Nani and Wayne Rooney score two apiece as Manchester United recovered from their Champions League nightmare with a comfortable win over Wolves at Old Trafford.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were spoiling after their defeat to Basle in mid-week saw them exit Europe’s premier competition at the group stage for the first time since the 2005/06 season. The Red Devil’s boss abandoned the defensive tactics used in Switzerland for a more conventional 4-4-2 and it proved to be a shrewd move as his side blew away Mick McCarthy’s men with ease. Wanderers went into the game full of confidence after beating Sunderland late on last Sunday but founds themselves two goals behind before the half hour mark with Rooney and Nani on target. The duo repeated the trick in the second half after Steven Fletcher’s third goal in two games minutes after the restart threatened a Wolves comeback. Phil Jones’ dominant performance in midfield was a particular highlight whilst Antonio Valencia’s performance on the wing justified Ferguson’s decision to drop Ashley Young following his poor display on Wednesday.
Captain Nemanja Vidic was missing from the lineup after he suffered a knee injury that will keep him out for a year and his presence in the back four was missed early on as Fletcher found space but could only slice wide of David de Gea’s goal. It proved to be a minor blip as United settled into their rhythm with Michael Carrick and Rooney both wasting opportunities with the latter seeing his snap effort saved by Wayne Hennessey. The Wales keeper was beaten soon after with Nani cutting in from the left before driving an unstoppable effort into the bottom corner on 17 minutes before Roooney doubled that lead 10 minutes later. The England striker hadn’t scored in eight games since his goal against Chelsea in September but rediscovered his shooting boots this afternoon smashing Nani’s ball in through a crowd of bodies from the edge of the area.
Wolves threatened to launch a stunning comeback just after the restart with Fletcher heading home Matt Jarvis’ cross for his 11th goal in 16 games. However it proved to be fleeting as United took control once again and swiftly restored their two goal advantage with Jones playing in Valencia who’s low cross was finished off by Nani from six-yards. Rooney would have the last laugh just after the hour turning and shooting past Hennessey after being picked out by the impressive Valencia. The home side almost grabbed a fifth but substitute Federico Macheda was denied following a charging run and cross from Jones. It didn’t matter as United moved to within two points of rivals City at the Premier League summit.
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