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A Football Manager Career by K3V0
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K3V0
Attendance 60,355
19th September 2012
Last Updated at 22:09 GMT
A late strike from Celtic striker Gary Hooper denied Manchester United victory at Celtic Park earlier tonight as the sides played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in their opening UEFA Champions League Group H clash.
Celtic and Manchester United shared the spoils in their opening UEFA Champions League Group H clash tonight, a late strike from Hoops striker Gary Hooper rescuing a point for the Scottish champions in front of a sold out Celtic Park crowd.
In what was an entertaining contest a draw was probably a fair result as the hosts traded blow for blow with their Barclays Premier League opponents, a stunning opener from Republic of Ireland international Glenn Whelan igniting the clash after just 14 minutes, everybody inside Celtic Park applauding the stunning strike from the Dubliner that flew past David De Gea.
United boss David Moyes was forced into an early change just minutes after his side had gone behind as Shinji Kagawa landed awkwardly on his arm, early reports suggesting the Japanese international suffered a broken arm and could be sidelined for up to six weeks, the midfielder withdrawn immediately and replaced by Phil Jones who almost made an instant impact as his cross found its way to Wayne Rooney inside the area, the striker pushing his effort beyond Fraser Forster's post.
The visitors were soon level however, a Robin van Persie free kick was initially blocked and from the resulting corner the Dutchman found Rio Ferdinand inside the area with his delivery, the experienced centre back making no mistake as he placed his header beyond the reach of Forster whose desperate attempt to keep the ball out was in vain.
As the first half drew closer to its conclusion both sides searched frantically for their second goal and both went close.
The hosts fired first, a swerving effort from Joe Ledley forcing De Gea into a acrobatic fingertip save that will be shown over and over again this season. Just moments later Forster himself pulled off a miraculous save, van Persie picking out strike partner Wayne Rooney with a fine pass, the strikers downward header somehow kept out by the Hoops keeper who used his left foot to make a very unorthodox save to keep things locked at 1-1 heading into the half time break.
Highlights courtesy of UEFA: Celtic 2-2 Manchester United
The hosts almost took the lead five minutes after the restart, a corner from Emilio Izaguirre was overhit to the back post and seemed harmless only for Gary Hooper to somehow direct an awkward looking header looping towards goal, the effort cracking the underside of the crossbar, a disappointed Hooper left bemused as to how his header had stayed out.
That early scare woke the Red Devils up and they soon began to control possession as the pressure on the Celtic goal began to build, both Rooney and van Persie going close as Forster made smart saves. There was however nothing he could do just past the hour mark when Gareth Bale, who had been quiet throughout, got away from Chris Herd at the back post and made no mistake with his finish as he poked Nani's cross beyond Forster to give United the lead they deserved.
In the end there was more drama to come as Hooper made it 2-2 seven minutes later with a curling effort, the majority of the 60,355 crowd inside Celtic Park sent into euphoric celebrations as the Hoops recorded an inspiring draw against United.
Elsewhere in Group H there was a shock victory for Udinese as they beat Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg comfortably in Russia, goals from Danilo and Antonio Di Natale securing a 2-0 win that sends the Italian side to the top of Group H.
Starting Lineups
Celtic: Forster, Herd (69), Teixeira, Mulgrew, Izaguirre, Matthews, Brown, Whelan, Ledley, Miku (64), Hooper (71)
Substitutes: Zaluska, Lustig (69), Rogne (71), Samaras (64), Stokes, Ambrose, Fraser
Yellow Cards: None
Goals: Whelan (14), Hooper (71)
Manchester United: De Gea, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidić, Evra, Nani (85), Carrick, Kagawa (18), Bale, van Persie (65), Rooney
Substitutes: Lindegaard, Jones (18), Büttner, Valencia, Young (85), Welbeck (65), Hernández
Yellow Cards: Jones
Goals: Ferdinand (25), Bale (64)
Match Statistics
Referee: Firat Aydinus
Shots: Celtic 11-18 Manchester United
On Target: Celtic 4-7 Manchester United
Off Target: Celtic 7-11 Manchester United
Possession: Celtic 53%-47% Manchester United
Corners: Celtic 4-8 Manchester United
Fouls: Celtic 11-14 Manchester United
Offsides: Celtic 0-0 Manchester United
K3V0
Last Updated at 16:52 GMT
Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidić admits a draw was a fair result after the Red Devils were held to a 2-2 draw by Celtic in their opening UEFA Champions League Group H fixture at Celtic Park last night.
