Manchester United left it late but two late goals ensures they take a five point lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League
Date: 2nd April 2012
Venue: Ewood Park
Attendance: 26,532
Referee: Howard Webb
Score: Blackburn Rovers 0-2 Manchester United
Scorers: Valencia 81’ Young 86’
Yellow Cards: Hanley; Valencia
Red Cards: None
Starting XIs
Blackburn Rovers: Robinson; Martin Olsson, Hanley, Dann, Lowe; Orr, N’Zonzi, Pedersen, Marcus Olsson, Hoilett; Yakubu
Subs: Bunn, Dunn, Modeste, Formica, Petrovic, Rochina, Henley
Manchester United: De Gea; Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra; Jones (Giggs), Carrick, Scholes (Young); Valencia, Rooney, Hernandez (Welbeck)
Subs: Amos, Giggs, Smalling, Park, Young, Welbeck, Pogba
The away side started the game much brighter, pushing down the right flank throughout, the first clear-cut chance of the game fell the way of Hernandez when Valencia fired in a cross and Paul Robinson made a smart save to prevent an early lead. As the first half went on, Blackburn grew in confidence and began to put pressure on the United back four. A quick succession of chances at the end of the half forced some fantastic saves out of David De Gea and the home side were unlucky to not take a lead into half time.
Manchester United were quickest out of the blocks again in the second half, and they had Blackburn penned back into their own half throughout, the turning point in the game was when Ryan Giggs was introduced in the 63rd minute, he seemed to be the bit of quality that was lacking in the first hour. The breakthrough finally came in the 81st minute when Valencia lashed one across goal which somehow found its way into Paul Robinsons net. Shortly after, United made it two after they strung together 34 passes and finally working it to Ashley Young who placed an exquisite finish into the bottom corner of the goal.
Man of the Match
Antonio Valencia: The Ecuadorian terrorised Olsson at left-back all night and more than deserved his goal, he is going to have to continue this form if United are to make it title number 20
It was a very professional job by Manchester United tonight, they kept pressing and eventually got their reward, this victory puts the pressure right back on their neighbours Man City
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