Manchester United match reports

[Steve@ManUtd]

Round 1

MANCHESTER UNITED 2-4 Tottenham Hotspur

What a woeful start to our campaign, despite leading early we changed approach and despite us countering Spurs they managed to level the tie a few minutes later. We then lead again ourselves but in a flash despite again switching to counter we conceded. Then it just turned worse and Spurs managed to score two more, one in each half and overhaul chances. We will always get these results, for some reason we always concede goals but to leak 4 goals at home on the opening day is just not good enough at all.

But, we've been here enough over the years so get it sorted early and we can hopefully crack on!

Round 2

Southampton 0-1 MANCHESTER UNITED

Off the mark for the season but it wasn't a blockbuster with two teams playing similar styles. We edged the game but like I say, not much to write home about and we need to give better displays as the season goes on as we're starting very slowly. Gavi gets his debut goal which is pleasing but it's about points and so we'll take them and move on,

Round 3

MANCHESTER UNITED 4-1 Burnley

Feels a bit more like it as we managed a 4 goal lead before allowing a late consolation goal. With Burnley you never know what you're going to get and it's not the easiest to get the right set up. We started on the front foot and dominated the early chances, we went a head then despite countering our opponent they managed to probe a fair few chances. But after half time we got going and managed three further goals in a 5 minute window. Job was done really so allowing them a goal was a bit cheap on our part, although they did have a fair few chances in the game. Bukayo Saka ran the game for us today, his efforts are pleasing given we could've sold him preseason.

It is our best display so far and this is what we expect more of as we know we are capable of big things. We have the cup next, we need to win it no two ways about it but we do admit we have a fair few minutes we need to watch already having not been afforded the luxury of the first rounds minutes, abs and possible financial reward.

FA CUP, ROUND 2

MANCHESTER UNITED 2-1 Middlesborough

We made very hard work of this in the end, given Boro are a league bellow us people thought this should be a straight forward tie but a bit of naivety hit us combined with a bit of bad luck with 2 goals disallowed in the first half. I even had to watch 95 minutes for the stands!

Between those, we did get the opener but we allowed Boro to level the tie then it felt like a long old game even after we scored, it felt like a wasteful day and despite the attacking dominance I didn't feel we'd score more as the clock ran down.

It's cup football, we're in the hat for the next round which is always the main thing, but we should've been more clinical and still work to do. Once some of the lads rate up hopefully we can kick on a bit!

ROUND 4

Chelsea 1-0 MANCHESTER UNITED

This was just one of those games unfortunately where you deserved more than you got. Chelsea got an early goal and we had more chances just couldn't score despite countering our opponent for large chunks of the tie even against a back up 'keeper. On another day we get what we deserve but the misery was compiled with another goal getting disallowed for us as time drew to a close. I can't say much, maybe bemoan the poor finishing a little, but we couldn't do much more in the game it was just one of those games. It's more frustrating that we've missed out on 3 goals in two games which completely change the horizon of the squad position.

It appears people believe we should be concerned with out start to the season, we've had one bad and maybe had we got an extra few abs from an R1 cup game, we'd be in a different position all together. It's all ifs, ands, and buts, but we're not concerned after 4 games, it's a long season and we've had worse starts than this.

We know we have to improve, and that we will!

ROUND 5

MANCHESTER UNITED 2-2 Watford

Another infuriating game on our part, we did everything right and dominated the tie but concede another late goal to go away with a point. It's the second game where we didn't get what we deserved and we should be in a much better position in the league, but such is the way it goes sometimes, it is what it is. There's not a lot we can do about it, but keep plugging away with some big games coming up, our form will turn and we'll start getting the rewards we deserve.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, ROUND 1

MANCHESTER UNITED 0-4 Arsenal

There is no way this one should've ended up a 4 goal defeat but it's the way the game goes. There is something just not clicking with us, we gave a decent account of ourselves but unfortunately seem to have gone back a few seasons to a feeble defence. YEs, a rushed sheet lead to a few odd changes but even so, man for man we was in the tie as much as anything and now we're right up against it. I've bemoaned our luck with C, we got countered for most of the game for sure, but when we utilise that tactic its neither here nor there even with the old fashioned tactical advantage.

