Swansea City – Manchester United

1. Join Dec Warrington from 1715 for build up to and live text commentary of Swansea v Manchester United at the Liberty Stadium.

2. <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2011/0914/ryangiggscelebvbenfica_275x155.jpg"><br> Ryan Giggs makes only his second Premier League start of the season for Man Utd.

3. ESPN UK pundit Kevin Keegan says <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story/_/id/984790/kevin-keegan:-hungry-swansea-out-to-shock-manchester-united?cc=5739" target="_blank">Swansea have plenty of players hungry to prove themselves </a> against Manchester United today.

4. Evening all, we're minutes away from kick-off here...

5. Sir Alex Ferguson pre-match: "Swansea are a good footballing side. It should be a good match".

6. After rivals Manchester City beat Newcastle United 3-1 earlier, the pressure is on United to win all three points here.

7. Giggs and Carrick are starting for United, which suggests Ferguson wants to retain possession and keep the ball down.

8. Swansea are a good side at home, of course. But Ferguson has paired the potentially prolific Hernandez-Rooney strike force together. United should be favourites, of course, and an early goal for them could make all of the difference...

9. Teams walking out onto the pitch...

10. As for on-field battles... How Swansea's five-man midfield deals with United's midfield is crucial.

11. Question marks remain over Ferdinand and Vidic...

12. And how Michael Vorm deals with Hernandez-Rooney well be both crucial and entertaining...

13. 1'

    Game kicks-off...

14. 1'

    Swansea looking to build from the left...

15. 2'

    United now in possession in defence, with Carrick instantly looking to move the ball forward.

16. 2'

    Ferguson will be pleased with the chance to build some stability in defence after an uncertain start to the season.

17. 3'

    Early chance for Swansea dealt with well by Phil Jones after a cross found Scott Sinclar in the area. Danger cleared, United now with the ball.

18. 3'

    Shot from Gower sent wide after failing to make a clean connection. United goal-kick.

19. 4'

    Rooney, looking for Nani with a cross-field pass, gives the ball away.

20. 5'

    Decent pace to the start of the game, both teams using the ball positively. Foul by Monk on Hernandez.

21. 5'

    Low Nani cross collected by Vorm. Well dealt with as could have been dangerous.

22. 6'

    United patiently passing the ball around in midfield.

23. 6'

    ...and now defence...

24. 6'

    Lovely ball from Rooney that Nani fails to control. Throw-in to United.

25. 7'

    Sinclair and Graham linking up results in a stray pass from Graham. Potential threat posed by Sinclair, however.

26. 8'

    United again being patient and waiting for any openings as Swansea hold their shape.

27. 8'

    Rooney appears to be playing in the hole behind the striker, with Hernandez the lone out-and-out striker.

28. 9'

    Swansea now probing United's defence (which hasn't looked as solid this season as it has in previous years)...

29. 10'

    Swansea looking for a crossing opportunity down the right hand side but United intercept.

30. 11'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Swansea 0-1 United!

31. 11'

    Giggs wins the ball after some lethargic, sloppy passing from Swansea who provides Hernandez with a simple tap in.

32. 12'

    United now firmly in the driving seat as it was crucial Swansea avoided conceding an early opener.

33. 12'

    Rodgers will be very disappointed to conceded such a poor goal. Onus on Swansea now to pick themselves back up but, of course, that could leave them vulnerable on the counter.

34. 13'

    Long range effort from Sinclair is very ambitious and unthreatening. Goal-kick to United.

35. 14'

    United passing the ball around at the back again. It seems they'll resume the same plan.

36. 14'

    Giggs and Nani exchanging possession as United edge forward..

37. 15'

    Ball lost and Swansea launch their own attack. Intention to use Sinclair's pace currently nullified by Jones'.

38. 16'

    Jones again with the tackle on Sinclair, who so far has a very direct approach. Corner to Swansea.

39. 16'

    De Gea punches clear. Authoritative goalkeeping.

40. 17'

    United passing the ball around at the back.

41. 17'

    And now in midfield, as Giggs looks to release Nani.

42. 18'

    Giggs showing again that he retains the ability to pick out a pass and release United's dangermen.

43. 19'

    Nathan Dyer with an ambitious run that's thwarted by Ferdinand. Positive play.

44. 19'

    Nani wasted possession with a poor touch. Taylor looks to play forward from the back.

