^Indeed:D. I hope something is done about the thug in the City crowd, who spoilt the game by chucking something from the crowd hitting Rio Ferdinand in the face causing him to bleed.

Me too...I hate fans who ruin the game. IMO clubs should be made to do more to clamp down....and if their fans continue to cause problems they should have points deducted.....

If a United fan had done something like that to a City player I would hope for the fan to be banned etc, it is not to be condoned and I hope City do something about that incident regardless of the hatred between the clubs...

Love this:D.

http://pbs.twimg.com/media/A9r1FRbCcAE7dqx.jpg

A GIF of the Rio Ferdinand incident, it makes me :mad:.

http://www.oddfootball.com/wp-conten...5066934252.gif

And this when coins were thrown at Wayne Rooney...

http://www.oddfootball.com/wp-conten.../2012/12/2.gif

Rio Ferdinand‏@rioferdy5

what a result,3points! Sweet! Whoever threw that coin,what a shot! Can't believe it was a copper 2p....could have at least been a £1 coin!

Respect to Joe Hart for protecting that idiot who ran on!! Love the banter between fans but there is a point when it goes too far...calm it!

One for Brother Leon...

http://pbs.twimg.com/media/A9rz_BZCIAAJ2HZ.jpg

What a legend :worship:

Beautiful:worship:.

http://cadfael.tv/image/src/1355066517679.gif

Match report from the City game:D:D:).

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fixtures-An...ue-report.aspx

A few stories I missed from before the City game coming up:blush:.

Sir Alex's Welbeck regret

Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed his regret at leaving Danny Welbeck out of last April's 1-0 defeat to Manchester City.

It must have been a difficult decision to start with the England striker on the bench, considering he had starred in the FA Cup third-round triumph at the same venue a few months earlier. Welbeck eventually came on for Ji-sung Park just before the hour mark but his impact was severely hampered by Nigel De Jong's yellow-card foul.

The narrow reverse at the Etihad Stadium proved costly in the title run-in and when asked if he felt the Reds' approach to the crunch fixture was too cautious, Sir Alex replied: "Well, I think there was a caution to it in the sense I should have played Welbeck, without doubt. But Ji-sung Park was important with the player's record of playing in big games. I always played him in these big games and he'd always been brilliant but he never quite found the role in that particular match to suit him."

Welbeck is again in the manager's thoughts ahead of the top-of-the-table tussle with the champions and is in contention for a wide slot on Sunday.

"We’re not really short in midfield," asserted the boss. "We’ve got Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. It’s not too bad. I can play Wayne Rooney in there. But I am looking at how I can fill the wide positions as it's a bit of a problem. Welbeck can play wide and is a definite option for me.

"I’ll maybe go for experience on Sunday because it’s been well documented that City don’t lose games at home. They're unbeaten at home for two years which is fantastic but hopefully we can get a solution as to how to operate in the game."

Man of the Match vs City

http://www.manutd.com/en/Fanzone/Competition-And-Polls/Poll.aspx?id={A2751FB6-BD32-43E7-805D-B0DEEBD02903}

Wayne Rooney rightly running away with the lead:).

Rooney revels in triumph

Wayne Rooney heralded United's win at Manchester City as 'a great day' for the club, and derived added schadenfreude from ending the Blues' two-year unbeaten record at the Etihad Stadium.

The striker's double was cancelled out by City's second half fightback, only for Robin van Persie's deflected free kick to take the Reds six points clear of the reigning champions, and Rooney admitted the Reds were raring to face their near neighbours after last season's dethronement.

"It's a great day for us, to go six points clear and beat our greatest rivals, especially after what happened last year," the striker told Sky Sports.

"We've waited a long time for this to happen and I'm sure everybody at the club, all the fans... we know how much it means to them and we're delighted. We're going to celebrate. They've had a great record here and to spoil that is a great feeling."

Rooney's clinical early double had the Reds coasting at half-time, but the Blues' now customary fightback had the game finely poised going into stoppage time.

Van Persie's injury-time free-kick swung the game decisively in United's favour, continuing this season's trend of running every single supporter through the wringer before settling on a happy ending.

"To be fair it's been like that all season," smiled Rooney. "To lose a two-goal lead... to be fair we were hanging on a little bit at the end. They had a couple of chances, but a bit of magic got us the three points."

Sir Alex savours victory

Sir Alex Ferguson feels ending Manchester City's long unbeaten run at home made Manchester United's derby victory taste especially sweet.

The Blues had not lost in the Barclays Premier League at the Etihad Stadium since 20 December 2010 when Everton won 2-1 there. Thirty-seven games later, their impressive sequence was shattered by Robin van Persie's last-gasp free-kick winner, after Yaya Toure and Pablo Zabaleta had cancelled out Wayne Rooney's first-half brace.

"We've done it to City in the past of course but this was special simply because they hadn't lost at home for two years," said Sir Alex. "Both of us are contenders at the top of the league and it was an incredible game, you couldn't take your eyes off it.