It's the way it goes, we'll keep going is all we can do, the results need to improve but performance wise we're doing enough surprisingly.

ROUND 6

Barnsley 1-1 MANCHESTER UNITED

Another game where we deserved more than we got, which is becoming far too much of a running comment these early stages. We had the better chances and once again couldn't score. We had to come from behind too, Barnsley had a game plan to settle for a draw and try to nick a 1-0. The classic goal up shut up shop frustrated us at times and we struggled to capitalise on their defence approach.

It's still early days and as players rate up we'll no doubt improve but slow starters is certainly the best assessment of the first 6 games.

ROUND 7

MANCHESTER UNITED 3-1 West Ham

West ham threw everything at us but thankfully we had a more resilient defence today, having experienced a bad bit of form, we opted to bring back in Phillips and Valverde as a middle duo, which in the end proved the right calls, as the two bagged the goals we needed today. It was a better display and we utilised the counter game plan better than previously. It's an overdue result for sure, we've not had the rub recently so this is a vital to get back to winning ways and now we need a big run to get back on track.

We need more output from the front men, they've started very slow but they will kick in, once they start that'll help us more at the top end.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, ROUND 2

MANCHESTER UNITED 1-2 Inter Milan

Story of the game, we couldn't hold onto a lead!

We figured Inters tried and tested 7 man defence (as some would say) would be the name of the game, we matched their tactic and took the lead. We didn't change our tactic and subsequently conceded the advantage to Inter and they scored just after half time. They found a winner from our old player with 20 minutes left which is frustrating that we didn't kick on, given both teams tried a possession game as the match went on. Another one of those games really, but another game where we have gaps at the back and not enough up front to make a difference.

If we're to salvage the competition we need something to go for us, luck is not with us this tournament.

ROUND 8

Liverpool 1-1 MANCHESTER UNITED

We played the GOAT for the first time as Liverpool manager and he gave us more of a game than we've had against Liverpool in a long, long time. We really are struggling against teams though which play with a back 5 and again, we conceded first and levelled from the spot in the second half. We struggled to create much and we actually have to thank Oblak for making a whole host of saves given his poor start to the season. We'll take it, this wasn't a great day for us away from home. It is concerning that we have teh calibre of players we have and something isn't clicking for us really right now. I have no doubt it will, but that formula needs to be found quick.

ROUND 9

MANCHESTER UNITED 4-1 Sheffield Wednesday

It feels a bit more like it, and we did control the match for large periods, but with Wednesday missing a player or two they opted for a back 3 set up which probably allowed us to expose some openness at times. But, we could only play what was ahead of us and although we did finish the first half 3-1 up, there was periods where the changed tactics did give a bit of joy to the owls.

The squaddie Skrabb wrapped the scoring on the day where he cemented his minutes, one job down I guess so far. But it's 3 needed points, we haven't had enough rub of the green already this season so hopefully now we'll kick on and start claiming back the points we need.

FA CUP, ROUND 3

Blackburn Rovers 0-2 MANCHESTER UNITED

Job done, an even cup tie, both teams playing cautious counter set ups initially, after 30 minutes we changed tactic and that edged us ahead on half time. We Got cautious again second half but managed to sneak a second goal to end the game. We did OK, we know cup footballs a back and forth tight game usually and we expected the caution from Rovers so rather than go gung-ho, played it safe and finally managed to keep a clean sheet. Like I say, job done and into the last 8.

ROUND 10

Everton 0-1 MANCHESTER UNITED

We deserved a more comfortable result, but away from home we'll take the three points and another cleansheet. On performance it was very one sided and convincing but we now have to start finding the ruthless clinical edge and start scoring more goals. Ansu Fati is on a barren run and needs to pull his finger out, or changes might be looked at, we need him to get going and start firing with some huge games coming up. I won't say we've found form, but the results have been steadier recently, but the next two weeks have some big games which will make or break our season.

