Report – Manchester United 2-0 Blackburn Rovers

Manchester United got back on track in the league today with a 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers, thanks to second half goals from Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney.

The Champions dominated proceedings and were rarely troubled by a Blackburn side lacking ambition and seemingly happy to limit the damage, rather than try to compete for the points.

3 points was a must after the disappointing performance against Liverpool at Anfield last week and the intent to put that performance behind them was clear from the outset. Blackburn were under pressure from the first whistle, but their resilient defending and ‘park the bus’ tactics meant United’s chances were limited in the opening half hour.

The chances started coming towards the end of the first half as United upped the tempo in search of the opening goal. Berbatov’s turn and volley was blocked by the excellent Gael Givet who thwarted many of United’s attacking efforts throughout the game. And it was Berbatov who was denied again moments later as his header from Valencia’s cross was tipped over by Paul Robinson.

He did have the ball in the net shortly after, following good work from Nani and Rooney, but the goal was correctly disallowed for offside, much to his frustration.

The second half started as the had ended, with almost constant pressure on the Blackburn goal. And the opener came nine minutes into the half to ease the pressure on United. Patrice Evra drilled a low ball into the box, which was flicked up and volleyed into the net by the increasingly impressive Berbatov. It was no more than United deserved.

Gabriel Obertan – on as a substitute for Nani – almost doubled the lead on his Premier League debut after finding himself with a gaping goal inside the 6 yard box. His nerves got the better of him however, and his tame shot went wide of the left post.

Wayne Rooney secured the points 3 minutes from time. Anderson fired in a low cross and Rooney diverted it past Paul Robinson to score his 7th goal of the season.

There was a late scare for United when Nikola Kalinić put the ball in the net after reacting first to Benny McCarthy’s parried shot, but the linesman wrongly ruled the goal out for offside.

Michael Owen could have scored a late 3rd after finding himself in space inside the box, and he’ll be disappointed that he didn’t manage to at least test the ‘keeper after dragging his shot wide.

The points were already secure and United are back on track, keeping the pressure on Chelsea – who they face next week at Stamford bridge – at the top of the table.

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