Courtesy of Manutd.com
26 DECEMBER 2011, OLD TRAFFORD Attendance: 75,183
Report by Steve Bartram
A clinical hat-trick from Dimitar Berbatov and well-taken finishes from Ji-sung Park and Antonio Valencia gave United a second successive five-goal victory and moved the Reds level on points with Manchester City at the head of the Barclays Premier League table.
Park opened the scoring inside 10 minutes and Berbatov added a double either side of the interval, before Valencia blasted home against his former club and Park won a penalty for Berbatov to confidently convert with 10 minutes remaining. City's unexpected stalemate at West Brom means now only goal difference separates the two title rivals.
A much-changed Reds side coped comfortably with widescale reshuffling, though their cause was aided by the harsh dismissal of Wigan striker Conor Sammon for a perceived elbow on Michael Carrick, who again deputised in defence.
Sir Alex Ferguson was forced to make several personnel changes to his side. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling missed out through illness, and were replaced by serial moonlighters Valencia and Carrick. In turn Darron Gibson stepped into midfield while Park took up a berth on the left wing and Nani shunted over to the opposite flank. The visitors, conversely, were unchanged from their previous outing. The Reds' perfect league record against the Latics had been aired repeatedly in the run-up to the match, but Roberto Martinez's side arrived at Old Trafford on the back of successive away wins at Sunderland and West Brom, as well as creditable home draws against Chelsea and Liverpool.
Buoyed by the champions' comparative unfamiliarity, Wigan's early approach run from Victor Moses culminated in a shot which Carrick chested to safety. The bulk of the visitors' early play was, however, spent trying to congest central areas; a plan which United tore up inside eight minutes.
Patrice Evra ended some patient possession play by bursting into the Wigan area, bypassing challenges from Moses and Antolin Alcaraz and sliding a ball across the area for Park, who stabbed a neat finish around Maynor Figueroa and past the unsighted Ali Al-Habsi. Scenting blood, United continued to pour forward down the flanks, flooding the space afforded by Wigan's three-man central defensive line-up. Park found Berbatov, whose pull-back was destined for Chicharito until Caldwell intervened. Moments later the Mexican's neat turn was negated by a hooked challenge from Alcaraz, yet referee Phil Dowd ignored the United striker's compelling claim for a penalty.
A second goal seemed inevitable. Caldwell escaped embarrassment as his pressured clearance ricocheted against Al-Habsi, while Gibson's effort from 25 yards was deflected wide by Ronnie Stam and Nani's free-kick from similar range curled a yard off-target.
Jordi Gomez spurned a promising free-kick from a similar position for the visitors, scuffing his shot against the wall, before Moses drew an important block from Gibson after fashioning space for himself in the United area. Stam then flung a superb ball across Anders Lindegaard's area, only for the Latics' lack of attacking numbers to undo its excellence.
Just as the visitors were growing in confidence, however, they were dealt a crippling double blow, as they lost a player and a second goal in the space of two minutes. Referee Dowd judged that Sammon deserved a red card for catching Carrick with a stray arm, but the apparent lack of intent in the striker's flailing prompted irate protests from his colleagues. Their fury was compounded soon afterwards, as Gibson's curled cross found its way to Berbatov on the edge of the six-yard box. Though the Bulgarian's first touch, for once, sent the ball looping out of control, he admirably held off Alcaraz and clinically tucked a left-footed finish underneath the onrushing Al-Habsi.
Events prompted minor half-time tinkering from both managers. Sir Alex withdrew Jonny Evans - his only fit central defender, and one carrying a booking - moved Evra inside and introduced Zeki Fryers at left-back. Roberto Martinez compensated for Sammon's loss with the arrival of striker Franco Di Santo in place of Mohamed Diame. The Argentine moved forward to partner Moses in a 3-4-2 formation which, while bold, left Wigan fragile in the face of United attacks. Park might have doubled his own tally within moments of the restart, as his header was palmed out by Al-Habsi, only for the rebound to fall tantalisingly shy of the Korean's reach.