ROUND 11

MANCHESTER UNITED 3-3 Leeds United

We have to look at ourselves here, we raced to a 3 goal lead in the first half and very comfortable but second half the tables turned, probably the best case of a game of two halves, despite both teams being pretty equal in both across the game. We have a shock defence at times this season, when we concede we concede badly and even the back 5 set up wasn't enough, maybe taking off Phillips for Saka and losing that bit more tackling was the final nail? Who knows, but it's a decent point on paper against the team who've started the season in great form, but we should've seen this one out and had 3 points today.

Frustrating, but we move on!


2007 WORDS

[Steve@ManUtd]

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, ROUND 3


Barcelona 1-2 MANCHESTER UNITED

Not a great performance at all, but job done. We came into the tie missing our best defender, and we knew Barca would opt for a back 5. We didn't get going really and got countered for the bulk of the game. But, late on we found 2 gaps at the point we started to commit men forward with 2 defenders Porro and Barca old boy Nacho coming up trumps for us. We don't care about the performance in the rand scheme of the competition, we needed a win to stay alive and its what we got. Hopefully the result now wakes us up and kicks us into gear. We can do better but finding a way to win isn't a trait to be frowned upon.

ROUND 12

Arsenal 2-2 MANCHESTER UNITED

You know you're not getting the rub when you score early then have a player sent off all within the first 4 minutes. Arsenal quickly responded and we found ourselves playing with a back 3 for the rest of the half. We equalised on half time after Arsenals 'keeper went off, and then on the extra man was evident for the gunners, who had more of the game. Given we played a man light, we're satisfied with the outcome. We can bemoan no holding the lead, or Nacho not keeping his cool but things happen. It leaves us light for Monday but we'll put a team out there to try and get a result.

We're still on an unbeaten run but we do need to get more wins on the board, and the front two to start firing for sure.

ROUND 13

MANCHESTER UNITED 1-1 Blackburn Rovers

Another game where we didn't finish with 11 men, and it cost us again. We controlled the first half and once we took the lead we changed up our approach. Right after half time, De Ligt was given his marching orders and that completely changed the second half. As a result, we got countered and again, a man light at the back gave Rovers more joy and they eventually levelled the tie. It was another game of two halves, and this one is frustrating again. We've dropped too many points recently and it feels somewhat self inflicted. On the game, given the conext, Rovers did deserve something, but had we stayed with 11 men I doubt they'd have had as many gaps to play through.

We miss De Ligt for 2 huge games, having only just got him back from a ban.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, ROUND 4

MANCHESTER UNITED 2-3 Barcelona

This is a game that typifies when things go against you, they go against you.

We raced to a 2 goal lead and sat in a great position, Barca pulled one early but we sat very comfortable in the first half. Then chaos hit, we got our first red card and Barca levelled right on the back of it. We then concede a penalty and get our goalkeeper booked, and to wrap the game lose another player finishing with 9 men. Barca only capitalised once we lost players, simply put we was in complete control of the tie up until then.

We still have the slimmest of chances of going through, but that's a minimal percentage and to be honest we're out and can only try and salvage some pride.

ROUND 14

Manchester City 6-0 MANCHESTER UNITED

When your playing 3 midfielders in defense this kind of result will happen.

We can't say much but what was effectively a free hit for City proved that. We couldn't tweak or change anything and in a season where we haven't had what we deserve, this result was a one sided event.


ROUND 15

MANCHESTER UNITED 2-1 Aston Villa

Steady display but again from being 2 up we let a goal slip. We did enough over the tie for sure but we know there's more to come. We need the wins, we know we've lost too many points and we have got a big run of results in us, just some seasons the engine takes longer to start.

We finally have a fully fit squad too for the next game. Feels like an eternity ago we had that.


FA CUP, QUARTER FINAL

MANCHESTER UNITED 2-1 Leeds United

Cup football is always about just winning. We knew Leeds had their goalkeeper out, and still had to be cautious because the quality they've had this season can easily still catch you. We even trailed to the first action of the game and then Leeds shut up shop. We managed to turn the game around with a goal in each half against the wall of Leeds and see ourselves through. Leeds had a plan to try and nick the goal and shut up shop and we can't blame them missing their goalkeeper. As a contest it wasn't the most exciting and enthralling given the way the game unfolded, but we're into the next round.

