Manchester United's 10 Best Goals of the Season so Far

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

If you were to take one look at the current Premier League table, it would be fair to suggest that Manchester United have flat out dominated the first half of the 2012-13 season.

But defensive lapses have plagued Sir Alex Ferguson's team, threatening to derail the trophy-chasing side on many an occasion.

Such suicidal football has only led to more goals being scored at the other end of the pitch in response—54 in 21 games in the EPL alone.

Here are 10 of the best—ranked purely by how much they made us go "ooohhh."

Needless to say, there are a few Robin van Persie efforts thrown into the mix.

10. Anderson vs. Reading

Date: 1st Dec, 2012

Final Score: 4-3 Man Utd

 

We kick things off with a cracker from fan favourite Anderson—the bulky, swashbuckling midfielder whose recent resurgence in form, was cut short by a cruel injury.

Played into the left side channel by a great pass from Ashley Young, the Brazilian struck a first time effort with his favoured left foot that cannoned in off the post.

No chance for the keeper.

9. Robin Van Persie vs. Southampton

Date: 2nd Sep, 2012

Final Score: 3-2 Man Utd

 

Manchester United's epic late comeback at league strugglers Southampton early in the season featured a Robin van Persie hat trick, but it's his first effort that's included here.

Cushioning a floated Antonio Valencia cross down with his chest, the Dutchman fired an unstoppable volley into the far corner of Kelvin Davis' goal. "Ooohh Robin van Persie..".

8. Tom Cleverley vs. Newcastle

Date: 7th Oct, 2012

Final Score: 3-0 Man Utd

 

The Red Devils' thrashing of Newcastle United in October featured an absolute stunner from young midfielder Tom Cleverley.

The Englisman's long range curler would be higher on the list if I thought he'd meant it.

Oh well, I guess we'll never know.

7. Alex Buttner vs. Wigan

Date: 15th Sep, 2012

Final Score: 4-0 Man Utd

 

Dutch left-back Alexander Buttner had a debut to remember in a massive home win over Wigan Athletic in September, scoring his new team's third in front of an appreciative Old Trafford crowd.

Showing grit and skill in equal measure, Buttner forced his way past several hopeless Latics players before slotting in from an incredibly tight angle.

Watch yourself, Patrice Evra.

6. Robin Van Persie vs. Sporting Braga

Date: 7th Nov, 2012

Final Score: 3-1 Man Utd

 

It took the introduction of Robin van Persie to Manchester United's second Champions League fixture—against Portuguese team Braga—to turn things around for Sir Alex's side.

Trailing 1-0 with 10 minutes to play, the substitute took full advantage of a horrendous error from Beto to lift a delicious shot over the stranded keeper to level things up.

United went on to win the clash, 3-1...naturally.

5. Nick Powell vs. Wigan

Date: 15th Sep, 2012

Final Score: 4-0 Man Utd

 

Like Alex Buttner, Nick Powell's debut against Wigan also featured a stunner worthy of this list.

Receiving the ball in space just outside the opposition box, the midfielder dropped his shoulder, opened his body up and fired a bullet that shot past the unfortunate Ali Al-Habsi.

Did anyone say "young Paul Scholes?"

4. Robin Van Persie vs. CFR Cluj

Date: 2nd Oct, 2012

Final Score: 2-1 Man Utd

 

Many have compared Robin van Persie to Manchester United legend Eric Cantona during his early days at Old Trafford. But one look at his second goal against Cluj earlier this season rather reminds one of lethal poacher Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Wayne Rooney's long ball found van Persie in space, who then flicked it delicately past the Romanian side's keeper to claim a crucial European victory.

The Basel debacle is all but forgotten.

3. Rafael vs. Liverpool

Date: 23rd Sep, 2012

Final Score: 2-1 Man Utd

 

Cracking the top-three is quite possibly the most important goal Brazilian Rafael will ever score in his career.

Down 1-0 at the time and facing a barrage of Liverpool pressure, the Brazilian controlled Shinji Kagawa's layoff excellently, before curling his shot past Pepe Reina to send the away fans into delirium. Those same fans will no doubt hope a repeat performance occurs this weekend.  

2. Robin Van Persie vs. Fulham

Date: 25th Aug, 2012

Final Score: 3-2 Man Utd

 

In second place is that man Robin van Persie, with his jaw-dropping goal in the early season clash with Fulham.

Patrice Evra's pass infield found the Dutchman with his back to goal and apparently no chance of scoring. One turn-and-volley later and any fears that fans at Old Trafford may have had in regards to his £24 million fee were instantly put to bed.

1. Tom Cleverley vs. Sunderland

Date: 15th Dec, 2012

Final Score: 3-1 Man Utd

 

It may surprise some to see Tom Cleverley's recent strike against Sunderland topping the list, but watch it again and I'm sure you'll agree it was poetry in motion.

Playing a one-two with an inspired Michael Carrick, the youngster side-footed a perfectly directed and weighted shot into the far corner of Simon Mignolet's goal.

Is this a sign of things to come?

 

What other Manchester United efforts could have made this list? Would you change the order?

Follow @MaxBentleyTowle