sportinglife.com
Manchester United 3 Reading 2
By Simon Stone, PA Sport Chief Football Writer
http://tinyurl.com/y3bn5p
Cristiano Ronaldo provided Sir Alex Ferguson the 65th birthday present he wanted more than any other
as Manchester United stretched their lead at the Premiership summit to six points.
For the third time in eight days over the Festive period, Ronaldo struck twice, on this occasion ensuring
the brave efforts of 10-man Reading counted for nothing.
It took the winger's tally for the season to 11, enhancing still further his player of the year claims and
the belief of those within the Red Devils camp that the 21-year-old is currently the best player on the
planet. But it is the championship trophy Ronaldo, his team-mates and his success-hungry manager crave
most of all.
And, though they were forced to endure a nervy few minutes after Leroy Lita had dragged Reading back
into the contest in stoppage time, the momentum is with United now and Chelsea will need to stand stronger
than they have ever done under Jose Mourinho to stop them.
Not that Ronaldo is the only key man at United just now. Overshadowed by the winger's blistering form,
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's rejuvenation into a top-class, top flight performer has nevertheless been one of
the stories of United's season.
Even as recently as the Red Devils summer tour to South Africa, Ferguson was expressing doubts
over Solskjaer's ability to make an impact at the highest level.
Now, the Scot has no such worries and 24 hours before kick-off confidently predicted the
33-year-old would reach 15 goals for the season.
Solskjaer now has eight, showing all those old predatory instincts to escape Sonko's attentions,
arriving at the near post with perfect timing to head into the bottom corner.
Up to that point, it appeared the Reading goal would enjoy a charmed life.
Keeper Marcus Hahnemann twice got away with fumbles close to his own line, making up for those
handling errors by keeping out Ronaldo's piledriver.
Amid the United attacks though, Reading were holding their own, proving their previous draw with the
Red Devils this term, and their Boxing Day efforts against Chelsea were no fluke.
Lifelong Red Devils fan Glen Little should have done much better when Kevin Doyle found him with a
cut-back and Lita had already wasted an excellent chance when Sonko capitalised on Van der Sar's
rare blunder.
It was the Senegal defender's first goal since March and represented swift redemption for his earlier mistake.
United's response was almost immediate as Ronaldo hit the bar before the break then, following the
half-time introduction of Ryan Giggs, Solskjaer brought a superb save out of Hahnemann with a glancing
near-post header.
Rooney also went close with a curling shot after he had been sent through by Ronaldo, part of an attacking
onslaught in which United noticeably increased the speed of their game, hitting a level which Reading
just could not match.
The move which brought Ronaldo the latest addition to his glittering season was simply sensational.
One touches passes from Giggs and Rooney sent Solskjaer flying into the area past Sonko. The striker's
shot might have got the faintest of touches from Hahnemann as it bounced onto the post but the
rebound fell straight to Ronaldo, who gleefully bundled it home.
By that stage, Reading were being pinned back deep in their own half and the visitors' flagging hopes of
rescuing something from the game were virtually ended when referee Mike Dean sent Sam Sodje off for
his second bookable offence, pulling back Rooney, just five minutes after his introduction as a substitute.
It appeared a harsh decision, particularly as the far side assistant was flagging for offside at the time.
Ronaldo was in no mood to ease off though and was on hand to volley home from close range when
Giggs picked him out with a far post cross. The strike probably came as no surprise to Royals boss
Steve Coppell, a legendary Red Devils winger himself, whoidentified England's World Cup nemesis
as United's danger man.
Coppell could be rightly proud of his side's efforts and saw Lita bag another for Reading his side,
who contributed fully to an excellent advert for Premiership football.
STAT ATTACK
Man Utd.......Reading
12 Shots On Target 3
16 Shots Off Target 4
9 Fouls (Conceded) 11
13 Corners 4
1 Yellow Cards 2
0 Red Cards 1
What the papers say: Man Utd
more from sportinglife.com
FERGUSON TO REVISE RONALDO BET
By Simon Stone, PA Sport Chief Football Writer
http://tinyurl.com/yxcuxp
Sir Alex Ferguson has vowed to wriggle out of a debt to Cristiano Ronaldo after the Manchester United winger
fired his third successive festive double to send the Red Devils six points clear at the Barclays Premiership
summit.
