Manchester United rallies to snatch an important victory

It was yet another trademark Manchester United comeback that enabled the defending champions to steal a victory over Hull City in the English Premier League. Rooney’s 150th Premier League for ManU, one own goal, a red card-there was no lack of drama at the KC Stadium. But in the end it was a routine victory for United that saw them climb up to the 6^th position in the League table.

United came back from behind as they were 2-0 down within the first 30 minutes. Former United player James Chester opened the scoring for the home team in the 4^th minute when he smashed one header from Alex Bruce to send the ball into the back of the net as the United defense was caught napping. Things worsened for United as few minutes later when David Meyler’s weak volley took a weird deflection of Johnny Evans to find the net. The whole stadium erupted into sheer jubilation as United fell behind by 2 goals. But United did not have to wait long for their opener when Chris Smalling headed in a perfect delivery by Wayne Rooney from a free-kick. With the scoreline reading 2-1 United began to play desperately for the equalizer and put the home team under immense pressure with some intelligent piece of football. It paid off when Rooney volleyed from few yards outside the penalty area after chesting the ball down from Danny Welbeck. The goalkeeper had no chance as it hit the top corner and United was back into level terms before the half-time.

As the second half kicked off, United began to press further in search of the winner. It was yet again a good run from Rooney that saw United take the lead in the 66^th minute. This time the pressure put by Rooney on Chester resulted in an own goal that finally sealed the match for the Red Devils. A perfectly weighted cross from the right by Ashley Young was headed in by the defender while trying to clear it with Rooney lurking behind him. United was finally in the lead. The drama was not yet over. 85 minutes into the match the referee blew the whistle against Antonio Valencia for a foul in the opponents half. Valencia, already on a yellow card, kicked the ball away without any reason and the referee never took much time to show him the second yellow. With ManU down to 10 men, the home team surged ahead and almost got the equalizer in the dying minutes but De Gea yet again turned o be the saviour for the visitors.

It was a fascinating start to the boxing day, full of action that finally ended in the predicted result. It was United’s 5^th win in a row in all competition. And they are looking much better than what they were two months earlier.

• About the Author

About Argha Ghosh

An ardent follower of sports and die-hard Manchester United fan, Argha's ultimate dream is to watch a Manchester derby from the Stretford End at the Old Trafford.