The classic FFO of once you sell a player, they find some form has been evident this week with Fati finally finding his scoring touch.

ROUND 16

Cardiff City 2-4 MANCHESTER UNITED

This is the type of performance we should be rattling out and its frustrating to come away with 2 more goals against us. We deserved the win, and to be honest the gulf in the teams was evident today. We had some good performers and we did what we needed, win the game and get the 3 points. It's all we have to do, keep picking up wins. We've dropped too may points this season, we know that and we are doing all we can to turn the form around.

We've got 2 new faces coming in, and theres a few more irons in the fire, we'll keep tabs on the markets but we'll hopefully see more goals now as the season goes on, we just somehow need to stop conceding them.

ROUND 17

MANCHESTER UNITED 2-0 Crystal Palace

Another game where we needed to be more ruthless but have to settle for a close scoreline until injury time. We commanded the game, got everything right but didn't kill the game early enough and as the tie went on we did look to cash out but stole a late second. We dominated the tie and there was some great displays from the new players, a great start but need to give more of it as we run on through the season.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, ROUND 5

Inter Milan 6-2 MANCHESTER UNITED

Didn't give a care for this game, we were too far out of Europe and just threw in the last league sheet.

We got countered for most of the game simply put and the A against out 3 man DF was a field day for Inter. I basically saw this as a minutes tie for some at best but a pointless game for us to begin with.

We've been shocking in Europe simply put, despite not having the rub, results matter and we've not gotten them and conceded far too many goals.

ROUND 18

Leicester City 1-3 MANCHESTER UNITED

We started slow and didn't get going until 10 minutes in, also known as after Leicester scored! We levelled from Adeyemi just before the half hour mark and then we tweaked the set up a bit and found ourselves 2 up shortly after, Luis Diaz making it 3 in 3 since joining. Into the second half we had a goal ruled out and cemented the win through Valverde with 20minutes left. The game itself turned out as you'd expect but I think we should still be pushing for more, yes we were away from home but still, given the set ups of the two teams I did hope for a more convincing and comfortable day, but we'll take what we got.

ROUND 19

MANCHESTER UNITED 4-0 Newcastle United

The scoreline says more like it, and we did the damage early on. But as the tie went on Newcastle grew more into the tie and had more of the latter game. We went 3 up in the first half and at that point both teams played open Styles but Newcastle after that did make more chances and for those that believe stats tell the picture, we would be very fortunate over the tie, but most of the damage was done early doors. It's a bit like Arsenal in the Champions League R1 where it's a flattering scoreline on stats but that doesn't tell the full picture.

But it was a needed result, a few unlikely scorers to be truthful, but 3 welcome and needed points. We're up there, but nothing to write home about given how many points we've dropped, and goals conceded. We expect a much better second half of the season.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE, ROUND 6

Arsenal 1-2 MANCHESTER UNITED

Can't make this up sometimes.

We used this game simply as getting minutes in players, we were out and nothing to play for, yet with 2 much weaker players in the XI against a pretty strong Arsenal side. Our old boy Saka scored against us early, we scored our 2 in the first half, with their old boy Asprilla scoring one.

Then before half time, both teams finished with 10 men, with another of our old players getting a red! A mixed day for the returning players for sure.

But we know we've had an abysmal campaign, we've had issues all season keeping the ball out the net and to kick when you down, we miss our main defender for 3 more games with his 3rd red card of the season.


1617 WORDS

[Steve@ManUtd]

ROUND 20

Tottenham Hotspur 2-3 MANCHESTER UNITED

Well, I thought we was on for a decent result but another injury left us playing the last third of the tie with an unplanned squaddie on the pitch to see out the game, looks like he might get a run out next week too. Anyway, before that, we knew Spurs didn't have the back 5 option and this week they tried to get a few extra bodies up the pitch as an alternative, which we thought they'd do given the options they had available and we managed to find the early goal and settle our game down. After that we scored a second from the spot and I though we'd kick on. But tehy reacted straight away. After that when we switched back to playing on the break we had the game and it felt like our 3rd was knocking, and ultimately it came for us.

