Cardiff City vs. Manchester United: 6 Things We Learned
A thriller in the Welsh capital saw Cardiff City grab a late goal to earn a 2-2 draw at home to Manchester United.
Wayne Rooney was at the centre of the contest, as he arguably could have been sent off.
He also scored one and created another as United looked on their way to three points.
However, Cardiff kept probing and were rewarded with a late leveler from Kim Bo-Kyung.
Over the following slides, here are the things we learned from the game.
The Players Are Frustrated by the Rules
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Wayne Rooney had a kick at Jordon Mutch during a tussle for the ball, and for the majority, it looked like it would result in a red card.
Referee Neil Swarbrick saw it different and meted out a yellow card.
Rooney went on to rub salt into the wounds by scoring shortly afterwards. But despite his kick and goal, Cardiff’s Ben Turner was happy to see Rooney stay on the field.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Turner said:
"From where I was, I do think he kicked out. But the way the game is going, I didn’t want him sent off, as it is becoming less and less of a physical game.
I think we need to keep some of that element in the game for the enjoyment of the fans.
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Superb Rooney Is Fallible
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We saw the best and worst of Rooney in the 2-2 draw.
His kick at Mutch was the worst; his goal and all-round play in leading the line was the best.
He was superb in the second half as Cardiff pressed hard; he was a willing runner happy to offer an outlet ball.
It would have been typical had Rooney, after seeing Cardiff draw themselves level in the last minute, gone and scored the winner.
He had that chance after being picked out by Ryan Giggs, but he appeared to get his wires crossed when through on goal.
He had the chance to score but attempted to flick the ball into Danny Welbeck’s path only to make a complete hash of it.
David De Gea Is No Soft Touch
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Spanish keeper David De Gea struggled upon his arrival in the Premier League and was felt to be fallible under the high ball.
He matured last season to cement the Red Devils’ No. 1 jersey, and he has taken his game forward this term.
Cardiff, roared on by their own fans, carry a physical threat, and they targeted De Gea. Balls were pumped into the box, while he was also given a buffeting by City players.
But time and again, he responded. His handling was assured, and he was not afraid to come for crosses.
Maybe he will shed that soft reputation at some stage.
Adnan Januzaj Finds Life Tough
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Adnan Januzaj has been tipped for greatness, and his form this season has been superb.
The highlight was his display in the win over Sunderland, but his effort against Cardiff was arguably the low-point.
The youngster found it tough to exert any sort of authority in the match.
He did not go missing, which was a huge positive for United to take, but pretty much everything he tried did not come off.
He was substituted on 68 minutes.
Ryan Giggs Given the Bird by Cardiff Fans
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Ryan Giggs is one the greatest players to come out of Wales, but that does not guarantee you a fond reception upon your return to the city of your birth.
A matter of days before you turn 40, it’s a big thing to face your hometown club for the first time in the league.
Giggs has many friends and family in Cardiff, but for 90 minutes, he was part of the enemy and was roundly booed when he came on as a second-half substitute.
Red Hot Fraizer Campbell Impresses
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Fraizer Campbell is a player who has had more than his fair share of injuries, but he is capable of top-class performances on his day.
It was certainly his day against his former club, as he carried a huge threat all day.
His goal was an ice-cool finish, but what also impressed was his fine run off the shoulder of Jonny Evans to create space.
As good a goal as it was, he came close to adding a second that would have been even better.
He fashioned space in the box and delivered an exquisite chip which hit the corner of post and crossbar.
It was an overall performance which impressed Cardiff manager Malky Mackay. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said:
"It was a lovely goal, and he nearly scored an even better one, as it was an incredible chip.
Fraizer has a second chance in terms of a really bad injury. He has come back from that, and he has been massive for us.
He is a Premier League centre forward, no doubt about that.
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