Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand impressed by in-form Wayne Rooney
Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand has hailed in-form striker Wayne Rooney who scored the only goal in United’s historic win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final.
Ferdinand said, “He’s a top quality player. Today he showed touches of brilliance, great touches, awareness and a great finish. He was buzzing around all over the pitch today and it was good to see.”
“It’s been showing over the last few weeks in glimpse. He’s got the ability to do wonderful stuff at any time in the game and today he was consistent throughout the game and when we’ve got that, he’s some player to play against,” added the defender.
Manchester United, who welcomed Rio Ferdinand for the first time since late January, leveled Arsenal’s record of keeping most away clean sheets in a season. Sir Alex’s side earned the fifth clean sheet of the ongoing season in a win over Chelsea.
It was Manchester United’s first win at Stamford Bridge since 2002 and it was Wayne Rooney who made it possible for his team. The move was started by Michael Carrick who played an exceptional long ball towards Ryan Giggs on the opposite flank. The Welsh
winger received the long ball with an outstanding first touch which helped him overlap Chelsea defender Bosingwa. Giggs then played a low cross inside the penalty box towards Wayne Rooney who placed the ball in the far corner to put Manchester United ahead
of the Londoners.
Chelsea, who started match strongly, tried to equalise but could not find a break through against resolute Manchester United defence. One of the most noted moments in the match, when Manchester United got away with what looked like a clear cut penalty against
them.
Patrice Evra fouled the on-rushing Ramires inside the box and despite huge appeal from Chelsea players, the match referee let the play go on. Rio Ferdinand feel that some luck was due on Manchester United at Stamford Bridge after witnessing decisions going
against them in the previous matches.
Manchester United are now favourites to march on to the next round of the UEFA Champions League as they have never lost a European tie after winning the first leg. The next leg between Manchester and Chelsea will played at Old Trafford on 12th
April, 2011