Manchester United notch up first win of the season

Manchester United win their first match of this season and what a way to win. At Old Trafford, everything seems to be right for the most glorious football club in the world. After a disappointing start in the league opener at the hands of Everton at Goodison Park, the Red Devils have certainly bounced back. This win makes Manchester United’s record of scoring at home run level with Totenham Hotspurs, who share the record.

The game saw yet another time when Manchester United have come from behind to win the match. Damien Duff scored the first goal of the game, putting Fulham in front at Old Trafford. The Theatre of Dreams was heading for despair when the new signing and last season’s highest goal scorer, Robin van Persie footed in a magnificent goal. A cross towards the Dutchman saw him score a partial scissor kick into the goal. An absolutely perfect start to his United career. Van Persie’s goal saw Old Trafford come to life.

When United seemed to dominate the match with much of the possession, a strong attack from the vibrant United side few deflections only for the ball to land into the legs of the midfield maestro, Shinji Kagawa who fired in a quick, smart tap into the goal. Both the new signings score on their Old Trafford debut. For the rest of the first half of the game, it was a fairly one sided affair with United posing multiple threats in the form of few strong shots on target. Icing the cake was a header from the Brazilian defender Rafael Da Silva to extend the lead. At half time, Manchester United 3 – 1 Fulham.

When United seemed to be in the comfort zone, a second half mishap from captain Nemanja Vidic saw that shaken off. A cross into the United goal hit Vidic’s rear foot as he tried to clear the ball and in turn scored an unfortunate own goal. Manchester’s double lead was cut down to one.

Accepting the challenge, Sir Alex Ferguson makes a double switch. Wayne Rooney comes on for Shinji Kagawa and Danny Welbeck replaced Ashley Young. A real contest once again with Manchester trying to take 3 points out of the game on the other hand, Fulham attacking tour de force to try and level the match. For the next few minutes, both teams attacked fiercely. Robin van Persie and Rooney supported by Welbeck were too close yet far on several occasions. At the other side Fulham’s Dembele sprung out of nowhere to get a fantastic shot on target.

Sir Alex made the third switch of the game, veteran Ryan Giggs coming on as substitute for Anderson. Certainly, United felt the pressure into the last ten minutes of the game, as they were being denied by Fulham who refused to give up. Nervous moments for Manchester United. But, a strong support from the crowd lifted United’s game and saw them through. The Theatre of Dreams echoed “Glory Glory Man. United”. As they say, “All is well that ends well”.

Manchester United won the game by an inch. In the dying moments of the game, Wayne Rooney suffered a knee gash and was taken away in a stretcher. Manchester United have lots to take away from this game. Valencia – Van Persie – Kagawa partnership, centre back woes, brilliant movement from Rafael who once again proved his worth. United have the 3 points from this game but must lift their game before the big matches.