Cristiano Ronaldo Scores in Manchester United Win Against Birmingham City
Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo is finally on the scoresheet, scoring his first goal of the 2007-08 English Premier League season at Saint AndrewsGround against hosts Birmingham City.
It was a game with a lot of swings, and the nerves of Manchester United were really put to the test ever since they were knocked out of the 2007-08 Carling Cup tournament by Coventry City last week. Of course, while Manchester United were under heavy criticism, the 11 players of the ManU side who played against Birmingham City were not the same 11 who played against Coventry City. On the match against Coventry City, the Manchester United Red Devils opted for their younger reserves.
Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson commented, “I thought the first half Birmingham were the better team, full credit to them. It was the hardest game we have had so far this season. They made it very difficult for us.”
Indeed, it was Birmingham City who were dominant on the first half with several good chances made by the likes of Birmingham’s Olivier Kapo and Gary McSheffrey. Gary McSheffrey glanced a header toward the ManU goal, but Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was able to clear it just at the goalline.
Birmingham City’s Cameron Jerome had a blast from 20 meters out to trouble Manchester United keeper Edwin Van Der Sar as did Franck Queudrue’s header which had to draw a fast reaction from Edwin Van Der Sar.
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney had a chance to put The Red Devils up, but Birmingham keeper Maik Taylor was able to block Rooney’s attempt. Taylor was also able to save a narrow-angled blast from ManU midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo.
Things got even more nerve-racking for Manchester United as keeper Edwin Van Der Sar couldn’t make it back to his post in the second half due to an ankle injury, and he was replaced by susbitute keeper Tomasz Kuszcak.
Birmingham City wasted no time in testing the substitute keeper, but Kuszcak was up to the task in dealing with the attempts of Gary McSheffrey and Birmingham substitute Garry O’ Connor.
Eventually, a mistake in the Birmingham defense allowed ManU’s Cristiano Ronaldo to pick up the ball, following a long clearance by team mate Rio Ferdinand. Ronaldo dribbled past the defenders and went around the charging Brimingham keeper Maik Taylor to give him enough space to side-foot the ball into the empty net.
Birmingham City’s coach Steve Bruce commented, “An individual mistake, a bad mistake cost us the game. A draw would have been a great result for us.”
The mistake, of course, led to Cristiano Ronaldo’s first goal for Manchetser United in the 2007-08 season of the English Premier League. Ronaldo’s goal is a fitting reward for his milestone 100th career league start.
Manchester United’s win against Birmingham City give them athe full 3 points of the match to improve their standing to 17 points, just 2 points behind Premiership leaders Arsenal.
Manchester United hope to improve their English Premier League record when they host Wigan Athletic at Old Trafford next Sunday, October 6.
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