Berbatov then headed a floated Giggs corner narrowly over, before the Bulgarian assured United's victory with another goal drenched in his unquestioned class. Valencia embarked on another voyage down the yawning right flank and slipped a pass inside to the striker, who controlled the ball with his right instep and spun to face the goal in one motion, before toe-poking a fabulous finish high into Al-Habsi's net.
That was the cue for further changes, with Giggs and Nani removed and preserved for forthcoming festive action, and Kiko Macheda and Wayne Rooney on in left wing and central midfield berths respectively. Though the game slowed markedly, only a stunning close-range stop from Al-Habsi prevented Chicharito from turning in Rooney's mis-hit volley.
Having cruised through much of the second period, United cranked up the pressure with 20 minutes remaining. Macheda's cross-shot was palmed over by Al-Habsi and Caldwell's inadvertant header dropped just wide, before Valencia heaped further misery on his former employers with a cracking strike. A half-cleared corner was worked across to the Ecuadorian by Carrick, and Valencia thundered a low shot across a packed area and into the far corner; his second goal in as many Old Trafford outings against the club who brought him to England.
United were making substantial inroads into the goal-difference deficit City had built up during the opening months of the campaign, and notched up another when Alcaraz felled Park on the cusp of the area. Berbatov duly stroked home the penalty to complete his treble.
The joyous feel around Old Trafford was further heightened by news of City's stalemate at West Brom. As the Reds continue to gather momentum in spite of a raft of injuries, drawing level at the top proved an unexpected, yet highly welcome, festive fillip for the champions.
Boss: We're hitting top form
"We're really hitting good form now and there's a real goal threat about us from all departments. If we're top of the league or joint top with City by New Year's Day I'll be happy."
- Sir Alex Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson feels the Reds are coming into form at just the right time after Monday's 5-0 victory over Wigan Athletic put the champions level on points with Manchester City at the top of the table.
A Dimitar Berbatov hat-trick plus goals from Ji-sung Park and Antonio Valencia ensured United maintained the 100 per cent league record against the Latics and helped make another big dent into City's superior goal difference.
"As I said some weeks ago, somebody was going to suffer," Sir Alex told MUTV. "We're really hitting good form now and there's a real goal threat about us from all departments.
"If we're top of the league or joint top with City by New Year's Day I'll be happy."
The United manager also paid tribute to Berbatov after another excellent treble from the Bulgarian.
"It was the right game for him. I needed his height for set-pieces against us and he's weighed in with a hat-trick. We're really pleased for him and it helps with confidence," said Sir Alex.
"Dimitar hasn't had the best of starts to the season in terms of selection given the options I have with Welbeck, Rooney, Hernandez, so I'm really happy for him."
Early strike pleases Ji
- Ji-sung Park
Ji-sung Park was delighted to be able to get the Reds off and running by firing the opening goal in the 5-0 Boxing Day win over Wigan Athletic - and insisted afterwards that early strikes always help to settle the team down.
The Korean found the net in the eighth minute, after being well set-up by best friend Patrice Evra, with a cool and controlled finish into the far corner from ten yards out. United went on the rampage thereafter on a day when Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool all dropped points.
"It's our aim to be at the front. We always try to perform in this period of the season and we're just trying to make our performance higher," Park told MUTV.
"We're still only halfway through the season and we will continue to press City.
"Quite a few players changed [against Wigan] compared to the last game, but we still kept up the same performance as we did against Fulham. It's good for the team and it proves that our squad is strong.
"Early goals make us more confident and energetic for the rest of the game," he added. "We always try to keep going and stay concentrated. Early goals help that a lot."
Park admits he has never known the Reds to have as many injuries as at present, but insists the performance and result against Wigan proves United can cope.
"You know over the last couple of years we've always done that [carried on winning despite injuries]," Park reflected. "We'll hopefully get our defenders back quickly because the coming games are very important for us.
"We changed a lot of players but still we kept the performance high and that has helped us win the league [in the past]. Hopefully that won't change this season."
Evra: Our spirit can be telling
"United play like a team. The team is the star, not only one player, that's why you can put me and Michael Carrick at centre-back; we're going to win because it's the team effort and team spirit. This is why I'm so proud to play here."
- Patrice Evra
United possess a culture of selflessness and togetherness which can be the difference in the bid to retain the Barclays Premier League title.