"The intensity, passion, competitiveness... everything was there. And you've got to give credit to City for the way they keep going and for scoring late goals. They've done it again today against us. Fortunately we got the last one that counted.

"You know Robin's capable of that. It took a little deflection but it was a wicked hit and I'm really delighted it's flown in."

When asked if he felt the Reds were worthy winners, the boss replied: "Absolutely. I think we played very well. I thought we were really fantastic today with some of our football and the game should have been out of sight in the second half with the number of chances we had.

"It's a funny game, football - it would have been 3-0 with a goal [by Ashley Young] that was perfectly onside. Instead they go up the park and score [to make it 2-1] within minutes. That's the kind of game football is, it can kick you in the teeth that way.

"I also thought we should have had a penalty kick because I thought Patrice Evra was brought down.

"But there'll always be controversial decisions in a match like that because there are so many things happening."

Sir Alex felt the performances of United's wingers and strikers were key, although he also had praise for the way his team defended in the derby after lambasting the display at Reading.

"I thought our front four did well in all their different ways," the manager told MUTV. "As I said a couple of occasions back, Wayne needs games and that's why I played him on Wednesday against Cluj. We were hoping that Antonio would be fit, he was touch and go but he wanted to play and showed again what a fantastic asset he is to us. Van Persie kept them on the back foot all the time and I thought Ashley Young played a great part.

"I thought attacking-wise we did very well. And of course after all the controversy about our defending, I thought we defended well today, I really did. City kept fighting, they kept battling and they've got this great record of scoring late goals.

"City scored a second goal and they deserved it. At that point, you're saying to yourself, 'I'll take the draw.' But up to that point, I thought we were far better than them."

Whether United will prove to be better than City over the course of the season remains to be seen. But for now, Sir Alex is happy to have registered an important win in the title race after moving six points clear of the Reds' main rivals.

"When you count the points up in May, I hope it [this win] is significant. Derby games like today are significant if you win them, there's no question about that. I hope it's really significant come the end of the season."


Well said SAF!:)

Rio incident saddens boss

Sir Alex Ferguson felt the Manchester derby did not deserve the unsavoury incident that followed Robin van Persie's winner when Rio Ferdinand was struck by a coin thrown from the crowd.

The defender was left bloodied but unbowed as the Reds celebrated during the remarkable climax and the manager was upset to also see a fan attempt to confront the centre-back with Joe Hart's quick thinking thankfully stopping the spectator in his tracks.

City later issued a statement revealing the club will co-operate fully with the local police in order to punish any offenders, while the Football Association confirmed they are investigating the incidents.

"It was disappointing that a supporter ran on the field after Rio had been hit by a coin in the eye," the manager told MUTV at the Etihad Stadium. "It's a bit disappointing. The game didn't deserve that.

"I don't know whether they're going to stitch it or not. The same thing happened at Chelsea with all the carry-on when half a seat hit Michael Carrick and coins and lighters were thrown on. The game doesn't need that."

Ashley Young agreed with the manager that it was an unpleasant way to end an absorbing clash with the eyes of the world watching on TV.

"It could have taken Rio’s eye out and you’ve seen the cut on his head," said the winger. "When 'Wazza' was taking a corner there were so many objects being thrown onto the pitch as well and, on another day, if the pitch had not been so wet, the fan who came onto the pitch wouldn’t have slipped over and could have attacked Rio. It’s not nice to see that and hopefully it’ll be dealt with."


City, for their part, have apologised to Ferdinand in a statement and promised to take appropriate action.

"Manchester City FC security officials are co-operating fully with Greater Manchester Police in relation to events leading up to the throwing of missiles onto the field of play, and between the two sets of supporters, during today's game against Manchester United," it read.

"Manchester City wishes to offer its sincere apologies to Rio Ferdinand. The club unreservedly condemns the actions which led to his being injured.

"GMP's review of all fan behaviour at today's match will be fully supported by the club, through the provision of CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts. Following this review, and any associated police action, the club will also apply its own disciplinary policies for any fans found guilty of offences."

The Football Association later issued their own statement that read: "The FA is investigating the incident in which an object was thrown from the crowd and hit Rio Ferdinand following Manchester United's third goal against Manchester City on Sunday. The FA will liaise with Greater Manchester Police and await the reports of both our crowd control advisor who was present at the game and the match referee.

"An FA spokesperson said: 'It is disappointing that after a great game and advert for the Premier League that we are discussing this issue. We will work with the clubs and authorities to identify those responsible and support the strongest sanctions available, including life bans. We condemn any such acts and it is simply unacceptable that any player is exposed to injury in this way. To witness Rio Ferdinand leaving the field with a cut above his eye to receive treatment is appalling.

'Football in this country has made great progress over recent decades. However, we must maintain the safety and security inside of our stadia and to do this we need to isolate and identify any individuals guilty of offences with strong penalties to act as a deterrent to others.'"


Fair play to City RE their statement about Rio!

Robin delighted by late winner

Having capped his maiden Manchester derby with an injury-time winner, Robin van Persie admitted the victory carried a special feeling.