Celtic deserved a point from their UEFA Champions League Group H clash with Manchester United last night at a sold out Celtic Park according to United skipper Nemanja Vidić, the former Serbian international admitting that a draw was a fair result.
"The draw was a fair result in the end I feel, maybe we could have won if we got more luck our way, but I feel a draw was fair and sometimes you just have to admit that neither side was better than the other and deserving of victory," said Vidić.
Celtic took an early lead through Republic of Ireland international Glenn Whelan only for the visitors to turn things around with goals from Rio Ferdinand and Gareth Bale. It seemed as if United would leave Scotland with the three points, but Hoops striker Gary Hooper scored a valuable equaliser 19 minutes from time to ensure the hosts got a share of the spoils.
The result leaves the group delicately poised after Italian side Udinese recorded an unexpected win in Russia as goals from Danilo and Antonio Di Natale sealed a 2-0 victory over Zenit St Petersburg. That result sent the Serie A side top of Group H and although there is still five games in Group H remaining that defeat could severely dent Zenit's hopes of progressing.
Zenit will travel to Manchester for their next group game on Tuesday the 2nd of October knowing defeat could leave them with a mountain to climb in Group H whilst Celtic will travel to northeastern Italy to take on Udinese at Stadio Friuli.
K3V0
Last Updated at 13:34 GMT
Manchester United have confirmed via their official website that Japanese international Shinji Kagawa has suffered a broken arm and could miss up to six weeks of action as he recovers from the injury.
Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa lasted just 18 minutes before he was replaced by Phil Jones during their UEFA Champions League Group H clash with Celtic on Wednesday night at a sold out Celtic Park, the substitution by United manager David Moyes unfortunately not a tactical one, the Japanese international breaking his left arm.
A statement on the United website read, "Shinji Kagawa has broken his left arm and has subsequently been ruled out of action for at least the next month. The midfielder has been allowed to return home to Japan for a fortnight whilst he rests and recovers from the injury. The midfielder is expected to make a full recovery within six to eight weeks."
Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa has broken his arm
The Japanese international joined Manchester United during the summer when he left Borussia Dortmund in a transfer costing the Red Devils an estimated £13 million and signed a four year deal which will keep him at Old Trafford until 2016.
Kagawa, 23, has made three Barclays Premier League appearances so far this season, starting two of the clubs four games against Southampton and Wigan Athletic, his other appearance a ten minute cameo against West Ham United at Old Trafford.
The injury will definitely rule the midfielder out of his clubs next four Barclays Premier League fixtures against Liverpool, Queens Park Rangers, West Brom and Sunderland. The Japanese international could be available for United's away trip to face Udinese in their UEFA Champions League Group H clash in northeastern Italy at the Stadio Friuli.
K3V0
Last Updated at 15:19 GMT
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has boldly promised the clubs supporters that they'll beat bitter rivals Liverpool when they meet at Old Trafford tomorrow in their Barclays Premier League clash.
Manchester United fans love nothing more than beating bitter rivals Liverpool and that's exactly what will happen at Old Trafford tomorrow when the sides meet in their Barclays Premier League clash according to United striker Wayne Rooney.
"We'll beat Liverpool tomorrow, I know we'll beat them, I've a great feeling and the squad has been training well in preparation for the game, everybody is ready to go and we're all confident we'll beat Liverpool," revealed Rooney.
A single point separates the sides heading in the game at Old Trafford with Liverpool sitting just above United. United haven't conceded a goal at Old Trafford in their two home games and Liverpool have so far failed to record a victory away from Anfield. The hosts are favourites heading into the contest and Rooney believes that will only help him and his teammates.
"We're always expected to win at Old Trafford so being named the favourites by bookmakers really doesn't add any additional pressure. We know what's expected at home and we thrive under that pressure, you'll see that tomorrow when we win. I said it before and I'll say it again, I've a great feeling heading into the game and we'll definitely beat them," said the striker.
Rooney, 26, has scored twice in four Barclays Premier League appearances this season and has struck up an immediate understanding with Dutchman Robin van Persie, the pair expected to be named together up front by manager David Moyes.