That's the view of Patrice Evra, who started at left-back but later formed a makeshift centre-back pairing with Michael Carrick in the Reds' 5-0 win over Wigan Athletic. The result moved the champions level on points with league leaders Manchester City.
"This is the United spirit: you can play everywhere," Evra told MUTV. "If you want to win, you have to accept it. You can see Antonio Valencia playing right-back as well. Only because United play like a team.
"The team is the star, not only one player, that's why you can put me and Michael Carrick at centre-back; we're going to win because it's the team effort and team spirit. That's why I'm confident.
"I've said that from the beginning - in six years playing here - the Man United spirit... no one team has got that spirit. This is United. This is why I'm so proud to play here."
The Boxing Day win marked an eighth league victory in nine games for the Reds, and a fourth successive win since the Champions League defeat at Basel which Evra views as a potential watershed moment in United's season.
"I think it was a big disappointment when we went out early in the Champions League," the Frenchman said, "but I think it was a wake-up call, because maybe everyone looked at themselves in the mirror and said 'we can do much better'.
"What the fans expect of every player, we are doing now. That's why I'm very pleased. Nothing is easy; it's because we're working hard. If we stopped working hard and think only with the United name, everything is going to be wrong.
"That's why we have to keep going with this momentum and trust each other because it's a big squad and everyone wants to show they deserve to play. If we win and score goals and keep many clean sheets, like we did tonight, we're going to be at the top of the league at the end of the season."
Player ratings vs Wigan
ManUtd.com reviews each player's contribution to United's 5-0 win over Wigan...
Anders Lindegaard - The Dane might have spent the 90 minutes in an armchair, turkey sandwich in one hand, snifter of sherry in the other; he had that quiet an afternoon. Had no shots to stop and scarcely a counter-raid to launch.
Antonio Valencia - Revelled against Wigan's narrow defensive formation, repeatedly raiding down the right wing in support of Nani. Defended well, but really caught the eye going forward and haunted his former side with a belting goal.
Jonny Evans - Had a comfortable afternoon sweeping up behind makeshift partner Michael Carrick, and looked assured before he was removed at half-time to ensure his fitness. Booked for a hefty challenge on Jordi Gomez.
Michael Carrick - Peerless, even in a makeshift role. His anticipation, coolness and ability on the ball made him a commanding presence at the heart of the backline.
Patrice Evra - Did well in two berths - left-back in the first half, central in the second - and popped up to create Park's opener to continue his recent assists resurgence.
Nani - Worked well in tandem with Valencia down the right flank. Unselfishly opted to pass, rather than shoot, on many occasions, and was removed midway through the second period to preserve him for the rest of the festive period.
Darron Gibson - His first league start of the season, but the Irishman slotted in neatly alongside Giggs. Had one goal-bound effort deflected wide in the first period, but largely kept it simple throughout.
Ryan Giggs - Dictated United's tempo and used all his nous to pick his way through a packed midfield, with one bamboozling run even drawing applause from the away fans.
Ji-sung Park - Started the match in sensational fashion; covering every blade of grass and harassing the visiting defenders into mistakes. Scored with a very neat early finish and won the contentious penalty that wrapped up the win.
Dimitar Berbatov - A return to last season's swaggering best. The undoubted highlight of a superb hat-trick was his beautifully-taken second goal. Sublime.
Javier Hernandez - Put in an all-action shift and should have had an early penalty after Alcaraz's challenge. Frustrated not to score after Ali Al-Habsi's close-range stop. ♥ x ♥ x ♥ x
Substitutes
Fryers (on for Evans) - More minutes under the belt for the highly-rated youngster, who continues to press for more inclusion.
Rooney (on for Giggs) - Slotted into midfield but seemed determined to extend his goalscoring run, chancing his arm on a handful of occasions.
Macheda (on for Nani) - Operated on the left wing but saw plenty of the ball and almost scored with a cross-shot.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Sir Alex and the boys...Awesome as Ever.
