Blackpool Take a 2-0 Lead Against Manchester United

Blackpool threaten to take away Manchester United’s unbeaten record after first-half goals from Craig Cathcart and DJ Campbell.

Sir Alex Ferguson made four changes to the United defence with Rafael taking his place at right back and Chris Smalling coming into the middle of the defence to replace Rio Ferdinand. Paul Scholes was welcomed back into the starting line up and Ryan Giggs got a rest with Darron Gibson replacing the Welshman.

Blackpool started the game well, backed by a roaring crowd. DJ Campbell controlled a long ball well inside the third minute but United captain Nemanja Vidic raced out to see off any danger before it developed.

However, it didn’t take long for United to start zipping the ball around the pitch with real authority. Rafael raced down the right in the eighth minute and played a quick one-two with Nani. The full back whipped the ball into the Blackpool area as it was wildly hacked away from danger.

Blackpool conceded a lot of possession but pressed well and broke just after the ten minute mark. Luke Varney held the ball up for Gary Taylor-Fletcher who sent in a low cross come shot, which was swept away at the far post.

It was indeed the home side that went ahead despite some early United pressure. Craig Cathcart found himself in space in the 15th minute and he couldn’t miss sending a bullet header into the net from six yards out after a great corner from Blackpool skipper Charlie Adam.

United responded well and Darron Gibson tried his luck from distance just a few minutes later. He broke into space and hit the ball sweetly but it took a flick off a tangerine shirt on the way through and went out for a corner.

United piled on the pressure and kept Blackpool pinned in their own half. Nani took two free kicks within seconds of each other around the 25 minute mark but the delivery on both occasions was poor and gave Blackpool a chance to clear the ball.

It was Blackpool who had another great chance to score just a minute later when Vidic nearly put through his own net. Adam and Varney exchanged passes and the Scot whipped the ball in forcing Vidic to get something on it, which produced a good stop from Edwin Van Der Saar.

United switched to a 4-4-2 after a small conference between Rooney and Ferguson. Gibson immediately found some space in the middle and pinged a 25 yard shot towards Blackpool’s goal. However, the goalkeeper got down quickly and smothered the ball.

DJ Campbell then made things twice as worse for United as the half-time break was imminent. Another Charlie Adam free kick found Nani who tried to clear but presented the ball to Campbell at the far post who obliged to double Blackpool’s lead.