Ferguson had a pre-season wager with the Portugal international, who he has challenged to get 15 goals
for United this season.
The 21-year-old's club tally now stands at 12 following the brace which destroyed the brave resistance
of 10-man Reading at Old Trafford, with every indication there are many more to come.
However, it does not appear Ferguson has any intention of paying up, judging by his reaction to Ronaldo's
latest sensational efforts.
"He thinks I will owe him some money but I am going to change the bet when he gets to 15," laughed the
United boss.
"I can do that because I am the manager."
In truth, Ferguson could not be more delighted with Ronaldo, who provided his manager with the
best 65th birthday present imaginable.
After providing the cross for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's opener, Ronaldo then came to United's rescue after
half-time, by which point they had been pegged back by Ibrahima Sonko.
First, he bundled home the rebound after Solskjaer had struck a post, then he arrived unmarked at the
far post to despatch a close-range volley from Ryan Giggs' assist, whose interval introduction helped inspire
United to a more effective attacking performance.
"Cristiano is a fantastic lad, and he is getting better all the time," said Ferguson.
"He is a more experienced player now and more mature. He practises a lot and works really hard at his
game and now he is getting the rewards."
It was not an assessment that Reading boss Steve Coppell, himself a legendary United winger, was
about to quibble with.
"He is a good player," said Coppell.
"He is probably the player every manager in the league would like to have in his team.
"Old Trafford is a magnificent arena and he is dominating the action at the moment.
"It is not just the goals he is scoring but the way he is doing it. He is playing with more responsibility
and is winning friends everywhere."
Coppell did question the first and last United goals, wondering if both were offside, although he accepted
visiting teams are hardly likely to get the benefit of marginal decisions at Old Trafford.
He was equally concerned about the dismissal of Sam Sodje for a second bookable offence just five minutes
after his introduction as a second-half substitute.
"It seemed pretty harsh to me," he said.
"I saw the flag go up for offside and then the referee started gesturing that Sam had pulled Wayne Rooney.
Maybe there was an element of naivety about it but it certainly made things difficult for us."
Ferguson now sets his sights on a tough trip to Newcastle on New Year's Day, boosted by the knowledge
his side could lose twice and still lead Chelsea on goal difference.
"It has been a good day," he said.
"We didn't expect to be six points clear tonight but I think the best thing for us to do is look at the next
game because it is a hard one."
As a former Red Devil, there is no question who Coppell would like to see crowned champions, although he
warned his old club Chelsea are not likely to throw in the towel just yet.
"In my heart I would like United to win it but I have said all along the key factors will be European football
and injuries," he said.
"Chelsea are suffering the most in that respect just now but they have the resources and finance to buy
heavily in the transfer window and that is what I would expect them to do."
FERGUSON TO REVISE RONALDO BET
By Simon Stone, PA Sport Chief Football Writer
http://tinyurl.com/yxcuxp
Sir Alex Ferguson has vowed to wriggle out of a debt to Cristiano Ronaldo after the Manchester United winger
fired his third successive festive double to send the Red Devils six points clear at the Barclays Premiership
summit.
Ferguson had a pre-season wager with the Portugal international, who he has challenged to get 15 goals
for United this season.
The 21-year-old's club tally now stands at 12 following the brace which destroyed the brave resistance
of 10-man Reading at Old Trafford, with every indication there are many more to come.
However, it does not appear Ferguson has any intention of paying up, judging by his reaction to Ronaldo's
latest sensational efforts.
"He thinks I will owe him some money but I am going to change the bet when he gets to 15," laughed the
United boss.
"I can do that because I am the manager."
In truth, Ferguson could not be more delighted with Ronaldo, who provided his manager with the
best 65th birthday present imaginable.
After providing the cross for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's opener, Ronaldo then came to United's rescue after
half-time, by which point they had been pegged back by Ibrahima Sonko.
First, he bundled home the rebound after Solskjaer had struck a post, then he arrived unmarked at the
far post to despatch a close-range volley from Ryan Giggs' assist, whose interval introduction helped inspire
United to a more effective attacking performance.
