Redefine News

MANCHESTER, England (AFP) - Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney ensured Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United returned to winning ways in a routine 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford here on Saturday.

Rooney struck three minutes from time, converting Anderson's cross with a clinical sweeping shot into the Rovers net from six yards out, to give his side a comfortable cushion yet this was far from a vintage performance from the defending champions.

United looked out of sorts for the first half-hour, possibly the legacy of an unfamiliar line-up which Ferguson had been forced to select with Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic both considered incapable of starting the game.

That left United with an unfamiliar centre-back pairing of Wes Brown and Jonny Evans although, save for a promising attack from El-Hadji Diouf which was ended by John O'Shea's well-timed tackle in the 23rd minute, there was nothing to worry that re-shaped defence in the first-half.

Berbatov made the breakthrough in the 55th minute but it was not until two minutes from time Rooney made the points safe.

It means they keep the pressure on Chelsea and Arsenal at the top of the table in their aim to win a fourth successive title.

United must have wondered how they were still on level terms at half-time given the amount of possession they enjoyed.

As early as the third minute Nani sent a 20-yard shot whistling past the post following a marvellous crossfield pass from Wes Brown.

A mistake by Blackburn defender Chris Samba let in Antonio Valencia 10 minutes later but he failed to take advantage and scuffed a shot off target.

It was a clear opportunity and Blackburn looked nervous at the back at this stage following the mauling by Chelsea last weekend and nine straight defeats on the road.

However the visitors responded in the 21st minute and El-Hadji Diouf got into a good position, only for John O'Shea to make a crucial interception.

United stepped up the pressure and Pascal Chimbonda did well to block a shot from Berbatov in the 29th minute after Patrice Evra played the ball in.

A minute later Berbatov nearly made the breakthrough with a downward header following a cross from Valencia.

However goalkeeper Paul Robinson reacted superbly and turned the Bulgarian's effort over the bar.

Blackburn responded and Samba peeled away from his marker as David Dunn delivered the corner, only to head wide of the target.

It was brief respite for the visitors as Berbatov was again denied by Robinson in the 34th minute after being set up by Rooney.

This was a difficult spell for Blackburn and Berbatov found the net after Rooney had squared the ball to him in the 40th minute, only to be ruled offside.

Then Nani misdirected his header from inside the area following a corner from Valencia as Blackburn held out until half-time.

United pushed forward in the 53rd minute after Nani won the ball off Gael Givet.

The midfielder attempted to release Rooney but the pass was hopelessly misplaced and the move broke down.

Anderson then picked out Evra, who had raced into the area, only for his touch to let him down and Robinson was able to collect.

United made the breakthrough when Berbatov showed good skill when he got on the end of a cross from Evra.

He got the better of Ryan Nelsen, twisting and turning before sending a shot beyond Robinson for his fourth goal of the season.

United boss Ferguson decided to make a change after 64 minutes bringing on Obertan for the ineffective Nani.

Obertan made a delayed debut in the Carling Cup victory against Barnsley in midweek after recovering a back injury.

He almost made a dream start in the 67th minute following a defence splitting pass by Anderson.

Former Bordeaux winger Obertan raced away only to send a weak shot into the arms of a grateful Robinson.

Berbatov came off in the 79th minute and replaced by Michael Owen, who scored in the cup victory against Barnsley.

United should have extended their lead in the 83rd minute but Obertan again fluffed his lines. Clear in front of goal as Valencia played the ball into his path, he snatched at the chance and sent his effort wide.

Obertan then had a hand in United's second goal in the 88th minute when he found Anderson on the left flank.

The Brazilian sent a good ball into the area and Rooney was the first to react with a sweet finish.

Substitute Nikola Kalinic found the net for Blackburn in stoppage time but his effort was ruled offside before Owen sent a shot wide.