Man Utd 3 - 2 Reading (30/12/06)

When Alex Ferguson celebrates his 65th birthday, of all the gifts he'll receive, he'll probably be most grateful for Ronaldo's presence. In the hectic Christmas schedule 6 goals in 3 games has helped United to all 9 points and to open a 6 point gap on Chelsea. After the vilification in the press in the Summer and the rumours of wanting to move to Madrid, many feared that Ronaldo would struggle this season. Like Beckham in 1998, Ronaldo has thrived on the negative attention and, if he can maintain this form for the rest of the season, will be up there when the awards are handed out. While last season he seemed to be in Rooney's shadow, it is now the other way round. It will worrying for Chelsea if Rooney does find last season's form alongside Ronaldo.

As with the game against Wigan, players were rested and Ferguson gambled with his team selection. Vidic and Scholes were suspended, Neville injured and Evra, Saha and Giggs left out. The inclusion of O'Shea and Silvestre would have concerned many fans but, like the last game, their fears were mostly unfounded.

Solskjaer opened the scoring for United, heading in from 6 yards out. Ronaldo was the supplier, using his trickery to create space for the cross. Many teams would have faltered after conceding at Old Trafford but Reading showed why they currently lie 9th and were level after 6 minutes. Sonko headed in Shorey's freekick, United again vulnerable at a set piece and van der Sar left stranded.

Giggs came on for the second half and United attacked from the start. Chances were created with Solskjaer, Giggs and Rooney going close and it was only a matter of time before United regained their lead. After an hour Solskjaer was played in by Rooney and as his shot came off the post Ronaldo was there to knock in the rebound.

Substitute Sodje was sent off after only 9 minutes on the pitch, his second booking questionable and United took full advantage. Giggs's pinpoint cross finding Ronaldo at the far post, making it easy for him to sidefoot the ball into the net. Silvestre tried his best to ruin the party, his mistake allowing Lita to score and create a nervous end to the game.

After the final whistle blew a second cheer went up as the Chelsea score was announced. While no one wins the league in December, United have thus far proven their critics wrong and are perfectly set for the New Year. All in all it will be a happy birthday for Ferguson.

Man Utd 3 - 1 Wigan (26/12/06)

Aston Villa 0 - 3 Man Utd (23/12/06)

West Ham 1 - 0 Man Utd (17/12/06)

Man Utd 3 - 1 Man City (09/12/06)

While the game featured 4 goals, including United's 50th of the season, it is more likely to be remembered for defensive mistakes than attacking flair. After only 5 minutes Distin comically air-kicked to allow Rooney to run onto Ronaldo's cross from the right and score without breaking stride. United were again dominant and outclassed City for the first half but it was only Heinze's persistance and Dunn's slip that allowed Saha to extend the lead just before half-time, his toe-poke hitting Weaver and looping over into the goal.

It was a typical United performance with their dominance not made to count and chances wasted. Isaksson, on for the injured Weaver, made several crucial saves, managing to somehow deny Rooney from point blank range. City didn't give up and when Trabelsi curled the ball in with his left foot from the edge of the box, it looked like United would rue their wastefulness and have a nervous 20 minutes ahead of them. Ronaldo spared the fans and killed the game with little over 5 minutes left, Rooney providing the pass for him to fire home.

United can take satisfaction in taking maximum points and qualifying for the next round of the Champions League since the draw with Chelsea. Although Chelsea have 3 games in which to make up the defecit before United face West Ham on Sunday, the pressure is now on them. The United players have been given 3 days off and should be the fresher of the two teams leading into the congested Christmas fixtures after which, Larsson and possible new signings await.

Man Utd 3 - 1 Benfica (06/12/06)

United like to do it the hard way. Not content with leaving what should have been easy progress from the group stages to the last game, despite winning their first 3 games, they had to test the nerve and patience of their fans by going a goal down.

It's not often that you'll hear a manger thanking the opposition for scoring but Nelson's wonder strike from 30 yards managed to shake United out of their stupour. Not that they had played that badly up to that point but the lack of tempo, urgency and willingness to allow Benfica time on the ball left them looking vulnerable and lacking bite.