"Cristiano is a fantastic lad, and he is getting better all the time," said Ferguson.
"He is a more experienced player now and more mature. He practises a lot and works really hard at his
game and now he is getting the rewards."
It was not an assessment that Reading boss Steve Coppell, himself a legendary United winger, was
about to quibble with.
"He is a good player," said Coppell.
"He is probably the player every manager in the league would like to have in his team.
"Old Trafford is a magnificent arena and he is dominating the action at the moment.
"It is not just the goals he is scoring but the way he is doing it. He is playing with more responsibility
and is winning friends everywhere."
Coppell did question the first and last United goals, wondering if both were offside, although he accepted
visiting teams are hardly likely to get the benefit of marginal decisions at Old Trafford.
He was equally concerned about the dismissal of Sam Sodje for a second bookable offence just five minutes
after his introduction as a second-half substitute.
"It seemed pretty harsh to me," he said.
"I saw the flag go up for offside and then the referee started gesturing that Sam had pulled Wayne Rooney.
Maybe there was an element of naivety about it but it certainly made things difficult for us."
Ferguson now sets his sights on a tough trip to Newcastle on New Year's Day, boosted by the knowledge
his side could lose twice and still lead Chelsea on goal difference.
"It has been a good day," he said.
"We didn't expect to be six points clear tonight but I think the best thing for us to do is look at the next
game because it is a hard one."
As a former Red Devil, there is no question who Coppell would like to see crowned champions, although he
warned his old club Chelsea are not likely to throw in the towel just yet.
"In my heart I would like United to win it but I have said all along the key factors will be European football
and injuries," he said.
"Chelsea are suffering the most in that respect just now but they have the resources and finance to buy
heavily in the transfer window and that is what I would expect them to do."
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sorry,Chaney Man U 28 attempts on goal..think they may have JUST deserved to win
when you look at the void in talent and money..............I think the words are................
"Man U won"
deserved doesn't come into it.
Nevertheless, Good Luck United in your quest for the Premiership crown.....unless there is a third team worthy of getting amongst the big boys
Ronaldo stretches United's advantage
Paul Wilson at Old Trafford Sunday December 31, 2006
The Observer
This was quite a day for the pensioner now in charge of Manchester United. He saw his side make it nine points out of nine over the holiday period while Chelsea were shipping another two at home. At present only Arjen's Robben's last-gasp winner at Wigan last weekend is taking the title race into 2007.
'I shall take umbrage if my friends in the media try to typecast me as a pensioner,' Sir Alex Ferguson warned on the eve of his sixty-fifth birthday. That statement begs several questions, perhaps the first being how would anyone notice the difference? Another question, after 20 memorable years at Old Trafford, is how this story is going to end. And when, exactly?
'Many people work well into their eighties these days,' Ferguson said ominously. 'They have lively minds and are as active as ever. Critics were suggesting not so long ago I was past my sell-by date and presiding over a crumbling empire.
What they didn't seem to understand was that we were moving from one era to another and it is well nigh impossible to make a seamless join while this process is happening. We fell back a little but now you can see the fruits of our transitional work and I certainly don't feel like turning my back for a few more years.'
And who would, looking down on the rest of the league with more than 50 points at the turn of the year? If United are not quite hitting all the top notes at the moment it is only because Ferguson is taking the opportunity to rest a few players. Louis Saha and Ryan Giggs were left out of the starting line-up, with Gary Neville recovering from a calf injury and Paul Scholes and Nemanja Vidic suspended, yet United were still sufficiently brisk to score first against the typically spirited Reading side that held Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last week.
The two goals that briefly illuminated a mostly undistinguished first half arrived within six minutes of each other. Wayne Rooney had scuffed a volley at one end and Glen Little pushed a shot wide at the other before Cristiano Ronaldo opened up Reading in the way that few others can. Mesmerising Little with flickering feet rather than any actual pace or movement, Ronaldo sent over a cross from a stationary position on the left that picked out Ole Gunnar Solskjaer perfectly.
The striker's anticipation gave him a start on Ibrahima Sonko, and the accuracy of a glancing header from the six-yard line seemed to take Marcus Hahnemann by surprise.