45. 20'

    Evra with a decent long range effort, saved by Vorm.

46. 20'

    United content to keep the ball at the back. De Gea, Vidic, Jones and Ferdinand exchanging possession.

47. 20'

    Long ball forward sees Hernandez caught offside.

48. 20'

    Nani and Giggs with some nice touches until Giggs fails to control the ball. Swansea with the ball in midfield.

49. 21'

    Swansea waste a glorious chance to equalise through Sinclair!

50. 22'

    Routledge and Graham combine to leave Sinclair with what would have been a simple tap-in, but he fails to connect with De Gea exposed. May not get another chance as good as that.

51. 23'

    Dyer cross easily dealt with by Ferdinand and cleared.

52. 24'

    Ball back in defence with Swansea.

53. 24'

    Pressure very much on the declining Ferdinand this season. Pressure on him from Smalling, and threat that he'll miss Euro 2012.

54. 25'

    Shot from Neil Taylor sent effortlessly over.

55. 26'

    Low Giggs cross, after pass from Park, cleared. Ball back in United's defence.

56. 26'

    Selecting Giggs and Carrick so far paying off for United with ball retention so far being a big part of the game.

57. 28'

    Swansea with the ball in defence, pressure from Rooney stopping them from building as they'd please.

58. 28'

    Good challenge by Taylor on Nani. United throw-in deep in Swansea half.

59. 29'

    Ball back in midfield with Carrick and Giggs exchanging possession.

60. 30'

    Giggs attempts a chip over the Swansea defence but ball headed clear and back in midfield with United.

61. 30'

    Stat: Swansea pass completion at 89%, United's at 90%.

62. 30'

    Evra defender well from Nathan Dyer, De Gea kicks clear.

63. 30'

    Swansea now content to keep possession. Rather uninspiring play since the goal, but Swansea naturally won't want to expose themselves in pursuit of an equaliser given the quality of their opposition. Patient approach is understandable.

64. 31'

    United, through Rooney and Park, threatening the Swansea defence but, as yet, no-one prepared to shoot.

65. 32'

    Rooney ball to Nani - similar to earlier - again not controlled by Nani. Not a superb cross, however.

66. 33'

    United clearly content to retain possession in unthreatening areas, and for Swansea to have the ball as long as it's in their own half.

67. 34'

    Very much like watching a Serie A fixture.

68. 34'

    Dyer again trying to probe down the right. The one player attempting a different approach for Swansea.

69. 35'

    Foul on Hernandez on the edge of the box after Rooney tried to put him through. Free-kick from shooting distance - rare promise of some excitement.

70. 35'

    Giggs and Rooney lining up..

71. 36'

    Giggs curls the ball over the wall but it also curls wide. Decent effort.

72. 37'

    Rooney with an ambitious effort from long range the goes harmlessly wide. A big waste, with Giggs, Park, Nani and Hernandez there for support.

73. 38'

    Swansea corner... Evra caught out of position again by Dyer. Not been a good start to the season from the Frenchman - a permanent decline or a temporary dip?

74. 39'

    Swansea free-kick after foul by Giggs...

75. 40'

    United regain possession and now look to build. Evra cross from the left cleared, Rooney now with the ball.

76. 40'

    Nani with a shot that's so bad it went out for a throw in. As entertaining as this game has so far been. Did well to create the space for the shot, though.

77. 41'

    Swansea give the ball away in midfield to United before winning it back. Sinclair looks to attack. He and Dyer alone playing with some urgency and impetus.

78. 42'

    Shot from Sinclair blocked. Little threat in the build-up as he'd ran out of ideas. United crowding their penalty area and making it hard for Swansea to create anything substantial.

79. 44'

    United throw-in. First-half almost at an end (hopefully minimal stoppage time).

80. 45'

    Now a Swansea free-kick. Largely innocuous challenge. Time for Swansea to create a last chance of the half?

81. 45'

    Nice cross from Taylor had but no-one to meet it until Evra deals with it terribly and almost creates danger for United.

82. 45'

    Ball back in midfield.

83. 45'

    Nice cross from Sinclair but Vidic sends clear...

84. 45'

    United on the counter...

85. 45'

    They waste a great chance to score! Hernandez, in plenty of space, chooses not to shoot and instead passes poorly to Rooney who can't make it. Poor from the Mexican.

