Manchester United were in cruise control from the 5th minute onward at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton following an early goal from Javier “El Chicharito” Hernandez. But the win was once again overshadowed by injuries for the Red Devils. Earlier this season United lost captain fantastic Nemanja Vidic and his reliable centre-back partner Rio Ferdinand in a convincing win over West Bromwich Albion in the their first fixture of the 2011-12 Premier League campaign. That same week the club lost Brazilian right-back Rafael da Silva for up to ten weeks following a shoulder injury in training.
Jonny Evans and Patrice Evra also received knocks against Bolton on Saturday. Sir Alex told MUTV, “We’ll see them on Sunday. Jonny is doubtful for Wednesday – he got a knee in the hip in the second half which was pretty painful, while Patrice got a kick on the kneecap. We’ll have a look at them on Sunday – it’s too early to say [how serious the injuries are].” United will travel to Portugal to take on Benfica in the Champions League group stages on Wednesday. It is the first time United will play in Portugal since the Red Devils defeated FC Porto 1-0, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s magnificent forty-yard effort the only goal of the match.
As far as Tom Cleverley’s injury, it seems to be not as bad as originally feared. Cleverley was injured against Bolton following a terrible challenge from striker Kevin Davies, who somehow escaped a booking for the rash challenge. Ferguson said, “It’s a bad one (Cleverley’s injury) and it was a bad tackle.” There no doubt that Davies should have been booked for his tackle, but the Englishman was booked shortly after for another clumsy tackle on left-back Patrice Evra.
Cleverley expressed his anger and frustration on his Facebook page shortly after the game.
“Not feeling good. Feeling like I have broken my foot. Won’t know more until a scan, when I know more will update.
“So angry right now, want everyone to know I got no apology from kevin davies! season could be over and received no apology.”
The good news for United is that Cleverley is only expected to miss four weeks with some ligament damage. If any club can cope with injuries its Sir Alex Ferguson’s Red Devils, who have already quelled without Nemanja Vidic since week one of the season. Michael Carrick is likely to get some playing time in central midfield, while Ji-Sung Park and Ryan Giggs are also surely to get a look. French starlet Paul Pogba could feature in the side in the next few weeks, with the Carling Cup clash against Leeds United looming.
As far as United performance, there is not much that they did wrong. De Gea and Phil Jones anchored United’s defence, while Nani, Rooney, and Chicharito were heavily involved in the attack. Rooney bagged his second consecutive hat-trick, the first Premier League player since Didier Drogba to accomplish the feat. Chicharito Hernandez grabbed a brace, recording his first two goals of 2011-12 for United.
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