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.
No comments:
Post a Comment