Manchester United vs Birmingham City - 9th Janauary 2010

Man United went into this match with the opportunity of going to the top of the Barlcays Premier League. But that wasn't all. They had just suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Arch Rivals Leeds United in the FA Cup leading to their shocking exit from the competition. With their match in mid week with Manchester City in the Carling Cup Semi being postponed due to bad weather, this was the match in which they had to make it count. Star Defenders Namanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand still being out of injury and with Birmingham not having lost a game in 11 games in the premier league, it was uphill task to beat the them on their on their own turf. With the Chelsea game being called off and Arsenal drawing with Everton 2-2, it was the perfect oppurtunity for Man United to seize the opportunity and stamp their authority on the league. They went in with a side, that to me, was rather surprising. The 4-5-1 set up according to me, doesnt suit Man United's playing technique which was visible in their defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League Final last year. With Dimitar Berbatov not even being on the bench for this one, Rooney was the lone striker which according to me was the wrong move as Man United dominated proceedings for most of the first half. With another striker to support Rooney, I think we should have been atleast 3-0 ahead at the break. Instead, with Birmingham scoring with their only opportunity of the half, we went into the half 1-0 down. Somethings needed to be done with the team. Even after such great opportunities, we weren't able to score which has been the story all throughout this season. Surely this January transfer season should see some big move to Old trafford that could change the fortunes of the club. Second half saw Man United replying with an oddly conceding own goal by Birmingham. Darren Fletcher was sent off and United played with ten men for the last 6 mins or so. Even after additional time of 6 mins, United failed to score and it was left at 1-1 with United dropping 2 points yet again in the league. I hope things get better for the club with the next fixture on Saturday and surely this time Sir Alex Ferguson would go for the trusted 4-4-2 formation that would allow more scoring opportunities for the side. GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED!!!