United XI at Northwich Victoria

PS18

Anyone else planning on going tonight? More to the point, anyone got any idea about kick-off time?

Glad we've got this friendly lined up, reserve fixtures seem about as rare as a Liverpool away win at the minute.

oskarutd

Reserves: Derby brought forward

The Reserves' derby against Manchester City has been brought forward, and will now take place two days before the first team host Stuart Pearce's Blues.

The Reds host their local rivals at Ewen Fields on Thursday, 7 December, a date which was originally scheduled to pit them against Liverpool.

However, the City game has been brought forward following the rearrangements of the Reds' trip to Merseyside and also the visit to Everton.

Brian McClair's side will now travel to Liverpool on Thursday, 1 February and to Everton on Tuesday, 27 March.

United have beaten City twice this season, winning 1-0 in the ***RL at Sportcity and 4-2 in the Manchester Senior Cup at Ewen Fields.

Meanwhile, Floribert Ngalula makes his first start of the season in Thursday night's friendly against Northwich Victoria.

The Belgian midfielder, who has been troubled by a serious hip injury for the best part of ** months, is part of a strong side selected by Brian McClair for the showpiece game.

United: Heaton, Gray, Rose, Lea, Shawcross, Ngalula, Lee, Barnes, Marsh, Evans, Mullan.
Substitues: Burns, Crockett, Cathcart, Brandy, Hewson.

PS18

7.45pm kick-off it seems, £12 pay on the gate. Trying to work out if it's doable train-wise.

Good to see manutd.com on the ball as ever - Flo started the last reserve game didn't he?

Annoying to see both games against the scouse reserves shifted into next year. Makes it just the one game in December (I think), and nothing between 7/12 and late January. No wonder we've loaned everyone out.

oskarutd

Any news on the game?

Mr. MUJAC

United fielded a normal reserve team for the opening of the Victoria Stadium at Northwich tonight. With a 7.45 k-o.......it gave plenty of time for the 2905 crowd to arrive and watch what turned out to be a competitive game.

United started brightly and had most of the opening period, although NV held their own. It would be fair to say that neither keeper really had much to do and the Reds defence looked particularly solid.....especially Ryan Shawcross who had a very good game. On 38 minutes, Sean Evans gave United the lead with a clever goal after a one-two on the edge of the box and he beat the keeper with a low shot into the bottom left corner of the net.

Half-time 1-0 to United.

Brian McClair made one change at HT with Michael Barnes replacing Sean Evans......it was Evans' first game back after injury so perhaps the coaching staff were not taking too many risks.....

Then on 56 minutes, Aaron Burns made it 2-0 and United looked very comfortable for most of the second half. Ryan Shawcross picked up a knock on 75 minutes and was replaced with Craig Cathcart. Then with 7 minutes to go, NV pulled a goal back but it was simply a consolation as United held firm to run out 2-1 winners.

It was good to see Floribert N'Galula back after a long lay off and he had a good game. Kieran Lee was probably MOM but special mention must also go to Shawcross, Gray and Danny Rose.

Team: Heaton, Gray, Rose, Lea, Shawcross, N'Galula, Mullan, Lee, Burns, Marsh, S. Evans

Subs: Barnes (11), Crockett, Brandy, Hewson, Cathcart (5)

Scorers: S. Evans, Burns

Attendance: 2905

westlife4ever

Good to see Sean Evans back, he is a talented player.

If he can avoid being injured too many times, I think he has a good chance to make it to the first team.

oskarutd

Reserves win at Northwich

United’s Reserves notched a 2-1 win over Northwich Victoria to officially open the Victoria Stadium on Thursday night.

Sir Alex Ferguson sent a strong second string side to face the Conference side, and goals either side of half-time for Sean Evans and Aaron Burns sealed victory.

A crowd of 2,905 turned up for the showpiece occasion, marked by Sir Alex officially opening the 6,000 capacity stadium.

"I consider this to be the beginning of a new era for Northwich," said the United boss. "[Club owner Mike Connett] has had the foresight to realise that clubs cannot survive on football alone and need restaurants, bars and executive suites to support it."

United started brightly in the match with Burns going close on three occasions before turning provider for Evans, who slotted past Phil Senior in the 37th minute.

Half-time substitute Michael Barnes was the inspiration for United’s second, as his left-wing run and cross gave Burns a simple tap-in to double the lead.

Reds keeper Tom Heaton then pulled off an astonishing save from Mark Sale, turning the striker’s powerful header over the bar from point blank range as the Vics searched for a route back into the game.

They did halve the arrears seven minutes from time, however, as the outstanding Carlos Roca fired an angled drive past Heaton, but United held on to open the Victoria Stadium with an away win.

julesee

Barnesy - the man!