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Malaysia XI 0 Man Utd 2

FLYING START: Michael Owen in action on Monday
MICHAEL Owen was on the mark again as United wrapped up the Malaysian leg of their Far East tour with another comfortable win.

Owen got United's second, just two minutes after Federico Macheda's 11th-minute opener, which proved to be the end of the scoring for United, despite their domination.

Anderson and Nani both wasted decent opportunities near the end.

And, despite the supposedly friendly nature of the contest, Wayne Rooney had plenty of fire in him as he reacted badly to a penalty area challenge when really he would have been better advised to let the matter rest.

Given the humid conditions, it was hardly a surprise Sir Alex Ferguson fielded an entirely different starting line-up to the one he named for the first game between the teams on Saturday.

On that occasion, Owen grabbed the late winner to save his side's blushes in a less-than-convincing 3-2 win.

This time around, the former Liverpool striker scored the second, showing his usual predatory instincts after the home defence had made a woeful attempt at clearing a Zoran Tosic cross.

Enthusiasm

While no-one could doubt the enthusiasm of the home supporters, around 30,000 turned out at just 48 hours notice for a game hastily arranged after the Jakarta terrorist attack last Friday ruled out a planned visit to Indonesia, the opposition was not of high quality.

Better will be expected of FC Seoul on Friday, by which time United's fitness levels will have improved as a result of the training they have done in such intense heat.

Owen is certainly enjoying himself, and came close to grabbing his second when he met a low Tosic cross with a near-post flick that cannoned off the inside of a post.

Another forward with a desire to impress is Macheda, who made such a huge impression when he was introduced to senior ranks last term.

Now handed the coveted fourth striking berth following the exits of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, the 17-year-old needs to prove he has the consistency to be an effective Premier League operator at such a young age.

There was plenty to be admired about the calm way he finished off a Ryan Giggs cross to open United's account just two minutes before Owen found the net.

Darron Gibson was one of those to impress, showing why Ferguson has handed him a new contract.

Wes Brown was the only man to complete a full 90 minutes, although the England star will probably be happy with that given the injury torment he went through last term, when a foot problem effectively wrecked his season.

There was still no goal for Dimitar Berbatov though as the Bulgarian nodded a free header straight at Mohammed Farizal Marlias.

And Anderson, who has never scored for United, missed another decent chance near the end.

What is your verdict on the action? Have your say.

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Good result ,all contributed,changing the subject did anyone see Veron's performance,fantastic world class, i wondered what went wrong at Man Utd and later at Chelsea

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Much better first half second hald died as soon as the more experienced players came on first half the movement was excellent and Owen and Macheda and Tosic looked the buisness as did Fletcher.
Kussak showed are other two keepers how to make some good saves!I would say Owen will make a good partner for Macheda finishing off he is excellent.

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I must admit that I too thought what's going on with all this Owen love in, but then I decided that I prefer that to any articles about Ronaldo or Tevez.

Watched a bit of the game but couldn't stand the boredom. Owen 2 apps 2 goals, he's already got used to our midfield, running back into the centre of our midfield to get the ball and try and get a decent attack going. Only Owen and Kiko looked good, not because they scored but because of effort and what they did and tried to do with the ball . So I have to agree with Roo he does look sharp and fit as well.

Goals and quality of our midfield? This debate will continue all season long. The midfield and the management haven't changed from last season so it's fair to expect the inconsistent ,generally substandard, lacking in goals performances from a midfield that will change radically from game to game. We can expect Scholes and Giggs to be poorer next season but still be given lots of playing time. Fletcher will no doubt perfect his Phillip Neville shuffle and will put in some "fine" performances but won't be able to handle the top opposition. Carrick will blow hot and cold. Oh no, doom and gloom, but wait there is hope, and that hope is the emergence of the player who famously outplayed Fabregas in his first season and the return of Mr Sicknote himself.

It seems a long time ago now but when Anderson and Hargreaves played together it's the most convincing I've seen our midfield since the decline of Roy. Still, even if they are available they'll only get a chance to play together once every 6 or 7 games unless our coaching staff change their approach.

With Owen and Kiko added to our attack I think the four strikers will get the goals. I'm not worried about there it's the midifeld that will continue to be the problem area.

Don't rate Tosic.

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Will anderson ever score what a miss.Tosic looked decent in the first half Owen and Macheada took their chances well.Second half not great a lot of changes should have scored more like a training session at times Rooneys tackle class good thing it was a friendly...

