"Second-String" United Were First Class

Sir Alex Ferguson may have sent out a "second-string" team against Schalke on Wednesday night, but it was nothing less than a first-class performance in front of a delighted 70,000 at Old Trafford. The United boss admitted to having second, third and fourth thoughts about the risky decision to play some players whom wouldn't usually start while resting the big guns such as Rooney, Hernandez and Vidic, but in the end, the risk paid off emphatically.

Darron Gibson, who has been the subject of huge criticism from some sections of Manchester United support, had a very impressive game with both an assist and a goal to his name. The opener was huge credit to him, feeding through Antonio Valencia, ruthlessly cutting through the Schalke defence with a pin-point pass, which some even light-heartedly likened to Andres Iniesta's quality. Valencia was one one one with Neuer, and calmly struck it past the German to lift the nerves murmuring around Old Trafford.

The second goal, was quite ironic considering Manuel Neuer's outstanding performance in the first leg, as he spilled a classic Gibson rocket into his own net, and it was at that point when Schalke, if they hadn't already, realised their Champions League dream was well and truly over. Neuer, their top performer had made a bad mistake, and that only spelled worse to come for the German side.

A consolation they did muster through Jurado, who no doubt upset Edwin van der sar by ruining his clean sheet, but it was too little too late for Schalke, who gave their fans at least something to cheer about.

Anderson then grabbed an unlikely double in the second half to seal a perfect Champions League semi-final tie, and book a place in the Champions League final with Barcelona at Wembley. It is an exciting prospect, and a game that will hopefully not be marred by the disgraceful antics that Barcelona have showcased in their far from perfect semi-final tie with Madrid.

Berbatov was his usual self; calm, drifting, and at one point showed off his outstanding and astonishingly abnormal ball control, holding off about five players and then unfortunately miscuing the cross. Michael Owen came off the bench to create a wonderful chance for himself, cutting inside on his right foot from the left and smash one towards the goal, and if it wasn't for a firm Neuer hand to stop it, the former Liverpool star would have been wheeling away in delight. That big goal he has promised is still being waited for, and he has four vital games left to do it in. Chelsea this week-end would be a good start.

Nevertheless, United have given Barcelona something to think about, with an emphatic win with their second team, having the likes of Rooney, Ferdinand and the rest watching from the stands. Schalke did not prove to be the most challenging of opposition by any means, but United did not do it the hard way like has been done before, but defeated them in style, and with apparent ease, both home and away with no blips.

 No player will miss the final due to suspension which is a huge bonus, and we must hope that no-one suffers an injury in the lead up to the huge game later this month.

Follow Me on Twitter @RealDan7 or @DBSFootball

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Owen Wants To be The New Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Michael Owen joined Manchester United in the knowledge that a starting place would be very rare. At 31, he has come to accept this, and the cameo role he plays in certain matches often prove absolutely vital in games, especially when you consider he was a free signing for United. But the main reason the former Liverpool fan favourite joined United was to do something that his previous teams rarely did in his time there - win trophies.

He came to no better place, and this season, he has the chance to help United to win both the Premier League trophy, and the Champions League trophy, both of which would be the first of his long, goal filled career. In a recent interview, Owen put his lack of pitch time down to the quality and depth of the squad at United. He said:

"Even if it is just one goal or one good performance, everyone is going to play their part."

"I was in the stand on Tuesday against Schalke. You are feeling sorry for yourself thinking I would like to be on the pitch or on the bench.

"Next to you is Wes Brown, who has dozens of England caps and John O'Shea, who has got even more for the Republic of Ireland. Darron Gibson is also an international.

"They are not even getting stripped. That tells you everything about the squad of player we have got.

The majority of Manchester Untied fans see Owen's best position as on the bench, and coming on late in the game when a goal is needed - a "super-sub" if you like, and it the interview, he said something quite interesting considering United's history:

"I suppose I am dreaming of coming off the bench and scoring the stoppage-time winner in the Champions League final.

"That is the motivation that drives me on. Every day I have to be ready and prepared to come in and do something."

Sound familiar? Cast your minds back to the 1999 Champions League final, and who came on in a Champions League final to score the winner? Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of course, and what was he genreally known as? A "super-sub". Scoring a late winner in the Champions League final must be a dream come true for any player, and every time I watch Solskjaer's winner in that final, goosebumps run fiercely all over my skin, so what it must be like for a player only they will know.

Michael Owen has done it before in his time at United - not in a Champions League final - but in the Manchester derby last season, when a draw seemed certain late on. His 96th minute goal is typical of United's never say die attitude, and there is no doubt, that if United make this years European Cup final, and they need a goal, Michael Owen will surely be sent on to find one. Like Solskjaer, his finishing and eye for goal are deadly. Who knows, perhaps late in May, Owen's dream may become a reality. Lets hope so.

Follow Me on Twitter @RealDan7 or DBSFootball

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European Final Beckons For United

Manchester United showed class, composure, and complete domination in their Champions League semi-final first leg win over Schalke on Tuesday night. A two goal win really does not represent the extent of United's controlling command over the German side, who put in an uninspiring, unadventurous and pretty poor performance in a game which the underdogs were supposed to shine.

The second leg will decipher whether Inter Milan were terribly poor in their heavy defeat to Schalke in the quarter's or United just played outstandingly well on Tuesday, but either way, United take a huge advantage into the second leg. They look the huge favourites now to face a massive test in the final where they may either face Real Madrid or Barcelona.

The first half left United fans frustrated at the lack of goals despite a barrage of chances thrust at the German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer who was outstanding all night. Chances came and went for United players all over the field - from Giggs to Fabio and from Rooney to Chicharito - the opportunities bounced about like ping pong balls. Despite the clear authority United possessed, you always have to be careful away from home with the opposing crowds ready to get at you whenever possible.

Giggs put a stop to those worries in the second half however, becoming the oldest player to score in the Champions League's history. A precious away goal which really was a joy to behold. It wasn't just that United had deservedly beaten this seemingly unbeatable goalkeeper with a cute little tap in through his legs, but it was the pass that created it. A pass crafted by a man who just seems to get better and better as the season draws to a close. A shimmy to the right and a shot faked by Wayne Rooney then led to a beautifully precise and perfectly weighted ball inside the defence into the path of Giggs to slot home.

The second was poor defending on Schalke's part, who allowed Chicharito time and space to feed in Rooney who was gifted a great chance which he duly obliged to convert past a now helpless Neuer whose outstanding performance was destroyed by his poor side. It is no wonder why he is looking to move on.

The goals had been achieved, and now Sir Alex was keen to look forward to the week end. Arsenal will have watched this fantastic attacking display, and be very wary of it. Rooney, Chicharito and Park were taken off early in preparation for the Arsenal game, a great bonus in an impressive day of Champions League football.

Bar a catastrophic meltdown which is extremely uncharacteristic of Manchester United, Sir Alex will guide United to their fifth European Cup final. That Rooney said after the game that he was slightly disappointed with a 0 - 2 away win really sums up the hunger, desire and expectation to win. He, along with every other United player - all of whom played fantastically - will be looking to finish the job in the second leg, and if they don't, they will have only themselves to blame.

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VIDEO: Schalke 0 - 2 Man United