Match Recap

The Champions completed a routine win over Premier League newcomers Crystal Palace in the opening match of the fourth fixture to claim their first home win of the season. The Reds will be glad to be back to winning ways after claiming maximum points despite not playing at their highest calibre through out the match. The highlight of the starting eleven was the inclusion of Wayne Rooney who missed out on the international break because of a gash to the head following a collision with Phil Jones during midweek training. The match also saw the debut of youngster Adnan Januzaj and afroed sensation Marouane Fellaini.

The match began with a dominant display in possession but difficulty in creating chances. The half featured several penalty claims, the first of which occurred in the opening ten minutes as Patrice Evra appeared to go down following a challenge but the referee waived play on. The second occurred in the 18th minute when Young was brought down after he had waltzed his way into the box following a neat one-two but saw himself booked for simulation as he sought the contact. Robin Van Persie almost produced a stunning finish at 35th minute following a weighted cross by Wayne Rooney but the Dutchman could only see his effort crash onto the cross bar. Crystal Palace produced their one meaningful chance shortly after as Gayle drifted past Ferdinand but was denied by De Gea who closed down the space and forced the shot wide. Near the end of the half United got their penalty as Young was brought down again near the edge of the box by Dikgacoi who was sent off for a challenge following a mistake by the Crystal Palace defense. Van Persie was at hand to slot it into the bottom corner to score his fourth goal of the season.

The second half saw an increase in possession as Palace were pinned into their own half for the remainder of the match and struggled to get a foothold in the match with ten men. United continued to produce half chances mostly through Van Perise but failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Deadline day signing Fellaini and league debutant Januzaj were introduced near the hour mark. Fellaini almost scored a delightful volley that was well saved by Speroni and Januzaj was lively creating danger down the left flank. As the game wore on Van Persie was substituted for Chicharito by David Moyes who no doubt has one eye on the upcoming matches against Leverkusen and City. Rooney doubled the lead from a free-kick as he curled his shot over wall and into the bottom corner. With Palace seemingly defeated United could possibly have scored a third but the score line finished 2-0.

The pseudo-Petr Cech helmet wearing man marked his return from injury with an energizing performance in his preferred no.10 role. He produced various chances for his teammates with glorious passes particularly a long distance ball reminiscent of his pass to Van Persie against Aston Villa last year. He capped off his performance with a slick curling finish from a free-kick.