Manchester United 3 - 1 Aberdeen

From NORMAN MACDONALD

MANCHESTER UNITED are a clever football side. They proved that yesterday evening when they beat the Dons by 3-1 at Old Trafford.

It was a very friendly affair but the English team created the impression in my mind that they were playing well within themselves.
The Dons were not disgraced. They too showed that they had creative ability, but they were scarcely comparable with the United in team-work and attacking technique.
Many of the English team's attacking movements started with the full backs. As a team they moved with precision and understanding. It is not hard to accept the fact that they are runners-up in Division I. of the English League.
The architect of their victory last night was Stan Pearson, their inside right. A good ball player with a clever positional sense, he wrote his initials to each of the three goals. Little wonder he is England's travelling reserve against Argentine.
Rowiev on the left wing was another Old Trafford forward who always impressed as a potential source of danger. He was strong and forceful and his crosses carried the label "dangerous."
Cockburn at right half may not be big physically but he is a natural footballer. Quick and agile his inch-perfect passes must be a delight to the men in front. He will be in England's line up against Argentine.
Carey at full back is grand player although Tommy Pearson made him work at full pressure, and Chilton was calmly confident at centre half.

Delaney's Welcome

Delaney received a reception from the Manchester crowd, who were keen to see him score. The Dons' right winger was in his most dashing mood but he failed to find the net against his old team mates.
Tommy Pearson's ball jugglery also appealed to the Manchester enthusiasts, but the Pittodrie left winger was inclined to rather overdo it.
Martin in goal had a good game for the Dons, and the Pressmen present found it hard to believe that originally he was an inside forward.
Other Aberdeen players who left a good impression at Old Trafford were Young, at centre-half, and Emery, at right back.

How Goals Came

The opening goal came from the United in twenty-seven minutes. Pearson carried the ball through to send Rowley away. The inside right had a go from the left winger's cross and when Martin could only scramble the ball out, Aston was left with the simple job of tapping it over the line.
Aberdeen were on level terms within five minutes and a good goal it was too.
A corner taken by Bogan was partially cleared. Lowrie gained possession and quickly transferred to the inside right who cut along the bye line to cross and Rodger smartly headed into the net.
After seventy-five minutes Manchester United regained the lead. Pearson sent his partner McShane away on the right and nipped up the middle to head his cross into the net.
Six minutes from the end Rowley came in from the wing to find the net off the post from a perfect ground pass from Pearson.
The Dons left Manchester tor Plymouth this morning and will play the Argyle in Billy Strauss' benefit match tomorrow evening.

Source: Evening Express, 3rd May 1951