Manchester United's Robin van Persie ends his goal drought, scoring his 20th of the season
Image retrieved from the Barclays Premier League Twitter page
| Stoke | Manchester United |
|---|---|
| Begovic Cameron (SUB Jerome 71' (Y 85')) Huth Shawcross Wilkinson Shotton Whelan Nzonzi Adam Jones (SUB Crouch 84') Walters (SUB Owen 77') Unused subs: Sorensen Palacios Whitehead Kightly | De Gea Evra Jones Ferdinand Vidic Valencia (Y 63') Carrick (GOAL! 3') Kagawa Rooney Van Persie (GOAL! 66' PG) Hernandez (SUB Welbeck 77') Unused subs: Lindegaard Evans Smalling Buttner Giggs Cleverley |
Manchester United endured a physical and robust Stoke offensive at the Britannia Stadium, with Michael Carrick and Robin van Persie etching their names in the scoresheet.
The Reds had two feet on the gas pedal at the very start of the first half, with Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez providing the goal threat early on. And United cashed in on their first corner of the game. Van Persie's corner kick landed the ball square in the Stoke box, causing a scramble for the ball. Michael Carrick ultimately got his foot on it, propelling the Reds to the lead.
Michael Carrick taps in United's first goal of the game
Image retrieved from the Daily Mail UK
The league leaders would somehow slow the game down a bit but still got a few shots on goal, with the prolific Van Persie getting close a couple of times. Stoke, for their part, haven't done anything to constitute a solid threat. They got closest to a goal in a free kick when Robert Huth's header grazes the ball just wide.
But it was United who certainly had the ball more, with Kagawa doing really well to keep the ball in Reds' possession. Rooney, deployed in central midfield, is doing decently as well to steer the play United's way.
Chicharito's challenge opens up Wilkinson's left brow
Image retrieved from the Daily Mail UK
The Potters upped the ante in the second half, with the likes of Charlie Adam, Kenwyne Jones and Jonathan Walters all creating chances. Walters came close to equalizing for the home side when he received the ball inside the box and tried to shoot the ball home but couldn't direct it.
The two sides traded chances but none could get a clear-cut chance at goal until the 66th minute. Robin van Persie receives the ball from the left but defender Wilkinson made a late challenge on the Dutchman. Referee Jon Moss gave the penalty and the Dutchman finally broke his goal drought from the spot, scoring his 20th league goal of the season. Stoke actually latched in a quick response on the break when Ryan Shotton made a blistering shot, but David de Gea coolly saves the ball.
Robin van Persie hugs boss Sir Alex as both celebrate the Dutchman's goal
Image retrieved from the Daily Mail UK
Stoke went on full ambition, with Glenn Whelan and Ryan Shotton now making long 30-yarders but none are making it towards the target. Ferguson's men run down the clock and seal in the win soon after.
United's win hands Sir Alex Ferguson his 900th win as a manager and propels the team back to 15-points clear at the top the table. The Red Devils are now just seven points away from clinching their 20th top-flight title.
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