Manchester United Season 2010-11

[Dodomeki]

Premier League preview: Manchester United v Everton

21 April 2011

In-form Everton have not won at Old Trafford in 19 years but former Manchester United goalkeeper Tim Howard is not daunted by the statistic.

Howard believes that the Blues will take Saturday's early game to Alex Ferguson’s title-chasing side.

"The way we’re going, they won’t take us lightly. It would be massive to go to Old Trafford and get a result because not many teams go there and do it," Howard said.

"We know we’ve got our work cut out going there and doing it, but we’ve been in great form and although it’ll be hard we’ll give everything. They will take it to us but we feel good about ourselves."

Everton are unbeaten in seven, and hope to include Mikel Arteta in their squad for the short trip to Manchester.

"There is that backs-against-the-wall chemistry again," Howard, 32, said.

"We’ve got some of our best players out but it says a lot about the team and the manager and staff that we rally around each other."

“We’ve gone on the training field with six first team players but we enjoy the training and each other’s company."

League leaders United are six points clear of both Chelsea and Arsenal, for whom time appears to be running out.

United's goalless draw at Newcastle on Tuesday was their ninth away from home this season.

Their away form is in sharp contrast to their record at Old Trafford where they have taken 46 points from a maximum 48 - a daunting prospect for any visiting club.

But Sir Alex Ferguson will have little time to dwell over the result with crucial league and Champions League games on the horizon against Arsenal and Schalke.

Given their heavy schedule, United midfielder Michael Carrick insisted the Red Devils must focus on their own results before looking over their shoulders.

"We've got to bounce back against Everton. It is a big game for us. We're still in a good position and we have tough games ahead, but so have Arsenal," he said.

"We don't want to be looking at their results too much. We want to be winning the games ourselves."

"It won't be easy for them, but we're in a position where we can afford to concentrate on ourselves and, if we pick up points, we don't have to rely on anyone else."

United, who drew 3-3 with the Toffees in the reverse fixture last September, will be without Paul Scholes who is still suspended for the clash while combative midfielder Darren Fletcher is likely to remain sidelined.

 

[Dodomeki]

Premier League: Manchester United 1 Everton 0

23 April 2011

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Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez scored a dramatic late winner to land a crucial blow to their rivals in their bid for the league title.

United looked like dropping crucial points for the second time in a week against a stubborn Everton side until Hernandez's stunning 84th-minute
strike.

The Mexican striker rose at the far post to head home Antonio Valencia's perfect cross to seal the victory that keeps Chelsea and Arsenal at arms length.

It was nothing less than United deserved after dominating for large periods but coming up against a superb Everton defence marshalled by Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin.

Indeed, it could have been worse had either of two reasonable penalty shouts been given for the away side.

Sir Alex Ferguson, back in the dugout after a five-game ban, made five changes to the side that drew at Newcastle in midweek.

Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs were all rested with the Champions League semi-final at Schalke 04 looming on Tuesday.

There were few clear-cut chances in an otherwise entertaining opening half hour.

Nani wasted the best opportunity when Wayne Rooney found the Portuguese winger in the box, he greedily cut inside and shot straight at Tim Howard from a tight angle with Rooney and Hernandez waiting for a cutback.

But Everton had to survive a storm going into the break. United created a glorious opportunity in the 31st minute when Rooney's long range was deflected into the path of Hernandez, whose first time strike from 15 yards was parried away by Howard.

Rooney and Hernandez brought saves from Howard while, on a rare foray, Everton had a penalty appeal turned away five minutes later when Jermaine Beckford went down in a challenge with Jonny Evans.

Nani wasted another golden chance for United when Valencia outmuscled Leighton Baines and laid the perfect pass into the path of Nani, who with the goal at his mercy, hit the ball against Hernandez, who had slipped over in the six-yard box.

