MANCHESTER UNITED WERE crowned champions of England for the 20th time on Monday.
Here, we look back at five matches that played a key role in United’s latest title triumph:
September 23, 2012: Liverpool 1 Manchester United 2
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Alex Ferguson’s team kept pace with early leaders Chelsea after surviving an emotional trip to Anfield.
In Liverpool’s first game since the publication of a report absolving their fans of blame over the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, the hosts, who had midfielder Jonjo Shelvey sent off in the first half, raised the roof when Steven Gerrard put them ahead in the 46th minute.
But United silenced the Kop as Rafael da Silva curled in a fine equaliser five minutes later before Robin van Persie’s penalty secured a fourth successive Premier League win nine minutes from time.
October 28, 2012: Chelsea 2 Manchester United 3
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United closed the gap on leaders Chelsea to one point after Javier Hernandez’s late goal secured a dramatic win over the nine-man European champions at Stamford Bridge.
David Luiz’s own goal and van Persie’s clinical finish gave United a two-goal lead early on, but Chelsea fought back superbly to level with goals from Juan Mata and Ramires either side of the interval.
However, red cards for Branislav Ivanovic and Fernando Torres swung the momentum back towards United, who stole the points thanks to Hernandez’s close-range winner in the 75th minute.
November 10, 2012: Aston Villa 2 Manchester United 3
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While this may not be a vintage United team, no-one can question the character of Alex Ferguson’s current crop.
And that never-say-die spirit was on full display as they stunned Villa Park with a stirring fightback after two goals from Andreas Weimann had put the hosts in the ascendancy.
Hernandez sparked the revival with a 58th-minute strike and Ron Vlaar’s own goal five minutes later drew United level before Hernandez completed his side’s eighth come-from-behind victory of the season with an 87th-minute winner.
December 9, 2012: Manchester City 2 Manchester United 3
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Van Persie sparked chaotic scenes as the United striker’s injury-time winner capped a heated Manchester derby at Eastlands and put his side six points clear of their bitter rivals.
United had raced into a two-goal lead as Wayne Rooney struck in the 16th and 29th minutes.
But Yaya Toure’s effort on the hour gave City a lifeline and the champions looked to have rescued a point when Pablo Zabaleta equalised with only four minutes to play.
There was a sting in the tale for City, though, as van Persie’s free-kick curled past Joe Hart, prompting one City fan to invade the pitch in a bid to confront United defender Rio Ferdinand, who had been struck in the face by a coin while celebrating the winner.
December 26, 2012: Manchester United 4 Newcastle United 3
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United seized control of the title race as they extended their Premier League lead to seven points with another example of their remarkable resilience.
A Boxing Day cracker at Old Trafford saw Newcastle lead three times through James Perch, a Jonny Evans own goal and Papiss Cisse.
But United fought back each time as Evans, Patrice Evra and van Persie all struck before the irrepressible Hernandez slid home the winner in the last minute.
Solid team that are able to a job, I’ll hear no more about it
@apuuu: ah but you will when Jim & Robb see what you have to say
@my name: J O R D A N L A R M O U R Is a weird way of spelling Mike Haley
@Cortiss: you’ve lost me there
@apuuu: ah, Doris’s injury and winning those first two games with CJ at 8 & POM at 6 wasn’t great in some ways in terms of us developing our game plan. Doris was selected at 8 for a reason on day 1 and that reason hasn’t changed so it’s ultra conservative by Farrell not to follow through and start him at 8.
@BMJF: Scotland and England are 2 vastly different teams though.
Would have swapped out the looseheads, think kilcoyne has the momentum and would provide an extra heavy carrier which I think we need along with his more dominant scrummaging. Strongest team possible though all the same. Think we’ve got our best pairing at centre irrespective of ringroses fitness. Can’t wait for it.
@Jim Demps: I think he’s better off the bench and plays a crucial role bring huge impact for the last 30, similar to the South African Bomb squad.
@Cortiss: nah, start your best players. Why would you have the better player on the bench for 55 mins? This better off the bench thing is nonsense, he’s better on the pitch playing for longer than sitting on the sidelines.
@Jim Demps: Healy hasn’t been great recently but Killer hasn’t been knocking the door down in all fairness, think Healys experience and form over last year gives him the nod
@Jim Demps : https://amp.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2019/nov/02/rassie-erasmus-the-brains-behind-south-africas-bomb-squad
Fierce good article attached here
@Jim Demps: I don’t see the logic in weakening your team for the last 20/30 when the game is in the balance. Everyone has their own take.