After we lost Asprilla, as mentioned Spurs then went all out attack and we struggled to contain them at times, we allowed them a second goal and then held on to make sure we didn't thrown away another lead.

I thought we deserved the win, we lost momentum once the 11 rater came on and I'd say we're full value for the result and we're very depleted for Mondays game, more and more goes against us and thankfully we've managed to keep the results coming.

We sit top of the pile, which is very, very surprising given some of our results. We are not excited at all, as we know we have a lot to do to stay here, with 18 games left.

ROUND 21

MANCHESTER UNITED 0-0 Southampton

I feel this is one to bemoan our poor finishing. The squad picked itself to be honest given we had 3 players out and so we thought we'd keep it pretty simple to start with. Tight at the back and look to play. We proved too strong for Saints at times, they didn't get their counter attacking plan really into much rhythm. But otherwise, we had more chances, did more with ball but just didn't convert anything which is disappointing. But, we stay top for now given results elsewhere, its a rare clean sheet too for us, and we maintain our unbeaten run.

We move on, and we'll go again on Friday.

ROUND 22

Burnley 0-2 MANCHESTER UNITED

You never know how Burnley will line up, they start and change tactics according, but we opted for the right approach and started the better. We went a goal up through Phillips and Nacho added a second straight after the second half kick off. After that, the clear rushed sheet saw Gordon chopping and changing position and the second half was unreadable.

The first half we deserved to be a head, after that I don't know. We get back to winning ways after dropping points last week. We have the full 5 defenders back next week too which will be nice. Minutes are the big one for us right now to make sure we pick the right team but rotate where possible, we are likely to come short on someone but keeping the big boys is the key.

ROUND 23

MANCHESTER UNITED 0-0 Chelsea

We dominated early in the game and after that the rest of the game fell into an even battle. It was an edgy game really, but all in all neither side can bemoan the end result. That's pretty much all I can say on the game it was pretty much equal in my opinion. We do know we need to improve our finishing and turn the goal return around but thankfully we are getting better at the other end in keeping them out.

We remain top, but it's getting very tight in the places behind us so we need to get back to form. One positive, we have a full squad for the first time in what seems like a life time.

ROUND 24

Watford 2-2 MANCHESTER UNITED

A pretty disheartening result. We controlled the game and for most of the second half, we played against 10 men. We thought we'd settled the tie once the second goal went in but such is football and Watford rallied to score 2 goals in the last few moments of the game. We deserved more, and to be honest we know we should be killing these games off but these games and moments will pop up from time to time. Thankfully other results around us went slightly in our favour so we remain on top.

We go again on Monday, we're still unbeaten in 9 now but we want to keep extending that run.

ROUND 25

MANCHESTER UNITED 2-2 Barnsley

Well that's 2 games where we have let a 2 goal lead slip late one and it's quite concerning. These two games should've seen us take 6 points but we have 2. We should be much safer at the top but it's so tight and with big games creeping up, we need to improve.

On the game we deserved to race to a 2 goal lead, we started the best of the two, but complacency crept in and we allowed Barnsley to get at us and in the end they did deserve something from the tie. We can't bemoan anything there at all, well done to Barnsley for their character late on.

We need to wake up simply, we have a huge cup tie next and we know we have to improve!

FA CUP, SEMI FINAL


Chelsea 0-1 MANCHESTER UNITED

Not a classic but the game plan worked and although we would like to have kicked on, the way we wanted to nullify our opponents worked. We expected Chelsea to try and counter, so we decided to match them before going direct for a bit and that made the decisive moment with Gavi moving into a new role and dribbling past the player who shouldn't have played in this game to score the only goal. Then on we made camp as that's what our opponent would've done and we killed out the tie. Neither team really did much in the tie, it was a gritty game and clear 1 goal was going to settle it.

We didn't come to play for stats, we came to win a game so in that respect it was a well executed game plan to see us reach a cup final in every season of the new FFO era. The final will be the toughest game yet with the best FFO has seen in the other dugout, he' really transformed Liverpool this season for sure!

