Delighted with the 4-0 win but Wigan did have their chances:). WTF was Rooney thinking with that elbow, lucky that the ref didn't see but he needs to calm down lmao.

Vital games coming up against Chelski and Liverpool now...

Some interesting statistics in this article:devil:.

It is perhaps one of football’s most popular myths that Manchester United get help from referees, in the form of anything from the rub of the green to outright corruption. Not only will it be referenced several times throughout the season by rival fans, it has actually entered the mainstream media, with phrases like “you don’t get them at Old Trafford”, “if that was down the other end it was a pen” and “Fergie time” entering the common parlance of footballing punditry. But does it have any basis, either today, or historically, or both? The statistics would suggest neither.

This season, topping the league by four points after 27 games, through to the last 16 in Europe and the last eight in the FA Cup, Manchester United have been awarded 5 penalties in total – at Old Trafford against Liverpool in the FA Cup, at Old Trafford against Arsenal and West Ham in the Premier League and away at Fulham and Rangers in the Premier League and Champions League respectively. Three out of the five penalties were converted, meaning just 3.8% (3/80) of United’s goals have come from penalties this season. Of these penalties, just one, Dimitar Berbatov’s against Liverpool can be said to have been a dubious award.

Of United’s rivals, Arsenal have received a staggering 14 penalties, several dubious thanks mainly to the antics of Marouane Chamakh, almost three times as many as United. 10 of these were converted, meaning 11.8% (10/85) of Arsenal’s goals have come from penalty kicks. Chelsea have been awarded 9, converting 7, for a percentage of 9.5% (7/74). Manchester City have a very similar record to the Blues, having received 9 penalties and converting 7 for a percentage of 9.3% (7/75). Liverpool meanwhile have been awarded 8 penalties, converting 6 for a percentage of 11.8% (6/51).

To summarise the penalty statistics of 2010-11:

* Arsenal – awarded 14, converted 11, 11.8% of goals have been penalties
* Liverpool – awarded 8, converted 6, 11.8% of goals have been penalties
* Chelsea – awarded 9, converted 7, 9.5% of goals have been penalties
* Manchester City – awarded 9, converted 7, 9.3% of goals have been penalties
* Manchester United – awarded 5, converted 3, 3.8% of goals have been penalties

As you can see, the statistics are fairly staggering, especially to those propogating that United are the most favoured by referees. Arsenal have been awarded almost three times as many penalties as United, with the rest a little less than twice as many. Even more interestingly, using penalties converted as a percentage of goals scored – useful as it determines both how helpful penalty awards have been and allowing more leeway for more attacking teams possibly receiving more penalties – penalties have accounted for much significantly less of the goals Manchester United have scored in comparison to their rivals. Rounding off, penalties have accounted for 12%, 12%, 10% and 9% of Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City goals, but just 4% of Manchester United’s.

“Fine”, you say. “So United are having a bad year with penalties. But I’ve heard and seen them given enough penalties over the years to know that they’ve been favoured in this department.” Do the statistics back this up?

Again, no.

As of the turn of the year, the following were the figures for the top 10 teams in terms of converted penalty kicks in the Premier League since 2003, when such statistics started being kept:

* Liverpool – 36
* Arsenal – 35
* Chelsea – 29
* Aston Villa – 27
* Fulham – 24
* Tottenham – 23
* Manchester United – 23
* Blackburn – 22
* Man City – 22
* Everton – 21

As you can see, despite generally being the most attacking team in the league, Manchester United have scored significantly less penalties than their three main rivals of this period – Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea. They’ve even scored less than Aston Villa, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur. Penalties accounted for 5.1% of United’s total goals, with the equivalent figures for Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea being 9.1%, 7.5% and 6.6%.

United conceded 13 penalties in this period – broadly similar to Arsenal’s 17, Liverpool’s 15 and Chelsea’s 12. Penalties accounted for 7.2% of goals conceded by United, in comparison to 7.4% for Liverpool and 8.1% each for Chelsea and Arsenal.