86. 45'

    <b>Half-time: Swansea City 0-1 Manchester United</b>

87. A largely unentertaining, boring half. Faint hopes are that Ferguson will get bored enough to encourage his side to abandon their prudent tactics, or that Simon Rodgers is in fact a tactical genius and will send his side out ready to change the game...

88. ...That, or a Harry Redknapp-esque "go and get at 'em, lads" to produce some old fashioned blood and thunder.

89. The obvious guess is neither, although Rodgers and Swansea will have to improve something because the same tactics would basically write the game off and be an exercise in damage limitation.

91. Feel free to send any comments or thoughts on the game to @ESPNsoccernet

92. Ferguson likely to be pleased with the game so far. Little threat on United's goal and a goal in front. His priority will be keeping up with Manchester City so the win is everything - boring is fine.

93. Sides back out for the second half... Crucially, any changes?

94. Answer is yes.

95. <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Routledge off, Allen on.

96. Constructive by Rodgers, even if he's removed one of his so-called dangermen. Routledge has done absolutely nothing, while other managers would have played for a 1-0 defeat.

97. 46'

    Second-half back underway...

98. 46'

    Swansea already appearing to have more energy and urgency. Looking to move forward with possession.

99. 47'

    <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15">Evra booked for foul on Dyer, who has trouble him all game.

100. 48'

     Evra pass blocked. United throw-in.

101. 48'

     Hernandez caught well offside when in a good position.

102. 49'

     Swansea go straight up the other end and produce a good save from De Gea. Corner to Swansea.

103. 50'

     United on the counter but the chance is wasted by Hernandez! Lovely ball from Rooney but terrible control from the Mexican. Seems rusty at the moment.

104. 51'

     Swansea again pressing and probing - it may be their downfall but credit where it's due, they're not content to accept defeat.

105. 51'

     United now in possession in midfield.

106. 52'

     Swansea throw-in in the United half taken quickly with purpose. Long ball forward dealt with by United's defence but the intent's there.

107. 52'

     Nice from Rooney: bends down very low to meet a Michael Carrick pass with a header.

108. 53'

     Swansea corner headed goalwards by Gsry Monk, but Vidic heads clear!

109. 54'

     Next corner to Swansea...

110. 54'

     Wasted and out for a United throw-in.

111. 55'

     Jones takes to Giggs..

112. 56'

     Through ball to Hernandez threatens but Vorm rushes out to clear.

113. 57'

     Ashley Young warming up on the touchline. He's missed their last four, but coming on suggests Ferguson detects another goal is necessary.

114. 58'

     Giggs cross met by Vorm who collides with Rooney. The striker is down on the floor and seems in pain.

115. 58'

     But he's back up again. Foul given against the striker and Swansea take the free-kick.

116. 59'

     Through-ball to Taylor overhit, but Swansea are trying to stretch United and create some space.

117. 60'

     Foul on Park. Free-kick given.

118. 60'

     Giggs gives the ball away which Jones wins back with a good, forceful tackle.

119. 61'

     Swansea now passing the ball around in defence.

120. 61'

     Good catch from De Gea after a Swansea cross. Under pressure from Graham. The 'keeper's already looking very settled - whoever said he wouldn't make it in the Premier League?

121. 62'

     United passing the ball around, but with the intention of finding an opening instead of just retaining the ball.

122. 63'

     Inswinging Park cross headed clear.

123. 63'

     Vorm now in possession - kicks the ball clear.

124. 64'

     Wasteful from Rooney and shoots tamely at Vorm.

125. 65'

     Swansea just keeping the ball for now. Their best progress has been through their wingers and full-backs by dragging United out of position, and targeting Evra who has looked vulberable so far.

126. 65'

     Gower playing the ball nicely and finding Taylor.

127. 66'

     ...before receiving the ball back and wasting it. Park intercepts.

128. 67'

     Game declining back into the poor entertaining it provided in the first-half.

129. 67'

     Sinclair on the wing for Swansea., sends in a cross which results in Fabio clearing for a corner.

130. 68'

     Corner headed clear by Giggs, before another Gower cross is cleared by Vidic.

131. 68'

     De Gea collects a poor cross from Williams. Kicks clear looking for Hernandez but Swansea are back in possession.

