Kaizer Chiefs vs. Manchester United, Again. United win Vodacom Challenge.

Add another trophy to the cabinet as United walked away with the Vodacom trophy after beating Kaizer Chiefs in Johannesburg, South Africa. United beat the South African club 4-0 in a good performance all around today. The game was played in good conditions with the sun shinning and the temperature in the 70’s.

The starting lineup had a mix of young with experience with Kuszczak in goal, with Simpson, Cathcart, Vidic, and O’Shea in front of him. Fletcher took the right midfield role, with the youngster signed in January, Rodrigo Possebon, playing next to him in the center of midfield. Possebon came from Sporting Club in Brazil and played for the first team in the first time. Carrick and Lee Martin finished off the midfield. Giggs played a dropped back role behind Wayne Rooney who played up front. The game started well as United moved the ball around the pitch and began to threaten after 25 minutes.

The break through came close to half time in the 40th minute. Lee Martin crossed from the left side to Ryan Giggs who a first time volleys to the far side top corner. Darren Fletcher made a good run and attempted to make contact but was unable and Ryan Giggs came into the empty space and volleyed home.

The second half brought two changes for Manchester United. Chris Eagles came on for Lee Martin and a young promising midfielder Tom Cleverley came on for Rodrigo Possebon. This was Cleverley’s first outing with the first team.

United were rewarded for there early dominance in the second half in the 56th minute. Danny Simpson was able to play Wayne Rooney behind the defense near center field. Wayne Rooney collected the pass and coolly placed his shot between the out rushing Kaizer Chief keeper.

United would not have to wait long for there third goal of the day when in the 60th minute Wayne Rooney calmly headed down a cross from Danny Simpson, to the 18 year old Tom Cleverley who cleverly placed a first time volley low past the keeper near side. Danny Simpson provided a good cross and Wayne Rooney displayed great vision to place his head on Cleverley’s left foot.

The third goal brought three changes for United. As Johnny Evans replaced Nemenja Vidic, Paul Scholes came on for Carrick, and Darren Gibson came on for Fletcher. Paul Scoles instantly picked up the pace of the game, and displayed some real class when on the ball. He never misplaced a pass and was fantastic in the final minutes. Vidic played well and was never beaten in a one on one situation.

Soon after Tevez replaced Rooney and Frazier Campbell replaced Ryan Giggs. Both Rooney and Giggs had good games, as Rooney’s frustration over the past games should be lifted after a good performance. Giggs class was evident throughout and he finished a difficult volley with pinpoint accuracy.

United had to wait till the 86th minute for there fourth goal. After a clearance by Kaizer Chief Chris Eagle was able to play a quick ball over the top that landed on Tevez’s foot that beat the offside trap. Tevez miss controlled the pass but it landed perfectly to Fraizer Campbell who scuffed a shot into the far corner.

The game finished with a 4-0 win for Manchester United who took home the exotic Vodacom Challenge trophy. United capped off a good trip to South Africa with a solid performance. Quality displays by Vidic, Rooney, Tevez, and Giggs gives United fans confidence moving forward. Cleverley will be delighted with his first goal for the United first team. This is a quality prospect in the United youth system and he could have a great career at United. Possebon, Cleverley, and Cathcart will all be satisfied with the long trip they made on Thursday after being part of a good performance for the squad. Possebon played well and should be happy wish his outing. Cathcart was never beat but it wasn’t a performance of a lifetime.

In other news:
Carlos Tevez seems close to being permanently transferred to Manchester United. United are reported to pay a British record fee of 70 million to Kia Joorabchian who owns the MSI, a sports investment firm, that owns the rights to Tevez. The complicated loan deal will be nice to get rid of and it will make an amazing player a permanent Red Devil.

The trip to South Africa was also a charity event as much of ticket proceeds will go to a local charity that works in eye cataract surgery. United will match the amount raised.

Players also mingled with the South Africans and visited local charities. Mikael Sylvestre meet with HIV sufferers during a United for UNIFCEF event.