Anyone who expected Reading to roll over and meekly accept their fate has not been paying attention this season, however, and Steve Coppell's side were quickly back on terms.
The visitors made a couple of half-chances around the edge of the penalty area before equalising from a set piece. Captain for the day Edwin van der Sar will not be thrilled with replays of Nicky Shorey's free-kick, one that the goalkeeper tried to reach but only succeeded in stranding himself when Sonko's head met the ball first.
The United response was to send on Giggs for the second half and step up their attacking efforts in front of the Stretford End. Solskjaer had a header saved, Rooney shot too high and Giggs put a header wide in a flurry of activity straight after the restart.
A cool finish was what was needed, and Rooney was not quite up to the task when Ronaldo supplied him in the 54th minute after a curving run and a delightfully weighted pass. Rooney did the hard work, holding off his man and nudging the ball inside to improve the shooting angle, only to fire too high when a clear sight of goal opened up.
Saha must have been fretting on the bench, but Solskjaer is still your man for a cool finish. He only managed to hit the post after Giggs and Rooney slipped him through after almost an hour, though with Reading's defence all over the place it was a simple matter for Ronaldo to tap in the rebound.
Reading were still in the game, albeit one that was being played almost exclusively in their own half, until their hopes of emulating their comeback at Chelsea were dealt a blow with the dismissal of Sam Sodje.
It was not immediately clear what the visitors' substitute had done wrong, since Rooney was the one with a sense of injustice after being pulled up harshly for offside, but dissent of some sort brought a second yellow card for a player who had only been on the field for nine minutes.
The Reading fans were mystified and unamused, chanting 'You're worse than Graham Poll' at Mike Dean.
As Jose Mourinho was saying only the other day, United seem to be getting the lucky breaks this season. No sooner had Reading gone down to 10 men than United made the game safe, Giggs crossing so accurately from the right that Ronaldo was able to score with a sidefoot volley at the far post.
Giggs could have made it four at the end, though no one minded him missing. Once the score came through from Chelsea no one even minded Leroy Lita making a fool of Mikael Silvestre in stoppage time and setting up an unnecessarily nervy last few seconds. At this rate Fergie will be here for ever.
Man of the match Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
It would be possible to vote for Cristiano Ronaldo again, especially with Wayne Rooney failing once more to get among the goals, but United are not a one-man team. Solskjaer might be a blast from the past, but he took the first goal well and set up the second.
Paul Wilson at Old Trafford Sunday December 31, 2006
The Observer
This was quite a day for the pensioner now in charge of Manchester United. He saw his side make it nine points out of nine over the holiday period while Chelsea were shipping another two at home. At present only Arjen's Robben's last-gasp winner at Wigan last weekend is taking the title race into 2007.
'I shall take umbrage if my friends in the media try to typecast me as a pensioner,' Sir Alex Ferguson warned on the eve of his sixty-fifth birthday. That statement begs several questions, perhaps the first being how would anyone notice the difference? Another question, after 20 memorable years at Old Trafford, is how this story is going to end. And when, exactly?
'Many people work well into their eighties these days,' Ferguson said ominously. 'They have lively minds and are as active as ever. Critics were suggesting not so long ago I was past my sell-by date and presiding over a crumbling empire.
What they didn't seem to understand was that we were moving from one era to another and it is well nigh impossible to make a seamless join while this process is happening. We fell back a little but now you can see the fruits of our transitional work and I certainly don't feel like turning my back for a few more years.'
And who would, looking down on the rest of the league with more than 50 points at the turn of the year? If United are not quite hitting all the top notes at the moment it is only because Ferguson is taking the opportunity to rest a few players. Louis Saha and Ryan Giggs were left out of the starting line-up, with Gary Neville recovering from a calf injury and Paul Scholes and Nemanja Vidic suspended, yet United were still sufficiently brisk to score first against the typically spirited Reading side that held Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last week.
The two goals that briefly illuminated a mostly undistinguished first half arrived within six minutes of each other. Wayne Rooney had scuffed a volley at one end and Glen Little pushed a shot wide at the other before Cristiano Ronaldo opened up Reading in the way that few others can. Mesmerising Little with flickering feet rather than any actual pace or movement, Ronaldo sent over a cross from a stationary position on the left that picked out Ole Gunnar Solskjaer perfectly.