If we compare the percentage of penalties as a total of goals scored and conceded, United (5.1% scored, 7.2% conceded, -2.1%) come out worse than Liverpool (9.1% scored, 7.4% conceded, + 1.7%), Arsenal (7.5% scored, 8.1% conceded, -0.6%) and Chelsea (6.6% scored, 8.1% conceded, -1.5%).

In fact, of the four major teams, only Liverpool have benefited from penalties since 2003, ironic considering they have been most vociferous in their complaints against United. I have also stumbled across statistics for these two clubs alone since 1999, which show that Liverpool have been awarded 53 penalties to United’s 46.

Since the Premier League began, Manchester United have been awarded 88 penalties – just 4.7 per season. They have converted 66, meaning just 4.7% (66/1415) of United’s goals since 1992 in the league have come from penalties. Comparing this 4.7% to this year’s figures of Arsenal (11.8%), Liverpool (11.8%), Chelsea (9.5%) and City City (9.3%), we can conclude that Manchester United have benefited very little from penalties since the inception of the Premier League, and certainly less than their rivals.

Now that the penalty myth regarding United has been disproven, I shall move onto general decision-making. This is harder to pinpoint, conveniently relying on strictly anecdotal evidence. However, we can discuss this in relation to the current season. I have heard several times that United are lucky to be top of the league because Gary Neville should have been sent off away to Stoke and West Brom, with a penalty that should have been rewarded as well in relation to the incident at West Brom.

Whilst this is true in terms of the West Brom case, what’s forgotten is that United should have had a penalty kick in that match as well, for a stonewall handball arising from a Fábio cross. Neville was regarded as lucky to stay on the pitch against Stoke as well, but what is forgotten in this instance is that his first yellow was incorrectly awarded, after he won the ball. The referee perhaps realised this given the severity of the United protests, and thus gave the benefit of the doubt for the second decision.

Of course, incidents like Lee Bowyer’s last-gasp equaliser against United, where four separate infringements occurred – two counts of climbing, a handball and an offside – are largely ignored and instantly forgotten.

Also forgotten are the incidents last season which it could certainly be argued cost United a record four-in-a-row – John Terry’s winner at Stamford Bridge where an offside Didier Drogba dragged Wes Brown to the ground allowing the ball to reach Terry, and Drogba’s winner at Old Trafford when he was about two yards offside.

I ask those crying corruption and conspiracy to show when refereeing decisions gave United as much towards winning a league than they gave towards losing it last season.

Refereeing decisions have also hurt United in the Champions League. Ferguson’s men were cruising through against Bayern last season until Rafael was booked twice for two challenges and sent off – the first foul occurring 2 seconds after a foul on Rafael went unnoticed. In 2003, a Paul Scholes goal was disallowed for offside when he was quite clearly onside, which would have put United two goals clear. Porto equalised in the last minute, going through on away goals and subsequently winning the competition.

In the Carling Cup last season, Manchester City were incorrectly awarded a penalty for a foul outside the box. Carlos Tévez scored it, but Manchester United went on to win the tie. So whilst City supporters still moan about the injury time awarded at Old Trafford in the league allowing Michael Owen to score the winner, the penalty incident in the Carling Cup has already been forgotten. Why? Because United didn’t allow it to affect them, forgot it, and got on with the job in hand – winning the tie. This in part explains why refereeing decisions involving United are only remembered when they don’t favour the opposition, United usually go on to win the game.

One of the most commonly used inferences that referees favour United comes in the form of ‘Fergie Time’, or seemingly larger amounts of injury time played when United are not winning. Proponents of this theory will mainly point to two instances – when 7 minutes of injury time were played against Sheffield Wednesday in 1993 during which United scored twice and won 2-1, and the aforementioned incident when United scored 88 seconds after the 4 minutes of injury time that was announced against Manchester City in 2009. Ignoring the fact that that’s two instances in 16 years, both amounts of injury time were perfectly correct. In the Sheffield United game, the referee had to be replaced after suffering an injury, with the treatment and subsequent replacement lasting about 5 minutes, this on top of the usual injuries and substitutions.

