Match Highlights: United 8 – Greentown 2

By: Taylor Rockwell | July 26th, 2009

China may have all the world’s jobs, but today it was a strong Manchester United team that had all the goals. The Red Devils put on an impressive performance, and slaughtered Huangzhou with four goals in the first half. Michael Owen (two goals), Dimitar Berbatov, Zoran Tosic, Nani, and Ryan Giggs (three goals) all got their names on the scoresheet, but it was Berbatov that really shined. His interplay to set up Owen’s second goal was lovely, and his deft touch was perhaps best depicted in a backheeled through ball that set up Nani’s classy finish.

It was also another impressive display from Owen, who notched his fourth goal of the preseason campaign. The striker/goal poacher was strongly backed by Sir Alex Ferguson on Saturday, when the manager stated, “He is easily capable of reaching that level again. If he plays 25 games for me this season I think we’ll get 15 goals.”

Fergie was also pleased with the overall team’s performance, stating, “The speed of the play at times in the first half in particular was very, very good and I think that’s an indication that we’re starting to come to a sort of a pitch in terms of fitness and timing and tempo of the game is getting better.”

On a personal note, I was more than a little thrilled by Tosic netting his first goal. Once again, the juxtaposition of the relatively tiny Serbian with the relatively giant Berba was a bit unsettling, but the recently signed winger has showed continued improvement throughout this preseason.

Abbreviated MUTV Highlights via Sky Sports News

Full Match Highlights (English)

Full Match Highlights (Arabic)

So on now to the Audi Cup in Munich, where I doubt United will have such ease getting names on the score sheet. United will play Boca Juniors on Wenesday, July 29th (16:30 GMT) at the Allianz Arena. In the match to follow, Bayern Munich will take on AC Milan. The winners of both games will then advance to the final (18:45 GMT on Thursday, July 30th), while the losers will play a 3rd/4th place game (also on Thursday, but at 16:30 GMT). If United advance to the final, expect a live blog. If not, well… I guess we’ll just have to wait and see..