@Jim Demps: just read the Ringrose comment, been consistently a 8/10 and the magic we need, he’s first centre on team sheet. Yes Henshaw and Aki played well vs Wales but it has been shaky is recent times
@Cortiss: I’d disagree, a simple comparison between the two from the welsh game tells it’s own story. Aside from the fact that the only scrum penalty we’ve won in two games was killers, in 60 minutes Healy carried twice for 3m, attempted 6 tackles and missed one. In the 20 minutes that killer was on he carried twice for 5m and attempted 10 tackles and missed one. Considering the ruck stats weren’t glowing about Healy I’d say those numbers tell their own story re work rate.
@Cortiss: for Leinster maybe but I’d be struggling to think of the last time I saw that magic for ireland. Think henshaw gives us that directness we need and gets us over the gain line. Henshaw isnt as good a first centre as Aki, I’ve always said that, he’s a far far better 13 than he is a 12.
@Jim Demps: have to disagree on Ringrose. He is a adult our best centre when fit. Was one of the only players to come out of the World Cup with any credit. He’s a class act.
@Jim Demps: the thing is we see his magic every game, but everybody is used to it that it’s over looked now. Also I know Leinster is different to Ireland but 2 hatricks and many brilliant performances show his class
@Jim Demps: Comparing a starting prop against a prop who comes on for the last 20 minutes isn’t a fair comparison. No doubt Killer is playing well currently but to say he’s the better player is yet to be proven.
@Cortiss: I’m not as convinced as you seem to be. You’re going back nearly 2 years since he scored or assisted against a top tier country, and 2 years again for the time previous. Don’t get me wrong, he’s class and it’s great to see the impact he has for Leinster but Im not so sure he’s an automatic choice at 13. Henshaw brings more to the jersey as an all rounder, he’s a better defender and while he may be short of the magic as you put it of ringrose, he gets over the gainline and is a good distributor
@Rocky Raccoon: well yes I’d agree given that one is on the pitch for 3 times longer than the other but If the sub is surpassing the numbers of the starter given the time on pitch difference then I’d say there’s an issue.
@Jim Demps: Ringrose like most layers has been constrained by Joes tactics over the last couple of years. I seem to recall you not fancying Henshaw during the World Cup. Changing your tune?
@Kevin: not really, still don’t fancy him as a 12. I’ve always said that he could be a world class 13, massively over rated as a 12 though.
@Jim Demps: try scoring against top tier nations isn’t a major problem. He’s a smart player who creates tries for others, very unselfish too. Off to the top of my head I remember the unnecessary pass to Conway to make sure of the try and the lovely pass to stockdale vs Wales on the loop
@Jim Demps: fair enough. I’d tend to agree you you in so far as preferring him as a 13. I hope he goes well and lasts the game on Sunday!!!
@Cortiss: yup, I’m not arguing that he’s a bad player at all, just maybe not a guaranteed spot on the team. I haven’t done the numbers but I’d wonder if henshaw and Aki have played together more times than ringrose and henshaw?
@Jim Demps: So you wouldn’t factor fatigue and Wales being 12 points down in a low scoring game into your comparison?
@Jim Demps: I wouldn’t think so, but the Leinster partnership gives them an advantage I think
@Kevin: you think ringrose has been constrained by tactics? I don’t know what that makes henshaw when he’s literally been shoved into 12 to be used in the Jamie Roberts role even though he’s always been a 13/15
@Cortiss: may be an unpopular opinion but I believe having your best 12 at 12 really gives either partnership Aki is a part of an advantage, the better 13 can be selected between the two others for each matchup then
@Cortiss: I’d say it might be a lot closer than you think. Henshaw has only played forty odd times for Leinster and he’s got nearly 80 games for connacht
@Rocky Raccoon: do explain how fatigue affects the tackling and carrying numbers differently for the two.
@Jim Demps: Killer isn’t a better player.. but he does provide some ball carrying impact off the bench. More to the role that a few aggressive carries. Killer offers more off the bench as other said and he is strengths can be used best when other team is tiring a bit
@Jim Demps: I like the continuity. Killer is an unbelievable impact player but I accept there are other opinions.
The Litmus Test,
The Acid Test,
Into the Lion’s Den,
Judgement Day,
There Season Defining Game. HOOORGAN! RONAN O’GARA!! THIS IS O’DRISCOLL!!! TOMMY BOOOOOWWEEEEEEEEEEE
Would’ve like to see a 6-2 split on the bench to match England’s physicality bar that I’m happy, Cooney and earls could’ve covered the backs and then add deegan to the forwards for the last 20 mins. Just a suggestion but I think that would’ve been better than having Byrne who will get 5 mins max bar and injury
@Cortiss: that’s just silly, you would have cooney come on at 10 if jinny got injured? In Twickenham? Do you remember Tom mccourt?
