Premier League: Rooney takes United to the top
Ferguson furious after Suarez's handshake refusal.
LONDON:
Manchester United regained top spot in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Liverpool in a stormy clash marred by fresh controversy stemming from the Luis Suarez racism affair.
Two second-half goals in three minutes from Wayne Rooney – playing in his 500th game at senior level – saw the champions go one point clear of Manchester City, who face Aston Villa today. But the early kick-off at Old Trafford was dominated by incidents involving Suarez, who scored Liverpool's only goal in his first start since returning from an eight-match ban for racially abusing United captain Patrice Evra.
Despite assurances from both clubs' managers that Evra and Suarez would shake hands before the kick-off, the Uruguayan caused an unnecessary flashpoint by ignoring Evra's outstretched hand. However, tempers flared on the stroke of half-time, with Suarez appealing for a foul after being tackled by Rio Ferdinand.
After the interval, Rooney volleyed in his first from close range on 47 minutes after Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson inadvertently flicked on a Ryan Giggs corner.
Rooney then made it 2-0 in the 50th minute after a Jay Spearing blunder let in Antonio Valencia. Valencia's pass found Rooney, who stroked his shot past Pepe Reina.
United remained in control but a lapse in concentration saw Suarez pull a goal back for Liverpool but the champions held their nerve to seal the win.
Meanwhile, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was furious by Suarez's refusal to shake Evra's hand.
"He's a disgrace to Liverpool Football Club," said Ferguson. "Suarez should not be allowed to play for Liverpool again."
Published in The Express Tribune, February 12th, 2012.
Manchester United regained top spot in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Liverpool in a stormy clash marred by fresh controversy stemming from the Luis Suarez racism affair.
Two second-half goals in three minutes from Wayne Rooney – playing in his 500th game at senior level – saw the champions go one point clear of Manchester City, who face Aston Villa today. But the early kick-off at Old Trafford was dominated by incidents involving Suarez, who scored Liverpool's only goal in his first start since returning from an eight-match ban for racially abusing United captain Patrice Evra.
Despite assurances from both clubs' managers that Evra and Suarez would shake hands before the kick-off, the Uruguayan caused an unnecessary flashpoint by ignoring Evra's outstretched hand. However, tempers flared on the stroke of half-time, with Suarez appealing for a foul after being tackled by Rio Ferdinand.
After the interval, Rooney volleyed in his first from close range on 47 minutes after Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson inadvertently flicked on a Ryan Giggs corner.
Rooney then made it 2-0 in the 50th minute after a Jay Spearing blunder let in Antonio Valencia. Valencia's pass found Rooney, who stroked his shot past Pepe Reina.
United remained in control but a lapse in concentration saw Suarez pull a goal back for Liverpool but the champions held their nerve to seal the win.
Meanwhile, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was furious by Suarez's refusal to shake Evra's hand.
"He's a disgrace to Liverpool Football Club," said Ferguson. "Suarez should not be allowed to play for Liverpool again."
Published in The Express Tribune, February 12th, 2012.