
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| The Line-Ups |
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Man Utd: Howard, Gary Neville,
Ferdinand, Silvestre, O'Shea, Kleberson (Ronaldo 74), Phil Neville, Keane,
Giggs, Scholes, Van Nistelrooy. Man City: Seaman, Jihai, Dunne, Sommeil, Distin, Wright-Phillips, McManaman, Barton, Sinclair (Wanchope 81), Fowler, Anelka. |
| ManUtdWeb Man of the Match - Paul Scholes |
 United have
missed Scholes in recent games and he proved that he is a massive bonus
for United yet again.
Two well taken goals makes Paul Scholes ManUtdWeb's Man of the Match |