K3V0
Attendance 75,765
23rd September 2012
Last Updated at 19:04 GMT
Manchester United maintained their perfect record at Old Trafford in the Barclays Premier League under new manager David Moyes as they beat Liverpool 3-0 with goals from Rio Ferdinand, Robin van Persie and Nani.
Liverpool suffered an embarrassing 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford this afternoon as Manchester United dominated their bitter rivals in their Barclays Premier League clash, goals from Rio Ferdinand, Robin van Persie and Nani securing an important three points for the Red Devils in front of a sold out Theatre of Dreams holding 75,765 passionate supporters.
The opening minutes were intense as Nani first sent an effort just wide of Pepe Reina's post before Martin Škrtel upended Robin van Persie with a tough challenge that left the Dutch international requiring treatment, United manager David Moyes breathing a sigh of relief as van Persie shook off the early knock.
The first flashpoint in this fixture came just nine minutes in as Liverpool's controversial striker Luis Suárez was booked by match referee Chris Foy for a deliberate handball inside the United penalty area and despite the Uruguayans protests replays clearly show him using his hand to gather the ball in whilst under close attention from Nemanja Vidić.
Chances were at a premium in the opening half hour with Reina only forced into one save of note as he denied van Persie from close range after Ashley Young had picked out the Dutch striker at the near post with a fine cross.
The Dutch international was causing Liverpool serious problems as the first half continued and it was van Persie who drew a foul out of Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, who was booked, in a dangerous area, the subsequent delivery by van Persie was perfect and Rio Ferdinand rose above Jamie Carragher to flick a header past Reina in front of the famous Stretford End.
MOTD Highlights: Manchester United 3-0 Liverpool
Liverpool just couldn't cope with van Persie and were again punished severely five minutes from the break when Lucas was adjudged to have barged the United striker in the back inside the penalty area, Chris Foy pointing to the spot without hesitation and van Persie made no mistake as he sent Reina the wrong way to double the hosts advantage.
The second half only brought with it more United dominance as they attempted to inflict further pain on the visitors.
It took just one minute for United to create their first clear chance of the second half, a corner from Michael Carrick was sent thundering against Reina's crossbar by United captain Nemanja Vidić who was unfortunate to see his powerful header strike the frame of the Liverpool goal instead of the net. It seemed only a matter of time however until the hosts grabbed their third of the afternoon and it did eventually arrive two minutes from the end when Nani struck an unstoppable effort from the edge of the area that cracked against the underside of the upright before going in.
The win allowed the Red Devils to close the gap between themselves and reigning Barclays Premier League champions Manchester City at the top of the table to just five points, the Citizens having stretched their lead to eight points at the Barclays Premier League summit after thrashing Aston Villa 4-1 at Villa Park yesterday.
Starting Lineups
Manchester United: De Gea, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidić, Evra, Nani, Carrick, Anderson (71), Young (63), Rooney, van Persie
Substitutes: Lindegaard, Jones, Evans, Scholes (71), Valencia, Bale (63), Welbeck
Yellow Cards: Anderson
Goals: Ferdinand (33), van Persie (40), Nani (88)
Liverpool: Reina, Kelly, Škrtel, Carragher, Enrique, Lucas, Sahin (72), Cole, Gerrard, Assaidi (52), Suárez
Substitutes: Doni, Henderson, Coates, Downing (52), Borini, Robinson, Shelvey (72)
Yellow Cards: Suárez, Gerrard, Skrtel, Carragher
Goals: None
Match Statistics
Referee: Chris Foy
Shots: Manchester United 20-7 Liverpool
On Target: Manchester United 7-1 Liverpool
Off Target: Manchester United 13-6 Liverpool
Possession: Manchester United 54%-46% Liverpool
Corners: Manchester United 8-2 Liverpool
Fouls: Manchester United 16-18 Liverpool
Offsides: Manchester United 4-3 Liverpool
K3V0
Last Updated at 12:35 GMT
Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has revealed his delight after the Red Devils convincingly beat bitter rivals Liverpool 3-0 in their Barclays Premier League clash yesterday afternoon at a sold out Old Trafford.
Under new Manchester United manager David Moyes the Red Devils are yet to concede a goal at Old Trafford and have won all three of their Barclays Premier League fixtures at the Theatre of Dreams scoring 12 goals, the latest team to suffer defeat rivals Liverpool who were blown away as goals from Rio Ferdinand, Robin van Persie and Nani ensured a victory for the hosts.
