With the return to action of two of their most important players alongside the addition of top class player Juan Mata, it seemed like things were finally starting to look up for Manchester United. Add this to a vital three points against Cardiff in mid-week and a rare win at home and it seemed like United could be on course start their climb up the table. First they would have to beat a Stoke side that have lost their last four but pushed them incredibly close earlier in the season as United fought back to win 3-2 having been 2-1 down at Old Trafford.
United's new deadly trio all started this match although Adnan Januzaj was left on the bench.
Nemanja Vidic served the last of a three match ban with Phil Jones and Jonny Evans partnering each other in defence and Chris Smalling starting at right back. Stoke were without Robert Huth as he was ruled out with a knee injury whilst Steven N'Zonzi was suspended.
The game started quietly although United were forced into making a change in the 8th minute as Evans had to be replaced by Rafael. This saw Smalling switch inside to partner Jones in central defence as Rafael took up his usual spot at right back. However, it was United's French left-back who looked the liveliest of their defenders as he charged up the left flank to create some decent opportunities for the away side.
Rooney got on the end of one of Evra's early crosses but could only volley it wide of Begovic's right-hand post. Shortly after that Van Persie headed a chance narrowly over the bar but just when United were looking like the team that would break the deadlock it was Stoke that went ahead. Adam took a free kick from 30 yards that took a vital deflection off Carrick which wrong-footed De Gea and left him stranded as the ball flew past him. It was a stroke of luck for the home side but they'd take it after a miserable run of taking only one point from their last six.
Just when United were looking to get to half time with only the one goal conceded they were dealt even more bad luck when Jones clashed with Walters and was their second central defender of the day that had to be replaced early on. Having already switched his back four around David Moyes was left with only one option, moving Carrick to centre back and Rooney into midfield with Welbeck coming on to replace Jones.
The second half had barely started before United made it back on terms with a beautiful goal from Van Persie and a wonderful assist for new boy Mata. The Spaniard pounced on a poor clearance from Adam and hit a one touch through ball into the path of Van Persie who let it bounce twice before placing the ball into the far corner with a lovely finish.
It was a great team goal from United but they weren't level for long as Adam stepped up again with an even better individual goal that flew into the top corner to give Mark Hughes' side the lead. It seemed to come from nowhere but Adam is known for his left footed strikes and this was one to savour as he hit it perfectly from 25 yards out.
The goal gave Stoke some momentum and they could have gone further ahead after a terrible clearance from Smalling gifted Arnautovic the chance to shoot from inside the box. Luckily for United he curled it just wide but Stoke continued to press and called De Gea into action late on when he had to tip substitute Assaidi's acrobatic effort over the bar.
United had two brilliant opportunities to equalise at the death, first when Smalling's cross found Young unmarked at the far post but the winger headed it across the face of goal and out for a goal kick. Their second chance went a lot closer as Rooney had a brilliant free kick tipped onto the post by Begovic. United couldn't put the ball in from the rebound though with Cleverley shooting harmlessly over.
After seven minutes of injury time the whistle finally went to condemn United to yet another historic defeat as Stoke claimed their first victory over them since 1984. United have to face another team battling relegation next week when Fulham travel to Old Trafford but with the way their season is going, who knows what will be the outcome.
No comments:
Post a Comment