Manchester United Vs. Blackburn Rovers, 2011 Premier League: Halftime Score, Rovers Have Surprise Lead

Blackburn Rovers have taken a proper battering in the first half of their match against Manchester United, but the Red Devils have failed to find the breakthrough. They might have been a bit lucky to find their goal, but there's been nothing lucky about the way Blackburn have defended. They're doing a great job of parking the bus and sitting on a lead, and they've carried a 1-0 lead into halftime.

Thanks to a variety of injuries, Manchester United aren't really playing anyone where they prefer to be played. Antonio Valencia is a right back, Rafael da Silva is a central midfielder and Michael Carrick is a central defender. The goal came for Blackburn when another United player was in an unfamiliar position, with Dimitar Berbatov marking Christopher Samba after a set piece. Berbatov clearly fouled Samba in the box and a penalty was given, converted by Yakubu in the 16th minute.

It was all United from then until the halftime whistle, but Blackburn's makeshift defense has performed well. 17-year-old left back Adam Henley is having an excellent game, as is backup goalkeeper Mark Bunn. Based on his performances in four and a half games this season, it's honestly not unreasonable to say that Bunn is better than Paul Robinson at the moment. He's been fantastic.