Manchester United Online

Match Date: August 06 2008 - Friendly

Manchester United and Juventus played out to a goalless draw in Man U’s last pre-season friendly.

With the Community Shield game against Portsmouth just four days away, Sir Alex Ferguson still send out a strong squad, including Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Paul Scholes, Carlos Tevez, Ryan Giggs. Young players like Lee Martin and Rafael Da Silva also played.

While it is not exactly a boring game, the game certainly lacked excitement. In the end, it is fair result given that both teams seem to be conserving themselves for a long season ahead.

Next on - Against Portsmouth (Community Shield)

Scorer: NIL

Match Date: August 04 2008 - Friendly

Manchester United was lucky to escape with a 2-0 victory over Peterborough in another pre-season friendly game.

Peterborough, managed by Alex Ferguson’s son Darren,  could have scored a famous victory if not for the excellant performance of Tomasz Kuszczak.  The game also saw Daron Gibson, Rafael Da Silva, Frazier Campbell putting on-par performances.  Hope to see more of them in the coming season.

However, Louis Saha was left out of the game, despite being fully fit, and the fact that Wayne Rooney is out due to illness, Sir Alex Ferguson started with Carlos Tevez and Frazier Campbell instead.  Looks like a transfer for Saha is pending.

In the end, Man U scored through an own goal by Russell Martin in the first half and another goal from Daron Gibson (an excellent strike!) settled the match, with family bragging rights going to the senior Ferguson.

Next on - Friendly against Juventus

Scorer: Russell Martin (o.g.), Daron Gibson (Man U)

Match Date: August 02 2008 - Friendly / Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Testimonial Game

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s played his last game for Manchester United when Man U beat Espanyol 1 - 0 in the testimonial game for Ole, undoubtedly one of the heroes of modern day football.

Solskjaer came into the game late and almost scored on two occasions.

It was Frazier Campbell who scored in the end, putting another strong case for him to be on the first team in the coming season.

Next on - Friendly against Juventus

Scorer: Frazier Campbell (Man U)

Match Date: July 27 2008 - Friendly

Manchester United wrapped up their tour of South Africa with a close win over Portsmouth, a team  they are meeting for the Charity Shield in the season opener and again in two weeks time after that for the Premier League.

Man U again played several young players, giving them the opportunity to shine.  Chris Eagles, though he scored, should have gotten several more.  Carlos Tevez, in the midst of news that he will become Britain’s most expensive player, missed a penalty but made up with a goal.

Frazier Campbell showed his pace, running rings round the Pompey’s defence but has nothing to show for.  Jonny Evans and Nemanja Vidic put in a creditable performance in the center of the defence, with Rio Ferdinand back home to be with his pregnant wife.

Jermaine Defoe, in his partnership with the newly signed Peter Crouch, scored a late goal for the Pompey.

The Red Devils should have scored far many than its opponents.  Both teams are expected to put on a better showing when they meet again for the Charity Shield.

Next on - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s testimonial.

Scorers: Chris Eagles, Carlos Tevez (Man U) / Jermaine Defoe (Portsmouth)

Match Date: July 26 2008 - Friendly (Vodacom Challenge Trophy)

Manchester United steamrolled over Kaizer Chiefs, chalking up an impressive 4 - 0 win.  Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, Tom Cleverley and Fraizer Campbell scored for the Red Devils.

Rooney showed he can play well and control his temper at the same time.  Despite being targeted several times during the game, he kept his cool and contributed to the game with his intelligent passing and positioning.  He is rewarded with a goal and has a hand on the goal scored by rookie Tom Cleverley.

Let’s see if this form continues.  Next on - Portsmouth.

Scorers: Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, Tom Cleverley, Fraizer Campbell (Man U)

Match Date: July 22 2008 - Friendly

Lee Martin grabbed the only goal as Manchester United beat Orlando Pirates 1 - 0 as part of the pre-season build-up.

Captained by Rio Ferdinand,  Lee Martin scored the winning goal after being played on by Frazier Campbell. Ben Foster also impressed during the game.

Scorers: Lee Martin (Man U)

Match Date: July 19 2008 (1430hrs) - Friendly

Man U were spared the blushes when Chris Eagles scored in the second half to save the team from losing at Cape Town.  Kaiser Chiefs took the lead from a first half penalty.

Gary Neville played almost an hour as part of his come-back from a long term injury.  Man U named a strong team including Tevez and Rooney but the South Africans proved to be a match.

Scorers: Jonathan Quartey (Kaiser Chiefs) / Chris Eagles (Man U)

Match Date: July 12 2008 (1500hrs) - Friendly

Man U played out an easy 2 - 0 win over Aberdeen in a testimonial game at Pittodrie.

Scorers: Michael Carrick (penalty), Wayne Rooney