Credit To Obertan, As United Edge Past Philly

Credit To Obertan, As United Edge Past Philly 22/07/2010

Danny Welbeck and Gabriel Obertan star in United's 1-0 victory over Philly Union

Welbeck and Obertan combine for the game's only goal

Match Report - United 1-0 Philadelphia Union

Competition: International Friendly
Kick-Off & Date: 12:30am, Thursday 22nd July
Venue: Lincoln Financial Field (Neutral)
Attendance: 44,230

Gabriel Obertan spared United's blushes in a hard-fought Pre-Season win over MLS minnows Philadelphia Union. United and Philly could have both taken the lead on numerous occasions, with The Reds being denied two clear-cut penalties. However, Obertan graciously netted after a clever interception from Danny Welbeck which calmed Sir Alex's nerves late on.

Ryan Giggs was deservedly the man-of-the-match, as the 35-year-old dictated United's play up-front. Tomasz Kuszczak appeared between the posts, and kept his cool - saving a host of smart moves from the home side.

Welbeck and Kiko Macheda combined well upfront, but neither could find a telling goal. Obertan impressed for the second game on the trot, with speed and agility down the right flank. Inside 20 minutes, things didn't go exactly to plan though - as Danny Mwanga found Alejandro Moreno in space, only for the Venezuelan striker to mis-connect.

Fabio Da Silva repeated Patrice Evra's traits on the left wing, speeding into the opposition half to find player after player. However, Welbeck or Macheda just couldn't reek the rewards of the Brazilian's wing play. Before the break, Sebastien Le Toux should have scored for the Americans, but his shot across goal edged over the dead ball line.

Tomasz Kuszczak lucky to keep a clean sheet against dangerous Philly

Half time saw Philly manager Peter Nowak make 7 changes, while Sir Alex and Mike Phelan kept United's substitutes benchwarming. The shift in play nearly saw 'the Zolos' take the lead, with Nick Zimmerman's long-range effort just about kept-out by Kuszczak.

Corry Evans, making his first team debut, Darren Fletcher, Rafael Da Silva, Chris Smalling, Dimitar Berbatov and Ritchie De Laet all entered the game, as a yellow-cared Paul Scholes, Macheda, Tom Cleverley, Wes Brown, Fabio and John O'Shea all made way for the six.

Gabby nets in the 76th

Defender Toni Stahl clearly tripped Obertan in the box, but referee Mark Geiger dismissed the French winger's claims for a spot kick. Obertan reacted with a brutal blow - scoring in the 76th minute to claim the match for Sir Alex's Red Army. Welbeck credited with the assist, as he robbed Philly in their own half to set-up the coolest of finishes from the 21-year-old.

The game wasn't over however, as Berba hit the upright - replays showing it may well have crossed the line (ehmmm video technology). Whilst the skipper was denied a stonewall penalty five minutes from time, as veteran Giggs was obviously obstructed in the box.

United held-on to win the game 1-0, after a late scare from Philly on the break. All-in-all a good workout, with no injuries to report. American soccer is very much on the rise if you take Union's performance as anything to go by, but Obertan prevailed as the match-winner... with Giggsy claiming man-of-the-match !