Premier League Football

It was Burnley’s first match in the top-flight at Turf Moor for 33 years and the occassion was marked by Burnley securing an unlikely victory over the Premier League Champions, Manchester United.

The victory came courtesy of a stunning volley from veteran Robbie Blake after a half cleared cross fell nicely for him after 19 minutes.

Dominance

United dominated the game having 63% possesion but were found lacking in the goal scoring department. Michael Owen, after wasting a glorious opportunity against Birmingham at the weekend started for United to try and put thing right. He came close after just two minutes but couldn’t get onto a Patrice Evra cross and also missed a header from close range after Wes Brown provided him a cross.

Escape

Owen was brought down by goal scorer Blake and the referee awarded a penalty to United. Michael Carrick stepped up to take it but it was excellently saved by Jensen. The spot kick taker’s job has been vacant since Ronaldo left and Carrick was man enough to put himself forward, although to no avail. I think that Anderson should take them and then Nani.

Pace and Width

Valencia came on to try and add some pace and width into the came as he replaced Anderson but he didn’t make too much of an impact. Berbatov also came on to replace a disappointed Owen as Sir Alex tried to change things up to get a goal.

Heroics

After his penalty save Jensen added to his heroic status by saving well from Ji Sung Park and rushing to the feet of Ryan Giggs, who has scored in every Premier League campaign bar this one so far.

Deserved

Although Manchester United had plenty of the ball the win was well deserved for Burnley who defended resolutely and crucially, managed to score. For United you sense that they miss Ronaldo more than first feared and may need to get a big name in.

Value

Sir Alex previously said that although he doesn’t expect to make any more signings if a good player becomes available at a good price then he would sign them. I think that this may change as United don’t look very threatening now Ronaldo has gone and their bench not as strong without Tevez. Here are some players I think United should try and sign before the transfer window closes on deadline day.

Real Madrid’s Rafael Van der Vaart or Wesley Sneijder are both creative midfields who would cost about 5m and 15m respectively as Madrid are having a clear out. They are both fantastic players and either one would help United in the creativity department and free-kicks.
David Silva is the man that many United fans want to see at Old Trafford, Ferguson is a long admirer of him and had a bid rejected for him last year. He too is creative and can play behind the strikers but is equally at home on the wings. He would cost between 20-25m from Valencia.
Sergio Aguero is similar to Tevez in size and nationality but is much more skillful and a better finisher. His club Athletico Madrid are reluctant to sell and insist 50m may not be enough to buy him. No doubt that he is a class act but I don’t think he is quite worth the money. Only 21 though he has a big future ahead of him and I think he will be a United player in the next couple of years.