United Holds Roma (Roma 1 - Manchester United 1)

Not much to say really. Given the circumstances, I was expecting a boring game with both sides resting players for the weekend fixtures.

With the exception of Rooney, United fielded a team which consisted of fringe players and kids. Roma, too, shuffled the pack and took the chance to field a couple of reserves and a couple of youth players. Despite that, Roma still looked more like their first team.

The first half lived up to expectation with neither side really showing up to play football. Roma, in particular, was awful. For large periods of the half, United enjoyed possession in midfield.

Slightly after 30 minutes, Pique headed home from a corner. From the way the game was played, it was fitting that the goal came from a set piece. Roma did look menacing for a while after the goal, but had nothing to show for it.

The second half was a much better affair as Roma chased the game. There were good chances from both sides.

On the 71st minute, Mancini scored a beautiful individual goal to level the score. Roma pressed on for the winner, while United hit back with the counters. There were chances aplenty for both sides but neither could add to the scoreline.

What started off as a boring game ended decently and above my expectation. No doubt, we were probably more pleased with the result than Roma, especially considering our lineup.

Just a couple of notes:

• Good to see Eagles playing. He's been somewhat of a forgotten man, after playing a couple of games at the beginning of the season.
• Simpson started the game at right back and switched to left back when Wes Brown came on. Had a decent game, however if there was a criticism of his game, it was that he tends to hold on to the ball too long in his own half. He was caught in possession a couple of times by the Roma players.
• Is it just me or is something up with Saha? He just isn't the same player this season. Mentally he just doesn't seem up for it.
  
• Pique and Johnny Evans did a credible job in the heart of defence. There is still a long way to go for them in terms of getting to the top.
• Token appearance from Dong, who basically contributed nothing to the game. Would have preferred to see Febian Brandy instead, but there was a need to cater to the millions of Chinese fans who would be sleepwalking at work tomorrow.