Blackburn Rovers 1 Manchester United 0
Manchester United's eight-game winning run ended today as Garry Flitcroft's goal late in the first half gave Blackburn Rovers victory in a match that marked the return to first team action of United captain Roy Keane.
Flitcroft, former Manchester City midfielder, beat Fabien Barthez with a bouncing 12-metre shot five minutes before halftime after United had failed to clear a Damien Duff free kick.
The result was hard on United, who had dominated possession until the goal, though failing to create much in the way of chances.
United, who had won nine and draw one of their previous 10 games in all competitions since losing 3-1 to Manchester City on November 9th, looked more dangerous after the break and striker Ruud van Nistelrooy should have equalised in the 65th minute but shot wide after rounding Brad Friedel.
Not even the 60th-minute introduction of midfielder Roy Keane for his first appearance since August could help United find the equaliser, and they remained third in the standings on 35 points. Blackburn moved up to ninth on 27.
Fifth-placed Everton visit sixth-placed Liverpool later on Sunday.