|
Manchester United were forced to battle from a goal
down on Wednesday night as Wolfsburg of Germany
showed that they can indeed visually match their
muscle as well as ability on the pitch.
The
German champions totally deserved their second half
lead when Edin Dzeko rose above Patrice Evra to nod
past surprise selection Tomasz Kuszczak.
But the Reds with plenty left in the tank scored
twice through a deflected Ryan Giggs free kick & a
brilliant effort from Michael Carrick to take all
the points on the night & take a comfortable lead at
the top of Group B.
SAF as
promised rang in the changes as Owen, Tomasz
Kuszczak, Michael Carrick & Ryan Giggs were all
given starts.
The
German Champions started well as Grafite and Gentner
tormented United's defence in the opening possession
but only managing a tame shot that Polish keeper Kuszczak
dealt with easily.
Ryan
Giggs from the left arrowed a cross for Michael Owen
who almost connected before Wolfsburg continued to
be a thorn in United side when a mistake by Evra
gifted Dzeko a shot, however the massive German
visiting forward saw his effort go wide.
SAF was then foced to use a substitute when Michael
Owens' night was cut short as the England Striker
injured his groin and was replaced by Dimitar
Berbatov.
The forced substitution seemed a perfect jigsaw
piece as the Bulgarian gave United, presence &
possession control snuffing out the bright start by
the visitors.
Giftwrapping chances for the Reds, Berbatov sparkled
when he flick a ball into the path of Antonio
Valencia who only manged a poor shot across goal.
Continuing his playmaking form Berbatov then gave
Michael Carrick a chance, but Benaglio in the
visitors goal dashed off his line to alleviate the
danger when he blocked Carrick's attempt.
Wolfsburg
shortly before halt time responded when Gentner
headed a Misimovic corner over as Berbatov soon
continued where he had left off earlier when
Berbatov struck a half volley over from a cross by
Ryan Giggs.
Michael
Carrick later attempted a diving header right down
the throat of Benaglio after a good cross from
Valencia, but the half ended a no score draw.
Continuing to dictate the pace of the game, United
continued to press when Brazilian midfielder
Anderson almost broke the deadlock after he shot
wide from outside the box.
Anderson
again minutes later forced Benaglio into a fine save
to preserve the deadlock.
In true
smash & grab fashion the visitors against the run of
play went down field & took the lead through the
massive Dzeko who nodded a cross from Makoto Hasebe
in at the back post after beating Patrice Evra.
Still
with tails seemingly up, United perfectly responded
when Anderson was fouled outside the box, perfectly
placed for a left footer, up stepped Ryan Giggs who
saw his deflected free-kick beat Benaglio for the
equaliser.
United
pressed for the lead in the form of two Wayne Rooney
chances after his curling shot passed just over the
bar & his left footed deflected effort was saved by
Benaglio.
The Reds
finally made their decent play & possession count
when the MOTM Berbatov found Giggs and the Welshman
managed to then find Carrick in space on the edge of
the box, Carrick then showed great technique as he
converted his chance beautifully.
With only
ten minutes left United defended well keeping out
the few attempts that Wolfsburg had to spoil the
party as the Reds took top spot in Group B. |
Article by Mark Graham, Editor, Record Keeper & Official
Reporter @ MUFCINFO.COM.
Giggs (59 mins),
