Welbeck the star as green United leave Spurs blue
MANCHESTER UTD (3) vs TOTTENHAM (0)
MANCHESTER UNITED manager Sir Alex Ferguson has long since obliterated the notion that, to paraphrase pundit Alan Hansen, kids don’t win trophies. However, he seems determined to prove that point all over again, having assembled a young team that swept Tottenham aside last night and who should not fear anyone in the Premier League.
Former youth striker Danny Welbeck, 20, Anderson, 23, and Wayne Rooney, 25, struck in the space of 27 second-half minutes to remind United’s neighbours Manchester City that they will not give up their champions’ crown, or local bragging rights, easily. Centre-back Phil Jones, 19, was also outstanding while midfielder Tom Cleverley impressed in a team with an average age of 23.
Goalkeeper David de Gea even got his first clean sheet, at the third attempt, as Ferguson’s latest fledglings moved to second behind pace-setters City. However, the 20-year-old Spaniard’s inexperience was once again in evidence as he struggled with high balls. The closest Tottenham came to a goal was when he flapped at a cross and Jermain Defoe struck the post.
Spurs offered little, particularly in the final third, where they missed the probing of Luka Modric – omitted owing to uncertainty over his future. This was a far cry from the side that thumped Hearts 5-0 on Thursday night.
Ferguson spent big on youth over the summer but it was two home-grown talents who combined for the opening goal on 61 minutes, Cleverley crossing from the right for Welbeck to plant a powerful header into the far corner.
United tested Spurs goalkeeper Brad Friedel repeatedly through Cleverley, Anderson, Rooney and an audacious Welbeck overhead kick before doubling the lead in the 76th minute. Welbeck crowned a delicious passing move by back-heeling square for Anderson to tap in and Rooney added emphasis with a close-range header with three minutes left.
DHL deliver £40m training kit deal
MANCHESTER UNITED have become the first Premier League team to sell sponsorship rights to their training kit by signing a £40m deal with delivery company DHL.
The pioneering contract is worth £10m a year – a figure only three of their top flight rivals surpass with their shirt sponsorships.
United have made great strides in growing commercial revenue and now earn around £100m annually from that stream. It comes as owners the Glazer family plan a partial share offering in Singapore later this year.