Rovers ruin on Ferguson’s birthday bash with 3-2 win over Red Devils
MANCHESTER: Blackburn pulled off the biggest surprise of the Premier League season so far by stunning Manchester United 3-2 at Old Trafford on Saturday to ruin Alex Ferguson’s 70th birthday.
Blackburn, who started the day bottom of the table, had taken an unlikely 2-0 lead early in the second half thanks to a Yakubu double before the injury-ravaged champions drew level through two Dimitar Berbatov goals. But Rovers’ Grant Hanley took advantage of a mistake by goalkeeper David de Gea to score the winner from a corner in the 80th minute.
The 20-year-old Hanley beat De Gea in the air to get his head on the ball and then headed it into the net with a second effort to secure a victory that eases the pressure on under-fire Blackburn manager Steve Kean.
United had needed a point to ensure they would finish the year in top spot with leaders
“It’s great to win at a place like this,” said Kean, who has faced widespread fan protests after a poor start to the season. “We’re desperate for wins and, with such a young side, this can be a real springboard to go and kick on.”
It also prevented United from ending the year atop the standings, as it remained behind crosstown rival Manchester City on goal difference.
“We need to respond now. This is coming to the crucial time of the season,” said Ferguson, who earlier marked his birthday by pledging to stay in his job for at least another three years. “We know we can improve on today’s performance. We won’t get many like that and I’m confident we will have a real go (for the title).”
Ayegbeni Yakubu had scored the first two for Blackburn, with a first-half penalty and a low shot past De Gea in the 51st, before Berbatov struck back with two quick finishes inside the area.
But United couldn’t stage a second comeback, as the closest they could come was an injury-time shot from former Blackburn defender Phil Jones that was cleared off the goalline.
Blackburn was coming off a 1-1 draw at Liverpool on Monday, and Kean said he hopes supporters will finally stop calling for him to be sacked.
“The owners are behind me and the players are behind me. Now, I’d like to think there could be a truce between me and the fans,” Kean said. “It would be good if the fans who have been negative will turn, because we want Ewood Park to be a place where there is an intimidating atmosphere.” (Agencies)