In the Manchester derby, whilst (a minimum of) 4 minutes was announced, Manchester City scored after the time was awarded, and their subsequent celebration and the introduction of Michael Carrick to the game meant that the time awarded was absolutely correct. I would suggest the same not to be correct about the 5 minutes West Brom received to find an equaliser in United’s 2-1 win at the Hawthorns this season.

Success breeds jealousy, and jealousy breeds irrationality. Any inference that United are favoured by referees is incorrect. As I have shown, United receive significantly less benefit from penalties as their rivals, whilst the inevitable beneficial decisions are hyped and remembered whilst the inevitable disadvantageous decisions are forgotten in an instant. Them’s the breaks of being a team at the top. Liverpool supporters of a certain age should remember similar mutterings about Kenny Dalglish’s conquerers, the El Classico will tell you a similar tale from Spain, as will Bayern in Germany and the Old Firm in Scotland.

As long as they’re muttering dark words of conspiracy about United, Alex Ferguson can be content he’s doing a fine job. As Wilde once said “the only thing worst than being talked about, is not being talked about

Not surprised United lost at Chelsea, our record is ****e there and although I agreed with Vidic being sent off that penalty wasn't.

I agreed with Fergie's comments about Martin Atkinson too, feared the worst when it was announced he was referring the game as he had that controversial incident last season which ended up going against us and now Fergie has been punished, the FA are going to keep punishing us now to keep those complaining about bias quiet;).

Liverpool next away, this is their cup final and they will want to win to try and damage our title bid and close in on 5th place but I would so love it if United win to prevent that:devil:.

Nervous about the game but really hope United win to take advantage of Arsenal's slip up..

As if Sir Alex Ferguson would give a flying **** what Benitez and Dalglish think:laugh2::joker:, whatever people think of him he is one unique manager!

So after the disappointment of two losses on the run, we're back to winning ways. I was surprised at the initial line up especially in midfield but Fergie is a tactical genius and the Da Silvas on the wings worked, it don't matter about how attractive United play just as long as we get the job done and result.

Nice to see Valencia back from that horrific injury, he's been really missed:):). Scholes madness and brilliance again, lucky not to get sent off but this result is a psychological blow to Arsenal especially with one of their defenders getting injured.. hope he is OK:).

Looking forward to some new additions to United in the summer, particularly in midfield:hugesmile:.

Valencia is fantastic player
First game back and he was United's best player I think
He is intelligent on the ball, calm, good passing, can go past a defender with ease and put great cross in. Scores fair few too.

I would like United to buy a world class right back as O'Shea and Brown not as good as Evra. If we had someone as good as Evra on right with Fabio and Rafael as back up for them, this would be great

LOL the NOTW claims that United is selling Rooney in the summer:laugh2:, what a bunch of nonsense because what was the point in Fergie going through all that rubbish regarding the transfer request etc then the player changing his mind and plus it would be a waste of big amounts of money because lets face it Fergie is a ruthless manager and isn't afraid to get rid of some big players...

Late vital win, especially with Arsenal dropping points:devil:. United actually took advantage this time unlike last time when we lost when rival teams were dropping points!

Jonny Evans deservedly sent off but just glad we got the result but Bolton are a hard team to beat..

For selfish United related reasons glad to see Wayne Rooney ruled out of England's next World Cup qualifier, he's been released for the Ghana match too:D.

Most of our players who went on International duties didn't get injured, just hope some of the injured players quickly come back..

Welbeck called up to England:), he'll be back at United next season along with Cleverley and Macheda/Diouf..

United got voted most hated company in Britain:joker:, this will only inspire the club to acheive more success than what it's done over the years!

What a comeback:). United were rubbish in the first half, defensive work was a shambles and the first penalty decision was fair but the second one just looked outside the box and even a Liverpool player (who is a commentator now trying to be fair of course:p) said that the exact same thing:shocked:.

Second half the United players dug in and Rooney scored the 3 goals but overall Valencia was MOTM for me because his delivery is brilliant, he creates chances and is a team player. Hernandez shows his quality again and can only improve.

United never give in and show their mental strength:hugesmile:.

