Red cards for goalscorers Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes
marred Uniteds 3-1 victory over FC Porto in the Amsterdam
Tournament on Friday night.
The lingering concern is that Rooney and Scholes could now miss the
start of the Premiership season. If the referee includes the
incidents in his report to the FA then both could receive
suspensions.
The Reds were made to work for the win in the teams toughest test
so far in pre-season. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer capped off the win with
Uniteds third before Pepe grabbed a late consolation. United
earned six points for the victory at the Amsterdam Arena due to the
competitions scoring system, in which points are awarded for each
goal scored.
United were forced into a change before the match had started, with
Rio complaining of a sore ankle during the warm-up. John OShea
replaced him alongside Wes Brown in the centre of defence and
performed well.
Porto began the game brightest, with 18-year-old midfielder
Anderson dictating play in the middle of the park. But, after 11
minutes United took the lead. New signing Michael Carricks corner
found Scholes on the edge of the box. The in-form midfielder
controlled the ball, feigned to shoot, shifted the ball onto his
left foot and cracked his shot into the bottom corner. Porto keeper
Helton didnt even move.
United were fortunate to be in front, but were even more fortunate
after 19 minutes when Brown needlessly put van der Sar in trouble
with a weak backpass. Only a sliding challenge from the Dutch
goalkeeper prevented
A minute later, United doubled the lead thanks to Wayne Rooneys
determination. He lost the ball but regained possession and raced
through on goal. Helton went to ground early and Rooney delicately
lifted the ball over the despairing keepers reach.
Portos approach play was impressive but, lacking presence up
front, they lacked the finishing touch. Rooney continued to look
lively, while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ryan Giggs both had
chances.
However, the game was tarnished on 41 minutes when Rooney was sent
off. Rooney challenged Pepe for the ball in the air. His arm did
catch the Porto defender, but a straight red card was harsh.
With only ten men, United began the second half in defensive mode
and did well to keep Porto out. But the situation was exacerbated
after 68 minutes when Paul Scholes, who had only moments before
taken the captains armband from the substituted Giggs, caught
Quaresma from behind with a late challenge and was sent off.
Just as United were perhaps expecting a late barrage from their
Portuguese opponents, the Reds scored their third courtesy of
Solskjaer. The Norwegian forward weaved his way past Bosingwa and
nutmegged the keeper with a fine finish.
Porto pulled a goal back on 76 Pepe, who had been involved in
Rooneys sending off, hit an unstoppable shot past Uniteds
substitute goalkeeper Ben Foster. The former Stoke keeper had early
made a good save from Andersons long-range effort. But he stood no
chance as Pepes powerful nestled in the top corner.
Carrick was replaced by youngster Lee Martin after 77 minutes. He
made a steady first appearance, but the two red cards ensured he
was made to work hard in his first match back during
pre-season.
Team Line-ups
United: Van der Sar (Foster, 60),
Bardsley, OShea (Simpson, 59), Brown, Evra, Park (Fletcher, 73),
Carrick (Martin, 77), Scholes, Giggs (Richardson, 67), Rooney,
Solskjaer.
Subs not used: D. Jones, Rossi, Miller.
http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=352249&page=1
