Gary Neville last night described a trip to Blackburn as “a dirty game for United.” Certainly it has been a fixture that has troubled the Red Devils in recent years and on paper presented United with the toughest test left before their trip to title rivals Manchester city on April 30th.
After a game of attrition, Manchester United extended their lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League to five points following City’s draw against Sunderland on Saturday. Late strikes from Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young ensured all 3 points for the league leaders who now have the chance to go eight points clear of their cross-city challengers before the Sky Blues face a tricky trip to Arsenal on Sunday.
Blackburn defended in numbers at Ewood Park but ultimately were unable to hold off the charge of United for the full 90 minutes. Ferguson had lined up with Phil Jones in the centre of midfield and Wayne Rooney wide on the left making a five man midfield. This system was certainly not working for United. Phil Jones had a poor game and continues to struggle to fit in at Old Trafford. Wayne Rooney was wasted on the left and the game was far too tight in the centre of the pitch for United to break through. On the hour mark Giggs replaced Jones and United switched to a more familiar 4-4-2 formation and reaped the rewards. They began to stretch the home side and take advantage of the tired legs in the Blackburn ranks, resulting in two wonderful goals from Valencia and Young.
Antonio Valencia was once again in supreme form for Manchester United, causing no end of problems for the Blackburn defence and eventually getting what he deserved with his goal ten minutes from the end. United also owed a debt of gratitude to their goalkeeper David De Gea who made some superb saves just before half time to hold off Blackburn, who were not without threat of their own. Strikes from Hoilett and Yakubu troubled the Spaniard, while Grant Hanleys header was tipped over on the stroke of half time. Also, Rio Ferdinand made a superb last-ditched tackle to prevent Yakubu from putting Blackburn ahead.
A win at Blackburn will further strengthen United’s belief that they are taking a firm grip on retaining their title. The fans at Ewood last night took great pleasure in chanting “City’s cracking up” and its hard to argue with those sentiments. While United continue their charge, Manchester City continue to stumble. A poor away record, trouble in the squad and a tougher fixture list seems to be hitting City hard in the stage of the season that Fergie likes to call “Squeaky Bum Time.” Fergie has players who have been over the final fences of the Premier League season so many times and has a number of multiple title winners in his ranks. That experience is something City do not have and it is beginning to tell.