Everton made a double substitution at half-time and almost got an instant reward when Victor Anichebe battle his way past Rio Ferdinand and into the box before, going down as the England defender scrambled back but again referee Peter Walton waved away penalty appeals.

And in the 65th minute, Edwin van der Sar had to be at his best to tip away a fierce 20-yard strike from apparent United target Jack Rodwell.

At the other end, United were struggling to break down the stubborn Everton defending but hit the post with a scuffed Michael Owen shot from Fabio's near post cross while Howard saved well from a Rooney free-kick and Hernandez header.

But with six minutes to go, United grabbed the winner when Distin fluffed his clearance and when the ball reached Valencia, the winger picked out Hernandez to head home at the far post.

 

[Gallego99]

We were very lucky to win. Current form appears to be patchy and it will be interesting to see how we measure up against Arse and Chelsea in the next two games.
Having watched Shalke play Inter, I just have this feeling the Germans will prevail over both legs.

 

[jw5]

Man Utd have a good chance to win over 2 legs if Fergie gets the tactics right.
Despite having a great tie against Inter, Schalke are not a great team with plenty of weaknesses.
They have only 4 really good players. Raul, Farfan, Howedes, and Neuer. They actually sold their best midfielder Rakitic to Seville in Jan.
Raul and Farfan can be marked out of the game. Howedes is young and playing beside Metzelder in defence, whom Steve McMahon calls "world class". Unfortunately for botak Steve and Schalke, that was 10 years ago, even if it were true. He's very slow and error prone now.
Neuer is world class and in my opinion, the best keeper in the world. He'll be the greatest stumbling block.

If Man Utd don't win the tie, it's Fergie's fault for not getting the tactics right. But I won't blame him for losing the final. Both Real and Barca have too much quality.

 

[Gallego99]

The Germans were shockingly bad. Inter would have been a better opposition. I thot Utd should have scored 6-7 goals. Anyway going away with 2 goals is a huge advantage. I just hope they won't take it too easy in the home leg as I think the Germans will come out playing out of their skin which they did against Inter.

 

[Dodomeki]

No better than Neuer, says Ferguson

27 April 2011

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer after the English side's 2-0 Champions League triumph.

Neuer was rumoured to be in Ferguson's sights as a replacement for retiring United shot-stopper Edwin van der Sar at season's end, but the German number one has since firmed as the Bayern Munich's number one goalkeeper for next season.

The 25-year-old kept United at bay for nearly 70 minutes in the semi-final first leg at Veltins Arena on Tuesday, before the English Premier League powerhouse broke through to score two goals in as many minutes via Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney to put a stranglehold on the tie.

Ferguson, however, praised Neuer for his first-half heroics, which saw him keep out a flurry of on-target shots from the likes of Giggs, Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Park Ji-Sung.

"I think we know that (Neuer is Bayern Munich-bound) but he was fantastic. It’s one of the best performances I have seen against Manchester United," Ferguson told Sky Sports.

The legendary Scot was in no doubt that his side was superior at Gelsenkirchen against their Bundesliga opposition on Tuesday and was left pleased with United's dominance in possession.

"I think the concentration and intensity of our play, the speed of our passing was absolutely excellent tonight. It was a really, really top performance," Ferguson said.

"For me, when Chicharito (Hernandez) scored when he was offside, that told the players they could beat this goalkeeper (Neuer) and of course then Ryan (Giggs) scored and it’s a marvellous result."

Ferguson confirmed that starting Antonio Valencia ahead of speedy winger Nani was no slight on the Portuguese star's form, rather a positive reinforcement of the Ecuadorian's ability to perform on the big stage.

"The continuity of selection in these games gives me a good foundation, we have good experience and a good work rate and I’ve good got options because Nani could have played but Valencia’s form showed why he’s played," he said.

Schalke manager Ralf Rangnick recognised Neuer's efforts in the first-half, but rued his side's inability to cut down United's space in midfield.

