Environment: There was an unmistakeable edge within the air as Mark Hughes’s facet arrived at Outdated Trafford, with the 2 sides stage on factors going into the early-season encounter. Quite than dreading an upset, the house assist was acclimatising to the brand new sensation of relating to the guests as a sustained risk for honours – embodied finest by Carlos Tevez, whose earlier begin in M16 had yielded United’s clinching second objective within the earlier season’s corresponding fixture.
Simply 4 months later, the Argentinian ahead was the poster boy for Metropolis’s new period, offering an absorbing subplot on what would show a fascinating afternoon.
United’s efficiency: Nearly instantly, the champions set about making a press release, forging forward in simply the second minute when Wayne Rooney calmly slid residence from shut vary. Quite than lie down, nonetheless, Metropolis fought again – a recurring theme of the afternoon. Gareth Barry pounced to stage after a Ben Foster slip, then Craig Bellamy cancelled out a Darren Fletcher header not as soon as, however twice. The latter got here within the closing minute after one other defensive blunder and likewise adopted a spate of missed alternatives for the Reds. Time remained, nonetheless, for an all-time basic to swing again United’s means.