Manchester United's defense continues to look questionable, but there is no doubt about the team's offensive depth.
An injury to Wayne Rooney allowed for young Mexican striker Javier Hernandez to start and the youngster did not disappoint. Hernandez scored a last minute goal, his tenth of the season to give Manchester United a 4-3 win over Newcastle United. The win expanded United's lead to seven over second place Manchester City, who lost 1-0 on Wednesday.
Manchester United looked unsteady throughout the game. They gave up a goal four minutes into the match. Jonathan Evans leveled the scored in the 25th minute but then gave the lead back by scoring an own goal three minutes later. Patrice Evra added a 58th minute goal to tie the score again, but a 68 minute goal from Papiss Demba Cisse gave Newscastle the lead. Robin Van Persie tied the game three minutes later and it seemed that Manchester would only pick up one point from the encounter.
Hernandez's goal gave his team three points and continued to boost his favor in manager Sir Alex Ferguson's eyes. "Every time Javier has played he has contributed. He has got 10 goals now and that is despite not playing every week," said Ferguson of his striker.
The team's opponents on Saturday will be West Bromwich Albion, a team caught in the middle of a three way battle for fourth place. The team has won 10, lost six and tied three to gain 33 points on the season. They are in the midst of a two game winning streak and a three game undefeated run. In their last match, Albion got a 29th minute goal from Chris Brunt to run ahead of the Queens Park Rangers. A 49th minute own goal from QPR's goalkeeper Robert Green gave them a 2-0 lead that Albion never relinquished.
Predictions: Manchester United should win this but do not expect a clean sheet; 3-2 Manchester
Start Time: 10 AM EST
TV: ESPN 2
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
