By David Hobbs
September 25 2005

Manchester United find themselves in a sticky situation after slumping to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of visiting Blackburn Rovers courtesy of Morten Gamst Pedersen's brace.

Rovers Return to Beat United

Manchester United 1
Ruud van Nistelrooy 67

Blackburn Rovers 2
Morten Gamst Pedersen 33, 81

Manchester United find themselves in a sticky situation after slumping to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of visiting Blackburn Rovers courtesy of Morten Gamst Pedersen's brace.

The Norwegian youngster, who netted in each half, could have been a Red Devil a few years ago but Untied turned their back on the midfielder.

Ruud van Nistelrooy restored hope after the hour mark with a textbook goal thanks to surprise substitute Wayne Rooney.

Rooney, the recently crowned FIFpro Young Player of the Year, was a shock omission from a depleted United XI but did appear in the second-half to add spark and creativity.

Ji-Sung Park, Darren Fletcher, Alan Smith, Paul Scholes and Ronaldo comprised the midfield but the absences of Gary Neville, Gabby Heinze and Roy Keane were definitely felt.

Rovers drew with United twice last season and will be ecstatic with finally beating United despite earning far less possession than the hosts.

United had several early half-chances but the best of the half fell to Paul Dickov, whose goal-bound header was superbly saved by Edwin Van der Sar.

On-loan forward David Bentley tested the Dutchman shortly after but was finally beaten half-hour in through Pedersen's free-kick. United grew frustrated with Cristiano Ronaldo feeling the blow most heavily, picking up a yellow card from referee Phil Dowd.

After the break, Sir Alex Ferguson made changes by introducing young defender Phil Bardsley and Wayne Rooney, who'd inevitably have an impact on proceedings.

Rooney's pile-driving effort was partly blocked by Brad Friedel and the re-bound fell to Ruud van Nistelrooy and made no mistake of driving home from close range.

United's confidence grew and tried to search for the winner but a blunder from Paul Scholes resulted in the worst possible way. Scholes wa dispossed in his won half by Gray and the move was rounded off by Pedersen.

Final Score: Manchester United 1 - 2 Blackburn Rovers
Att: 67,765

Blackburn Rovers: B Friedel, L Neill, Z Khizanishvili, R Nelsen, M Gray, D Bentley (75 B Emerton) , K Tugay (45 A Mokoena) , R Savage, M Pedersen, C Bellamy, P Dickov (63 S Reid).

Manchester United: E Van der Sar, J O'Shea (57 P Bardsley) , R Ferdinand, M Silvestre, K Richardson, D Fletcher (55 W Rooney) , A Smith, P Scholes, C Ronaldo, R van Nistelrooy, J Park (69 R Giggs).

Refereed By: P Dowd