With the prospect of failing to reach the knock out stages for a second year, again at the hands of Benfica, United came to life and bombard Benfica with wave after wave of attack. On the stroke of half-time they were level. Vidic charged through the Benfica defence to head Giggs' free-kick past Quim and celebrated by pretending to fire a bazooka. United left the pitch buoyant, Benfica shell-shocked.

After going behind in the first-half, United knew that playing for a draw was always going to be a risky stategy, continuing to lay seige after the interval. It wasn't long before Giggs gave United the lead, heading home Ronaldo's laser guided cross. Saha completed a hat trick of headed goals, this time substitute Fletcher providing the ammunition. Even with this lead, United continued to attack looking for a fourth.

With Celtic losing in Denmark, United finished top of their group, although with the potential opponents awaiting them, this may not be such a huge advantage. That won't matter until February and United have to concentrate on more pressing matters. City are next up and a win will see them lead the Premiership by 9 points.

Middlesbrough 1 - 2 Man Utd (02/12/06)

Ferguson may have questioned Southgate's right to manage in the Premiership but his Middlesbrough side offered questions of their own and United were fortunate to safely navigate this potential banana skin. At times this match resembled the Celtic game with United largely dominant but unable to finish the chances that they created. Such was their movement that at one point referee, Foy, was wrong footed and couldn't help but obstruct Fletcher as another disguised pass was played as the United players charged forward.

Giggs and Saha had chances to open the scoring but Huth blocked Saha's header and Giggs somehow managed to head wide Schwarzer's parry from Ronaldo's fierce strike. Regardless, United were ahead before 20 minutes had been played. Ronaldo surged into the box and Schwarzer slid in. While able to avoid Schwarzer's challenge, Ronaldo stumbled and fell, Foy pointing to the penalty spot. It was a soft penalty, reflected by the decision not to book the goalkeeper. Saha stepped up and converted the penalty, striking the ball low and to the left, just beyond Schwarzer's reach.

After a short spell where United were camped in the opposition half, Middlesbrough fought their way back into the game and Xavier powered a header onto the upright from Downing's freekick. It was their best chance of the half and were lucky to be only one down at half-time after Rooney somehow fired wide, connecting with Ronaldo's cross at full stretch.

Middlesbrough showed their intent to attack in the second half, replacing Woodgate with midfielder Morrison. Their tactical change and hard work paid off 20 minutes later as Heinze's attempted headed clearance from Downing's cross fell to Morrison, who volleyed in low across Van der Sar into the corner of the net. United's response was instant. Another marauding Ronaldo run found him on the touchline with time to pick out Giggs on the left of the box who crossed for the advancing Fletcher to head in from 6 yards.

It was a nervy finish with United unable to add to their lead and Middlesbrough refusing to give in. Ronaldo was United's outstanding player, always a threat and denied twice by Schwarzer's fingertips. His man of the match performance marred by a shocking dive in the first half, reminiscent of Pires against Portsmouth.

United will be grateful to extend their lead at the top of the table to 6 points and put another tough fixture behind them. Saha hit his 10th of the season and Fletcher bettered last season with his second of the campaign. Benfica visit Old Trafford next and by avoiding defeat United will advance to the next round of the Champion's League.

Man Utd 3 - 0 Everton (29/11/06)

While a lot of importance was placed on the Chelsea game on Sunday, it's fixtures like Everton and the upcoming Middlesbrough and City which will have more bearing on United's title chances this season. All 3 teams took points off United last season and a win against the Toffees was essential to keep United top by 3 points.

Ferguson toyed with the supporters patience and nerves, making 5 changes to the team that drew with Chelsea. Seeing O'Shea and Silvestre in the starting XI has not boded well so far this season. With leading scorer Saha rested after taking a knock on Sunday, Rooney was joined by Ronaldo in attack.

Everton battled well and it looked like United were going to be frustrated again, the changes unbalancing the team. Fortunately Ronaldo managed to break the deadlock shortly before half-time, firing in Carrick's deflected shot from outside the penalty area. Once they'd taken the lead, the result was never in doubt. Beattie up front for Everton offered very little and was poor.

In the second half Evra scored his first goal for United and killed the game off with less than 30 minutes to go. This allowed Ferguson to make further changes and left United with a central midfield of O'Shea and Brown, highlighting the current lack of depth in the squad. Despite this, United managed a third goal just before full-time, O'Shea flicking the ball over Wright from Evra's pass.

