Experience And Youth Sees United Thru

Manchester United 3 - Middlesbrough 1
Scorers
Manchester United: Ronaldo (25), Giggs (79), Nani (90+5)
Middlesbrough: Johnson (56)

Red Card: Pogatetz (67)

Team: Amos, Brown, Vidic, Rafael, O'Shea, Possebon (Gibson 72), Anderson, Nani, Ronaldo (Tevez 60), Giggs (Manucho 85), Welbeck

It was a well-earned and morale boosting victory which was unfortunately tarnished by the injury to Possebon who left the pitch with a suspected broken foot.

We controlled the first half, missing numerous chances. Welbeck, Rafael and Possebon stood out from the crowd with briiliant touches. Welbeck was particularly impressive with his awareness, picking out players around him in the attacking third. Rafael didn't miss a foot in defence and was a pocket dynamo joining in the attack whenever the opportunity presented itself. Possebon is just such a joy to watch in midfield. He's a classy player, even when under pressure.

The scorer in the first half was a headed goal by Ronaldo from a Giggs corner. It really should have been more had we not wasted so much possession. Nani, Giggs and O'Shea were the main culprits giving it away cheaply. Whenver the ball went to the left side of the pitch, the trio somehow managed to either lose the ball or make passes to phantom teammates.

Immediately after the break, Welbeck found himself in a one on one situation but couldn't convert. Then the game swung to Boro. It wasn't long before Boro found the back of the net with a long range effort which deflected slightly past Amos.

Boro's ascendency was shortlived. Shortly after equalizing, Pogatetz lunged into a high two footed challenge that brought Possebon down. It looked like an innocent challenge but after numerous replays, it just looked worse with every showing. Possebon was left on the ground with a wide gash on his right leg and a suspected broken bone. The medical team took a good 10 minutes to stretcher him off, indicating just how serious the injury was. Up to that point, he was easily the best player on the pitch. Pogatetz got a deserved straight red for dangerous play.

Perhaps affected by the injury, struggled to make our advantage count. Boro should have easily held on to extra time except for a couple of suicidal defensive errors. The first by substitute Chris Riggott allowed Giggs a one on one chance and he coolly stuck the ball into the net.

Then David Wheater shortchanged his keeper deep into injury time with a back pass that allowed Nani all the time and space in the world to round the keeper and slot it home.

Repeating what was mentioned earlier, it could have been more.

Given the state the first team is playing, maybe it's time to blood some of our youngsters. Rafael, Welbeck and Possebon had a stellar game today and they should start featuring in the first team, especially if this 'blip' continues. FWIW, it's going to give them valuable experience for future campaigns.