The striker's anticipation gave him a start on Ibrahima Sonko, and the accuracy of a glancing header from the six-yard line seemed to take Marcus Hahnemann by surprise.
Anyone who expected Reading to roll over and meekly accept their fate has not been paying attention this season, however, and Steve Coppell's side were quickly back on terms.
The visitors made a couple of half-chances around the edge of the penalty area before equalising from a set piece. Captain for the day Edwin van der Sar will not be thrilled with replays of Nicky Shorey's free-kick, one that the goalkeeper tried to reach but only succeeded in stranding himself when Sonko's head met the ball first.
The United response was to send on Giggs for the second half and step up their attacking efforts in front of the Stretford End. Solskjaer had a header saved, Rooney shot too high and Giggs put a header wide in a flurry of activity straight after the restart.
A cool finish was what was needed, and Rooney was not quite up to the task when Ronaldo supplied him in the 54th minute after a curving run and a delightfully weighted pass. Rooney did the hard work, holding off his man and nudging the ball inside to improve the shooting angle, only to fire too high when a clear sight of goal opened up.
Saha must have been fretting on the bench, but Solskjaer is still your man for a cool finish. He only managed to hit the post after Giggs and Rooney slipped him through after almost an hour, though with Reading's defence all over the place it was a simple matter for Ronaldo to tap in the rebound.
Reading were still in the game, albeit one that was being played almost exclusively in their own half, until their hopes of emulating their comeback at Chelsea were dealt a blow with the dismissal of Sam Sodje.
It was not immediately clear what the visitors' substitute had done wrong, since Rooney was the one with a sense of injustice after being pulled up harshly for offside, but dissent of some sort brought a second yellow card for a player who had only been on the field for nine minutes.
The Reading fans were mystified and unamused, chanting 'You're worse than Graham Poll' at Mike Dean.
As Jose Mourinho was saying only the other day, United seem to be getting the lucky breaks this season. No sooner had Reading gone down to 10 men than United made the game safe, Giggs crossing so accurately from the right that Ronaldo was able to score with a sidefoot volley at the far post.
Giggs could have made it four at the end, though no one minded him missing. Once the score came through from Chelsea no one even minded Leroy Lita making a fool of Mikael Silvestre in stoppage time and setting up an unnecessarily nervy last few seconds. At this rate Fergie will be here for ever.
Man of the match Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
It would be possible to vote for Cristiano Ronaldo again, especially with Wayne Rooney failing once more to get among the goals, but United are not a one-man team. Solskjaer might be a blast from the past, but he took the first goal well and set up the second.
The Sunday Times December 31, 2006
Man Utd 3 Reading 2: Ronaldo makes Reading pay
Jonathan Northcroft at Old Trafford
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0, ... 51,00.html
Sir Alex Feguson said: “I’ve always liked being with young people,â€
Man Utd 3 Reading 2: Ronaldo makes Reading pay
Jonathan Northcroft at Old Trafford
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0, ... 51,00.html
Sir Alex Feguson said: “I’ve always liked being with young people,â€
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Sunday Mirror
31 December 2006
MAN UTD 3-2 READING
Simon Mullock At Old Trafford
http://dailynewspaper.co.uk/
SIR ALEX FERGUSON may have spent the weekend cracking jokes about getting his bus pass for his 65th birthday.
But don't be surprised to see the Manchester United manager riding a double-decker down Deansgate at the
end of the season: FC.
Forget the carpet slippers and naps by the fireside, it's one more open-top parade that Ferguson craves most of all.
United's players certainly did their bit in making sure Sir Alex enjoys opening his cards this morning and Chelsea's
draw with Fulham will also have helped as it sent United into the New Year six points clear at the top.
It has been a perfect end to 2006 for United and their manager.
Both the Scot and his team were being written off as a spent force this time 12 months ago as Jose Mourinho's men
were in the midst of romping to a second successive championship and the Reds were left with the consolation of the
League Cup.
Now it is United asking all the questions.
