Manchester United 2-1 Stoke City BPL game 14
Manchester United are now the top ranked inform team in the Barclays Premier League after an uncomfortable 2-1 victory over Stoke City.
A team without the two top main stars Wayne Rooney and Angel Di Maria a lack of pace was seemingly vanished as a lacklustre and slow United team.
Although three points were gained it had been far from a comfortable performance with David De Gea and Ashley Young coming to the rescue late on.
In-form midfielder Maraoune Fellaini had leaped United into a 1-0 lead when he can crashing onto an Antonio Valencia cross. The on rushing Fellaini saw his bullet header bounce past Asmir Begovic.
A dull hadn't been brought to life in the first half but Stoke did pull one back when Fellaini had gone down overdramtigcally leaving his position. The potters attack continued with the ball finding its way too Steven N'Zonzi on the edge to beat David De Gea.
The first half ended with United in a poor state of play as their performance was average and at times lacking a good accurate pass.
A goal if any goal was wanted inside Old Trafford for the Red Devils and the reward had been rewarded on 60mins. Juan Mata's looping free kick has avoided everyone and gone past Begovic with a deliberation between him and Marcos Rojo about whose goal it had been.
The added time defensive wonders saved United with De Gea making a point blank stop to keep us ahead and then Ashley Young who luckily or coincidently was their to rifle away.
Louis Van Gaal said:
“It was not our best performance. We were not aggressive enough in the first half, we didn’t keep our position on the pitch. I was not pleased at half time – and I told them."
“I’m happy with the result – tomorrow we have a Christmas party and it’s important we can enjoy that!”
“The second half was better, we created more chances but we need to score more goals. I’m pleased we held this result. The last few moments were not necessary but it is always like that.
Line ups:
Manchester United XI- De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Rojo, Young, Herrera [Fletcher 86], Fellaini, Carrick, Mata [Januzaj 90+2], Van Persie, Wilson [Falcao 78]
Stoke City XI- Begovic; Bardsley, Shawcross, Wilson, Pieters; Cameron, Nzonzi; Ireland [Arnautovic 82], Bojan, Assaidi [Crouch 77]; Diouf
Man of the match: Juan Mata
Man of the match today was Juan Mata the guy was the only real player who stood out and had a reasonably big impact on the game!
Next game: Southampton (A) Mon 8th December 20:00 GMT