The game started slowly with Manchester United controlling possession but to no avail really as all attempts to score early was weak. Attempts made by Nani, Evra, and Berbatov within the first 10 minutes bore no triumph, though Rooney’s’ 12th minute attempt had Birmingham City goalie, Hart at full stretch. Ben Foster did have to make a full dive stop in the 17th minute. Valencia was visible through the game. The next 10 minutes saw a feeble long shot attempt by Nani. Alex Fergusson looked visibly upset at the amount of time Birmingham City took for throw- ins. The 31st minute saw Fabio charge in with a great goal attempt. The next minute saw a poor attempt by Nani and Fergusson looked distraught and then came magic from Rooney’s boots. The ball first touched the post and rebounded out and Rooney testing his reflexes to send it to the back of the net. The 36th minute saw 2 accurate goal attempts from city. The first just about swung out and Ben foster was nowhere on target and the 2nd was saved by a header by Evra standing at the post. Fletcher missed a certain goal at the first half extra time.

Slow paced 2nd half start. The 5oth minute saw Berbatov misjudge a great pass in the box, and miss another chance at a header the next minute. Giggs substituted Nani and was at the job with his corner specialty but to no avail. Another slow 10 minutes, at the end of which Vignal picked a yellow card for a foul on Rooney. Foster saved a shot on target by Larson in the 63rd minute. With 20 minutes to go, it seems Manchester United is in control despite a slow game. A few more successive goal attempts but no success and the feeble attempt from schools in the 72nd minute. A penalty was overlooked in the 74rd minute with a foul on Berbatov. The 75th minute saw Michael Owens debut and Berbatov substituted. Wes Brown was substituted in place of Johnny Evans. Birmingham City had a great chance at equalizing in the 78th minute with a try from Chucho. The 84th minute saw another Rooney header go amiss. 3 minutes added time. Next came an offside, a novel chance for Owen to score with a one on one that Hart denies. The game ends and Manchester United register their first fragile victory

Tags: Manchester United vs. Birmingham City results