Have a great New Year as well....I can just see that... 19 + 1 = 'SCORE'
Man United 5
Park (8), Berbatov (41, 58, 78), Valencia (75)
Wigan 0
26 DECEMBER 2011, OLD TRAFFORD Attendance: 75,183
Report by Steve Bartram
A clinical hat-trick from Dimitar Berbatov and well-taken finishes from Ji-sung Park and Antonio Valencia gave United a second successive five-goal victory and moved the Reds level on points with Manchester City at the head of the Barclays Premier League table.
Park opened the scoring inside 10 minutes and Berbatov added a double either side of the interval, before Valencia blasted home against his former club and Park won a penalty for Berbatov to confidently convert with 10 minutes remaining. City's unexpected stalemate at West Brom means now only goal difference separates the two title rivals.
A much-changed Reds side coped comfortably with widescale reshuffling, though their cause was aided by the harsh dismissal of Wigan striker Conor Sammon for a perceived elbow on Michael Carrick, who again deputised in defence.
Sir Alex Ferguson was forced to make several personnel changes to his side. Phil Jones and Chris Smalling missed out through illness, and were replaced by serial moonlighters Valencia and Carrick. In turn Darron Gibson stepped into midfield while Park took up a berth on the left wing and Nani shunted over to the opposite flank. The visitors, conversely, were unchanged from their previous outing. The Reds' perfect league record against the Latics had been aired repeatedly in the run-up to the match, but Roberto Martinez's side arrived at Old Trafford on the back of successive away wins at Sunderland and West Brom, as well as creditable home draws against Chelsea and Liverpool.
Buoyed by the champions' comparative unfamiliarity, Wigan's early approach run from Victor Moses culminated in a shot which Carrick chested to safety. The bulk of the visitors' early play was, however, spent trying to congest central areas; a plan which United tore up inside eight minutes.
Patrice Evra ended some patient possession play by bursting into the Wigan area, bypassing challenges from Moses and Antolin Alcaraz and sliding a ball across the area for Park, who stabbed a neat finish around Maynor Figueroa and past the unsighted Ali Al-Habsi. Scenting blood, United continued to pour forward down the flanks, flooding the space afforded by Wigan's three-man central defensive line-up. Park found Berbatov, whose pull-back was destined for Chicharito until Caldwell intervened. Moments later the Mexican's neat turn was negated by a hooked challenge from Alcaraz, yet referee Phil Dowd ignored the United striker's compelling claim for a penalty.
A second goal seemed inevitable. Caldwell escaped embarrassment as his pressured clearance ricocheted against Al-Habsi, while Gibson's effort from 25 yards was deflected wide by Ronnie Stam and Nani's free-kick from similar range curled a yard off-target.
Jordi Gomez spurned a promising free-kick from a similar position for the visitors, scuffing his shot against the wall, before Moses drew an important block from Gibson after fashioning space for himself in the United area. Stam then flung a superb ball across Anders Lindegaard's area, only for the Latics' lack of attacking numbers to undo its excellence.
Events prompted minor half-time tinkering from both managers. Sir Alex withdrew Jonny Evans - his only fit central defender, and one carrying a booking - moved Evra inside and introduced Zeki Fryers at left-back. Roberto Martinez compensated for Sammon's loss with the arrival of striker Franco Di Santo in place of Mohamed Diame. The Argentine moved forward to partner Moses in a 3-4-2 formation which, while bold, left Wigan fragile in the face of United attacks. Park might have doubled his own tally within moments of the restart, as his header was palmed out by Al-Habsi, only for the rebound to fall tantalisingly shy of the Korean's reach.
Berbatov then headed a floated Giggs corner narrowly over, before the Bulgarian assured United's victory with another goal drenched in his unquestioned class. Valencia embarked on another voyage down the yawning right flank and slipped a pass inside to the striker, who controlled the ball with his right instep and spun to face the goal in one motion, before toe-poking a fabulous finish high into Al-Habsi's net.
That was the cue for further changes, with Giggs and Nani removed and preserved for forthcoming festive action, and Kiko Macheda and Wayne Rooney on in left wing and central midfield berths respectively. Though the game slowed markedly, only a stunning close-range stop from Al-Habsi prevented Chicharito from turning in Rooney's mis-hit volley.