"In the first 15 minutes it was an even match, even though they'd already found some gaps by then. We put some quite good moves together when in possession, but the final pass didn't come off like it did against Inter (in the quarter-finals)," Rangnick said.

"From 15 minutes on, we did something wrong with every United attack, making poor decisions, offering them too much room and standing around in space without attacking."

"They threatened with every attack and we had Manuel Neuer to thank for not being one, two or even three goals down at half-time. If you have followed his development in recent years you would know that there is no better goalkeeper in Europe or anywhere else."

The second leg will take place at Old Trafford next Wednesday, with the overall winner booking a place in the Champions League final at Wembley on May 28.

 

[Gallego99]

If they beat Arse this weekend, EPL trophy will surely make its way back to Old Trafford. C'mon United!!! You can do it!!!!

 

[Dodomeki]

Premier League preview: Arsenal v Manchester United

29 April 2011

Manchester United visit Arsenal on Sunday with Sir Alex Ferguson's men closing in on what would be a record 19th championship.

Until recently, this match was considered a pivotal one in deciding the eventual destination of the English Premier League title, but the form of Arsene Wenger's side has dipped so markedly that they have slipped to third place behind Chelsea, nine points off the pace.

Interestingly, it has been Arsenal's form at home that has let them down this season.

Since the New Year they have been held by Blackburn (0-0), Sunderland (0-0), Newcastle (4-4), Manchester City (0-0) and Liverpool (1-1) - with all but the Newcastle game at the Emirates.

In their most recent match, a 90th-minute header from Tamir Cohen lifted Bolton to a 2-1 win at the Reebok Stadium, prompting Wenger to all but concede his side's title challenge was over.

For Ferguson's men, the march towards a 12th Premier League title continues relentlessly - and they could also be heading towards a third Champions League crown under the Scotsman's watch, after taking a 2-0 lead over Schalke in the first-leg of their semi-final on Tuesday.

In their most recent league match, a late goal from Javier Hernandez handed United a 1-0 win over Everton at Old Trafford.

Both squads are in excellent shape for this time of the season, with Arsenal's only casualties being goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, whose season is over with a shoulder injury, and midfielder Abou Diaby who is nursing a calf problem.

In better news for Wenger, Belgian centre back Thomas Vermaelen made it through 90 minutes of Arsenal's reserves clash with United on Thursday unscathed, after missing most of the season with an Achilles tendon problem.

For United, striker Dimitar Berbatov did not feature against Schalke and is in doubt, midfielder Darren Fletcher is still battling back to full fitness after a virus and Owen Hargreaves is still unavailable.

 

[Dodomeki]

Premier League: Arsenal 1 Manchester United 0

1 May 2011

Arsenal provided yet another twist in the title race as Aaron Ramsey’s goal gave them a dramatic 1-0 win over leaders Manchester United.

The result means that with three games to go United are only three points clear of Chelsea - with a home match to play against Carlo Ancelotti's side next Sunday.

Even Arsenal, who thought their title dream was over, are now only six points behind top place and can no longer be completely ruled out.

It was certainly a morale-boosting victory for Arsene Wenger’s side, especially as the goal came from Welsh midfielder Ramsey, who was making only his second league start for the Gunners since suffering a broken leg against Stoke in February 2010.

The 20-year-old was only playing because captain Cesc Fabregas injured a thigh in training on Saturday, but he provided the winning goal when he stroked home from a Robin van Persie pass after 56 minutes.

The match was full of controversy, with Nemanja Vidic clearly handling a Theo Walcott cross in the first half - but escaping a penalty and a red card when his indiscretion went unnoticed by the officials.

Referee Chris Foy also turned down strong penalty appeals from United when substitute Michael Owen was kicked by Gael Clichy late on, but in truth the visitors never hit top gear and could not complain about the end result.

Arsenal by contrast dominated for long periods and United were relieved to get to the break on level terms.

Jack Wilshere should have put the home side ahead after only four minutes but rushed his shot when the ball was hastily cleared to him 18 yards out.

