Manchester United wasted a chance to cut the gap on English Premier league leaders Arsenal when they were beaten 1-0 by Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Sunday.Rovers made a slow start to the game and appeared to be mesmerised by United's flowing football, but they weathered the storm and Gary Flitcroft's 40th minute goal was enough to secure all three points.Manchester United looked to reclaim second place in the English Premier League standings when they faced Lancastrian rivals Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Sunday. Sir Alex Ferguson's side forced Blackburn on to the back foot from the kick-off and Ruud van Nistelrooy should have scored on the half hour, but blasted over after Diego Forlan's miscued shot ran to him. The Dutchman went close again four minutes later, but found Rovers' American goalkeeper Brad Friedel more than equal to his long range effort. David Dunn hit a powerful shot from outside of the penalty area for Rovers in the 36th minute after rolling the ball between Paul Scholes' legs, but Fabian Barthez tipped the ball over his crossbar.Blackburn would take a 1-0 lead five minutes before half-time. Martin Taylor headed Damien Duff's free-kick back into the danger area where Gary Flitcroft pounced for his second goal of the season. United's club captain Roy Keane made his long awaited return from injury and suspension 14 minutes into the second half to a chorus of boos from the home crowd. United should have levelled moments later. Van Nistelrooy latched on to Paul Scholes' brilliant defence splitting pass, but Friedel covered his goal well, forcing United's 18-goal striker to shoot wide. Blackburn's Andy Cole wasted a good opportunity to put one over his former teammates in the 71st minute after receiving a return pass from strike partner Dwight Yorke. Then Yorke, another former Manchester United forward, made that miss look respectable in the final minutes, when he fired woefully wide of the target with only Barthez to beat.But, despite their wasted chances, Blackburn held on to win 1-0 and United were beaten for the first time in ten games in all competitions. (AP)
Blackburn beat Manchester United 1-0
Advertisement