In today’s game versus Chelsea, United star winger Cristiano Ronaldo was not in the starting lineup. United, who could afford to lose today’s game, decided to rest Cristiano Ronaldo for Next week’s game against Barcelona in the Champions League second leg.
Chelsea’s gunner Frank Lampard was not available for this game due to the death of his mother Pat earlier this week.
The game started at a very fast pace. Chelsea had first chance to strike after a United defender misplayed the ball in the box. United goalkeeper Van Der Sar reached the ball to prevent an early goal.
United defender Nemanja Vidic was carried off of the field bleeding at the 10 minute mark, after being accidentally kneed in the face by Chelsea striker Didier Drogba. Vidic, who earlier this week had been in the hospital due to a stomach virus, was again wheeled off to the hospital. Owen Hargreaves was his replacement.
At the 45 minute mark, Michael Ballack headed a cross from Drogba into the net, putting Chelsea who had controlled most of the first half, in the lead.
The second half began again at a fast pace, with Manchester United stepping up their game.
Rooney who appeared to be injured early in the second half, scored one for the Red Devils at the 55 minute mark, after a Ricardo Carvalho give away.
Cristiano Ronaldo came into the game at the 63 minute mark, replacing the injured Rooney.
At the 70 minute mark, a little bit of controversy erupted on the pitch after Didier Drogba and teammate Michael Ballack argued on the field about who was going to take the free kick that had been awarded to Chelsea, just outside the United box. The argument between the two teammates continued for the next several minutes.
Chelsea made their second substitution at the 80 minute mark by replacing Kalao with Shevchenko. This substitution would later prove to be a potential season saver for Chelsea when Shevchenko stopped the ball from entering the net 10 minutes later.
At the 83 minute mark, linesman awards Chelsea with a penalty kick after Carrick appeared to handle the ball in the box. Michael Ballack struck for the second time in the game, and put Chelsea in front once again.
The game, which was filled with action, controversy and plenty of yellow cards, ended 2-1 for the men in blue. The two teams now stand atop the league with 81 points each. United with the upper hand on goal differential.
Had Cristiano Ronaldo been in the game earlier it may have been a different outcome, but all that is water under the bridge as we look ahead to next match with Barcelona.
Below is a video of some of the Game:
Hey, thanks so much for summarizing the game.