Theo Walcott also came agonisingly close to getting on the end of a Gael Clichy shot and Arsenal looked dominant.

They should have had a penalty thanks to Vidic’s handball from a Walcott cross that was missed by referee Chris Foy and his assistant – leaving Robin van Persie furious.

United’s best chances came through Wayne Rooney, who had a shot deflected wide before half-time and a free-kick saved at full stretch by Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny after the break.

But Arsenal’s goal finally came in the 56th minute thanks to Ramsey.

It was van Persie who made it, jinking into the box and laying back a perfect pass for Ramsey to stroke home a right-footed shot, leaving van der Sar well beaten.

United did improve momentarily after that, with Szczesny making a fine save from Nani after the Portuguese winger was put through by Rooney; and they also had that late penalty shout.

But Arsenal were worthy winners and now the title race is set for an even more dramatic finale.

 

[Gallego99]

If only players and manager know how to STFU before games and concentrate on the task at hand, we would have won the EPL several games ago.

As usual Carrick has to be the villain yet again. Haiz......hopeless player and manager.

 

[jw5]

If only players and manager know how to STFU before games and concentrate on the task at hand, we would have won the EPL several games ago.

As usual Carrick has to be the villain yet again. Haiz......hopeless player and manager.

No lah bro, Park was the villian this time.
After Anderson was replaced by Valencia, Park was supposed to pick up Ramsey, but he didn't.
Even Fergie said so. What he didn't say was that it was his fault for making the substitution and not getting the message across.

 

[Gallego99]

No lah bro, Park was the villian this time.
After Anderson was replaced by Valencia, Park was supposed to pick up Ramsey, but he didn't.
Even Fergie said so. What he didn't say was that it was his fault for making the substitution and not getting the message across.

Carrick saw the danger. Ramsey was calling for the ball and you could see that Carrick hesitated before lunging at Ramsey's feet. It was a bit too late. Park was certainly just as guilty as he stopped chasing thinking that his colleagues have the opponents covered.

What irks me is not the loss itself but the incessant chatter by that farking Ferguson and the players(Carrick as usual) instead of concentrating on the immediate task at hand. All this rubbish talk about top form (my foot!!) and that they can win the EPL in the next seven days or so.

 

[jw5]

Carrick saw the danger. Ramsey was calling for the ball and you could see that Carrick hesitated before lunging at Ramsey's feet. It was a bit too late. Park was certainly just as guilty as he stopped chasing thinking that his colleagues have the opponents covered.

What irks me is not the loss itself but the incessant chatter by that farking Ferguson and the players(Carrick as usual) instead of concentrating on the immediate task at hand. All this rubbish talk about top form (my foot!!) and that they can win the EPL in the next seven days or so.

To be fair to Carrick, he has been in good form and an almost ever present recently, mainly because of Fletcher's illness, Scholes's suspension and his inability to keep up in fast paced games, Gibson's ineptness and Anderson's inconsistency.

Agree they should talk less, but sometimes it's because they are being interviewed by the media, including mutv, for which they try to provide more info and not just go through the motions.

They have to be very careful against Schalke and Chelsea, otherwise they could end up with nothing within 5 days.

 

[jw5]

In the summer, I think Man Utd will let the following players leave:

VDS (retirement), Brown, Scholes (retirement), Gibson, Hargreaves (retirement). Berbatov.

Bring back Welbeck, Cleverly and Macheda from loan.

Buy a new goalie (probably De Gea from Atletico Madrid) and a top midfielder (probably Snejlder from Inter).

Goalies I prefer Neuer, Lloris, Stekelenburg in that order ahead of De Gea.

 

[Gallego99]

To be fair to Carrick, he has been in good form and an almost ever present recently, mainly because of Fletcher's illness, Scholes's suspension and his inability to keep up in fast paced games, Gibson's ineptness and Anderson's inconsistency.

