Match Report – Manchester United 2-1 Stoke City

Competition: Premier League 
Kick-Off & Date: 8pm, Tuesday 4th January
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester (Home)
Attendance: 73,401


Manchester United put themselves 3 points ahead of their rivals on Tuesday night,  as Luis Nani netted a glorious curling winner on the hour mark against Stoke City after Dean Whitehead had undone a beautifully crafted goal from none other than Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez.  

Sir Alex Ferguson rested a partially injured Wayne Rooney ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup tie with Liverpool, while Rio Ferdinand also watched from the stands. Chris Smalling replaced Rio at the back, ahead of Tomasz Kuszczak in-goal. Luis Nani made a return alongside Darron Gibson, while Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez started with Dimitar Berbatov up-front. 

The game got off to a bright start, with both sides trading punches in the early stages. Stoke City didn’t come to Old Trafford in order to park the bus, they set up with two striker in an attempt to snatch a result. But that was going to be hard considering how United blossomed throughout the first half. The Red Devils tightened their grip on the game, but The Potters held-out.

Sir Alex’s side dominated possession, with referee Mark Clattenburg waving away penalty appeals when Ryan Shawcross appeared to have handled Ryan Giggs’ cross. He didn’t, and when Berbatov had a glorious chance to open the scoring, he didn’t. However, Berba was offside but he should have hit the target nonetheless. 

A goal was coming, and in the 27th minute, Nani’s cross was converted by Chicharito. The winger’s ball into the box was a tame one, but the Mexican striker managed to flick the ball past Asmir Begovic despite being under the pressure of the Stoke defence. Hernandez has now scored 9 competitive goals for The Red Devils, this one was his second ‘quirky’ goal against The Potters… 

There was little to talk about after Hernandez’ goal, but The Reds went into the dressing room with plenty to  be optimistic about. However, United have conceded the highest proportion of goals in the second half of any team in the Premier League – and it was the same old story on Tuesday…

Stoke revived their challenge, equalising just 5 minutes after the start of the second half. Tuncay Sanli, who netted against United earlier this season, drew both Nemanja Vidic and Smalling out of position, and crossed into the box for Dean Whitehead to head past a helpless Tomasz Kuszczak. 

It was a blow to Sir Alex’s Red Army, who conceded against the general run of play. But The Potters can be dangerous in the air, they had proved that once again. 

United don’t lie down, they never do. The Old Trafford faithful of well over 70,000 raised the decibel. Rafael Da Silva and Gibson played well together on the right hand side, but couldn’t break Stoke’s resistance. There were more shouts for a penalty when Gibson’s cross appeared to be blocked by a hand, but ref. Clattenburg failed to award a spot kick. 

The Reds kept chipping away, and when Chicharito played-in Nani, he made the most of the opportunity. The Portuguese winger found space for himself in the box, and curled a magical shot into the middle of the far post. Nani has now equalled his previous goalscoring best for United, only mid-way through the season. 

Tony Pulis responded by sending-in former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant and fellow striker Jon Walters for Matthew Etherington and Rory Delap, while Michael Owen made a comeback for United.

Despite Pulis’ re-arrangements, Stoke were still well and truly on the back foot. United could have scored more, with Giggs and Hernandez coming close to wrapping-up the points. But no more goals were needed, and fans can sleep soundly tonight safe in the knowledge The Reds’ are well on their way to a record 19th Premier League title…


United Team: Tomasz Kuszczak, Rafael Da Silva, Nemanja Vidic, Chris Smalling, Patrice Evra, Luis Nani, Darron Gibson (Michael Carrick ’78), Darren Fletcher, Ryan Giggs, Dimitar Berbatov, Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez (Michael Owen ’78),

Goals: Chicharito ’27, Nani ’63

• Video Highlights: United 2-1 Stoke City