Manchester United 2-0 Swansea City

In the eight previous matches at Old Trafford, United has claimed victory over the Welsh side, but this time Swansea was determined to reverse the previous outcomes.  The last victory from Swansea against the Red devils at Old Trafford was in May 1983. This match really was a challenge accepted by the Welsh side since the last match at Liberty Stadium was also in favor of United with one seldom goal by Javier Hernandez (El Chicharito). Unfortunately for Swansea their hope was bigger than their win.

On the other side, Manchester United had to win this match in order to keep up with Manchester City who just gained victory over Newcastle United (0-1). It has been quite a battle between United and City throughout the season since they have been sharing similar points, until the 1-0 loss at Etihad Stadium last Monday United fell behind.  With three points behind and ten goals away United had challenge of their own.

With 75,496 fans watching from the stand, both teams had something to prove.

As the game progressed, Swansea seemed to be playing quite well.  Swansea mainly focused on playing good defense. The first attempt at goal was by United's Phil Jones but it was a bit of a wide shot. Throughout the first half, United seemed to use its wings to set up chances at goal. United really tried to focus on scoring since Man City is 10 goals ahead.  United had several long-range shots after seeing that Swansea was strong in the back.  It seemed to be a solid game with team controlling total possession until the 28th minute of play when Valencia cut the ball back to Michael Carrick who attempted to shoot, but instead found the foot of Paul Scholes who scored from up close. 

After the first goal, United seem to gain full possession of the ball nearly scoring a second goal but Javier Hernandez (El Chicharito) was unable to direct his shot on goal. Just a minute after, Chicharito headed the ball but unfortunately it went over the bar.  Shot after shot and miss after miss United still did not seem to give up.  United was in search to lower their goal difference with Man City. With just five minutes to go in the first half another goal for United. After a mistake from Joe Allen of Swansea, Scholes stole the ball and passed the ball to Rooney who shot but was blocked then directed to Young who then entered the ball in to the corner of the goal. That was a perfect ending for the reds. United seemed to be confident of the win but still in need of several goals.

Throughout the second half, both teams had chances of scoring but failed to finish. Swansea seemed to get more into the game after Sigurdsson and Graham found space by creating opportunities for their team but yet failed to finish.  An agitated Rooney received his first Premier league booking with a yellow card after a foul on Luke Moore. The star striker did not seem to be playing at his full potential.  At the 79th minute of play, Dimitar Berbatov was substituted in for Rooney. This was likely Berbatov's last appearance in the United uniform as he might leave the team by the end of the season. The second half closed with a comfortable 2-0 victory for United.

 "We did what we had to do, we won the match," said Ferguson. "There was optimism from our fans and ourselves about scoring a lot of goals but it was over-optimism. Stated Ferguson.

Now with eight goals behind, the United must somehow find a miracle next Sunday, May 13 at Sunderland. United is also hoping for Man City to drop some points against Queens Park Rangers next Sunday. If not, the title will belong to Man City.

Throughout the title race Manchester United and Manchester City both had a hand on the trophy but now could City possibly have both hands on the trophy? Ferguson did state this; "they probably have two hands on the trophy". Seems like City is the unofficial titleholder for the moment.

 Ferguson believes that there could be a twist. He added, "They're red-hot favorites but we've won the title on three occasions on the last day and we don't mind doing it again."

If a miracle does not happen for United this will be the first team to lose the league because of goal difference since 1965.

Written by Cristina Loza