Fletcher Too Classy For Everton

Darren Fletcher conjures up a moment worthy of Zinedine Zidane in yesterday`s match against Everton.

As soon as Darren Fletcher’s graceful half-volley hit the back of the net, the memories flooded back of Zinedine Zidane at his majestic best.

Fletcher`s moment of genius in the 35th minute broke Everton’s resolve and put Manchester United on the path to a comfortable 3-0 victory.

Fletcher is now really steadily carving his name in to the Old Trafford hall of fame.

Few could have expected the ball to find the top corner after Antonio Valencia’s accurate header back, but Fletcher’s measured sweep from the edge of the box saw it sail in.

The transformation from pariah to messiah has been remarkable. Whistled from the stands in campaigns past, the crowd now adore his every move.

His shot resembled the French maestro at his finest, but the overall performance was cast in the image of Roy Keane as he snapped into every tackle. Everton never stood a chance as the Scotland captain led by example.

Second-half strikes from Michael Carrick and Antonio Valencia completed what manager Alex Ferguson described as a ''controlled performance''.

Each standout player on the pitch was a United player, and a midfield consigned to the scrap heap in the early months of the season stood up to be counted.

Manchester United Unhappy About Loss

If you`d asked me before the match what result it would be I`d say Manchester United would lose either 1-0 or 2-0, such are the injury problems with the Old Trafford side. After watching the match, though, I reckon the Red Devils are unfortunate not to have got at least a point.

It was the free-kick that shouldn`t have been that got Chelsea`s winner. Frank Lampard's free-kick, Terry's header, and Chelsea take the lead.  Fletcher actually won the ball pretty cleanly, so where did the free-kick come from?

No wonder Fergie was fuming, and Wayne Rooney too. Rooney in fact has been warned by the FA for his `12th man` comment at the end of the match. An obvious reference to referee Martin Atkinson.

Man Utd 3 - 3 CSKA Moscow

Manchester United staged a late rally at Old Trafford to claim a place in the last 16 of the Champions League after CSKA Moscow got close to end their 22-game unbeaten home record in the competition.

Manchester United looked like they would have to wait to seal their place in the knockout phase when they trailed 3-1 with only six minutes remaining.

Wayne Rooney warmed up, much to Old Trafford's delight, but before he entered the action United were denied a clear penalty when Fletcher was felled by Aleksei Berezutski.

Scholes headed home Gary Neville's free-kick with six minutes left, and Valencia capped a trademark grandstand finish when his shot from the edge of the area was deflected off Georgy Shchennikov past Akinfeev.

Manchester United 2 Blackburn 0

Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney lead United to victory in the late kick-off at Old Trafford.

United are second just behind Chelsea.


Liverpool`s hopes took a turn for the worse as they lost at Craven Cottage  3-1 to Fulham.