The score line flattered United who weren't at their best or full strength but it gave them 3 points and allowed Giggs, Scholes and Saha to be rested, ready for the visit to Middlesbrough on Saturday. The next 3 games are crucial with Middlesbrough and City in the league and Benfica in Europe. Champions League qualification and the chance to go 9 points clear of Chelsea are at stake here.

The Ruudometer reaches an important milestone. The 'missing Ruud' column hitting 10 goals thanks to Evra scoring. Despite his poor performances, O'Shea has equalled last season's tally and Ronaldo is nearly halfway to his target. Fifteen different scorers so far and with Larsson to arrive in January, there's a good chance that there'll be another name to add to the list.

Man Utd 1 - 1 Chelsea (26/11/06)

In the words of Svennis, 'First half good. Second half not so good.'

United were the better side in the first half, playing good attacking football and Saha showed no signs of his penalty miss on Wednesday damaging his confidence. Taking Rooney's pass he managed to evade the attentions of the Chelsea defenders to curl the ball into the goal, catching Cudicini by surprise at the near post.

Chelsea made changes at half-time, showing how strong a side they are and the quality of players available to them on the bench. United were hemmed back for much of the half and, although they had several opportunities to increase the lead on the counter, an equaliser was inevitable. Carvalho met Lampard's corner and headed powerfully, Saha only managing to head the ball off the underside of the crossbar and in, preventing Van der Sar from intervening.

The result still keeps United 3 points clear at the top of the table but Ronaldo and Saha are doubts for the next match. The first team has shown that they are a match for any team but beyond the first XI there are still doubts, particularly in attacking options.

Celtic 1 - 0 Man Utd (21/11/06)

Well, it was from a freekick that never should have been but it was a cracking goal. Saha managed to miss a penalty in the closing minutes. Would Ruud have scored?

Sheffield Utd 1 - 2 Man Utd (18/11/06)

"He is the King" was Neil Warnock's post-match remark and no one could disagree. After a temporary loss of form earlier in the season, Rooney was back to his best, not only scoring twice but being involved in nearly all of United's attacks. He even had time to rival Ronaldo's showboating only for the subsequent cross to be skewed over the bar from 6 yards out by the Portugeuse player when scoring looked easier.

Despite Rooney's mercurial form, Sheffield United did not make this an easy victory. Evra gave United old boy Gillespie the freedom of the penalty area allowing him to head home. Over the last few seasons, United would have struggled to overcome such an early setback but there's a belief in this side. Before the first half was over, Rooney had evened the score, deftly bringing down the ball with his left foot before volleying into the back of the net with his right.

Sheffield United continued to offer strong resistance in the second half before Rooney scored the winner. There were two penalty claims and Ronaldo's glaring miss but 2-1 was a good result against a physical, determined side.

Blackburn 0 - 1 Man Utd (11/11/06)

Another tough game, in appalling conditions against a team that took all 6 points off United in the league last season. For much of the game, it looked like United where going to have a frustrating evening, not helped by referee Riley's poor officiating.

There were moments when United broke fast with some great one touch passing but these were few and far between. When O'Shea took to the field at half-time, replacing Neville at right back, fans must have feared the worst. However, he has a mostly solid half and it was his cross that Giggs managed to divert into the path of a sprawling Saha to convert, taking him past the half-way mark of last year's total.

Still, having scored more goals than last season, 3 points clear at the top of the table and getting points off one of their bogey teams, things are still looking good. Chelsea's visit at the end of the month is still the fixture that United's title credentials will be judged on.

Southend Utd 1 - 0 Man Utd (07/11/06)

The O'Shea/Silvestre experiment continues with poor results.

Man Utd 3 - 0 Portsmouth (04/11/06)

With the team restored to full strength after the tampering in Denmark, United carried on where they left off against Bolton last weekend, totally outplaying high placed opposition and killing off the game in the opening exchanges. While Ferguson refused to have a presentation before the game to mark his 20 years at the club, his team paid tribute on the pitch.

With less than 2 minutes played, Portsmouth found themselves trailing to a Saha penalty after Rooney was fouled in the box. Ronaldo's stunning freekick doubled United's lead and Pompey left the pitch grateful that the lead wasn't even greater given the nature and style of United's play.