Agree they should talk less, but sometimes it's because they are being interviewed by the media, including mutv, for which they try to provide more info and not just go through the motions.

They have to be very careful against Schalke and Chelsea, otherwise they could end up with nothing within 5 days.

The only valid reason why Carrick still plays is becos of the long term injury to Owen Hargreaves. They dun have anyone else except Scholes and you know the form he is currently in-DREADFUL!

Ferguson has turned down interviews before including MUTV and it was only recently Man Yoo players were given gag orders after a heated and controversial match against none other than Chelsea (EPL). Simply put, they ought to talk less and get the job done on the field and this should start with the manager. This farker really thinks he has EPL title in the bag. If we lose to Chelsea this weekend, I am sure they will lose the title as well. Blackburn is not the easiest of teams to beat at their home ground.

Bro, I agree on the possibilty of ending up with no trophy in 5 days if the players and manager dun get kicked in the arse.

 

[Gallego99]

In the summer, I think Man Utd will let the following players leave:

VDS (retirement), Brown, Scholes (retirement), Gibson, Hargreaves (retirement). Berbatov.

.......................

That's what I heard too and Berba is finally on his way out. He may flush out players like Bebe, Obertan and De laet.With the exception of Giggs, Roon, Fletcher, Park, Valencia, the defenders and the young players, the rest of the players are also up for sale if the the right price comes along.
We badly need a thinking and creative midfielder and I thot Kaka would fit that role. For goalies I'm not sure if De Gea is the man but I would be more tempted to give the other two keepers that we have a crack at first choice. We still have the January transfer window if both fail to deliver.

 

[Gallego99]

AN WRIGHT - Columnist


ALEX FERGUSON is on the verge of leading Manchester United to a brilliant domestic and European double.
Fergie will celebrate 25 years in charge at Old Trafford in November.

And it would be some effort if this legend of a manager is holding both the Premier League and Champions League crowns when he reaches that amazing landmark.

But I believe United could end the season with absolutely nothing.

That their season could end in tears.

They find themselves in a terrific position against Schalke for tomorrow's Champions League semi-final, second leg.

They are 2-0 up after the clash in Germany and I'm certain they will reach the final. United are also three points clear of their nearest challengers in the League which ordinarily, with just three games to go, would be an incredibly strong position.

But at the moment, I actually make Chelsea slight favourites to snatch the title. Amazing, when you think 15 points separated the two clubs on March 1.

I tipped Chelsea at the start of the season but thought I'd got it totally wrong when United hit cruise control and seemed to be moving clear.

But as we saw at the Emirates on Sunday, United are still unconvincing on the road and this is proved by the fact they have won just five times away from home.

Their record at Old Trafford is strong but on Sunday they face a Chelsea team who have won on two of their previous three visits, so it is going to be some match.

People talk about Carlo Ancelotti's ageing squad but I believe the experience of the group is giving them an edge at this crucial part of the season. They have been here before.

Ancelotti and his troops are also getting a bit of luck at this stage of the season, as we saw against Spurs on Saturday.

But Chelsea still have players who can cause real damage when they are on their A game.

That is why I think they will beat United on Sunday and, against all the odds, the west Londoners could edge the title.


It has been such an inconsistent season from all the big teams and it's almost seemed like no one wanted to win the title.

Obviously if you finish top, then you are the best team in that division. But there has not been an outstanding side. United have kept slipping up, there was the Chelsea blip and Arsenal have drawn too many games.

I certainly do not think we will see another campaign when the top sides make so many mistakes.

While there is not an absolutely amazing team in the Premier League, you have to remember that winning the championship is no mean feat. It is still a top achievement.

It would be remarkable for Fergie to guide the club to their record 19th championship, even though he has put together teams which have been more spectacular.

Equally, it would be some occasion to see United win Europe's top honour at Wembley.

But while they will clearly breeze past their German opposition in the last four, Barcelona are the likely opponents in the final.

