United 2 – Valencia 0 : Match Highlights

By: Taylor Rockwell | August 5th, 2009

So United took on Valencia in a match that I (for some reason) thought was supposed to be the Testimonial for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Perhaps not? Regardless, a rather young United side managed to knock two past their Spanish counterparts and managed to look rather convincing in the process.

Second half goals from Wayne Rooney and Tom Cleverley (both assisted by a once again impressive Antonio Valencia) gave United the victory, and made me even more excited about this Sunday’s Charity Shield match against Chelsea.

United 1 – Valencia 0 (52′ – Rooney)

United 2 – Valencia 0 (73′ – Cleverley)

Here are the player ratings, courtesy of the Manchester Evening News:

Foster: The England man finally had the chance to prove he is United’s number one, with Edwin van der Sar ruled out for two months. Barely tested before being replaced by Kuszczak at half time. Rating: 6

De Laet: Showed great willingness to support Valencia on the right – his early cross to Rooney deserved a better finish from the England striker. Rating: 7

Ferdinand: Helped nurse De Laet through his big night. Dominant in the air and perfect timing as ever on the ground. Rating: 8

Evans: Will hope to build on his outstanding breakthrough season last year – and with the continued absence of Nemanja Vidic, could find himself partnering Ferdinand at the start of the campaign. Rating: 7

Evra: Took every opportunity to get forward and as effective as ever at the back. Rating: 7

Valencia: Much is expected of the Ecuadorian and he didn’t disappoint with a superb run and cross for Rooney to open the scoring. Rating: 8

Fletcher: How he was missed against Barcelona in the Champions League final and he showed that he will be pivotal to United’s plans this season with a typically industrious display. Rating: 8

Carrick: The England man’s creativity will come under increased scrutiny this season. On plenty of occasions he showed his eye for a pass, with a raking cross-field pass to Tosic early on, a perfect example of his accuracy. Rating: 7

Tosic: Still slight in frame, there are doubts as to whether he is ready for the rigours of the Premier League, but there is no doubting his technical ability – showing an impressive range of tricks on the left. Rating: 7

Rooney: Expected to take over the mantle as United’s talisman in the absence of Ronaldo (Slave) and produced a sumptuous display of long and short range passing. Scored a brilliant header as well as presenting Owen with a golden opportunity in the first half. Rating: 9

Owen: Missed a catalogue of chances, but neither Ferguson nor Capello could have failed to notice how time and again his runs tore Valencia to shreds. Rating: 7

Substitutes:

Kuszckak (for Foster 45) Had more to do than Foster and produced a stunning save just moments after coming on at half time. Rating: 8

O’Shea (for Evans 45) Mr Versatile came on at centre back, but could well start the season at right back. Assured as ever. Rating: 7

Cleverley (for Tosic 45) A big night for the youngster and he showed some good touches including a well-taken goal. Rating: 7

Berbatov (for Rooney 63) Rating: 6

Anderson (for Carrick 63) Rating: 6

Gibson (for Fletcher 63) Rating: 7

Macheda (for Owen 63) Rating: 7

Fabio (for De Laet 63) Rating: 6

Nani (for Valencia 80) Rating: 6

Final Match Points:
1) I don’t care what the Evening News says, I will always feel more comfortable with Ben Foster in goal than I will with The Polish Failbot. It isn’t that he’s Polish or a Failbot, it’s just that I’ve seen him 1) make Barthez-esque plays on multiple occasions and… well… 2) his nickname is the Polish Failbot.

2) I wonder if you can actually see Nani hating life from the stands. His dislike of every other winger must be so strong and thick that it could probably be canned as Guinness Extra Stout. I may get some flack for this, but I will revert to an old saying from the culinary world: people eat first with their eyes. I really must admit that I look at Nani and I can’t see him as a “deadly winger” with that whole jheri curl thing he’s got going on. Take a cue from Cleverley and his whole “I look every bit the violent youth” look. Shave your head. Take out the earrings. Most importantly, start focusing on your game over your looks. I mean really, if I showed you this picture, would you be afraid of him?

3) Going along with Wayne’s prognostication that Owen will score 20+ goals this season, I’m going to throw out a prediction of my own (though, admittedly, one probably far less shocking). I would wager a large sum of money that Valencia will end up in the running for best buys/transfers of the season. The young Ecuadorian looks fast, hungry, and fast… not to mention that his left foot appears excitingly accurate (picking out Wayne Rooney’s head amongst a sea of Spanish giants is a rather strong accomplishment).