That convincing 3-0 victory delighted defender Patrice Evra who didn't hide his happiness during an interview today.
"The victory yesterday was fantastic, I'm delighted with the performance and it was really nice to make all our supporters inside Old Trafford very pleased. To be a rival so convincingly always feels great and it was a special win for everybody at the club. We played some terrific football and we deserved to win," said the French international.
After five Barclays Premier League games United occupy third place some five points behind Manchester City at the summit of the Barclays Premier League table and Evra firmly believes the Red Devils can close that gap over the coming weeks.
"The gap isn't to big and I feel we can close it in our next few games if we keep performing well," said Evra.
"This is a very tough league and you'll always have some games that don't go your way, our job is to make sure we're ready to capitalise on any mistakes Manchester City make. All we can do is focus on our job, prepare well and do our best to win our games, the rest if out of our hands. There is a long way to go, we're just getting started," added Evra.
Evra, 31, has played every minute of every competitive game under new Manchester United manager David Moyes and is likely to be left out of the starting lineup in favour of Dutch defender Alexander Büttner, who will make his United debut should he start, when Swansea visit Old Trafford on Wednesday night for their Capital One Cup third round clash.
K3V0
Last Updated at 17:40 GMT
Manchester United manager David Moyes has admitted that he'll likely make some changes to his starting lineup ahead of his sides Capital One Cup third round clash with Swansea at Old Trafford tomorrow night.
There will be changes to the Manchester United starting lineup when the Red Devils face Swansea in their Capital One Cup third round clash at Old Trafford tomorrow night according to manager David Moyes, although the 49 year old Scot refused to name his starting lineup for the third round clash with the Welsh side during his pre-match press conference.
"Tomorrow night we'll definitely rotate things around to give some players a rest and give others a break. We still want to win the game because we want to go and win this competition. We're expecting a tough challenge from Swansea so we know we must perform well to advance to the next round and we welcome that challenge," said the Manchester United manager.
Moyes has a full compliment of players to choose from tomorrow night excluding Japanese international Shinji Kagawa who broke his arm a week ago against Celtic in the clubs opening UEFA Champions League Group H fixture.
There are plenty of tickets available for the Capital One Cup third round clash, with Old Trafford expected to be far from full. The game at Old Trafford is scheduled for a 19:45 GMT kick off and you can listen to live commentary on BBC Sport.
Charlie M
K3V0
Attendance 34,735
26th September 2012
Last Updated at 21:53 GMT
Manchester United advanced to the fourth round of the Capital One Cup as they recorded a narrow 1-0 win over Swansea in their third round clash at Old Trafford with Javier Hernández netting the second half winner.
Javier Hernández netted his first goal of the season to send Manchester United into the fourth round of the Capital One Cup as they narrowly beat a stubborn Swansea side tonight in their Capital One Cup third round clash at Old Trafford.
As expected David Moyes rotated his side as only Nemanja Vidić, Michael Carrick, Ashley Young and Robin van Persie kept their places in the side from the one that convincingly beat Liverpool 3-0 on Saturday in the Barclays Premier League.
The hosts started brightly and could have taken the lead in the opening minute as Ashley Young latched onto a fine pass from defender Jonny Evans, Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm able to keep the wingers effort out. The visitors responded by forcing Anders Lindegaard into action, a fierce effort from Jonathan de Guzman forcing Lindegaard into a fingertip save.
As the first half continued towards the half hour mark the hosts began to create more chances and they were unfortunate to see a Hernández header palmed away by Vorm in the Swansea goal. Minutes later the visitors had the woodwork to thank as van Persie found a yard of space and despite a narrow angle fired a low effort across Vorm which crashed into the post.
Swansea were riding their luck and they were fortunate to go into the half time break on level terms with the Red Devils, a fantastic cross from Young finding Hernández at the back post, the Mexican international clipping the crossbar with his looping header, the visitors lucky to have remained on level terms, the hosts frustrated.
Javier Hernández celebrates his winner against Swansea
The second half saw United frustrated by their Welsh opponents, their best chance in the early stages of the second half a free kick from Young that flashed just wide of the goal. As Moyes prepared to make a double substitution with just over 20 minutes to go and things locked at 0-0 the hosts found the breakthrough as Hernández got the goal.
