Manchester United vs. Stoke: Score, Grades and Reaction from Premier League Game
Manchester United 2-1 Stoke City
A cold night in the Northwest saw Manchester United's winning run continue, as they defeated Stoke City 2-1 at Old Trafford. Goals from Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata sealed the win for Louis van Gaal after Mark Hughes' team almost grabbed a share of the spoils with a late charge.
United started the match without talisman Wayne Rooney and Argentine winger Angel Di Maria, who both sustained injuries on Saturday.
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United began the game the much stronger of the two teams and were immediately on the front foot after their goalscoring display against Hull City. Stoke were forced to spend most of the opening 10 minutes camped in their own half as United's midfield pushed up.
The Red Devils finally made their breakthrough on 21 minutes after Fellaini made a well-timed run into the box and headed home to make it 1-0.
The midfielder out-jumped the Stoke full-back on the far post to notch the goal, with FourFourTwo posting a picture of the finish:
United continued to pile the pressure on Stoke, but it was the Potters who shocked Old Trafford by grabbing the equaliser after poor defending.
Bojan burst through the heart of the United midfield, and after a ricochet off Chris Smalling, Steven N'Zonzi buried his shot. The midfielder calmly pulled the trigger as the ball broke to him and made sure David de Gea could get nowhere near his effort.
The score remained 1-1 at half-time, with Stoke hugely satisfied to have tied the match before the break. However, United came out of the blocks quickly in the second period and soon found their way back into the lead.
In the 59th minute, United gained a free-kick wide of the penalty area after a foul on Antonio Valencia—and Juan Mata's delivery beat everyone, curling into the far corner for United's second.
The BBC's Bill Rice called the action on Twitter as Mata grabbed the third goal of the game:
The goal was well-deserved by the Red Devils, who were starting to dominate territory and possession, playing at a high tempo.
United then went looking for a two-goal cushion. James Wilson nearly sealed the points after a strong run but placed his shot just wide of the post.
The young England under-21 player was then replaced on 77 minutes, with Radamel Falcao coming on for vital game time after his injury woes. But the Colombian superstar failed to make an impression despite constant pressure from his team.
Hughes' team nearly stole a point with a late charge in stoppage time, but goal-line saves by De Gea and Ashley Young secured the three points for Van Gaal.
Select Player Ratings
Marouane Fellaini: B
The Belgian's rehabilitation continues at United, as he once again proved he can consistently contribute to the cause—he should have scored a couple on the night.
Bojan: C+
He always looked a threat with the ball at his feet but struggled to battle his way through a United midfield with Michael Carrick sitting deep to screen his runs.
Ashley Young: B+
Possibly Ashley Young's best performance in a United shirt for a very long time. The winger started as a full-back once again and drove the team forward from the left with great effect and gusto. His lack of a left foot was his weakness on the night, but a dramatic stop on the line was enough to win his team the match.
Post-Match Reaction
Manchester United's Twitter account immediately reacted to the side's win on Tuesday night and firmly set the club's sights on the team above them in the league—Southampton:
But it seems that Van Gaal was unhappy with how his team performed as they nearly squandered their lead at the end of the game.
United expert Andy Mitten quoted the manager after the tie:
And Bleacher Report's Elko Born singled James Wilson out for praise, after the young striker showed glimpses of his potential:
The win proved that a different Manchester United are in town now compared to David Moyes' version from last season. Just 12 months ago, United would have lost the points in this kind of match, but they battled hard on Tuesday night and earned their victory with dramatic last-gasp defending.
Stoke failed to create quality chances on the night but will feel they should have gained a point at the death. But it was Van Gaal's team who were celebrating after building yet more momentum in their campaign.