Having cruised through much of the second period, United cranked up the pressure with 20 minutes remaining. Macheda's cross-shot was palmed over by Al-Habsi and Caldwell's inadvertant header dropped just wide, before Valencia heaped further misery on his former employers with a cracking strike. A half-cleared corner was worked across to the Ecuadorian by Carrick, and Valencia thundered a low shot across a packed area and into the far corner; his second goal in as many Old Trafford outings against the club who brought him to England.
United were making substantial inroads into the goal-difference deficit City had built up during the opening months of the campaign, and notched up another when Alcaraz felled Park on the cusp of the area. Berbatov duly stroked home the penalty to complete his treble.
The joyous feel around Old Trafford was further heightened by news of City's stalemate at West Brom. As the Reds continue to gather momentum in spite of a raft of injuries, drawing level at the top proved an unexpected, yet highly welcome, festive fillip for the champions.
| Man United | ||
|---|---|---|
| 34 | Lindegaard | |
| 25 | Valencia | |
| 16 | Carrick | |
| 6 | Evans | 51 |
| 3 | Evra | |
| 13 | Park | |
| 28 | Gibson | |
| 11 | Giggs | 27 |
| 17 | Nani | 10 |
| 14 | Hernandez | |
| 9 | Berbatov | |
| Subs: | ||
| 1 | De Gea | |
| 51 | Fryers | 6 |
| 21 | Rafael | |
| 19 | Welbeck | |
| 10 | Rooney | 17 |
| 32 | Diouf | |
| 27 | Macheda | 11 |
Boss: We're hitting top form
"We're really hitting good form now and there's a real goal threat about us from all departments. If we're top of the league or joint top with City by New Year's Day I'll be happy."
- Sir Alex Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson feels the Reds are coming into form at just the right time after Monday's 5-0 victory over Wigan Athletic put the champions level on points with Manchester City at the top of the table.
A Dimitar Berbatov hat-trick plus goals from Ji-sung Park and Antonio Valencia ensured United maintained the 100 per cent league record against the Latics and helped make another big dent into City's superior goal difference.
"As I said some weeks ago, somebody was going to suffer," Sir Alex told MUTV. "We're really hitting good form now and there's a real goal threat about us from all departments.
"If we're top of the league or joint top with City by New Year's Day I'll be happy."
The United manager also paid tribute to Berbatov after another excellent treble from the Bulgarian.
"It was the right game for him. I needed his height for set-pieces against us and he's weighed in with a hat-trick. We're really pleased for him and it helps with confidence," said Sir Alex.
"Dimitar hasn't had the best of starts to the season in terms of selection given the options I have with Welbeck, Rooney, Hernandez, so I'm really happy for him."
Early strike pleases Ji
Hot on City's heels
"It's our aim to be at the front. We always try to perform in this period of the season and we're just trying to make our performance higher. We're still only halfway through the season and we will continue to press City."- Ji-sung Park
The Korean found the net in the eighth minute, after being well set-up by best friend Patrice Evra, with a cool and controlled finish into the far corner from ten yards out. United went on the rampage thereafter on a day when Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool all dropped points.
"It's our aim to be at the front. We always try to perform in this period of the season and we're just trying to make our performance higher," Park told MUTV.
"We're still only halfway through the season and we will continue to press City.
"Quite a few players changed [against Wigan] compared to the last game, but we still kept up the same performance as we did against Fulham. It's good for the team and it proves that our squad is strong.
"Early goals make us more confident and energetic for the rest of the game," he added. "We always try to keep going and stay concentrated. Early goals help that a lot."
Park admits he has never known the Reds to have as many injuries as at present, but insists the performance and result against Wigan proves United can cope.
"You know over the last couple of years we've always done that [carried on winning despite injuries]," Park reflected. "We'll hopefully get our defenders back quickly because the coming games are very important for us.
"We changed a lot of players but still we kept the performance high and that has helped us win the league [in the past]. Hopefully that won't change this season."
Evra: Our spirit can be telling
"United play like a team. The team is the star, not only one player, that's why you can put me and Michael Carrick at centre-back; we're going to win because it's the team effort and team spirit. This is why I'm so proud to play here."
