Match Review
Manchester United 3 v 2 Reading, Old Trafford, 15.00 Saturday 30th December 2006.
Goals: Manchester United, Solskjaer (33), Ronaldo (59), (77) - Reading: Sonko (38), Lita (90).
Attendance: 75,910

United took full advantage for the second week running as Chelski slipped up by only drawing with Fulham in the West London Derby. At full time on Saturday United realistically staked their claim to regain "our trophy" and pulled six points clear at the Premiership summit. Again Ronaldo bagged a brace (now equalling his tally for last season) and 20LEGEND got on the score sheet as the Reds beat a decent Reading side. Steve Coppell's side has no major stars but the team is physical and hard working, with the graft is paying off for the Royals who lie a creditable ninth as in the Premiership table.

Quick out of the traps and as dangerous as any United player has ever been, Ronaldo went close early after Wes Brown fed the in-form winger from the right. The tone was set for the rest of the match with Marcus Hahnemann in the Reading goal in for a busy day.

The Reds' next chance came when Ronaldo headed an effort which Hahnemann couldn't hold and OGS, ever the predator, made Hahnemann work again.

Ronaldo would turn to provider next after OGS sneaked into the box. The winger teased the Reading full-backs before delivering for Solskjaer to rise and head into the Reading net for United's opener.

It only took five minutes before the visitors were level through an uncharacteristic mistake by EVDS. The Dutchman, trying to punch a Shorey free-kick, missed totally, allowing Sonko to head into an empty net.

United responded quickly though, Ronaldo replying with a header from Carrick's corner that struck the bar.

Park was replaced by Giggs in the second half and the Reds continued to create as Rooney shot over the bar after work on the left. Ryan Giggs then hit the side netting from Ronaldo's cross. Almost on the hour the Reds finally took the lead, Rooney's flick sending Solskjaer clear to beat Hahnemann but strike the post. Ronaldo following up converted for United's second of the match.

Reading were soon forced to substitute Murty, who injured his groin and with Reading's female physio dashing onto the pitch to save the day the Old Trafford crowd were full of whistles and ironic cheering.

On came Sam Sodje who would only last 10 minutes before he joined Murty in the change room as the substitute received two yellow cards. United's final goal came from Ryan Giggs' creativity, the winger looking better than the performances of his previous three matches. The Welshman crossed for Ronaldo who volleyed home his 12 goal of the season and United's eventual winner.

Sir Alex Ferguson said after United's victory against Reading that United produced their "worst defensive performance of the season." Well Alex, RANT again points to the presence of EIH in the thick of it. The Inspector Clouseau defender was easily nudged off the ball in United's penalty area as Reading pegged the game back to 3-2 - Chelsea's slayer Lita finished between EVDS legs to make the finale something of a "squeaky bum time" ending!

A nervously defended corner was then greeted by 75,000 at Old Trafford singing "We Want our Trophy back" as the Chelsea - Fulham result came through. Something the fans can now realistically hope for.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named Portugal's sportsman of the year ahead of Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who finished third. Lets hope Jose finishes second to Ronaldo again in May!!

Rant Ratings
(4-4-2): van der Sar (5); Brown (6), Ferdinand (7), Silvestre (4), Heinze (7); Ronaldo (9), , Carrick (7), O'Shea (8), Park (6); Rooney (7), Solskjaer (7).
Subs: Giggs (8) for Park (46 mins), Fletcher (8) for Ronaldo (78 mins), Richardson (6) for Rooney (79 mins).
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Saha.

United's Man of the Match
An assist and two goals - the man is liquid gold. End product is now Ronaldo's name and he seems to get better each game he plays. John O'Shea deserves as special mention as the Irishman had a great game in the centre, Silvestre also played well for most of the game until his typical dopey defending cost the Reds a goal at the end. Do us a favour EIH and fuck off to Spain, Italy, France, Belgium, Russia, Kazhakstan - anywhere really.

Rant's Reaction
Total Red football. United's attack is devastating, however quality needs to be added to the squad if injuries begin to bite. Two slip-ups by the fading Chelski and maximum points for the Reds. The Cocky bastard Jose is feeling it now!

Was Rant's Prediction Right?
We said 3-0. United Rant 5 v 25 Wrong Predictions.

Milestones
Cristiano Ronaldo's 29th and 30th Premiership goals of his United career - the 38th and 39th goal overall for the club.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's 90th Premiership goal of his United career and 123rd goal overall

Miscellaneous Info
United's next match is on Monday 1st January 2006 away at Newcastle United in the Premiership with a 17.15 kick off.