Right now, I think United would struggle against the Spaniards.

United were disappointing at Arsenal and there is no doubt that my former team deserved to win.

It was a bit frustrating seeing the side put in a performance like that because I looked back at some of their slip-ups at home against Sunderland, Blackburn, Newcastle and West Brom, and asked myself why they could not win those matches.

I am sure Arsene Wenger will finally spend some money in the summer, although the same applies to Chelsea, Manchester City and United.

Players like Ashley Young and Gareth Bale will be in great demand and I'm sure records will be broken for the amount of cash being thrown about.

Because, at the moment, the chasing pack - including teams like City, Spurs and Liverpool - are not that far away.

And we should all be thankful that English football's top-flight is certainly not predictable.

Source: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepag...-Alex-Ferguson-could-end-up-empty-handed.html

 

[Dodomeki]

Premier League preview: Manchester United v Chelsea

6 May 2011

Manchester United host Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday in what amounts to a playoff for the English Premier League title.

United top the table by three points from second-placed Chelsea, with the same goal difference as the defending champions.

A draw will preserve their advantage going into the final two matches of the season, while a win will see Sir Alex Ferguson's team take a six-point lead and virtually wrap up the title.

But if Chelsea can produce a repeat of their victory at Old Trafford late last season, Carlo Ancelotti's side will draw level with United on points and go top on goal difference.

It would be a remarkable comeback for a team who found themselves 12 points off the pace earlier in the season after their worst run in more than 10 years of top-flight football.

United are expected to field a much-changed line-up from the 11 who defeated Schalke 4-1 in the Champions League semi-final second leg on Wednesday.

Key men Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are likely to return to the centre of defence with midfielders Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs also expected to come back in.

Fullback Patrice Evra picked up a knock after coming off the bench in midweek, while striker Wayne Rooney did not train before the Schalke match because of a tight hamstring.

But Ferguson has confirmed that both will be fit to start against Chelsea.

"Patrice got a kick," Ferguson told MUTV.

"I was ready to substitute him but he said he was OK. Wayne will be all right. I wasn't prepared to take a risk."

While wingers Antonio Valencia and Nani both started against Schalke, it is likely only one will be retained to provide a creative outlet in Sunday's match.

Goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is almost certain to retain his place.

Chelsea have enjoyed a week off since beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 at home on Saturday.

Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres started the match at Stamford Bridge.

But Ancelotti may be forced to sacrifice one of the centre-forwards if he is to shore-up a midfield that was outfought in the Champions League quarter-final defeat at Old Trafford on April 12.

Remarkably for this late stage of the season, both sides are largely free of injury concerns.

Chelsea have a full squad of players to choose from, with only long-term absentee Owen Hargreaves sidelined for United.

 

[Dodomeki]

Ancelotti: United match ´like a final´

6 May 2011

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti insists Manchester United are still favourites to win the English Premier League.

But he believes his in-form team can still cause an upset in the title six-pointer at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Chelsea can go top of the table on goal difference if they beat United this weekend having been 15 points behind at one stage.

"For the title obviously they are favourites because they have three points more," he said. "If we win nothing is decided, if they win the title is decided."

"But for us it's fantastic to think that we can fight for the title because nobody thought two months ago we were able to do this. We have done really well in two months and we are excited for this and very happy."

"We are honest to say Manchester has an advantage but we want to do our best to try to win the game on Sunday. It is 90 minutes and who does better has to win. And our team is in good form."

Chelsea head into the match without the injured Jose Bosingwa, while Yuri Zhirkov will need a late fitness test. But having won four Premier League games in a row since being knocked out of the Champions League by United, they are full of confidence.

"This game is a fantastic opportunity and every player is very excited and also happy because the season is not gone - even though a lot of people spoke about it during the season. This team is still alive and this means these players have a very good character, very good personality and are very professional," Ancelotti said.