The build up to the goal was fantastic as Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher combined in midfield, the latter playing a ball into the feet of van Persie who had spotted the run of Hernández and with a flick of his boot he cleverly slid the ball around Chico and into the Mexican's path and he didn't disappoint as he fired a low left footed drive into the bottom corner.
To there credit the visitors didn't give up after that setback and should have been level when Nathan Dyer broke the offside trap but unfortunately for the travelling Swansea fans behind the goal the 24 year old lacked the composure when one on one with Lindegaard and the goalkeeper stood tall before making a vital save just eight minutes from the end.
Swansea did find a way beyond Lindegaard in the end but Luke Moore was correctly judged to be in a offside position and that was that as the Welsh side crashed out of this years Capital One Cup at Old Trafford as Manchester United booked their spot in the draw for the fourth round that takes place on Friday afternoon.
Starting Lineups
Manchester United: Lindegaard, Jones, Evans, Vidić, Büttner, Young, Carrick (69), Fletcher (69), Giggs, van Persie, Hernández
Substitutes: De Gea, Ferdinand, Evra, Scholes (69), Nani, Anderson, Welbeck
Yellow Cards: Young
Goals: Hernández (68)
Swansea: Vorm, Tiendalli, Bartley (68), Chico, Taylor, Richards, Gower (45), Routledge (74), de Guzman, Dyer, Moore
Substitutes: Tremmel, Obeng, Monk (68), Agustien (45), Shechter (74), Alfei, Sung-Yeung
Yellow Cards: Chico
Goals: None
Match Statistics
Referee: Jon Moss
Shots: Manchester United 13-5 Swansea
On Target: Manchester United 6-4 Swansea
Off Target: Manchester United 7-1 Swansea
Possession: Manchester United 56%-44% Swansea
Corners: Manchester United 8-0 Swansea
Fouls: Manchester United 17-15 Swansea
Offsides: Manchester United 4-3 Swansea
K3V0
Last Updated at 11:11 GMT
Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidić has revealed he was happy with his teammates performances in their slender 1-0 victory over Swansea in their Capital One Cup third round clash last night at Old Trafford.
A goal from Javier Hernández 22 minutes from time at Old Trafford was enough to secure Manchester United's place in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup last night as they narrowly beat Swansea 1-0 in front of just 34,735.
The hosts could have and probably should have enjoyed a much larger margin of victory, yet despite only narrowly beating the Welsh side United skipper Nemanja Vidić revealed he was happy with his teammates performances during the victory.
"We won the game last night, we advance in the Capital One Cup and that's important for us. We knew it'd be a tough game against Swansea and I think we played well. I'm pleased by the performance and we could have won by more," said Vidić.
"Obviously we would have liked to have won more convincingly and we must be more clinical in front of goal in future games. In saying that their keeper had a very good game and made some saves that stopped us scoring more goals. Last night was a good win and we can take a lot of positives out of the performance," added the Manchester United defender.
Vidić has made seven appearances in all competitions for the Red Devils this season scoring once.
The 30 year old currently has two years remaining on his contract at Old Trafford but it's expected that manager David Moyes is preparing a new deal that will not only increase the Serbian's wages but also secure his long term future at the club.
K3V0
Last Updated at 15:27 GMT
Manchester United received a kind draw in the Capital One Cup as they were drawn with npower Football League Championship side Bolton Wanderers for a fourth round clash at the Reebok Stadium.
The draw for the fourth round of the Capital One Cup was made today and both Manchester United and Manchester City fans would have been happy following the draw. The Citizens were handed a tie against Derby County that they should win at the Etihad Stadium whilst United will travel to the Reebok Stadium to face recently relegated Bolton Wanderers.
Capital One Cup Third Round Draw
Manchester City v Derby County
Wolves v Burnley
Ipswich Town v Wigan Athletic
Brentford v Stoke City
Bolton Wanderers v Manchester United
Queens Park Rangers v Fulham
Liverpool or Chelsea v Blackpool
West Brom v Millwall
Manchester United manager David Moyes remained cautious following the draw.
"The draw has been kind, I mean obviously it's a game we'd expect to win and if we perform to our ability we should win. In saying that I know it's going to be a very tough game against Bolton, even harder now that it's at the Reebok," said Moyes.
