Hernandez Lifts United

It was a tricky game for Manchester United last night. A game away to the La Liga leaders with both Rooney and Scholes not travelling is a tough job to complete. But they did it.

United had to resist a lot of pressure from Valencia, but they knew this would happen away from home. Valencia wanted to put on a show for their fans, who, so far this season have been very pleased with what they have seen. However, Valencia could not penetrate the United defence with their play, although they tried other tactics, such as an aggressive stamp on Vidic's chest by one of the Valencia attackers, and then Soldados ridiculously desperate attempt to remove Nani's boots as the winger had the ball, when Soldado was on the floor. Astonishingly, in both occasions, the offender got away with it, but ultimately payed the price by conceding a late goal, and losing the game.

Valencia were a compact force. It was hard for United to create anything through the midfield, although this was probably thanks to the absence of Scholes, and the poor performances from Nani, Park, and Anderson. Nani, once again was giving the ball away with silly decisions, when a simple pass was on, and often, when he did choose the right pass, hit it too short, leaving the receiver with more work to do. It adds to the frustration, when it seems Nani doesn't realise the mistakes he makes, when they are schoolboy errors, which a man of his ability doesn't need to make. The sooner he realises that the small things like accurate, simple passing make him a better player as well as the big things like scoring a few goals, the better, because otherwise, he won't improve.

Berbatov had a tough game. His excellent season so far has relied on space and time on the ball, with options around him, as well as a good supplier from the wings. Last night, he had very little of any of those things, and therefore struggled to make an impact due to insufficient support. "Chicharito" saved United's day with a great little finish in the 85th minute to win the game. His first touch was to hit the post, while his second and third were controlling the ball and scoring. The young Mexican has brilliant pace, a great finish, and now a boost in confidence after his first Champions League goal for Manchester United. Is he the improved, young version of Michael Owen? Of course, he has a while to go before he eclipes the English legend, but the attributes are there.

United are now level on points with Rangers in their Champions League group, and their next game is against the Turkish club, Bursaspor, who have lost their first two games against Rangers last night, and Valencia. It should prove an easy qualification through to the knock-out rounds this year for United, but with their current form, you don't know what will happen.

Aston Villa's New Manager interested in Owen

As Gerard Houllier settles in at Aston Villa next week, he will look at his squad and decide where he can improve it to challenge for a Champions League spot or some silverware.

However, he has already confirmed an interest with one of his former Liverpool players, Michael Owen. The striker, who is currently playing for Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson, has been the subject of Houllier's attention for some time it seems.
Houllier explained:

"He has always been in my thoughts. I like him [Owen], as a player and a man"

The Frenchman said that he watched Owen at Jamie Carragher's testimonial and that Owen still has the legs for playing football.

Only recently, Owen was quoted saying that he has been trying as hard as ever to try and grab a first team spot at Manchester United, but he never knows when he will be picked.

"You can only do your best and prepare and train well, so that you are ready when the manager calls on you. After that, it's up to the manager who he chooses. It sounds easy, but probably the most difficult thing is not playing for a couple of weeks and then all of a sudden getting called up and being mentally and physically right to perform well"

Owen seems frustrated, as any footballer would be, because he isn't getting the game time that he would like. Added to this, it looks as if Dimitar Berbatov has hit good form at last for United, and with Rooney almost guaranteed a starting spot it will be even harder for Owen to force his way into the team - allowing Aston Villa to make their move and offer Owen more oppurtunities to play, as well as re-unite with Emile Heskey.

Berbatov back in Business?

Something to Prove? - Berbatov

A convincing 3-1 win against Chelsea in the Community Shield for Manchester United, with Valencia, Hernandez, and Berbatov getting on the score sheet. It turned out to be brilliant preparation for Manchester United as they head into the new season next Monday against Newcastle.

Rooney set up the first after a brilliant pass from Scholes and Valencia sweeped the ball into the net.

United new boy "Chicharito" scored an awkward, quite funny goal as he slipped as he went to place it and it came off his baby- face into the Chelsea net. While Berbatov scored a delightful chip at the end to nicely round off United's pre-season.

Berbatov had a hard season last season, as fans questioned his commitment as well as the price Ferguson paid for him, at £30 million. It was hard for him to live up to expectations as he walked in Rooney's shadow for much of the season, and as we willed him to grab a goal which would set him off on a goal-scoring run, nothing happened. But he has scored an early goal now, against quality opposition in Chelsea. It will do wonders for his confidence as he ran, smiling to the United fans after the goal to celebrate - a sight that wasn't seen very often at all last season.

He has pressure now for a starting spot with the impressive Mexican Javier Hernandez, or "Chicharito" as his shirt reads, as well as the experienced goal-scorer Michael Owen. His future is in his own hands, because Ferguson has shown that he has faith in him, by playing him many times, often with no reward. But with an early goal under his belt, and the United fans starting to warm to him, it could be Berbatov's season at the Theatre of Dreams.