Mental stength and Wayne Rooney sounds an automatic contradiction in terms :wink:

Well he can be a total **** but on the pitch his football brain and ability cannot be questioned..

Oh and FYI Arsene Wenger keeps talking about mental strength because thats what L'Arsenal need if they are to overhaul us...

Arse are fooked now I seriously believe - a loss for Man U today might have made it interesting but I can now tell my bruv (a hardcore Arsenal fan) to dream-on.

Watch for AWenger seller on eBay - for sale, 1 trophy cabinet, barely used and in 'as new' condition.

United finally win at Stamford Bridge for the first time since 2002:). I'm pleased with the result, despite Evra getting lucky at the end, should have been a penalty for Chelski but it's swing and roundabouts in terms of decisions.

Carrick great performance through the whole match, Rooney and Giggs plus Ferdinand and Vidic at the back stood out, however all the team did their jobs..

Damn it Chelsea!

Looking forward to the Fulham game at Old Trafford tomorrow:). Hopefully we win, rest a couple of players too.

Good news is that John O'Shea, Wes Brown and Anderson are available again plus Rafael isn't seriously injured and might be back for 2nd leg of Chelsea Champions League tie..

Gary Neville joining Sky Sports next season as a Commentator/Analyst:hugesmile:.

Ha Ha Go Sir Alex!:D:joker:.

'Everyone has an opinion today,' said Ferguson. 'There is an issue in the modern world of a need to be noticed.

'There is a wee guy, sitting down there in the Midlands, probably never been recognised in his life, managed to elevate himself to whatever it is in the police force.

'Have you ever seen Wolverhampton on a Saturday night? Do police ever arrest anyone for swearing on a Saturday night? Dearie me. That is a good one.'

His response to this...

Wayne Rooney would have been locked up if he had shown such "ridiculous aggression" on a night out as he did on the pitch, a senior police officer has said.

Superintendent Mark Payne, responsible for managing responses to crime and operations in Wolverhampton, said his officers would face more Rooneys in the city centre this weekend and "no doubt somebody will be injured in some meaningless fight".

The Manchester United and England striker must serve a two-match suspension for his four-letter outburst to TV cameras at West Ham on Saturday.

"If Rooney had behaved like that in Wolverhampton on Saturday night, I would have expected my officers to lock him up," Mr Payne said.

"People in positions of influence have an obligation to behave like human beings. It is not a lot to ask."

Writing on his blog on policing, Mr Payne went on: "I have seen a thousand Rooneys, and I am sure most police officers will have.

"The same aggressive stance, the bulging eyes, the foul-mouthed rant, fists clenched, surrounded by his mates, all cheering him on.

"I have seen this on Friday and Saturday nights, as young men (and more often young ladies) engage in a 'good night out'.

"I have seen people argue over almost every kind of nonsense you could imagine. 'He stole my place in the taxi queue', 'he looked at my girlfriend', 'he is from the wrong estate', 'I didn't like the look of him'."

The senior officer with the UK's second largest force added that while Rooney had "offered some form of apology", "what he won't be able to do is alter the impression that he has left in the eyes of the watching youngsters".

"It is OK to insult and abuse, it is OK to react with ridiculous aggression to perceived slights or provocation, it is excusable because it is the heat of the moment," he said.

"My officers will face more Rooneys over the weekend, no doubt somebody will be injured in some meaningless fight. An officer will have to go and tell a parent that their son or daughter is in hospital as a result."

http://i52.tinypic.com/2iuytxd.jpg

:laugh2:

United 2-0 up against Fulham, thanks to Dimitar Berbatov and Antonio Valencia:). Nani apparently having a good game too.

CHAMPIONS #19 :D:cheer2::):thumbs::cool:.

United XI today: Van der Sar (c), Rafael, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Fletcher, Scholes, Anderson, Nani, Park, Berbatov.

United line up for Saturday:

Van Der Sar, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, an unnamed Premier League player, Park, Rooney, Hernandez.

:D

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...=feeds-newsxml

Giggsy won't be distracted:). Hopeful of a United win, got to have faith but Barcelona have weaknesses which United will have to play well and try to exploit..