"After the defeat against Man United in the Champions League it was not easy to move on and the reaction was fantastic. Nobody said we could come back to fight for the title because 15 points was too much to close the title."

"So this match is like a final for us. We wanted to play the Champions League final but we have to be happy to play this final instead."

"We can't compare but it's a very important game for us and we have to prepare this game like a final. You have to stay relaxed, there is a lot of pressure around you but you have to have the skills to stay relaxed, keep control of your emotions and don't worry too much because that can drain energy and you need all your energy to win the game."

Ancelotti, who controversially played Fernando Torres ahead of Didier Drogba when the teams met in the Champions League and had to take him off at half-time with his side 2-0 down, refused to reveal who will play this time. But he insists it would not be a risk to choose Torres again.

"It's not a gamble. Torres is a fantastic striker," he said.

"I don't know who will play, I haven't decided the line-up yet."

"The line-up will be important but it's not the shape that can decide the game, this game will be decided through the courage and personality of the players. The shape 4-4-2 or -4-3-3 is not so important and it's the same for Man United."

"It's not easy to choose the right players because for a lot of reasons a lot of players deserve to play. I will check them in training and check their condition and I will choose the players tactically also."

"The good thing is usually I change the strikers during the game and the substitutes were really good. Sometimes Didier comes in from the bench and scores and also Kalou did really well to and Torres scored against West Ham."

"I want my players to understand it's not so important to start the game, it's important to be involved and do your best. A lot of times we won a game from the players who come on from the bench."

"To win this game we don't need only 11 players, we need all of the players involved and motivated. I hope we can do this."

 

[Dodomeki]

Premier League: Manchester United 2 Chelsea 1
9 May 2011

A goal within the first minute from Javier Hernandez gave Manchester United a 2-1 win over Chelsea to all but seal the Premier League title.

The Mexican striker gave his side an incredible start, scoring the opening goal after just 36 seconds, and Chelsea never truly recovered with Nemanja Vidic making it 2-0 after 23 minutes.

Frank Lampard did set up a nervy finale with a 68th minute effort, but the result means United can clinch a record 19th league title if they at least draw at Blackburn Rovers next Saturday.

Sir Alex Ferguson pumped his fists and bowed to the crowd at the final whistle and his side could not have made a more exciting or impressive start to their most important match of the season.

In fact they took the lead after only 36 seconds, one of the fastest-ever goals seen at Old Trafford.

It was Hernandez who scored it, racing onto a superb straight through-ball from Park Ji-Sung and taking advantage of a slip by David Luiz to calmly side-foot home.

The noise inside Old Trafford was incredible and the home crowd soon had more to cheer when a short-corner routine saw Giggs beat his man on the left and dink over a cross for Nemanja Vidic to head home a second goal in the 23rd minute.

In a riveting match both teams had plenty of other chances too in a pulsating first half that saw both goalkeepers in top form.

Van der Sar saved a follow-up shot from Salomon Kalou after Florent Malouda’s cross caused havoc in the United defence and then the Dutchman also produced a stunning one-handed save from a Kalou header just seconds after the home team had made it 2-0.

But Petr Cech was also busy. He denied Rooney a stunning goal when he dived full stretch to save a 30-yard pile driver and produced an equally impressive stop deny Park’s fierce drive from the left.

The second half proved more even and although United had chances their opponents, who brought on Ramires and Alex at half-time for Luiz and Mikel, never gave up.

And having survived a penalty scare when Lampard appeared to handle a Valencia cross, the Blues made it 2-1 with just over 20 minutes to go.

It was Ramires who crossed from the left, Ivanovic who headed down and Lampard who applied the finishing touch with Vidic playing him onside.

United almost wrapped up things a minute later, but Alex produced an incredible goal-line block just when it seemed Rooney was set to score.

That set the stage for a frantic finale in which Rooney and Hernandez had half a dozen chances to make the game safe before the final whistle eventually blew and the roof came off Old Trafford.