"We want to win this competition so we'll prepare well and do our best. It'll be another tough game just like the last round against Swansea, that game went right down to the wire and we only won 1-0, although such a tough game was expected and we did our best to suitably prepare the players for that leading up to the game," added the Manchester United manager.
Arsenal were the biggest team to crash out in the third round
There is a remaining third round clash to take place, npower Football League Championship side Blackpool waiting to find out if they'll be visiting Anfield or Stamford Bridge in the fourth round, Liverpool and Chelsea to play each other on Thursday 18th October at Anfield, the original fixture rearranged as Chelsea faced West Ham United in the Barclays Premier League, a fixture that had earlier been moved to accommodate the Blues participation in the UEFA Super Cup.
All Capital One Cup fourth round fixtures will take place on either Tuesday 30th October or Wednesday 31st October.
born-to-win
Keep up the good work.
K3V0
Attendance 18,439
29th September 2012
Last Updated at 17:46 GMT
Manchester United recorded a third consecutive Barclays Premier League victory at Loftus Road this afternoon as they sealed a 3-2 victory over Queens Park Rangers with Dutch striker Robin van Persie netting the winner.
Queens Park Rangers and Manchester United played out a thrilling five goal clash at Loftus Road this afternoon, the latter coming out on top in the end, a goal from Robin van Persie, who could miss his sides UEFA Champions League clash against Zenit St Petersburg after suffering a nasty cut during the game, enough to secure all three points for the Red Devils.
The visitors got off to the perfect start as skipper Nemanja Vidić opened the scoring, a free kick from van Persie headed across the goal by Rio Ferdinand into the path of Vidic who bundled the ball home despite José Bosingwa's best efforts.
Following that breakthrough it was expectant that the Red Devils would blow the hosts off the park and for the next 20 minutes it seemed as if goalkeeper Júlio César was a one man defence as he denied van Persie twice in quick succession.
Despite being under pressure throughout the opening half hour the hosts drew level against the run of play when Rob Hulse headed a cross from Junior Hoilett towards goal, United goalkeeper David De Gea unable to keep the effort out as the 32 year old drew Queens Park Rangers level to the delight of the hosts supporters inside Loftus Road.
Parity only lasted six minutes before the visitors again took the lead through a Wayne Rooney header, the striker rising bravely above Stéphane Mbia to meet a Nani delivery, the 26 year old beating César with his well directed header.
MOTD Highlights: Queens Park Rangers 2-3 Manchester United
If United boss David Moyes was hoping to be ahead at the half time break he would have been deeply disappointed as his side threw their lead away within just two minutes. It was Hulse again who dragged the hosts level, the striker firing a low effort through the legs of Anderson that must have surprised De Gea who couldn't react quick enough to keep the effort out.
The beginning of the second half wasn't an exciting part of this Barclays Premier League clash and it saw both Luke Young and Paul Scholes booked for poor tackles. After being behind twice Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp would have been happy with a draw but United struck for a third time on the hour mark as Rooney and van Persie combined.
A long ball forward from Rafael caught the hosts defence napping, Rooney collecting the ball before skipping past Nedum Onuoha on the right hand side, Rooney carrying the ball to the byline before squaring it back towards the penalty into the path of strike partner Robin van Persie who made no mistake as he guided his effort beyond César's outstretched arm.
That goal proved to be the winner as United again made things tough for themselves away from Old Trafford. David Moyes side have conceded seven times in their opening six Barclays Premier League games, each goal conceded in an away fixture with no side having scored against United at Old Trafford in any competition so far this season.
The only worry for Manchester United manager David Moyes following the 3-2 win at Loftus Road will be over the fitness of Dutch striker Robin van Persie who is now in doubt to face Zenit St Petersburg in the clubs UEFA Champions League Group H clash on Tuesday night at Old Trafford after suffering what appeared to be a serious cut to his lower back late in the game.
