Match Review
Manchester United 3 v 1 Manchester City, Old Trafford, 12.45 Saturday 9th December 2006.
Goals: Manchester United: Rooney (6), Saha (45), Ronaldo (84) - Trabelsi (72).
Attendance: 75,858.

The Reds extended their lead at the summit of the Premiership to a whacking five points, assuming Chelski win their games in hand, after beating Manchester City 3-1. United didn't play as well as the score line suggests with City creating chances but not quite troubling EVDS in the Reds' net. Goals from Rooney, Saha and late final effort from Ronaldo were enough to keep City's head below water, even after a hint of a revival after a strike from ex-United target Hatem Trabelsi.

The game started with City trying to show their metal as the arse-flashing Scouser Joey Barton crunched into Ronaldo with only 25 seconds gone. Much was made of the 007 License to Thrill 's apparent lack of end-product but now it seems like a fading memory as the youngster continues to score and create goals with regular consistency. It was Ronaldo who supplied the ammo for Rooney with only four minutes gone and the forward side footed past Weaver in City's goal for United's opener.

City however fought on and did mange to trouble the Reds' defence on a number of occasions with Richards going extremely close only for Rio's foot just managing to stop the impressive youngster from equalising with a headed effort.

Samaras was next to trouble United as his volley brought EVDS into action with the Dutch 'keeper saving well. City were looking to level matters before half-time and were unlucky as a Richards' effort was cleared off United's line by his own player Samaras. City, for all their possession and chances, were still unable to convert and United remained in the lead.

A mistake would lead to United's second goal as City goal scorer Trabelsi turned villain as the Tunisian's poor pass got Fatty Dunne into hot water. Rooney, ever the predator, gained possession from the porky Irishman allowing Heinze to cross and Saha to score from close range. Weaver, injuring himself in the process, tried to stop the Frenchman but it wasn't enough to prevent Saha's 12th goal of the season.

After the break United were guilty of wasting a golden chance to take the game beyond City as Saha blazed over new City 'keeper Isaksson's goal. Your reporter, who sits in the Stretford End Row CC Seat 118 in front of out West Cumbria Reds Branch flag, had the opportunity to scout Issakson at half time as Tim Flowers City's goalkeeping coach ran him through a basic shot-on-goal scenario. Flowers scored with almost every shot and £2m Isaksson looked pretty poor.

Isaksson then proved Rant wrong as he saved from what was probably Ryan Giggs' only contribution of the day, tipping the Welshman's effort over the bar. Rooney then shot to the 'keeper's left and Isaksson impressively saved.

With a 2-0 lead SAF decided to deploy the 'man who wears lead boots', removing Saha from the game and turning to a 4-5-1. JOS was supposed to provide a shield for the back four but it wasn't long before City scored. Rooney had an effort saved again as he connected with Giggs' cross but City were not laying down and scored when Trabelsi 's 20 yard effort struck the bar and then the back of the net.

Rooney would then return the favour for Ronaldo as Fatty Dunne missed the White Pele's cross and the Portuguese winger turned the ball into the City net for the final nail in the coffin.

The final talking point of the game was an outrageous dive from City's Corradi for which referee Graham Poll pulled out a second yellow. Stuart Pearce with plenty of credit said "" have no complaints about the sending off, Bernardo went down a little bit too easily and I am not like the other 19 managers, who would sit here and give you a load of cock and bull about it. I would prefer him to stay on his feet and I intend to speak to him about it this week. Hopefully then, he will stay on his feet."

Well said Stuart Pearce.

A big apology goes to Gatey "The Legend" for the immense cock up and a big thanks to Ron Snellen from the Dutch Mancunians for a great night on Friday.

Player Ratings
van der Sar (7); Neville (7), Ferdinand (8), Vidic (9), Heinze (7); Ronaldo (8), Carrick (7), Scholes (8), Giggs (4); Saha (6), Rooney (9).
Subs: O'Shea (5) for Saha (66 mins).
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Silvestre, Fletcher, Solskjaer.

United's Man of the Match
A close call this week with the Scholes and the Two R's playing so well. But with Vidic totally dominant inUnited's rear guard and winning each and every header RANT's MOTM goes to the Serbian.

Match Reaction
Giggs was so off colour it hurt. For a man who has played more derbys than anyone that was complete piffle Ryan. Rooney and Ronaldo are now the best of mates (they even get changed next to one another) and continue to shine. Vidic and Rio look sensational. With money to spend in January - so we are told - United should get even better. Best of all - Chelsea 1 -1 Arsenal and a five point gap!

Was Our Prediction Right?
We said 3-0. United Rant 4 v 22 Wrong Predictions.

Milestones
Wayne Rooney's 35th Premiership goal of his United career and 44th goal overall for the club
Louis Saha's 23rd Premiership goal of his United career and 36th overall
Cristiano Ronaldo's 24th Premiership goal of his United career and 33rd overall

Miscellaneous Info
United's next match is on Sunday 17th December 2006 against West Ham United at Upton Park in the Premiership with a 16.00 kick off.