Manchester United 4 – 2 Stoke City: United beat the Potters with Rooney’s ‘hat-trick’

Wayne Rooney scored his first goal for Manchester United this season – by heading into his own team’s net. Thankfully for the England international, he was on target twice more, at the right end. In a game full of twists and turns, Robin Van Persie and Danny Welbeck each found the scoresheet during three hectic minutes before Michael Kightly shrunk the home side’s lead down to a single goal, before Rooney forced the ball into the net to settle matters.

The match did not start well for the Red Devils, with Rooney heading the ball into his own goal after a Stoke City corner. The goal made the away team enthusiastic and encouraged them to keep attacking. Adam shot first, then Crouch headed but both were saved by De Gea. In the 27^th minute Rooney headed in again after Van Persie bent the ball in, equalising the score. Before half time, Van Persie put the home team ahead after a great finish in the bottom corner of the goal.

A minute after the second half started, Welbeck doubled the lead heading the ball into Begovic’s net. In the 49^th minute, both Evans and Welbeck had the chance to make the lead three but Begovic made a great save first then the English forward’s attempt was inches away.

In the 58^th minute, Kightly kept the away side’s hopes alive when he broke the defence and shot into the right corner, scoring with the help of a post. Seven minutes later Rooney scored his 200^th club goal after the ball found him in a lucky way and he finished it smoothly.

This victory will make United more confident for next week’s matches against Braga in the Champions League and Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

   Richard Samu, football correspondent