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Much better from the whole team though some players still lack the cutting edge. (Tosic, Fletcher, Brown)

Impressive performance from Macheda and Owen upfront.The latter's work-rate was commendable. Surely, Tevez is not going to be missed if Michael continues to score at this rate. As for Fredrico, he has the potential of becoming the next Ronaldo.

It seems like the pecking order for next season will be as follows:

1.Rooney
2.Berbatov
3.Owen
4.Macheda
5.Welbeck

The only thing which worries be is that we are not very strong in midfield n VDS is getting old. Foster hasn't the class to replace him. Simply a "self-over-rated" goalkeeper who thinks too high of himself. Carrick n Anderson are too inconsistent. Giggs n Scholes are too old. Fletcher is only good in big games. Gibson is never gonna make it to the first team. Park has no end product, not effective in an attacking formation. Tosic n Valencia are yet to be tested at high level. Nani...well, my 10 year old son plays better than him!!! All these put together might end our future season with winning nothing, unless SAF pulls out some magic.

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Kiko is great, Ljajic, Petrucci, De-Silva twins and Welbeck will also be great but they need another two years before the potential of their talent is full-filled and they regularly make an impact on first team games. In the mean time I still think our squad is missing a defensive midfileder unless Hargo somehow recovers or a real flair player who can change a match in a tight situation. Ljajic and Kiko really can become superstars though.

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I don't care what anyone says about the quality of the opposition, you've still got to take your chances. Two goals in two partial games is good by anyone's standards. I was stunned and delighted when we went in for Owen. We have a wonderful combination of exciting youth and sage old heads - I think we're going to surprise a lot of people next season. My prediction: Liverpool will fade on last year, City will be top four - 1. MU; 2. Chelsea (but it will be close); 3 Arsenal; 4. MC; 5.L'Pool (and goodbye Rafa...)

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Another one from Mikey and still no injury? Amazing. Make believers of us Mikey, be well and keep banging 'em in.

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Keep it up my man and you will have out-scored Tevez goals for last season before this season even starts.

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Attaboy Michael!!! The morons here need to be reminded who you are. Thanks, I love you more than ever before. Good on you too Kiko.

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King Michael continues his scoring ways, he'll have 20 by years end!
Up the Reds!

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I could score against Malaysia. I see Berbaflop couldn't though!

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It looks like Kiko has leap-frogged Welbeck in the pecking order, which surprises me a bit (although T&C did warn us that the coaches were concerned not to rush Welbeck because he's still growing). Nice boost for the lad and here's hoping he takes his chance. Good comments from him about learning from Owen too, which (like with the signings of Eric, Teddy and Blanc) is a less tangible but very important benefit for us of signing a player of that experience.

I wonder whether goals in friendlies count in Owen's pay deal?? LOL!

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Save some goals for when the serious games come Michael! That's 2 out of 2, we will be expecting you for 30+ goals this season soon!

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Now I don't want anyone going on about his goal ratio per game yet okay. But goals per minutes played, WOW.

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A pretty uninspiring performance! I can understand that the trip is all about improving fitness levels but that cannot excuse the poor standard of passing and the lack of invention. Almost all the crosses were aimless punts with Fletcher and Tosic particularly culpable (other than Fletcher's cross for Macheda's goal). Against a very poor Malaysian select side, United failed to create any clear cut chances after the goals. There needs to be a significant improvement from the midfield and forward players. Defensively, we looked solid with particular credit to Wes Brown but, even so, the midfield left the defence exposed on occasions and Malaysia were unlucky not to get a consolation goal near the end. There's no doubt that we look to have a very good squad of players but that doesn't alter the fact that we are looking lacking in penetration. Ah well, next stop Korea - hope for better things on Friday......

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I'm starting to like the new strip.

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Anderson never scored, eh..? So that cool penalty against Chelski in the CL final didn't count then? That said; Anderson should gear up his play sooner rather than later!

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Michael you are brilliant cant understand why noone else wanted you,only two more games now till your hamstrings tweek.

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Yes, he really looks like a crock doesn't he?

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still think michael would of looked better in the orange of hull where he would of been surrounded by players of the same standard

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Or even better stoke where theres lots more have beens

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2 from 2

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I love Fergie's comments on Kiko being the next united star. He is big, tough and confident. Characteristics you must have to succeed at the highest levels.

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Top quality central midfielder please.

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