Aston Villa 0 Manchester United 1

Last updated : 28 December 2004 By Footymad Previewer
Ryan Giggs' value to Manchester United has never been underestimated and if Sir Alex Ferguson required any more proof it was seen in abundance at Villa Park where the Welshman produced a brilliant goalscoring performance.

Giggs paved the way to another United success which has now seen the Old Trafford club take 22 points from a possible 24.

United, last beaten at Villa Park in the opening game of the 1995-96 season, were worthy winners although they took their foot off the pedal in the second half as they were content to maintain their first-half lead created by the skilful Giggs.

With only one point from their previous five games Villa's prospects were never very high. With the likes of Mathieu Berson making his home debut along with the inexperienced Stephen Davis, Liam Ridgewell and Carlton Cole there was a feeling that Villa would be overwhelmed.

There was certainly a great deal of promise from the early United play in which Giggs, who seemingly had something to prove, was the dominant player with his speed, skill and powerful shooting.

Wayne Rooney, United's £30million wonder boy, was the first to show the imposing threat from the Red Devils attack when he forced Thomas Sorensen to make a first minute diving save.

There was a scare for United in the 11th minute when Rooney, chasing back, appeared to bring down Nobby Solano in the penalty area but the referee favoured the England player on this occasion.

Giggs, however, continued to electrify the crowd with his powerful surges into the heart of Villa's defence.

The Welshman gave an indication of his danger when he shook off Berson only to see his goalbound shot deflected onto the roof of the net by Ulises De la Cruz.

But Villa's biggest escape occurred when Gareth Barry was caught napping by Giggs and the United player, operating very much in a central role, saw his shot brilliantly tipped over the bar by Sorensen.

Villa struggled to emerge from United's attacking dominance despite some spirited play by Villa's make-shift side.

Lee Hendrie was always active, while Solano always appeared to relish the challenge of his confrontation with United's defence.

It was Solano who set up Villa's best chance with a cross from the left which Ridgewell headed straight at Roy Carroll.

Villa's shoe-string operation, however, was finally exposed by Giggs four minutes before half-time when Davis failed to cut out a John O'Shea pass to Giggs.

On this occasion the Welshman made no mistake firing in a low shot past Sorensen as Olof Mellberg closed in to block the ball.

There could not have been a bigger contrast as on this occasion with the mighty resources enjoyed by Manchester United, but Villa battled bravely in the second half and created an anxious spell for the visitors.

The introduction of Luke Moore for Cole produced a marked improvement, but the response from Ferguson was to send on Roy Keane and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The varied and sophisticated play of United was the reason why they were able to control the vital early part of this match and in the process indicated that they are determined to mount a challenge to Chelsea and Arsenal for the title.