The irony won't be lost on the Chelsea's Portuguese boss that one of his countrymen is keeping Ferguson young at heart.
Cristiano Ronaldo set up the opener for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before helping himself to his third double of the Christmas
period to seal victory.
Ibrahima Sonko and Leroy Lita replied for Steve Coppell's Reading, who finished with 10 men after substitute
Sam Sodje picked up two yellow cards in the space of 10 minutes.
But United would have won by a street had they taken their chances, especially in the second half.
Ferguson, right with mascot, said: "Our football was terrific at times and we created a lot of chances. We were excellent
in the second half after Ryan Giggs came on. He really made a difference.
"But Ronaldo was outstanding.
He is getting better and better with every game and teams are struggling to cope with him.
"I've had a bet with him that he won't score 15 goals. He's got 12 now so I might owe him some money soon.
"But he doesn't know it's a Scottish bet. That means I will raise the target to 150 once he gets to 15!"
Reading would have hardly needed motivating for their first visit to Old Trafford, but their belief must have
blossomed when they learned Ferguson had named a team already stripped of Paul Scholes, Nemanja Vidic
and Gary Neville through injury and suspension and with Giggs and Louis Saha on the bench.
Forty-five minutes in, the Royals would certainly have backed themselves to equal the result they took home from
Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day.
With United struggling to get out of second gear despite the best efforts of Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, the visitors
were able to overcome the blow of falling behind to Solskjaer's header to go in level at the break courtesy of Sonko.
Perhaps the Reds believed Reading's draw with the champions was a fluke. Maybe they didn't believe that a
team which had taken a point off them down in September would come north with the same level of ambition.
If so, they were wrong on both counts. Marcus Hahnemann produced a fine early save to thwart Ronaldo and
excelled again when he blocked the same player's powerful free header from Michael Carrick's corner and reacted
bravely to beat away Solskjaer's follow-up.
And even Solskjaer's eighth goal of the season in the 33rd minute failed to sap Reading's spirit,
despite the Norwegian looking a yard offside.
Solskjaer seemed to time his run ahead of Sonko just too soon as he met Ronaldo's floated cross but the flag stayed down
and his header gave the flailing Hahnemann no chance.
But Reading were level five minutes later, helped big-time by United keeper Edwin van der Sar.
The Dutchman tried to come through a pack of players to punch away Nicky Shorey's free kick and was left
floundering as Sonko leapt to glance home.
Ronaldo hit the bar with another header near half time, but it wasn't until Ferguson sent on Giggs for Park Ji-Sung
that United turned the screw.
Solskjaer had a header saved, Rooney drifted a brilliant chip just too high after rampaging the length of the pitch
with Ronaldo and Giggs volleyed into the side netting from another cross by the Portuguese winger.
Ronaldo finally made it 2-1 just before the hour after Solskjaer hit a post following a brilliant flick by Rooney.
Sodje, brought on as United celebrated, was back in the dressing room 10 minutes later after a late challenge on
Gabriel Heinze then hauling back Rooney.
Ronaldo scored again from close range from Giggs' cross, Reading once more having a genuine complaint for offside.
But they still give United an uncomfortable last few minutes after Lita shrugged off Mikael Silvestre to slip a
shot through Van der Sar's legs.
Coppell said: "Ronaldo is at the top of his game. Every manager would love to have him in their team. He is
frightening everyone with his skill."
This was only the 12th meeting between these two and Reading's first visit to Old Trafford since 1955.
Reading managed one win in the 11 previous games, 2-1 in the 1927 FA Cup third round, en route to the semi-final.
HOW THEY RATED
MAN UTD READING
53% POSSESSION 46%
10 SHOTS ON TARGET 2
15 SHOTS OFF TARGET 4
13 CORNERS 4
9 FOULS CONCEDED 11
1 OFFSIDES 0
1 YELLOW CARDS 1
0 RED CARDS 1
MAN UTD
Van der Sar 5, Brown 6, Ferdinand 6, Silvestre 6, Heinze 6, Park 6 (Giggs 7), Carrick 7, O'Shea 6, Ronaldo 9 (Fletcher 5),
Rooney 8 (Richardson 5), Solskjaer 7.
