Charlton Athletic 0 - 3 Manchester United, The Valley, 20.00 Wednesday 23rd August 2006
Goals: Charlton Athletic none Manchester United: Fletcher (49), Saha (80), Solskjaer (90)
Attendance: 25,442
 
Match Review
Another strong performance from United saw the comprehensive defeat of Charlton at the Valley on Wednesday night. With absentees Rooney and Scholes suspended, SAF opted to start with Darren Fletcher and Ji Sung Park. EIH was drafted into the side in a reshuffled back four with Gary Neville missing due to injury.

United once again dominated the game with plenty of possession despite the changes. In the opening period Ji Sung Park was the first to go close for United after shaven headed Rio Ferdinand threaded through a perfect through ball. The Korean could have done better as his shot was stopped by Bindipper loanee Scott Carson (who incidentally is from your reporter's home town, supports MUFC and is known to frequent Old Trafford).

Sprightly MOTM Ryan Giggs went close when his curling free kick struck the inside of the post and travelled to safety. The game could so easily have changed in the Addicks' favour when the ball struck Patrice Evra's arm in the box. It would have been harsh though and Scouse referee Mr Foy waved play on. The ever improving Giggs then almost broke the deadlock after picking up the ball and running at the Charlton defence. The Welshman's stepover provided space to hit a shot with his fabled RIGHT foot only for MUFC Fan Scott Carson to thwart the winger.
 
Seconds later, the guy who made England look shite, struck a peach of a shot whilst riding a tackle only to see it smack off the woodwork once again. United couldn't get the breakthrough their possession and creativity deserved.
 
Four minutes into the second and United were finally ahead as Ji Sung Park's cross fell at the feet of The Scottish Player after Jonathan Fortune failed to clear. Fletcher, who still had work to do, went one way and then another, wrong footing Charlton defenders, before striking a shot into the roof of the net. United piled the pressure on Charlton as Ronaldo crossed for Park to once again strike the post. But for all the luck the home side were having in their own box it deserted them in United's penalty area as Wes Brown handled when jumping for ball saw the ball only for the Scouse ref to wave play on again!

SAF then gave new signing Michael Carrick his debut as the formation switched to a hated 4-5-1 formation with Saha leading the line alone. The Frenchman has taken over the reigns as chief goalscorer and his quiet night was lit up with a fine goal. After receiving a ball on the edge of the area the striker turned quickly, watched by three Charlton defenders who went the wrong way, and belted the ball past the diving Carson.
Ryan Giggs was then replaced by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who could have scored after a lightening quick United break. Carrick gained possession on the right, unselfishly finding the striker only for Ole's shot to be saved by Carson much to the chagrin of Solskjaer and millions on Reds waiting in anticipation!

Then came the moment that made your reporter cry! After three years of injury hell 20LEGEND side footed home from Saha's whipped cross. It rounded off a great night and performance by United.

It's early days but with Rooney, Scholes, Vidic, Carrick and Heinze all to return to an already rampant surely United can only get better? Let's hope the answer is yes!

Rant Ratings
van der Sar (6); Brown (6), Ferdinand (7), Silvestre (4), Evra (6); Ronaldo (7), Fletcher (6), O'Shea (6), Park (7); Giggs (8), Saha (7).
Subs: Carrick (6) for Park (77 mins), Solskjaer (6) for Giggs 82 mins).
 
Subs Not used: Kusczak, Rossi, Richardson.
 
United's Man of the Match
Giggs must have a pact with Satan. The Welshman is 33 and is playing like he's 23. Well done Ryan!

Rants Reaction
Eight goals in two games and a host of first teamers to return. EIH was pants and needs to learn the basics of defending. Fletcher finished brilliantly but sometimes seems to play in slow-mo sometimes. A lawnmower covers every blade of grass but can't put a pair of boots on a lawnmover, can you. On the whole - keep it up Reds!

Was Rant's Prediction Right?
No, we said 2-0!

Milestones
Darren Fletcher's 5th Premiership goal of his United career and 5th goal overall for the Reds
Louis Saha's 17th Premiership goal of his United career and 25th goal overall
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's 85th Premiership goal of his United career and 116th goal overall
John O'Shea's 200th competitive appearance for United

United's next match is on Saturday 26th August 2006 against Watford in the Premiership at Vicarage Road with a 15.00pm kick off.