ROUND 26

West Ham 0-4 MANCHESTER UNITED

Once we started it turned out pretty one way for us. We started by countering West Ham and we rode a mini storm before breaking through, Once a goal up some tactics changed and then we really got control in the game. We managed two more goals in the first half before going all out attack in the second half. We did only manage one second half goal but to be honest at 3 up we started to look to ensure players needing the most minutes stayed on or got on the pitch.

Adeyemi has had a slower season than we want but he bagged a hattrick today, this could hopefully kick start his end of the season. We need big performances with the games coming up. It's almost like we're closing on a run of cup finals with the top of the league so tight.

But again, vital 3 points, 12 games left still plenty to do as the season draws on.

ROUND 27

MANCHESTER UNITED 0-6 Liverpool

Wow! What a poor poor result and to be honest we got very complacent as the tie went on. It was one of those ties where we didn't get started and once Liverpool went one up, we started trying to probe something but late one we went A with a back 3 and we might as well have played zero at the back. We deserved to lose for sure and this is a big wake up call, and probably a warning sign for the forthcoming cup final.

Maybe cashing in on Phillips when we did may come back to bite us, time will tell, we have enjoyed a long unbeaten run and this is a harsh reality check today. A manager once said it's better to lose 1 game 6-0, than 6 games 1-0. We need a reaction from this quickly but today little issues in how the game panned out.

ROUND 28

Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 MANCHESTER UNITED

We dominated the tie, but such is our form we lacked the killer edge and settle for a draw. The Owls are right down the table and I feel this is another game where we've dropped points. We've gone from being top to 4 behind, recently and it simply isn't good enough.

I don't know what more we could've done today on paper. I though we did enough but poor finishing is costing us at the minute. We'll think about what the plan is for the latter parts of the season, we may make some changes to hope to improve the form as we get to the home straight.

ROUND 29

MANCHESTER UNITED 1-0 Everton

We started very bright and managed the goal in the first half, we kept to our plan then once Everton opened up and attacked the game kind became a bit more back and forth. In the second half a we lost it apparently! Goal scorer Valverde first saw Red leaving a tough game with 10 men, then the oddest of referee decisions meant 10 minutes later Luis Diaz also walked for winning the ball!

We held Everton out after that, it obviously turned out a closer game on the stats and in the circumstances it is a big win for us as we head into a massive run of games, the first one, again, with players unavailable. In suspensions alone we've had players miss a total of 14 games this season, add to the big injuries we've had it feels like a rarity to pick a full quota, I mentioned it last week, maybe we should've retained Kalvin Phillips to just keep some depth! If it continues, it may well derail our campaign.

We need a result against Leeds, it'll take a lot of character to ensure we come away from that one with the win

1757 WORDS

[Steve@ManUtd]

ROUND 30

Leeds United 0-0 MANCHESTER UNITED

Not the result we wanted but we missed 2 players again and the squad pretty much picked itself. Its pleasing we kept Leeds out, and kept a clean sheet but despite countering Leeds for most of the game we didn't make enough chances really but did have a solid enough defence ourselves, whilst Leeds shooting on the day was a more quantity than quality display. It was obvious Slory playing was a big hit for us compared to Valverde in terms of quality but its a few more minutes under his belt, it'll be tight to retain him but we'll see how the last few games go.

We play 3 more huge matches and we need bodies fit and available if we're to get back up top. We're 3 behind 3 other teams, not out of it but that run of draws has left us on the back leg for the home straight.

ROUND 31

MANCHESTER UNITED 1-2 Arsenal

Another frustrating game where we surrendered the lead and I felt we deserved more than we got. I did feel we was the better team but our toothless attack and holey defence which has cost us already at times this year strikes back. We find ourselves 6 points behind the top, we're pretty much out of the title race and need to take a long hard look at ourselves, we haven't been good enough in the end product this season. Even when we countered Arsenal we didn't take advantage at any point, it is the story of our season in a nutshell.

ROUND 32

Blackburn Rovers 2-2 MANCHESTER UNITED

ANOTHER 2 goal lead thrown away!