MANAGER Sir Alex Ferguson 8
Injuries and suspensions didn't help, but United took full control when Giggs came on at the break.
READING
Hahnemann 7, Murty 6 (Sodje 2), Sonko 6, Ingimarsson 6, Gunnarsson 6, Shorey 6, Little 6 (Seol 5), Harper 6,
Sidwell 7, Doyle 5, Lita 6.
MANAGER Steve Coppell 6
Gave his former club plenty to think about before United's quality told in the end
SHOT OF THE DAY
MICHAEL CARRICK
Thought he had scored with a blistering drive from 20 yards until Marcus Hahnemann saved well.
SAVE OF THE DAY
MARCUS HANEMANN
Bravely blocked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's follow-up shot after beating down Cristiano Ronaldo's powerful early header.
MOAN OF THE MATCH
REF MIKE DEAN
Bought Gabriel Heinze's theatrical fall and booked Sam Sodje -
and then had no option but to send off the Reading sub when he fouled Wayne Rooney.
REF WATCH
MIKE DEAN
Issued a harsh first yellow card to Sodje, who was later sent off, but did well for rest of game. 6.
HEAD TO HEAD
MICHAEL CARRICK v STEVE SIDWELL
Maybe Carrick missed the presence of Scholes, but he struggled against the impressive Sidwell until United finally
took control of the midfield in the second half.
MAN OF THE MATCH
CRISTIANO RONALDO
Gets better with every game. Set up Solskjaer's equaliser and then scored twice himself
**********************************************************
Well done to Simon Mullock of the Sunday Mirror for getting the salient facts of the game correct.
31 December 2006
MAN UTD 3-2 READING
Simon Mullock At Old Trafford
http://dailynewspaper.co.uk/
SIR ALEX FERGUSON may have spent the weekend cracking jokes about getting his bus pass for his 65th birthday.
But don't be surprised to see the Manchester United manager riding a double-decker down Deansgate at the
end of the season: FC.
Forget the carpet slippers and naps by the fireside, it's one more open-top parade that Ferguson craves most of all.
United's players certainly did their bit in making sure Sir Alex enjoys opening his cards this morning and Chelsea's
draw with Fulham will also have helped as it sent United into the New Year six points clear at the top.
It has been a perfect end to 2006 for United and their manager.
Both the Scot and his team were being written off as a spent force this time 12 months ago as Jose Mourinho's men
were in the midst of romping to a second successive championship and the Reds were left with the consolation of the
League Cup.
Now it is United asking all the questions.
The irony won't be lost on the Chelsea's Portuguese boss that one of his countrymen is keeping Ferguson young at heart.
Cristiano Ronaldo set up the opener for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before helping himself to his third double of the Christmas
period to seal victory.
Ibrahima Sonko and Leroy Lita replied for Steve Coppell's Reading, who finished with 10 men after substitute
Sam Sodje picked up two yellow cards in the space of 10 minutes.
But United would have won by a street had they taken their chances, especially in the second half.
Ferguson, right with mascot, said: "Our football was terrific at times and we created a lot of chances. We were excellent
in the second half after Ryan Giggs came on. He really made a difference.
"But Ronaldo was outstanding.
He is getting better and better with every game and teams are struggling to cope with him.
"I've had a bet with him that he won't score 15 goals. He's got 12 now so I might owe him some money soon.
"But he doesn't know it's a Scottish bet. That means I will raise the target to 150 once he gets to 15!"
Reading would have hardly needed motivating for their first visit to Old Trafford, but their belief must have
blossomed when they learned Ferguson had named a team already stripped of Paul Scholes, Nemanja Vidic
and Gary Neville through injury and suspension and with Giggs and Louis Saha on the bench.
Forty-five minutes in, the Royals would certainly have backed themselves to equal the result they took home from
Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day.
With United struggling to get out of second gear despite the best efforts of Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, the visitors
were able to overcome the blow of falling behind to Solskjaer's header to go in level at the break courtesy of Sonko.
Perhaps the Reds believed Reading's draw with the champions was a fluke. Maybe they didn't believe that a
team which had taken a point off them down in September would come north with the same level of ambition.
