Where do you start on this one. It was an amazing with 7 goals in the first 34 minutes which equalled a premiership record for goals in the first half. The attacking play was let down by the slack defending.
The game started off badly when Robson-Kanu slotted home after 8 minutes after a cross came in on the United right. Once again United were behind early on, but within 8 minutes United were not only level but were leading. The equaliser saw Ashley Young make a welcome return to form. Young made a wonderful pass to Anderson who then smashed it in at the keepers near post for the leveller. The left hand side was being productive for United and a corner made it's way to Jonny Evans who was bundled over and as a result Wayne Rooney scored with a penalty.
It all looked like United were back on track but a disastrous 4 minutes saw United surrender the lead from 2 Corners. Le Fondre and Morrison scored with headers direct from corners, both goals were pretty much unopposed and as a result Sir Alex had to change something and Rafael was taken off and the taller figure of Chris Smalling sent on. Rafael was not too happy and Sir Alex was quick to dispel that he was the scapegoat but felt with him on a booking that there was a risk of United being down to 10 men.
United responded well and decided that attack was the best form of defence. Young and Evra combined down the left hand side and Evra cross was met by Rooney on the penalty spot who made the score 3-3 on the half hour mark. United then took the lead when a delightful ball by Carrick was diverted to Van Persie via Rooney and RVP coolly slotted home to give United the lead. This lead should have been extended when RVP smashed the ball past the keeper after a Smalling header was saved, but a clearance by a defender was deemed to be OK but evidence showed the ball had gone well over the line.
The second half was tame compared to the first half and United looked a bit more assured at the back although set pieces were still a problem. Anderson played well but a hamstring injury means he is now going to be missing for 3 weeks which is bad luck as he playing well. Ashley Young at last was back to his best and his confidence seemed to grow in the first half and was more proactive in getting United forward. Wayne Rooney also played a more selfish role again and was seen attacking and defending but again United defence was under strain and the likely return of skipper Vidic this week cannot come soon enough.
In terms of man of the match Rooney and Ashley Young were the stars with Carrick and Fletcher not far behind. With the City game looming I suspect a lot of defensive work will need to be done.
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