Search:



The Web

Rediff










 Latest Sports news on mobile: sms SPRT to 7333

Home > Sports > Football > Reuters > Report

Man United held in drawn derby

Jeremy Butler | November 08, 2004 09:22 IST

Manchester United's title ambitions took another blow on Sunday when they were held to a goalless draw at home by derby rivals Manchester City and had Alan Smith sent off.

Alex Ferguson was hoping to celebrate his appointment as Manchester United manager 18 years ago this weekend with a derby win that would have closed the gap on leaders Chelsea to nine points.

However, United's strikers failed to score for the second Premier League game in a row and the team have failed to capitalise on their 2-0 home victory over champions Arsenal two weeks ago.

"Maybe there's the big game factor," manager Alex Ferguson said by way of explanation for United's free-scoring form in the Champions League as opposed to poor domestic finishing.

"Maybe the mundane challenge of the Premier League is not the same," he told Sky Sports.

"But the belief's still there, we've dominated the game... we created some great chances. We're suffering at the moment."

To make matters worse for United, a frustrated Smith was dismissed for the 10th time in his career for two yellow cards after a late tackle on Dunne in the 89th minute.

DEFIANT FORM

Kevin Keegan's City side soaked up United's attacks with defenders Richard Dunne and Sylvain Distin in defiant form.

Also Read


Owen strikes again as Real move into second


United had chances to win and, in a frantic opening, City youngster Stephen Jordan rushed back to hook the ball off his own line from Louis Saha's shot.

Saha then had a decent appeal for a penalty rejected as City decided on staunch defence rather than look for a first win at Old Trafford since Denis Law's cheeky back-heel earned victory over his former club in 1974, effectively relegating United.

City's goal remained under siege in the second half with Steve McManaman clearing Smith's overhead kick off his line in the 63rd minute.

Halftime substitute Ryan Giggs then fired narrowly wide after being sent through by Saha's exquisite reverse pass.

Wayne Rooney was introduced with 15 minutes remaining but it was Saha who wasted United's best chance by heading Gigg's cross wide in stoppage time.



Article Tools
Email this article
Top emailed links
Print this article
Write us a letter
Discuss this article



Related Stories


Man Utd end Arsenal run

Man U look to Rooney for win

Gudjohnsen hits hat-trick








© Copyright 2004 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.











Copyright © 2004 rediff.com India Limited. All Rights Reserved.