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Journalism of Courage
Wayne Rooney was Manchester United’s inspiration as they won 2-0 at local rivals Manchester City on Sunday to keep their faint title hopes alive.
The 19-year-old England striker scored the first goal with a shot that flew in off City defender Richard Dunne after 68 minutes and provided a cross that the luckless Dunne miscued into his own net seven minutes later to settle the match. United’s win meant they cut the advantage of runaway leaders Chelsea to nine points with 11 games of the season left.
United, who face Chelsea at Old Trafford in April, have won seven of their last eight league games and manager Alex Ferguson refuses to give up hope of winning the title. ‘‘It has happened (before),’’ he said.
Jose Mourinho’s team have 68 points, United have 59 and third-placed champions Arsenal, who host Crystal Palace on Monday, have 54 from a game less.
Mid-table City are the only team to beat Chelsea in the league this season and they won the equivalent fixture against old foes United 4-1 last term and 3-1 the season before.
Kevin Keegan’s side squandered the clearest chance of the opening 45 minutes when former Liverpool winger Steve McManaman side-footed wide from close range after some dazzling wing play by England international Shaun Wright-Phillips. Kiki Musampa also brought a fine early save out of United keeper Roy Carroll with a rasping half-volley.
(Reuters)
