Manchester United extend lead to 12 points!

Manchester United played Everton at Old Trafford three days before they were to face Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League. The match was an important one for United, having seen City lose to Southampton the previous night. Winning this match would give United an unassailable lead of 12 points with only 12 matches left to play this season. The match was also important keeping in mind squad rotation considering Wednesday night’s clash against Real Madrid. Manchester United emerged victorious with a 2-0 scoreline. Ryan Giggs scored his first goal of this EPL campaign, ensuring his record of scoring in every Barclays Premier League season remained intact. Robin Van Persie was next to find the net to mark his 19th of the season.

Rio Ferdinand was rested by Sir Alex for this one. Michael Carrick was on the bench as well as per a smart tactic played by Sir Alex. Phil Jones filled in for Carrick’s spot, and the former’s role was to curb the threat of Belgium international Fellaini. Fellaini was the cause for United’s misery the last time these two met at Goodison Park, in the opening fixture of United’s campaign. Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney led the attack yet again. United started off the match very positively though Everton soon grew into the game. United could have gone 1-0 up through Van Persie who missed an open goal having dribbled coolly past Tim Howard. United eventually did grab the lead through Ryan Giggs’ effort from the centre of the box. The goal was assisted by Van Persie. With 12 minutes on the clock, United were handed a positive start to this important fixture. Everton continued to gain possession but could not find a promising opportunity. Their best hope was a shot by Osman from outside the box, saved by De Gea at full stretch. With two minutes of added time, the sides looked to go in with only one goal between them. However, Van Persie put United in a very comfortable position after he scored from a chance very similar to the one that he missed early on in the half. The half ended at 2-0.

The second half started without any changes in any of the sides. Phil Jones was soon replaced by Michael Carrick. David Moyes introduced Jelavic in the match as he replaced Anichebe. The half was rather quiet with respect to goal scoring opportunities. Both sides managed to even each other out again. Manchester United could have maintained their fabulous set-piece scoring record had Jonny Evans’ effort not been denied by Jelavic off the line. The half ended at 2-0 with Manchester United adding 3 more points to their lead over Manchester City. Roberto Mancini already stated in an interview after his team’s match against the Saints that their chances of winning the trophy were a mere ten percent. With the cohesiveness and efficiency Manchester United have been showing, it would be hard for them to let slip a 12 point lead. Another positive for United to take from the match would be De Gea’s back to back clean sheets, which have been a rather uncommon sight for the Red Devils this term.

Manchester United face Real Madrid away from home next on Wednesday in what should be a highly competitive match with an insane hype around the world.