It was Ronaldo's 100th Premier League start, and the display summed up United's season so far - failing to scale the heights but grinding out the victory. United restored all their big names after a shadow side lost to Coventry in the Carling Cup at Old Trafford - but it was Birmingham who posed the bigger threat in the first 45 minutes. Jerome forced a fine diving save out of Van der Sar when he was presented with possession by Paul Scholes - then did well to stop Queudrue's header from the resulting corner. Taylor then held on to a Wayne Rooney lob, but it was United who survived another scare after 17 minutes. Sebastian Larsson's cross found McSheffrey at the far post, but his effort was smuggled off the line by Ferdinand. Jerome then failed to take advantage of a poor clearance by Van der Sar as United looked uncertain at the back. Van der Sar needed lengthy treatment to his left foot midway through the half, and despite carrying on until the interval, he was replaced by Tomasz Kuszczak. United needed a break, and Queudrue's horrendous loss of concentration handed it to them five minutes after the re-start. He allowed a ball to bounce in the area, seemingly unaware of Ronaldo's menacing presence, allowing the Portuguese star to steal in, take possession and evade Taylor to score. Birmingham responded in spirited fashion, with Kuszczak producing a fine diving save to turn away a shot from McSheffrey that had deflected dangerously off Ferdinand. United were still short of attacking threat, and Sir Alex Ferguson took action after 63 minutes, sending on Louis Saha for the subdued Ryan Giggs. They almost doubled their lead immediately, but Stephen Kelly cleared Wayne Rooney's effort to safety. Rooney then set up Ronaldo with 11 minutes left, but he pulled his shot inches wide.
Source: BBC Sport
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