A chance to reduce the deficit was wasted before Vidic scored a third and his second of the season. Even then United continued chasing for a fourth when in the past they would have sat on the lead, the type of marauding football that typifies a Ferguson side. Even the introduction of O'Shea couldn't spoil the party.

Another goal for the 'missing Ruud' column, 35 goals in all competitions and a team playing their best football for years. Suddenly talk of Sir Alex retiring seems a little premature.

FC Copenhagen 1 - 0 Man Utd (01/11/06)

The biggest disappointment was not the loss but the number of unforced changes to the team that predictably lead to it. Saha, Giggs and Neville were already out due to injury so with the chance of qualification against the weakest team in the group, you'd still expect a strong team selection.

However, on top of Brown replacing Neville, both Silvestre and Heinze were drafted in, both returning from injury and neither fit or in form as the game against Crewe showed. Ferdinand, the cement in the back four was rested, leaving the normally solid Vidic struggling next to an unfit and often careless Silvestre. This was highlighted in Copenhagen's winner, with mistakes from Heinze and Silvestre leading to the goal.

Fletcher rightly got a start, given his ever improving, strong performances this season. More puzzling was the inclusion of O'Shea over Scholes. Carrick, still learning his role in the United midfield, was hindered by O'Shea, often trying to cover the same areas of the pitch and getting in each others way. O'Shea struggled to find United's players with his passing and even managed to miss an open goal. In a game where little midfield steel was needed, O'Shea's inclusion was unnecessary and stifled any creativity more than the Dane's midfield could.

With all the changes, there was an inevitability about the result and United looked like a team playing for a draw. Also disappointing was seeing Ole limping off with a hamstring injury. He'll be out for a few weeks now.

Bolton 0 - 4 Man Utd (28/10/06)

On paper this looked like it could have been another tough game. Bolton started the day in third, just 2 points behind United and unbeaten at home. They are also capable of taking points from any team on their day and are not to be taken lightly. United, however, made it look easy.

After waiting since the first day of the season for a Rooney goal, three came along at once. He had suffered a brief loss of form but had been improving with every game so it was only a matter of time before he got on the score sheet. Ronaldo also scored, returning to the side after recovering from flu.

This was probably the strongest XI United could field and the way in which they dominated for large spells and won by such a comfortable margin is very encouraging. Still top of the table after 10 games and 23 goals scored in the league. The only down side was Evra being stretchered off after a great start to the season.

Next up FC Copenhagen and a chance to qualify for the next stage of the Champions League.

Crewe 1 - 2 Man Utd (25/10/06)

This proved to be a tricky fixture, with Crewe coming close to causing an upset. United fielded a team of youngsters and senior players and suffered from a combination of inexperience and lack of match fitness. United did take the lead in the first half thanks yet again to Solskjaer, equalling Saha as United's top scorer this season. Crewe came back stronger in the second half and equalising midway through and unlucky not to get a winner. The fixture went to extra time and was minutes away from penalties when substitute Kieran Lee latched onto Smith's through ball to score.

So another 2 goals to add to the 'missing Ruud' column and Southend in the next round.

Man Utd 2 - 0 Liverpool (22/10/06)

This was one of those rare games where I'd have settled for the winning goal being deflected off O'Shea's arse in injury time. The fact that it was a convincing and deserved win is a bonus, especially after Liverpool were being touted as champions elect and United were meant to struggle for fourth this season, if you believed what was written in the press.

Rooney failed to break his duck since returning from his early suspension even though he was tipped as first goal scorer. Scholes playing his 500th game for the club proved to have the fates on his side and got his first league goal in nearly a year. Barring the first 10 minutes, United dominated and it was a great team effort. Fletcher continues to improve in every game this season and is showing the form that is making many re-appraise his abilities. Vidic and Evra, after finally finding match fitness and settling in look solid in defence, with Evra looking dangerous whenever he ventured forward. Carrick is still struggling to fit in but made some important tackles today and with his link up play showed glimpses of his potential. Saha was a constant threat and unlucky not to add at least one to his tally.

