Match Recap

Manchester United fell to their first defeat of the season amidst yellow cards galore and worst case scenario situations. The news of Wayne Rooney's absence through injury prior to the match was a sour pill to swallow and will leave fans with a feeling of what might have been. The starting eleven made for major talking points with the inclusion of Ryan Giggs and Ashely Young and rather surprisingly the absence of Shingi Kagawa from the squad altogether.

The match started with Liverpool maintaining much of the possession without being truly dangerous on the ball. The goal came as a sucker punch to United who were just settling into the game and it was Liverpool's man of the hour Daniel Sturridge who struck home with a header after he evaded his marker. The Champions could have been back in it shortly after as Van Persie saw an overhead kick go just wide. Roy Hodgson will be concerned for his England squad as one of his right back alternatives Phil Jones suffered a knock and was replaced by right back deputy Antonio Valencia. The half came to a close following a scuffle between Van Persie and Daniel Agger.

The second half will leave a more positive note to manager David Moyes despite the failure to penetrate in the final third. Liverpool were content to sit back and were limited mainly to counter attacks. United produced a couple of trying efforts but a resilient Liverpool defense did not budge. Welbeck had a penalty claim waived by referee Mariner after he was brought down by Spanish recruit Iago Aspas inside the box. United introduced Nani and Chicharito into the fold and the Portuguese international was quick to make his mark as he let fly with a long range effort that was well saved by Mignolet. United had their best chance of the game when Chicharito played in the isolated Van Persie who scuffed his shot wide. Near the end United had a couple of set piece of opportunities but in the end the match was decided by the smallest of margins and a lapse of defensive judgment from a set piece cost the Reds three points. 

United will look to bounce back against Crystal Palace in two weeks time. Come on you Reds!