Manchester United skipper Roy Keane lead by example scoring a late winner to take the Red Devils top of the table for the time being.

It was Keane's 2nd goal of this season's Premiership which secured this vital victory for United against arch rivals Leeds United.

Former Leeds star Rio Ferdinand started the match at centre-half despite all the controversy surrounding him.

Ryan Giggs was left out of the game due to illness so young Scottish international Darren Fletcher and Ronaldo were operating down the wing.

Nothing much happened in the first half but it was Sir Alex's team that had all the possession and chances, but failed to take them.

Young Ronaldo was causing havoc down the left flank and was brought down in the penalty box. It looked a definite penalty but referee Graham Poll waved play on.

Roy Keane had a cracker comfortably saved by ManUtdWeb's one-to-watch Paul Robinson just after 10 minutes.

Quinton Fortune had to be replaced just before the interval due to injury. John O'Shea replaced him.

Leeds didn't really have a clear attacking opportunity in the first half and the case was when United would score.

Half Time- Leeds United 0 - Manchester United 0

Leeds came out fresh and revitalized and on-loan midfielder Jermaine Pennant from Arsenal sliced a shot over the bar. 

Just after that, Cristiano Ronaldo's 25 yard chip-cum-shot glazed the top of the bar. He was very unlucky not to score.

United introduced Uruguayan international Diego Forlan on the 60th minute. He replaced Darren Fletcher.

 Forlan then struck a 30 yard pile driver which fizzed the woodwork. It was a great effort, the closest United came to scoring.

Ronaldo then had United supporters on the edge of their seats when his 23 yard shot was just over the bar.

The deadlock was finally broken when captain marvel headed home a wonderful cross from Gary Neville. 1-0 Man Utd.

United could have made it 2-0 right at the end but Olembe was there to clear a van Nistelrooy free-kick off the line.

Final Score- Leeds United 0 - Manchester United 1

Leeds United - Robinson; Kelly, Camara, Matteo, Olembe; Pennant (Lennon, 86), Batty, Johnson, Milner (Sakho, 63); Smith, Viduka (Bridges, 69).

Manchester United - Howard; G Neville, Ferdinand, Silvestre, Fortune (O’Shea, 40); Fletcher (Forlan, 60), Keane, P Neville, Ronaldo (Butt, 90); Scholes, van Nistelrooy.

He certainatly lead by example. An all round good performance.

Set as Homepage

Contact the Author

Add to Favourites