Rooney heads in the equalizer after doing the same thing on the wrong end of the pitch earlier in the game
Image retrieved from the Daily Mail UK
Goals of the Game
Manchester United: Rooney (27', 65'), Van Persie (44'), Welbeck (46')
Stoke City: Rooney (11' OG), Kightly (58')
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney almost went back to his rather villanous status among the Old Trafford faithful when he placed opponents Stoke in the lead via an own goal, only to redeem himself by sinking in a brace later on that would help the Reds gain all three points against Tony Pulis' side.
Stoke had all indications of pulling an upset in the first thirty minutes or so of the game. They played their cards right and pushed the Reds, creating numerous chances along the way. Their formidable set-piece play earns them the lead when Charlie Adam's cross is headed by Rooney, only to have the ball cross United's goal line, giving Stoke the lead. The Red Devils struggled after that, but only until Rooney made sure his 10th anniversary since sinking in the wonder-goal against Arsenal wouldn't end in a bad note. From a cool RVP cross, Rooney went in to replicate what he did on the other side of the pitch and handed his team the equalizer. While Stoke still had the engine on full speed, it would soon come to an abrupt halt, and just before half-time, too, when Robin Van Persie's quick reflexes successfully converted a smart Valencia cross from the right flank, giving United the lead.
Van Persie swivels to collect a Valencia cross and put the Reds ahead just before half-time
Image retrieved from the Daily Mail UK
Second half had barely started when Tony Pulis' men got the winds out of their sails when Danny Welbeck heads in a fabulous 6-yarder. Stoke would take one back as Michael Kightly made a fantastic run, only for that goal to be negated by none other than Wayne Rooney, who sank in his second goal of the day, finishing off the Potters. Stoke would prove too deflated after that, and the scoreline ends 4-2.
Man of the Match had to be Wayne Rooney, who shook off a dulling own goal to score a brace that helped mightily in getting his side the full three points.
Robin Van Persie is on fabulous form, sinking his 8th goal in his 8th league appearance for the Reds ever since signing from Arsenal in the recent summer transfer window. Meanwhile, Danny Welbeck is slowly but surely trying to get back his form from last season. He took a lot of chances for United tonight, though he didn't exactly finish several of them successfully.
All three forwards on United starting XI for this match got their names on the scoresheet, a testament to Sir Alex Ferguson's adamant pursuit of not repeating the same mistake last season as they lost on mere goal difference.
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