We dominated the early stages even when we lost Diaz to another injury (more to contend with), another big game where we won't have the full squad to pick from. But once we went 2 up Rovers went route one and it worked for them, in a sense they managed 2 goals from 3 on target, to be fair out of 9 in total. Rovers came for a draw with their tactics and got it. It just feels like if it can go against you, it does for us this season.

We've thrown away too many leads and our goalkeeper has one of the worst save to goal ratio. Add to that the copious injuries and suspensions. It's been a season to forget in many ways and it's now a case of simply looking to next season, and eggs in one basket of the FA cup.

ROUND 33

MANCHESTER UNITED 3-1 Manchester City

This was a strong performance and helped get a little retribution from the drubbing earlier in the season. Again, we play City knowing we're not at full strength and felt Nick would be ambitious in his approach, we set up the best we had with us missing one of our strikers. Captain Adeyemi stepped up in his absence and bagged a brace before Jadon Slory got off the mark (and off the bench for once) for us. We kept City at back and probably could've added more, with 12 of 13 on target today. It seems like we've been waiting for this result for too long and it's pleasing we've managed to put a result with the display after having patchy form of late.

Some results tilted in our benefit but we know we need to win the remaining 5 games, thats it, as we always say we'll keep going and just do what we can.

ROUND 34

Aston Villa 1-1 MANCHESTER UNITED

We lead and threw away another lead. We deserved the win in my opinion but I can't say I'm surprised to be truthful given it's become a trait of not holding leads. We did miss a big player again but even so, we can't comprehend how bad we've done at the back this season. It is a case of ifs and buts and the title is further and further out of reach game by game.

We'll just keep going and see what we can do.

ROUND 35

NO PMR AS CARETAKER SHEETED ON OUR BEHALF

ROUND 36

Crystal Palace 1-0 MANCHESTER UNITED

Dominated the game, scouted the opposition for huge chunks of the tie and yet we come away with nothing. this result ends our title hopes, yes mathematically we could still do it but we'd need far too much to go in our favour, But on the game, it's a travesty on our part, we knew how Palace would line up and we should be doing a lot better in these games. I don't know what to say, we was better in every aspect of the pitch yet lost 1-0.

Well done to Palace though, they do very well with their resources available every season and we take nothing away from them, but once again we have no answers as to what more we could've done!

ROUND 37

MANCHESTER UNITED 3-2 Leicester City

Talk about hard work. We went attacking and got caught with the first action of the game and really failed to grasp their possession game. We managed to level on the half hour mark and before q quick response meant the tie was 1-2 at the break. We rallied in the second half and got hold of the tie to swing the balance in our favour and held on for the win. It's not enough though as we officially cannot win the title and have 3rd to play for maximum.

Our results and overall form has been perplexing this season, sure we've had games where we've played the bare bones but still, we've drawn far too many games from great positions which had we got what we should've from those games we'd have a different season. We have a big choice now, do we focus on the cup final or do we go big and try and finish the season in as strong a position, possible.

ROUND 38

Newcastle 0-1 MANCHESTER UNITED

Beat the D.

Not much more to say, we deserved to win as you'd imagine, Newcastle missed 3 players, so parked the bus and then got another injury very early. We struggled to break them down but once we went one up we kept professional and made sure we got the points to finish an abysmal 5th by our standards.

We lost the fewest games this season, but those draws we gifted away obviously had a big impact on our season. We have little to be impressed with, and with the cup to come that's our only saving grace.

Elsewhere it was a very bizarre end to the season seeing Spur lift the title, a big well done to them with them nicking it, 2 late goals eh.

Thanks to JB for running another season.

FA CUP FINAL

Liverpool 2-0 MANCHESTER UNITED

A result definitive of our season, not good enough.

We've played E enough this season and know its temperamental nature against the C set up. But it worked a treat for Liverpool who went 2 up easily. Once we tried to open up we did get back into the tie but lacklustre finishing gave us no chance.

We have no complaints on the day. Slow start, not good enough, deserved winners.

Graeme came back this year and does what he always does, wins things. Well done to the greatest there is.

1236 WORDS