EPL Gameweek 1: Welbeck, RvP score two apiece as Manchester United trounce Swansea City 4-1

SWANSEA, WALES – AUGUST 17: Robin van Persie (C) of Manchester United scores his sides opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Manchester United at the Liberty Stadium on August 17, 2013 in Swansea, Wales.

Robin van Persie continued from where he left off last season as he scored two goals, while Danny Welbeck too scored two, to ensure that Manchester United came away 4-1 winners over Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium.

Manchester United, playing their first Premier League game under David Moyes, opted to play a 4-4-1-1 as Wayne Rooney, who has been in the headlines for his expected move away from the club, started on the bench. The first half an hour was dominated by Swansea as star striker Michu threatened the defence at every possible opportunity, and United seemed to be under the gun for a majority of the start of the game.

But it was Robin van Persie that came to United’s rescue once again as he scored a magnificent goal off a deflected Ryan Giggs cross in the 34th minute. Before Swansea had the time to react, Danny Welbeck scored a simple tap-in two minutes later in the 36th minute to double Manchester United’s lead. The score remained 2-0 at the break.

The second half saw the introduction of Wilfried Bony, who was making his debut for Swansea. Both sides created chances, but were unable to make them count. However, in the 72nd minute, van Persie scored yet another sensational goal as he struck the ball from outside the box, leaving the keeper no chance.

Bony ensured that he made an impression on his debut as he calmly finished to make the scoreline 3-1 in the 82nd minute, just minutes after he had missed a great chance to score via a header.

Welbeck scored United’s fourth and his second of the night in injury time as he scored a wonderful chip off a Rooney pass.

The scoreline at the final whistle was 4-1 in Manchester United’s favour. This victory ensures that new manager David Moyes started off his campaign on a positive note.