Match Report – Stoke City 1-1 Manchester United

Competition: Premier League
Kick-Off & Date: 5:30pm, Saturday, 24th September 2011
Venue: Britannia Stadium, Stoke-On-Trent (Away) 
Attendance: 27,582


Manchester United succumbed to Stoke City’s second half pressure, after leading in the first half. The Red Devils couldn’t keep-up their blistering early season form, as Peter Crouch scored for The Potters to cancel-out Luis Nani’s amazing opener. United, without some keys players – namely Wayne Rooney – were hit where it hurts again during the game, as Javier Hernandez suffered his second injury in the same week. But it could have been worse… 

Sir Alex Ferguson started with Dimitar Berbatov for the first time this season, alongside ‘Chicharito’ in attack. Luis Nani and Ash Young were flankers, while Darren Fletcher and Oliveira Anderson brought experience and flare to the midfield. Ahead of David De Gea in goal was Rio Ferdinand and Phil Jones, while Patrice Evra patrolled at left back. On duty on the right was Antonio Valencia – a rare position for the natural winger, following injuries in that area. 

With just 3 minutes gone, Hernandez was bundled to the ground in the Stoke City penalty box, but referee Peter Walton left the United players gobsmacked when he declined to award the infringement, caused by Jonathan Woodgate. Within minutes again, Stoke showed their physical aspect of play as Hernandez was again on the ground, before Glenn Whelan was lucky to escape red for a reckless lunge on Pat Evra. But United responded in deadly fashion.

With Michael Owen replacing the injured Chicha, United roared into life. Stoke stifled most attacks, but when Nani swapped passed with Fletcher, there was no stopping the Portuguese magician on his mazy run. The winger dribbled past a host of defenders, before brushing-off Ryan Shawcross to strike into Asmir Begovic’s left-hand corner. 27 minutes were on the clock, and The Reds had a scarce lead at the Britannia – one they needed to add to. 

But The Potters didn’t allow their visitors any more leverage on front of goal, and despite chances for Jones and Berba, both weren’t on target. Andy Wilkinson forced a tremendous save from David, before the Spanish goalkeeper made another stop – of equal quality – from Jonathan Walters. Nani also had a chance at the other end, but popped it wide. The referee wasn’t being too kind to United, either, and the hostile atmosphere at Stoke’s ground heated up. 

In the second half, Young had a handful of opportunities, but it was Stoke who started the brighter. That was shown in the 52nd minute when none-other than the towering Peter Crouch managed to get his head on Matthew Etherington’s cross and beat De Gea, at odds with Ferdinand and Jones’ defending. But it could have been even worse moments later, as Crouch and then Marc Wilson saw their shots saved by our new keeper – displaying his worth. 

United were again denied by ref. Walton, when on 69 minutes Evra’s shot clearly struck the arm of Ryan Shawcross, but no penalty was given and the linesman’s excuse was that Owen was offside, but which was untrue due to the fact he had not interfered with play. Nevertheless, the officials had let us down again, and this coming after two penalty claims in the first half, neither of which were given. Fergie’s right: The FA do treat us like (inset whatever he said here).

Crouch had another shot, then another shot again, before Ryan Giggs and Danny Welbeck were introduced for Young and Berbatov. But United couldn’t find a way through. Stoke were strong in the last couple of minutes, but just before stoppage time, Giggsy had a gift of a prospect to win the game, but his hit went a-begging from Nani’s cross. If it was not the unforeseen injuries that ruined the fixture, it was referee Peter Walton’s pathetic display.

Better luck next time. 

United Team: David De Gea, Patrice Evra, Phil Jones, Rio Ferdinand, Darren Fletcher, Luis Nani, Oliveira Anderson, Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young (Ryan Giggs ’70), Dimitar Berbatov (Danny Welbeck ’70), Javier Hernandez (Michael Owen ’11).

Goals: Nani ’27

• Video Highlights: Stoke City 1-1 United

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