United facing uphill battle

MANCHESTER UNITED found their route to Cardiff blocked by stubborn Blackburn at Old Trafford last night.

After a frustrating opening period, Paul Scholes put the home side in front just before the hour, only for David Thompson to pull the holders level almost immediately.

Despite fielding the strongest side available to him, Alex Ferguson had to wait until the first minute of stoppage time of the opening half for his side to create a meaningful shooting chance, Brad Friedel gathering Ruud van Nistelrooy's six-yard effort at the second attempt.