Manchester United bounced back from their weekend derby thrashing with a narrow win against arch rivals Liverpool. The result will be a welcome result to manager David Moyes who will be looking to set the tone for the remainder of the season. The starting eleven featured several changes from the squad that faced City at the Etihad the most notable being the inclusion of Nani and Kagawa. With Van Persie out through injury, Chicharito gained a starting berth playing as lone striker ahead of Rooney.
The match began with United eager to make a bright start and maintained most of the possession in the opening quarter of an hour. Liverpool, with Luis Suarez for the first time since his infamous bite on Branislav Ivanovic, settled into the match but created mostly half chances with their ball in the final third failing more often than not. United struggled with creativity in attack with relatively few chances coming from the wing. Both teams went into the half evenly matched with neither providing much initiative.
Following the break, the Champions asserted their intentions with a goal in the opening moments of the second half. Following a Rooney corner, Chicharito did well to evade the marker of Jose Enrique and produce a typical Javier Hernandez finish with an improvised right footed volley. The goal came as a sucker punch to the Liverpool squad as they struggled to cope. As the match progressed Liverpool had a few chances to draw level the best of which came from a header by Victor Moses in the 70th minute which was well saved by De Gea. Despite their improvement the Reds held out for a place in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup where they will face Norwich City.
A first start and a first goal for the Mexican international who once again proved how lethal he is in the six yard box. His pace and energy were a source of direction for the United attack. Will be hoping his display makes Moyes think twice about his team selections.
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