Match Review: Stoke City v Manchester United
Stoke City have extended their unbeaten run after a 1-1 draw with Manchester United thanks to an own-goal from Juan Mata and a sensational free-kick from record breaking Wayne Rooney.
Rooney has now passed Sir Bobby Charlton in Man Utd’s all time top scorers with a wonderful free-kick beating Lee Grant at his far post.
The day started with the announcement of our new striker Saido Berahino walking on to the pitch poised with his new number nine jersey, giving the fans something to sing about before taking on Jose Mourihno’s Red Devil’s.
It was evident from the off that a big challenge was down Stoke’s left wing with Marko Arnautovic coming up against who Mourinho has stated, ‘the best right-back in football’, no not Andy Wilkinson for those of you reading this thinking maybe he has made a return, Antonio Valencia of course. The battle saw Arnautovic pick up a booking early on to the frustration of both fans and player alike.
The stage was set for Peter Crouch to continue his fine form and reach two milestones in one day, one being the first Potters striker to score in four consecutive games in the top flight, the other – his 100th goal, half of which have been headers.
He did have his chances, one a volley from 25 yards out, the other a rogue ball in the box late on in the game, what a story that would have been, however It wasn’t his day. Instead it panned out to be his former England teammates day, with an superb free-kick Wayne Rooney is now Manchester United’s all time top scorer with a massive 250 goals, a record all fans from any club can appreciate.
The Potters broke the deadlock after just 18 minutes of play, a cut back from Arnautovic found Erik Pieters in the box, his cross-ball then poked past David De Gea by a retreating Juan Mata. 1-0, and that’s the way it looked to finish as well.
The visitors tried to respond but man of the match Ryan Shawcross transformed his defence in to a brick wall, impressive tackles all round frustrated the Red Devil’s throughout the game, Zlatan Ibrahimovic could have bagged a brace if it wasn’t for a impressive centre half partnership forming with Bruno Martins-Indi forcing Utd back whenever they could.
Changes from both sides saw the likes of Rashford, Affellay, Rooney and youngster Julian N’goy come on to the pitch, but it was only Rooney’s day.
The free-kick came at the delight of all the tense travelling United fans as Rooney curled it sensationally past Lee Grant who hadn’t put a foot wrong all day. Full time, Stoke City 1-1 Manchester United.
Jordan Cleaver
@cleaverjordan
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