Starting Lineups
Queens Park Rangers: César, Bosingwa, Onuoha, Mbia, Young, Ji-Sung, Diakité (65), Faurlín, Granero (71), Hoilett (60), Hulse
Substitutes: Green, Mackie, Traoré (65), Wright-Phillips, Johnson (60), Ferdinand (71), Nelsen
Yellow Cards: Faurlín, Young, Hulse
Goals: Hulse (29, 37)
Manchester United: De Gea, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidić, Evra, Nani, Anderson (70), Scholes (70), Bale, van Persie (80), Rooney
Substitutes: Lindegaard, Jones (70), Evans, Büttner, Giggs (70), Young, Welbeck (80)
Yellow Cards: Scholes
Goals: Vidic (6), Rooney (35), van Persie (60)
Match Statistics
Referee: Mike Jones
Shots: Queens Park Rangers 8-19 Manchester United
On Target: Queens Park Rangers 4-11 Manchester United
Off Target: Queens Park Rangers 4-8 Manchester United
Possession: Queens Park Rangers 43%-57% Manchester United
Corners: Queens Park Rangers 1-6 Manchester United
Fouls: Queens Park Rangers 14-18 Manchester United
Offsides: Queens Park Rangers 1-5 Manchester United
K3V0
Last Updated at 16:37 GMT
Manchester United manager David Moyes has ruled Dutch striker Robin van Persie out of the clubs UEFA Champions League Group H clash with Zenit St Petersburg on Tuesday night at Old Trafford after the striker suffered a nasty cut to his lower back during the 3-2 win over Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.
A nasty cut has ruled Manchester United striker Robin van Persie out of his sides upcoming UEFA Champions League Group H clash with Zenit St Petersburg on Tuesday night. The 29 year old, who signed from Arsenal during the summer in a transfer deal worth £24 million, has scored four goals in his six Barclays Premier League appearances for the Red Devils.
The striker scored the winner on the hour mark against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday at Loftus Road and his absence will disappoint manager David Moyes, the Scot still searching for his first victory in Europe since taking the reigns at Old Trafford following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, the Red Devils held to a 2-2 draw in their opening Group H fixture against Celtic.
"Robin will miss the game on Tuesday night, he's definitely out," said the Manchester United manager.
"He's got a nasty cut which required some stitches and because of the location it could easily open. He'll probably be back for the West Brom game on Saturday so we'll let him rest. Obviously with any cut there is a risk of infection and that increases if the cut opens again. It just isn't worth it and player welfare is the main thing," added Moyes.
Robin van Persie won't play against Zenit St Petersburg
United sit in second spot in Group H behind Udinese who recorded a shock 2-0 win in Russia against Zenit St Petersburg in their opening Group H fixture yet despite that setback Moyes expects the Russian champions to provide a stern test.
"I've not really paid much attention to the Udinese game in Russia, it won't affect the game on Tuesday night I assure you. I've no doubt that Zenit will come to Old Trafford fully prepared and ready to get something from the game. It's a home game in Europe which basically means we're expected to record victory and that's exactly what we'll try to do against Zenit, but it'll be tough, no doubt about that. I'd take a 1-0 win right now because this will be a very tough game," said Moyes.
Speculation suggests Moyes will select Danny Welbeck ahead of Javier Hernández to replace van Persie in the starting lineup on Tuesday night for the clash against Zenit at Old Trafford, the English international has scored three goals in four Barclays Premier League appearances, although he's found himself on the bench lately following van Persie's return from injury.
K3V0
Last Updated at 20:03 GMT
Manchester United midfielder Anderson believes the clubs UEFA Champions League Group H clash against Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg tomorrow night at Old Trafford will be a tough encounter.
Manchester United midfielder has warned his teammates not to underestimate the challenge they'll face tomorrow night when they meet Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg in their UEFA Champions League Group H clash at Old Trafford.
"I think tomorrow night is going to be a difficult game, the type of game that a single mistake may decide things. It won't be easy as Zenit will want to win after losing their opening game so we're preparing for a tough encounter," said Anderson.
"The manager has been speaking to us about the challenge ahead and I think we're ready for tomorrows game. All the players have spoken about being ready and I don't think anybody will underestimate what Zenit can do if we don't perform well. Hopefully it'll be another fantastic European night for us at Old Trafford," added the Brazilian international.
Zenit head to Manchester hoping to put their shock defeat at the hands of Udinese in their opening Group H fixture behind them as goals from Danilo and Antonio Di Natale gave the Serie A side a precious 2-0 victory in St Petersburg.
The 24 year old, who has been capped eight times by Brazil, has made five Barclays Premier League appearances for Manchester United this season and scored during the Red Devils 3-0 victory over West Ham United back in September.