- Patrice Evra
United possess a culture of selflessness and togetherness which can be the difference in the bid to retain the Barclays Premier League title.
That's the view of Patrice Evra, who started at left-back but later formed a makeshift centre-back pairing with Michael Carrick in the Reds' 5-0 win over Wigan Athletic. The result moved the champions level on points with league leaders Manchester City.
"This is the United spirit: you can play everywhere," Evra told MUTV. "If you want to win, you have to accept it. You can see Antonio Valencia playing right-back as well. Only because United play like a team.
"The team is the star, not only one player, that's why you can put me and Michael Carrick at centre-back; we're going to win because it's the team effort and team spirit. That's why I'm confident.
"I've said that from the beginning - in six years playing here - the Man United spirit... no one team has got that spirit. This is United. This is why I'm so proud to play here."
The Boxing Day win marked an eighth league victory in nine games for the Reds, and a fourth successive win since the Champions League defeat at Basel which Evra views as a potential watershed moment in United's season.
"I think it was a big disappointment when we went out early in the Champions League," the Frenchman said, "but I think it was a wake-up call, because maybe everyone looked at themselves in the mirror and said 'we can do much better'.
"What the fans expect of every player, we are doing now. That's why I'm very pleased. Nothing is easy; it's because we're working hard. If we stopped working hard and think only with the United name, everything is going to be wrong.
"That's why we have to keep going with this momentum and trust each other because it's a big squad and everyone wants to show they deserve to play. If we win and score goals and keep many clean sheets, like we did tonight, we're going to be at the top of the league at the end of the season."
Player ratings vs Wigan
ManUtd.com reviews each player's contribution to United's 5-0 win over Wigan...
Anders Lindegaard - The Dane might have spent the 90 minutes in an armchair, turkey sandwich in one hand, snifter of sherry in the other; he had that quiet an afternoon. Had no shots to stop and scarcely a counter-raid to launch.
Antonio Valencia - Revelled against Wigan's narrow defensive formation, repeatedly raiding down the right wing in support of Nani. Defended well, but really caught the eye going forward and haunted his former side with a belting goal.
Jonny Evans - Had a comfortable afternoon sweeping up behind makeshift partner Michael Carrick, and looked assured before he was removed at half-time to ensure his fitness. Booked for a hefty challenge on Jordi Gomez.
Michael Carrick - Peerless, even in a makeshift role. His anticipation, coolness and ability on the ball made him a commanding presence at the heart of the backline.
Patrice Evra - Did well in two berths - left-back in the first half, central in the second - and popped up to create Park's opener to continue his recent assists resurgence.
Nani - Worked well in tandem with Valencia down the right flank. Unselfishly opted to pass, rather than shoot, on many occasions, and was removed midway through the second period to preserve him for the rest of the festive period.
Darron Gibson - His first league start of the season, but the Irishman slotted in neatly alongside Giggs. Had one goal-bound effort deflected wide in the first period, but largely kept it simple throughout.
Ryan Giggs - Dictated United's tempo and used all his nous to pick his way through a packed midfield, with one bamboozling run even drawing applause from the away fans.
Ji-sung Park - Started the match in sensational fashion; covering every blade of grass and harassing the visiting defenders into mistakes. Scored with a very neat early finish and won the contentious penalty that wrapped up the win.
Dimitar Berbatov - A return to last season's swaggering best. The undoubted highlight of a superb hat-trick was his beautifully-taken second goal. Sublime.
Javier Hernandez - Put in an all-action shift and should have had an early penalty after Alcaraz's challenge. Frustrated not to score after Ali Al-Habsi's close-range stop. ♥ x ♥ x ♥ x
Substitutes
Fryers (on for Evans) - More minutes under the belt for the highly-rated youngster, who continues to press for more inclusion.
Rooney (on for Giggs) - Slotted into midfield but seemed determined to extend his goalscoring run, chancing his arm on a handful of occasions.
Macheda (on for Nani) - Operated on the left wing but saw plenty of the ball and almost scored with a cross-shot.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Sir Alex and the boys...Awesome as Ever.
Have a great New Year as well....I can just see that... 19 + 1 = 'SCORE'
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