If so, they were wrong on both counts. Marcus Hahnemann produced a fine early save to thwart Ronaldo and
excelled again when he blocked the same player's powerful free header from Michael Carrick's corner and reacted
bravely to beat away Solskjaer's follow-up.
And even Solskjaer's eighth goal of the season in the 33rd minute failed to sap Reading's spirit,
despite the Norwegian looking a yard offside.
Solskjaer seemed to time his run ahead of Sonko just too soon as he met Ronaldo's floated cross but the flag stayed down
and his header gave the flailing Hahnemann no chance.
But Reading were level five minutes later, helped big-time by United keeper Edwin van der Sar.
The Dutchman tried to come through a pack of players to punch away Nicky Shorey's free kick and was left
floundering as Sonko leapt to glance home.
Ronaldo hit the bar with another header near half time, but it wasn't until Ferguson sent on Giggs for Park Ji-Sung
that United turned the screw.
Solskjaer had a header saved, Rooney drifted a brilliant chip just too high after rampaging the length of the pitch
with Ronaldo and Giggs volleyed into the side netting from another cross by the Portuguese winger.
Ronaldo finally made it 2-1 just before the hour after Solskjaer hit a post following a brilliant flick by Rooney.
Sodje, brought on as United celebrated, was back in the dressing room 10 minutes later after a late challenge on
Gabriel Heinze then hauling back Rooney.
Ronaldo scored again from close range from Giggs' cross, Reading once more having a genuine complaint for offside.
But they still give United an uncomfortable last few minutes after Lita shrugged off Mikael Silvestre to slip a
shot through Van der Sar's legs.
Coppell said: "Ronaldo is at the top of his game. Every manager would love to have him in their team. He is
frightening everyone with his skill."
This was only the 12th meeting between these two and Reading's first visit to Old Trafford since 1955.
Reading managed one win in the 11 previous games, 2-1 in the 1927 FA Cup third round, en route to the semi-final.
HOW THEY RATED
MAN UTD READING
53% POSSESSION 46%
10 SHOTS ON TARGET 2
15 SHOTS OFF TARGET 4
13 CORNERS 4
9 FOULS CONCEDED 11
1 OFFSIDES 0
1 YELLOW CARDS 1
0 RED CARDS 1
MAN UTD
Van der Sar 5, Brown 6, Ferdinand 6, Silvestre 6, Heinze 6, Park 6 (Giggs 7), Carrick 7, O'Shea 6, Ronaldo 9 (Fletcher 5),
Rooney 8 (Richardson 5), Solskjaer 7.
MANAGER Sir Alex Ferguson 8
Injuries and suspensions didn't help, but United took full control when Giggs came on at the break.
READING
Hahnemann 7, Murty 6 (Sodje 2), Sonko 6, Ingimarsson 6, Gunnarsson 6, Shorey 6, Little 6 (Seol 5), Harper 6,
Sidwell 7, Doyle 5, Lita 6.
MANAGER Steve Coppell 6
Gave his former club plenty to think about before United's quality told in the end
SHOT OF THE DAY
MICHAEL CARRICK
Thought he had scored with a blistering drive from 20 yards until Marcus Hahnemann saved well.
SAVE OF THE DAY
MARCUS HANEMANN
Bravely blocked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's follow-up shot after beating down Cristiano Ronaldo's powerful early header.
MOAN OF THE MATCH
REF MIKE DEAN
Bought Gabriel Heinze's theatrical fall and booked Sam Sodje -
and then had no option but to send off the Reading sub when he fouled Wayne Rooney.
REF WATCH
MIKE DEAN
Issued a harsh first yellow card to Sodje, who was later sent off, but did well for rest of game. 6.
HEAD TO HEAD
MICHAEL CARRICK v STEVE SIDWELL
Maybe Carrick missed the presence of Scholes, but he struggled against the impressive Sidwell until United finally
took control of the midfield in the second half.
MAN OF THE MATCH
CRISTIANO RONALDO
Gets better with every game. Set up Solskjaer's equaliser and then scored twice himself
**********************************************************
Well done to Simon Mullock of the Sunday Mirror for getting the salient facts of the game correct.
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