Anderson will be hoping he retains his place in the starting lineup to face the Russian side tomorrow night after he performed well during the 3-2 victory against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday. The midfielder wasn't included in David Moyes squad for United's opening UEFA Champions League Group H clash with Celtic at Celtic Park that finished 2-2.
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Attendance 74,211
2nd October 2012
Last Updated at 22:33 GMT
Manchester United went top of Group H tonight as late goals from Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney were enough to see off Zenit St Petersburg in a heated UEFA Champions League encounter at Old Trafford.
Veteran winger Ryan Giggs turned back the clock and produced a memorable performance to help guide Manchester United to an important 2-0 win in their UEFA Champions League Group H clash with Russian side Zenit St Petersburg at Old Trafford.
With time ticking away at Old Trafford and the score locked at 0-0 the 38 year old calmly lifted a free kick on the edge of the box over the wall and into the top corner to give the hosts the lead in what was a heated European encounter. The victory was then sealed for United two minutes into stoppage time when striker Wayne Rooney doubled the advantage and ensured the Barclays Premier League side went top of Group H on a night that saw Udinese lose 2-0 at home to Celtic.
In truth the visitors never really bothered United keeper David De Gea as the Spanish U-21 international was largely a spectator during the game, however it did appear as the game entered the final 20 minutes that neither side would find the breakthrough, that was of course until Giggs left Zenit keeper Vyacheslav Malafeev with absolutely no chance.
As expected Manchester United boss David Moyes named Danny Welbeck up front alongside Wayne Rooney with Mexican international Javier Hernández named amongst the substitutes, Dutch striker Robin van Persie a frustrated spectator at Old Trafford following his injury against Queens Park Rangers in their Barclays Premier League clash at Loftus Road on Saturday.
The first chance fell to Rooney just five minutes in but he could only head Patrice Evra's cross wide. The Red Devils tested Malafeev two minutes later when Giggs found Nemanja Vidić, the Zenit keeper positioned well to parry away the header.
United continued to create good chances before the half time break, the closest when Vidić again won a header inside the Zenit penalty area, this time beating Malafeev only to find Hulk on the line, the Brazilian hacking the ball off the line. The woodwork soon saved the Russian champions as Michael Carrick came within an inch of making the breakthrough.
The half time break just couldn't come quick enough for Zenit and they had the woodwork rescue them again as Welbeck rattled the crossbar with a fantastic volley which deserved a goal, the score locked at 0-0 at the half time interval, United boss David Moyes left wondering how his side hadn't found the breakthrough in the opening 45 minutes at Old Trafford.
In the end those missed chances in the first half didn't come back to haunt the Red Devils as Giggs and Rooney netted towards the end of the game, the result leaving Zenit bottom of Group H, the Russian champions suffering back to back defeats, their chances of progressing from Group H hanging in the balance after just two Group H fixtures.
Starting Lineups
Manchester United: De Gea, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidić, Evra, Valencia (72), Carrick, Jones (84), Giggs, Welbeck (67), Rooney
Substitutes: Lindegaard, Evans, Nani, Bale (72), Anderson (84), Young, Hernández (67)
Yellow Cards: Jones, Vidic, Evra, Rooney
Goals: Giggs (73), Rooney (90)
Zenit St Petersburg: Malafeev, Bondarev, Alves, Lombaerts, Criscito, Witsel, Denisov, Hulk (73), Shirokov (73), Zyryanov, Kerzhakov
Substitutes: Yermolaev, Lumb, Lukovic, Bystrov, Bukharov, Semak (73), Hubocan (73)
Yellow Cards: Criscito
Goals: None
Match Statistics
Referee: Damir Skomina
Shots: Manchester United 22-5 Zenit St Petersburg
On Target: Manchester United 8-1 Zenit St Petersburg
Off Target: Manchester United 14-4 Zenit St Petersburg
Possession: Manchester United 58%-42% Zenit St Petersburg
Corners: Manchester United 13-2 Zenit St Petersburg
Fouls: Manchester United 16-15 Zenit St Petersburg
Offsides: Manchester United 4-0 Zenit St Petersburg
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Last Updated at 13:04 GMT
Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick believes the clubs home form has been great and is laying the platform for a successful season not only domestically but also in Europe under new manager David Moyes.