After Rio and Neville exchanged angry words during the game, you could bet that Rio would be making the headlines by the time the game had finished. Rather than it being a lapse in concentration giving the opposition the advantage, it was a finely taken goal that any striker would be proud to add to their collection.

Given the supposed quality of the opposition and the fear that their midfied would dictate the game, this was a fantastic result and sets down the marker that the press so eagerly asked for prior to kick-off. 26 goals already scored, and while that doesn't automatically guarantee success, United fans are in no position to complain just yet.

Wednesday sees United take on Crewe in the Carling Cup. An interesting game as Crewe are a quality side and this will be a run out for many fringe and youth players hoping to impress.

Man Utd 3 - 0 FC Copenhagen (17/10/06)

No change in the missing Ruud column but still a triple whammy as Scholes, O'Shea and Richardson add their first goals to the graph. Couldn't really ask for more although Saha was guilty of missing good chances and the Copenhagen keeper was outstanding in keeping the total down. Rooney finally looks like he's finding the form of last year and it's only a matter of time before he adds to his current total. A little bird suggests that a bet on first scorer on Sunday might be prudent.

It seems the press are slowly being convinced that the sale of Ruud may have in fact improved United despite their reservations before the start of the season as this from the Guardian suggests. 17 goals scored in the Premiership compared to 10 at this stage last season and already 4 Champions League goals better than last season's total. Incidentally, Ruud did score for Madrid last night but if you want his totals, make your own blimmin' graph.

Wigan 1 - 3 Man Utd (14/10/06)

What initially looked like being a frustrating day turned into one of celebration. Not only did Saha score yet again to continue his good run of form but Vidic got his first for the club and Ole managed yet another goal. The legend seems determined to single handedly fill that missing Ruud column.

2 more to add to the total, 3 points and still top of the table. This calls for a drink.

Man Utd 2 - 0 Newcastle (01/10/06)

A little disappointing with the goal tally, given that this is normally a high scoring game but you can't be disappointed with Ole getting, not one but, two more goals.

Two more for the 'missing Ruud' column, thank you very much.

Benfica 0 - 1 Man Utd (26/09/06)

Saha scores again to bring his total to 5 this season. Perhaps if he can stay fit we'll see him get 20+ goals.

Reading 1 - 1 Man Utd (23/09/06)

Ronaldo pops up to prove that he might not be a stinking little Judas after all.

Man Utd 0 - 1 Arsenal (17/09/06)

Bollocks.

Man Utd 3 - 2 Celtic (13/09/06)

Saha gets a brace when he could have had 4 or 5. Ole pops up yet again to add another to the Ruud column.

It's all starting to get exciting.

Man Utd 1 - 0 Spurs (09/09/06)

The goals slowing but Giggs adds another after his great start to the season.

Watford 1 - 2 Man Utd (26/08/06)

Not quite as free scoring as the previous two outings but both Giggs and Silvestre score, with Tweety equalling last season's tally. Not completely useless then.

Charlton 0 - 3 Man Utd (23/08/06)

United's good start continues with Saha adding another to his total, Fletcher equalling last season's record and Solskjaer scoring since returning from a long injury after it was feared he may never play again.

An important day as we see the first contribution to the 'missing Ruud?' column.

Ole. Legend.

Man Utd 5 - 1 Fulham (20/08/06)

United get off to a flyer with Rooney (2), Saha and Ronaldo all getting onto the score sheet. After a poor showing of only 3 from Own Goal last season, it was good to see him open his account early.

Ruud who?

The Big Question

Back at the start of the season, the big question that was being asked by Manchester United fans was, after the sale of Ruud van Nistelrooy, with no new striker replacing him, where exactly were the goals going to come from?

In a moment of Dave Gorman inspired madness, I came up with a graph that would show this season's targets, comparing them with last season's performance. Quite simply, each player had to better last season's goal tally and for every goal above this that they scored, they would contribute to the 'missing Ruud' column.

Originally these graphs appeared on the Manchester United forum on the AfterHoursFC message board but due to an administrive error, let's call him Neil, the post has now be confined to the bowels of cyberspace, never to be seen again. So, I thought, why not stick it up on blogspot, where the many fans who have recently been missing their bar charts and graphs can pop in and track United's progress over the coming season. All two of them.

Ladies and gentleman, I present for you, the new and improved Ruudometer.