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57 months and out - United beaten at home in Europe

Cracker
By Chris,
November 27 2009
Manchester United’s superb home run in the European Cup came to an end on Wednesday evening. With qualification in the bag, Sir Alex Ferguson fielded a second string line-up which, despite bossing possession, lacked a cutting edge. It was the visitors who snatched a 1-0 win, as United lost their first Champions League game at Old Trafford since February 2005.

A wonderful deflected strike from Rodrigo Tello sealed the win for Besiktas - and kept alive the Turkish side's slim chances of finishing third and booking a place in the latter stages of this season's Europa League.

Sir Alex Ferguson was punished for fielding a weakened Reds side, with the likes of Rafael, Darron Gibson, Danny Welbeck, Kiko Macheda and Gabriel Obertan starting the game. Wolfsburg's early evening defeat in Russia had made this game even less important for United, as the group crown could still be sealed in Germany despite defeat.

United played attractive attacking football throughout but lacked the final finish in front of goal. Besiktas stopper, and one-time United target, Rustu Recba pulled off a string of excellent stops, notably a fine late block to deny Macheda's glancing header at the death.

The Reds threw on Patrice Evra, Michael Carrick and Michael Owen after the interval to try and salvage a result - but Besiktas held on and seals of delight followed for the travelling supporters.

Wednesday's results mean plenty is still to be decided in Group B. United will win the pool if they pick up a point at Wolfsburg, or if they lose by a single goal and score in the process. CSKA Moscow will qualify if they better Wolfsburg's result, whilst Besiktas must beat the Russians to stand any chance of making the Europa League. Suddenly it's all a bit more exciting!

Full Time - Manchester United 0-1 Besiktas
Attendance - 74,242

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57 months and out - United beaten at home in Europe
Posted by: manutdweb.com (IP Logged)
Date: 27/11/2009 22:49

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