@Con Henihan: yes I would if all came to all
@Con Henihan: Tom *Court – though I guess you have proved a point about how forgettable that afternoon was
@Cortiss: yeah that would have been a potential option – especially with Cooney able to kick
Best team available, fingers crossed they get the job. Should be a cracker.
You know things are going well due to the huge atmosphere change with This team being picked, if this was for the Scotland game there would be chaos. Pete and Stander proving there worth as with Henshaw and Murray. Bring on England on Sunday !
How Ronan Kelleher doesn’t start ahead of Herring is beyond me
@@: Kelleher unfortunate with Hand injury, and Herring hasn’t done anything wrong to lose that 2 Jersey
@Cortiss: hasnt done anything wrong is such a lame excuse for justifying selection. Start the better player. Killer, kelleher and Doris should all be starting.
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: Doris over Pete not a hope, Kelleher hasn’t been shooting the starts out recently
@Cortiss: not a hope? Because he wasnt poor against Wales he deserves it over Doris who has played better all year?
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: cooney should be starting also btw. Most in form scrum half in europe.
@@: he’s been injured recently and Herring has been doing very well in there. Not sure how that is beyond you
@Andrew Taz Donohoe: played last week for ster. Been class all year. Brings more to the table than herring. Easy decision really.
@Cortiss: Kelleher is only back from injury so he hasn’t had to much of a chance to ‘shoot the stars out’ recently. He played very well for Leinster last week. Herring has been fine. Kelleher will get his chance.
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: hard to disagree with any of your selection calls there, bar Kilcoyne. Think he is being overrated a bit and Healy is still out in front. Can understand not wanting to change things in Twickenham, but that back row has not worked vs real opposition. Think it will be the same on Sunday.
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: Kelleher is very one-dimensional with his running, offers very little else, and not as good a LO thrower as Herring. No surprise and correct call that he’s benched.
@Cortiss: the debacle that was Japan RWC was partly caused by the ‘he hasn’t done anything’ to be dropped approach. You don’t improve as a team by saying if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Kelleher offers something a little bit special in my view, as does Doris and to beat England I think we needed their youthful exuberance, dynamism and ball handling skills. That said they’ll probably come on off the bench together with 20mins to go
@Andrew Taz Donohoe: he played for Leinster at weekend and looked fired up …But look it he’ll be on for 20mins anyway
@Carmine Lorenzo: I agree. We needed something different .. a ball playing, passing, off loading, running back row needed to beat the power game of England. Wales showed last year how to beat them and it’s a combination of physicality and the ability of forwards with ball in hand
Never understood why Henderson always gets in
@Jerry Mahony: Agreed but I suppose Toner has gotten old , Beirne should be starting but he’s currently injured & Dillane has to improve on the nuts and bolts of a second row.
@Jerry Mahony: very harsh on one of our most reliable players. Brings great dynamism and has a great radar for a second row. And who else would replace him?
@Jerry Mahony:
Because he is the best player in his position. Isn’t that the reason any player should be picked?
@Jerry Mahony: I wouldn’t be his greatest fan either but he is currently our best option. When he’s on top form he’s excellent but can be pretty average imo.
Win or lose I would expect changes for the Italy game. If those who get their chance then shoot the lights out they’ll be retained for France otherwise back pretty much to Sunday’s 15
@TL55: He always seems to struggle against top strong packs
@Jerry Mahony: who are you picking ahead of him?
@TL55: players getting a chance v Italy won’t get play V France I don’t think. If we beat England which we’re not tipped to do then we need to make sure of it against Italy and play most of our first 15 and most of our first 23
@Jerry Mahony: I’d agree in that he sremd to be offering none of the forward momentum we need from a lock but he’s our only realistic option for now. Neither Toner nor Dillane tick as many boxes even though they’re better in some areas.
@Philip Stewart: personally think the options aren’t great but dillane deserves a shot
Worried about that back row, which has been proven to not work against proper opposition. It’s hard to justify changing a winning side but we’ve played two very poor teams so far. Not sure how to call this one.
@Carmine Lorenzo: It worked against the world cup semi-finalists Wales. You have a high bar on proper opposition. England away is tough, we’re not favourites but I reckon based on the two previous selections and results this is the right team.
Our best 23 overall to be fair but there’s certainly a few guys like Doris (for POM) , Kilcoyne , Cooney and arguably Earls (for Stockdale) who deserve to start but will hopefully have key roles.
@John Carey: Even as a Munster Earls is fortunate to be in 23 on form, when Addison recovers I think the 23 jersey is his
@Cortiss: Earls is a legend. Still a brilliant exciting clever player.
