Stoke vs. Manchester United: Score, Grades, Reaction from Premier League Game

Stoke 1-1 Manchester United

Manchester United overcame a second-minute goal to extend their unbeaten Premier League run into 2015 with a 1-1 draw at Stoke City on Thursday.

The Red Devils, who have not lost a game since Nov. 2, were stunned after 100 seconds of the game when Peter Crouch's header was flicked home by Ryan Shawcross to give the home team an early lead. However, Radamel Falcao hit back for United in the 26th minute when he bundled home a Wayne Rooney corner after a Michael Carrick flick.

United were also fortunate to escape a penalty appeal when Chris Smalling appeared to handle a Crouch header in the second half. There was further injury woe for the Old Trafford club, though, as winger Ashley Young was helped from the field with what appeared to be a hamstring injury late in the game. 

Ultimately, it was a match in which the only real winner was the swirling wind around the Britannia Stadium, which did not encourage an entertaining encounter.

Louis van Gaal made two changes to his team, with Luke Shaw making his first start since Nov. 22 while Smalling came into the starting XI. Paddy McNair and Antonio Valencia dropped out. Stoke manager Mark Hughes was forced into one alteration to his team, with Bojan Krkic ruled out through injury. Jon Walters replaced him. 

It was the home side who were celebrating the first Premier League goal of 2015 less than two minutes into the opening game of the year. Marko Arnautovic swung a corner toward the edge of the United area where an unimpeded Crouch headed goalwards. Shawcross flicked the ball on from close range and beyond David de Gea and Robin van Persie on the United line.

After the initial shock, United regrouped to hold possession, and there were unsuccessful claims for a penalty when a Shaw header inside the area struck Walters' arm. Meanwhile, Juan Mata was finding little success with a series of corners for the Red Devils, as the strong winds at the Britannia Stadium helped to send the ball comfortably into Asmir Begovic's hands.

Jonny Evans was fortunate in the 19th minute when he allowed a long Stoke ball to bounce, giving Mame Biram Diouf a chance to bundle the United defender off the ball for a one-on-one with De Gea. Yet the forward rushed his shot and sent his effort wide.

Phil Jones almost made a similar error as the wind deceived him in a chase with Crouch, but a foul was given against the Stoke striker to the relief of the United defender. Later on, the disappointing United defence were dug out of a hole in the 26th minute. A Rooney corner was headed on by Carrick to evade Shawcross, and Falcao swept home for his third goal of the season.

Gareth Copley/Getty Images

There was little to report in terms of goalmouth action for the remainder of the half. The wind whistling around the pitch was taking its toll, although greater creativity on both sides was required.

The opening stages of the second period were similarly undermined by the conditions, with little threat on either goal. Indeed, the first vague chance of the second half came on the hour mark when Jones connected with a Mata free-kick, but against the wind, the effort had little power, and Begovic gathered.

Van Gaal made two changes on the 62nd-minute mark, with Ander Herrera and Adnan Januzaj coming on for Falcao and Shaw, respectively. There were strong calls for a Stoke penalty two minutes later when Smalling appeared to handle a Crouch header away. Television replays suggested referee Michael Oliver was incorrect to dismiss those appeals.

Van Persie was having a quiet game but went close in the 67th minute after a great first touch brought a high ball under control inside the Stoke area. 

The game was beginning to open up, and Crouch struck the post from an Arnautovic free-kick before Diouf's excellent volley was deflected for a corner by Smalling. United were forced into a third change when Young picked up an injury and was replaced by Rafael.

Stoke brought on Oussama Assaidi for Arnautovic in the 81st minute as Hughes chased a winner against his former club. Rafael went close for United in the final minute, but Geoff Cameron blocked his strike.

Selected Player Ratings

Radamel Falcao: A

Really beginning to finally prove his worth to Manchester United. Link-up play with Van Persie starting to look ominous for the rest of the Premier League. Still needs some fine-tuning, but the Colombian is edging closer.

Peter Crouch: A-

Jan Kruger/Getty Images

Excellent display from the veteran Stoke striker. Revelled in the malaise in the United defence and proved to be a constant threat.

Jonny Evans: B-

The United defence looked out of sorts through the first period, with Evans appearing particularly perturbed on the left side of a three-man central defence. At fault for Stoke's opener and almost allowed a second by Diouf. Not a good day for the Northern Ireland international.

What's Ahead

Both teams now have a short turnaround before competing in the FA Cup third round.

Stoke will be expected to see off the challenge of non-league Wrexham at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday.

Van Gaal is likely to give several fringe players an opportunity to impress when United line up at League One strugglers Yeovil Town on the same day.

Post-Match Reaction