The Dutchman's late winner inflicted the champions' first Barclays Premier League defeat of the season and took table-topping United six points clear in the process.

"Anything will do, just to win," the Dutchman told Sky Sports. "We had a really good start because of Wayne, two really good clinical finishes, good attacks and then we were in control.

"City always come back, so we knew that, and it's a really special way to end the game: with the three points in a romantic way."

Van Persie's winner came via a deflected free-kick in the second minute of injury-time, after the Dutchman had discussed his intentions with Wayne Rooney.

"Wazza asked me: 'What are you going to do? Are you going to shoot or cross it?' I said: 'I think I'll have a shot,'" said the striker.

Rooney insisted he never had any doubts that van Persie could make best use of the opportunity, saying: "It was obviously a difficult angle, but a player of Robin's ability... we work on that together at the training ground. I had no doubt he could score from there and thankfully he's won us the game."


Wazza and RVP:worship:.

Young: We fight to the end

Ashley Young has hailed United's indomitable spirit after Sunday's incredible Manchester derby victory.

The winger was a key performer throughout and watched in delight as Robin van Persie's free-kick flicked off Samir Nasri to regain the lead in the dying seconds after City had battled back from two goals down.

It was further proof, if any was needed, of the Reds' almost unique ability to produce the most enthralling moments of theatre for the supporters and Young is becoming accustomed to such drama.

"Obviously, we wanted to set our stall out as we knew it was never going to be easy coming to a place like this," he told MUTV. "But the way we went 2-0 up was a great feeling for us and everyone was delighted.

"We knew they were going to come out in the second half and conceding two goals is disappointing but, as a team, we have got a never-say-die attitude. We always know there is going to be another chance and, with Robin scoring it, you look at the celebrations and see how much it meant - not just to the players but the staff as well.

"It's the team spirit, will-to-win and that desire to go out to the three points. After we had led 2-0, we didn't want to throw that away, especially when you come to a place like this and, at the end of it, we can go six points clear going into the busy Christmas period.

"It was important for us to get this win because if we'd have come off at 2-2 it would have felt like a defeat so we're more than delighted to get three points."

Young was disappointed to see his goal chalked off in the second half when Pablo Zabaleta was actually keeping him onside. "We always looked like we were going to get another goal in the second half but my one was disallowed wrongly," he added. "It's just one of those things and we managed to get the winner.

"I've seen Robin's shot and just followed it up. I didn't know if I was onside or not but, watching it after the game, you can tell I'm onside. It's difficult for the linesmen and the referee as they have got to make a split-second decision. That's exactly what he's done but hopefully he can look back and see he made the wrong call."

Loans: Brady secures win

Robbie Brady hit the winner during Hull City’s 2-1 triumph at Watford on Saturday and afterwards outlined his desire to remain at the KC Stadium until the end of this season.

The United youngster converted a fine 25-yard free-kick to seal an important win that lifts the Tigers up to fourth in the Championship, just three points off the automatic promotion places.

Having already extended his stay at Hull until the end of January, Brady has got a taste for first team action and wants to savour more, whilst revealing his admiration for temporary boss Steve Bruce.

“I'm really enjoying it,” Robbie told the Hull and East Riding paper. “I love coming out to play football and there's no better place than doing it here with my mates. I'd love to carry on after January.

“The manager is great. Everything is in order and everyone knows what they're doing. He's been there and done it. Everyone knows what he's done in his career.

“He's been an unbelievable player and he's carried that through into management. His record shows that and hopefully he can add another promotion to his tally this year.”

Ben Amos was once again left out as boss Bruce opted for new loan signing David Stockdale with Eldin Jakupovic on the bench.

In the Premier League, Fabio was an 84th minute substitute as QPR recorded a third consecutive draw under new manager Harry Redknapp at Wigan Athletic.

Meanwhile, Joshua King continues to impress for Blackburn Rovers after the Norwegian striker netted a consolation strike during a 4-1 defeat to Cardiff City on Friday night.

Elsewhere, Michael Keane missed out on selection for Leicester City’s 2-2 draw at home to Burnley while Jessie Lingard was an unused substitute at the King Power Stadium.

Similarly, it was a quiet weekend for Reece Brown, John Cofie and Sean McGinty after all three were left out by Coventry City, Sheffield United and Carlisle United respectively. In Belgium, Luke Giverin and Gyliano van Velzen were both frustrated after Royal Antwerp’s second division clash with White Star Woluwé was postponed

This video is ace:D.

Loved Young yesterday. Haven't seen that much fire in his belly since he got here. I noticed him,Jones & De Gea were all really hyped up..obviously as they were so close to their first title last season only for City to snatch it.

Yeah Rooney was my MOTM, although Ashley Young played very well. RVP had chances and put his shift in, plus scoring the winner but for me the other two performed better on the day.

You are right about DDG, Jones and Young too. It is good to see them fired up after last years disappointment and did you see the vile person that is Carlos Tevez try to kick Phil?

BL watch this too:).