Can’t wait for the match, especially seeing as I’ll be there!!!!
@Cortiss:
Addison is of course an unknown quantity at this level, but he is the fastest player in the squad and competently covers centre, full back and wing.
Stockdale certainly hasn’t been firing on all cylinders, but we know he is a game breaker, and hopefully he will show it again on Sunday.
@MrMagoo: agreed offers an unbelievable work ethic , diverse skill set and footwork with loads of experience.
Addison is extremely talented but injury prone and Stockdale isn’t the game breaker he can be the last 13 months and hasn’t added anything to his game.
@Cortiss: fortunate? Ah cmon he should be starting ahead of stockdale. He always performs for Ireland
@MrMagoo: hopefully no injuries and we can make our substitutions based on tactics rather than forced
@Jim Lynch: Stockdale has scored 16 tries in 27 games at an average of 0.67 tries per game. The next highest average is Denis Hickey with 29 tries from 62 games at 0.47. Earls has 30 tries from 83 appearances at a 0.37 average. Stockdale’s aerial game and defence have improved dramatically. Only a fool would drop our most consistent try scorer ever.
@Sustainable Hedgehog: Gotta point out Earls played at centre for 18 months
@Sustainable Hedgehog: with Stockdale on the left the ball naturally makes it to him a lot more than Earls on the right
@Sustainable Hedgehog: fairly good there with the calculator lad. You’ve got to contest in the air to have a chance at being good. Not saying he’s a bad player by any means he’s very very good, I’d just like to see him on the ball more and go look for the ball more which he hasn’t done much of this season. Wether that’s a tactical thing by his coaches I don’t know but I’d rather earls in there against England
I don’t agree with the platitude that you never change a winning side, but it’s probably justified in this case.
There can be few complaints about the selection after the last performance.
Sunday is a bigger challenge, and hopefully they will measure up. If not, then the door should be open for changes against France, and not just the run out against Italy.
@Brian McAll: it wont though. The changes will come against Italy as they are annually. Then when we fail at the next world cup again people will ask why. Endless cycle of stubbornness and stupidity. Also if u dont like it block me Munster fans. Dont care.
Still no place in the 23 for Heffernan or Dillane. Bad mistake. Even with the brothers missing it’s England to win by 20 plus.
@Ray Ridge: definitely stay off the sause please
@Ray Ridge: As a Connacht Supporter , I couldn’t agree Dillane should be in the frame … Yes granted after a very challenging year in 2018/19 due to injury he coming back to his best this season ….and that’s great for Connacht but it’s hard to argue he is ahead of Ryan , Henderson , Toner …. or that he should be on the bench
But in there a strong case for Dave Heffernan to be 23 man match day squad. He is having an outstanding season for Connacht as 1st choice Hooker … and he had a huge role in the Demolition of Cardiff at Sportsground last Saturday..
Given Kelleher’s recent injury woes and lack of game time ….it seems with Heffernan’s recent match form he has done enough to be in the reckoning ….
@XvSv: Not saying he should be ahead of Ryan or Henderson but definitely ahead of Toner. He had more aggressive carries in the first 30 minutes against Cardiff than Toner has in the whole of his career. Being 7’10 and able to win an odd lineout doesn’t cut it at top class international rugby as a second row anymore.
Good stuff! Will be a very tough match to win. Looking forward to it
It could be a good Day for Doris
Henshaw and Herring are nice beefy upgrades on Ringrose and Best but I still think England will run over the top of us and probably pick off our lineout. VDF and POM will be blown away as per. Doris at 8 or Ruddock at 6 would be much better options given the task at hand I think.
I would have introduced Earls (for Conway), Doris (for P O’M) and Toner (for Henderson) into the starting 15 and JackMcGrath (instead of Killer) on the bench. Ulster front 3 “murdered” Munster in the Pro14 game.
However, was do I know!
Come on Ireland!
@Connachtabu: whatever about Doris for o Mahony….. Can’t see any argument for Earls, Toner or mcgrath. Mcgrath OK at scrum time but nowhere near mobile enough around the park. Not fit enough.
@Connachtabu: its a bit early to be on the drink
@Mark walsh: Amadan
@Ray Ridge: Lets wait and see. happy to eat my words!
I agree with several of the comments posted above and am afraid for our backrow against England. Than said hopefully VDF can up his game to the same level as CJ and POM if he can it will be a surprise, in a more serious note this is the game for James Ryan to prove he is actually world class, he is very good but he needs to dominate this area to get in to that bracket , hopefully we will be talking about him having Mario in his pocket all game and not the other way around….
There’s a confidence in this team. Huge job to do on Sunday.
waiting here boys…
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