Bayern Munich 0 United 0



United were beaten in the inaugural Audi Cup final, as tournament hosts Bayern Munich took the trophy after an epic penalty shootout in the Allianz Arena.

Penalties were the only way to decide a winner after a cagey 90 minutes in which each side forced only a couple of decent chances. Reds defender Jonny Evans saw his penalty saved in sudden death, allowing Daniel van Buyten to hammer home the winning kick.

While the hosts took the silverware, Sir Alex Ferguson and his staff could take plenty of positives from a stern test, and a sizeable step up in opposition after the Asia Tour and Wednesday's victory over Boca Juniors.

Mindful of the quickfire nature of both Audi Cup matches, Sir Alex named an entirely different XI to that which started against Boca. The Reds, sporting their new black and blue away kit, held the majority of the possession in the early exchanges, with the wise old heads of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes controlling play.

Bayern gradually crept into the game, however, and should have moved ahead after 18 minutes. A loose pass from Patrice Evra allowed Mark van Bommel possession, and the veteran Dutchman advanced before feeding Mario Gomez, who could only thump an effort against the crossbar from 15 yards.

Thomas Muller then fired straight at Edwin van der Sar after finding space behind makeshift right-back Darren Fletcher, before Dimitar Berbatov enjoyed United's first real opening. The Bulgarian had the Allianz Arena gasping as his audacious overhead lob struck the post.

Source : Man Utd

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Boca Juniors 1 United 2



The Reds reached the Audi Cup final with a 2-1 victory over Boca Juniors at the Allianz Arena, but Sir Alex's men had to work hard for the win.

United turned in a strong first-half performance, including a starring role and goal for Antonio Valencia in his first appearance in a red shirt, and a stunning goal from Anderson (yes, Anderson).

The Brazilian put United in front with a brilliant free kick before Valencia’s solo effort doubled the lead. Boca came back after the break and shaded the play in the second half, but the Reds did just enough to earn a place in the final against Bayern Munich, who crushed AC Milan 4-1 in the tournament's other semi-final.

Sir Alex gave young Northern Irish defender Craig Cathcart a rare chance alongside Wes Brown at centre-back. The boss said he wanted an up-close assessment of Cathcart, who spent last season on loan with Plymouth Argyle. And the Belfast boy did his hopes of gaining further opportunities no harm at all.

But the man most United fans were focusing on was Antonio Valencia. The Ecuadorian was regularly involved from the start, including an opening down the right after ten minutes as Park narrowly missed connecting with captain John O’Shea’s drilled cross.

As expected with a player like Juan Roman Riquelme pulling the strings, Boca Juniors looked technically adept in the opening exchanges, but as soon as United clicked into gear the Argentinians struggled to cope for the rest of the half.

United's breakthrough soon arrived, and in stunning - yet surprising - fashion after 23 minutes. Valencia earned a free kick on the right corner of the 18-yards box and it was Anderson who stood over the ball shaping to shoot.

Source : Man Utd

Nike - Man Utd 09/10 Away Kit




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Last Update : 30th July 09