132. 69'

     Swansea excellently pass the ball out from defence amidst some pressure from United. Impressive that they're so intent on playing the way they see fit. Credit to Rodgers.

133. 70'

     Giggs finds Nani with a long ball...

134. 71'

     Who in turn passes to Rooney who fires at Vorm. His best effort yet, however.

135. 71'

     Free-kick to Swansea on edge of the box. Shooting range.

136. 72'

     Gower curls in for a cross but United head clear.

137. 73'

     Graham and Williams shots blocked! Good pressure from Swansea, good defending from United.

138. 73'

     Stat: Possession in last 5 mins, 80% Swansea, 20% United.

139. 74'

     Darren Fletcher ready to come on..

140. 74'

     Poor cross from Jones, easily dealt with by Swansea.

141. 74'

     Giggs looking for an opening to play a pass.

142. 75'

     Ball now back with Ferdinand with United resuming their patient approach.

143. 76'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Giggs off, Fletcher on.

144. 77'

     Giggs just short of his 38th birthday, for those interested...

145. 77'

     Hernandez caught offside, again showing signs of rust.

146. 78'

     De Gea collects Swansea ball into the box.

147. 78'

     Carrick withdraws from midfield to join Vidic and Ferdinand to pass the ball. Good, efficient performance by him, so far - deserves to keep his place.

148. 79'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Gower off, Dobbie on.

149. 80'

     United fans chant: "Premier League, you're having a laugh". Seems harsh - United haven't been far better from Swansea at all and the Welsh side have held their shape and discipline impressively. Far from certain relegation candidates.

150. 81'

     Goal-kick to Swansea...

151. 81'

     Swansea passing through midfield again until Jones intercepts.

152. 82'

     Long pass bounces in front of Dyer and out for a throw-in.

153. 83'

     United exchanging possession comfortably, plenty of space in the areas they're playing the ball.

154. 84'

     Fabio run, initially promising, ends up being overhit and out for a goal-kick.

155. 84'

     <img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Hernandez off, Valencia on.

156. 84'

     Ferguson turns to Valencia's energy and industry to retain the lead. Rooney now the lone striker - United will obviously try to keep the ball and run the ball down.

157. 85'

     De Gea's goal-kick sent long...

158. 86'

     Williams clears for a United throw-in as Jones tries to create an opening.

159. 86'

     And another throw...

160. 86'

     Park's cross to Rooney wasted as the England striker doesn't read the winger's intention.

161. 87'

     Nice play from Rooney, exchanging the ball with Valencia before United win a corner.

162. 88'

     Rooney, with a deft chip following a rebound, sends the ball just over.

163. 89'

     United creating chances even when their intention is to retain the ball and little else.

164. 90'

     Closing stages of the game, now.

165. 90'

     Jones hits the post! That would have been game over!

166. 90'

     Impressive stamina from Jones! Exchanging with Valencia before getting just inside the Swansea box and firing against the post.

167. 90'

     3 minutes of stoppage time to be played.

168. 90'

     That Jones effort probably being the most exciting event in an otherwise dour fixture.

169. 90'

     Foul on Fabio...

170. 90'

     Sinclair trying to spearhead a final attack..

171. 90'

     Before an excellent tackle from Jones.

172. 90'

     Good performance today from the ex-Blackburn man.

173. 90'

     Fletcher, Valencia and Jones combining to keep the ball and run down any remaining time...

174. 90'

     Nani just wide! A surprise chance is created before he cuts inside and curls an effort just beyond the post. Decent effort.

175. 90'

     <b>Full-time! Swansea City 0-1 Manchester United</b>

176. A poor game for the neutral, but an important win for United to keep in touch with Manchester City at the top in the table. Ferguson happy to bide his time - probably for the traditional new year title push - and continue to stabilise following a brief loss of form.

177. Feel free to send any comments on the game to @ESPNsoccernet...

178. Rodgers can still be pleased with Swansea, though. Despite an obvious disadvantage in terms of playing personnel, they kept the ball down and played their passing game.

179. They were ultimately let-down by a brief lapse of concentration and poor defending which created Hernandez's goal. The truth, however, is that United probably wouldn't have sat back so soon had they not scored such an early goal and so a different outcome wouldn't have been that likely.

180. So United stay in touch at the top, and Swansea still look capable of achieving Premier League survival. Little learned about either side, in reality. A boring game and one that changes little in the league's landscape.

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