Manchester United fans have seen their fair share of Premiership deciding final day dramas over the years: this was not one of them. By the time midfielder Darren Fletcher gave United the lead on the half hour of a must win game against Stoke City at Old Trafford, table topping Chelsea were already 1-0 up against ten man Wigan and the three points they needed to clinch the title were for all intents and purposes already in the bag.
Here’s a fundamental question for which an instant answer will be given by every Manchester United fan. Who is the longest serving player at Old Trafford? The answer is Ryan Giggs of course who joined the club on July 9, 1990 and was followed a year later by Paul Scholes and Gary Neville. Who comes after that legendary trio may not be answered quite as quickly however, so when the name of Wes Brown is mentioned it’s not surprising that most would simply say ‘Oh yes, of course’.
Sunderland 0 vs Manchester United 1 (Nani)
If ever a single game reflected an entire season, this 1-0 defeat of a feisty Sunderland by Manchester United at the Stadium of Light must go mighty close to it. They enjoyed a confident enough start in which Nani put his side ahead just before the half hour with a sharp finish at the end of a fluid move involving no lass than six one touch passes. That confidence slowly disappeared during a nervous second half in which a stretched defence had to work hard to protect that slender lead.
Manchester United had a new Portuguese star to acclaim as Nani emerged the late match winner against Tottenham Hotspur with a moment of brilliance to send the Red Devils top of the Barclays Premier League. Filling Cristiano Ronaldo’s boots was always going to be a tall order and Nani may never quite get there but even Ronaldo would have applauded the nerveless chip that broke Tottenham hearts 10 minutes from time after he had raced onto Federico Macheda’s lay-off.
Manchester City 0 vs Manchester United 1 (Scholes)
A Paul Scholes header in the third minute of stoppage time handed Manchester United a precious 1-0 victory over fierce rivals Manchester City at Eastlands. The veteran midfielder marked the signing of his one year contract extension with the 149th goal of his glittering United career to keep the title race well and truly alive.
Blackburn Rovers 0 vs Manchester United 0
A lackluster performance by Manchester United leaves the champions with a mountain to climb in their attempt to retain the title after a dogged Blackburn Rovers refused to crack in their 0-0 draw at Ewood Park. The result cost United two valuable points which leaves Chelsea sitting on top of the table and gives Arsenal the chance to grab second position.
