Manchester United reserves couldn't manage victory against Manchester City's 'elite development squad' despite this generous gift from their neighbours. City goalkeeper Eirik Johansen found himself in a nasty tangle with defender Reece Wabara, presenting United's Jesse Lingard with the simplest of finishes.

No one can doubt that Tim Krul has been one of the stars of the season in the Premier League this season, with some impressive shot stopping helping Newcastle to the lofty heights on sixth place in the table. You may have underestimated the importance of Krul's form, but it becomes obvious when looking at [.

No wonder Tim Howard didn't celebrate his goal against Bolton Wednesday night, Howard himself was caught out the same way back in 2005 when he was in the Manchester United reserves against Wigan, Floyd Croll was the Wigan keeper on the night.

Two matches in and there are already a few things we know about the Premiership.

1 The second best team in the Premiership is Manchester United reserves

2 It is not going to be a good season for north London clubs

3 City's Aguero is going to be brilliant but alas not in every game

4 Steve Kean has got two more matches to get a few points or else those chickens will come home to roost.

New Uefa guidelines persuade Premier League clubs to shop locally | Paul Wilson

The prices paid for Phil Jones and Jordan Henderson suggest that value is no longer a prime consideration for the big clubs "I'd like to see some bullish signings," Ian Wright has declared, in the course of an enjoyably peevish newspaper rant lamenting Arsenal's new status as a feeder club for Manchester City.

Pre-amble

. ITV's irrepressible Andy Townsend proffers the sort of arcane wisdom for which he has become so renowned over the years:

'Well, first of all, right, this Barca are a top, top side make no mistake it's not just about your Messis and your Xavis, they've got Puyol in there who's not afraid of gettin' stuck in, Alves the right-back, and Iniesta's a crackin' little player an' all.

Manchester United reserve team captain Scott Wotton joined an elite list of butterfingers as he dropped the Manchester Senior Cup following United's 3-1 win over Bolton at least it wasn't under a bus.