07/08/2011 16:15, Report by Nick Coppack at Wembley
City 2 United 3
New players, same old spirit. Sir Alex Ferguson handed four players competitive debuts at Wembley in the Reds' injury-time Community Shield victory on Sunday, but despite the fresh faces United displayed the same never-say-die attitude that has become the hallmark of the manager's modern teams.In the space of six second-half minutes, goals from Chris Smalling and Nani turned around a two-goal deficit and seized back the momentum Manchester City had stolen at the end of the first period. Then, with the match in the fourth minute of injury time and seemingly poised for penalties, Nani charged down a Vincent Kompany clearance on the halfway line, sprinted clear, rounded Joe Hart in the City goal and slid the ball home to clinch the season's first piece of silverware.
Many had written United off by half-time after goals from Joleon Lescott and Edin Dzeko – albeit against the run of play – had given the Blues what looked to be an unassailable lead. But changes at the break, including the introduction of debutants Phil Jones and Tom Cleverley, prompted a United fightback that epitomised the strength of character Sir Alex so often speaks of.
For me the best players were Nani and Anderson but really everyone did quite well. Tom Cleverley was excellent when he came on, he thwarted citys' counter-attacks and managed an assist in one of the sexiest goals I've ever seen.
Check out this gif, credit to the author whoever they are!
So are we still desperate for another midfield genius to be signed? Or have we just seen one in the making?
Check out this gif, credit to the author whoever they are!
So are we still desperate for another midfield genius to be signed? Or have we just seen one in the making?
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