United came in to the game with club legend, Paul Scholes making his return to the club after signing on until the end of the season. Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans also made their return from injury, with Smalling starting alongside Rio Ferdinand in the centre of defence and Evans on the bench.
City had a much weaker side than usual with Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko injured. Gareth Barry was suspended and the Toure brothers rightfully reported for International duty with the Ivory Coast.
The home side started the game brightly with Anders Lindegaard’s kick, hitting Aguero before going wide. United slowly came into the game and took the lead. Wayne Rooney having lots of time and space in the middle of the park before passing to Antonio Valencia who crossed in for Rooney to produce a superb header.
Two minutes later. Controversy. City’s influential captain Vincent Kompany was sent off for a two footed lunge on Nani. Kompany won the ball but his feet were raised going into the player. Red card? I’ll let you decide on that one.
United made the extra man count with a brutal first half performance. 15 minutes after Kompany had been sent off, the Reds extended their lead. Patrice Evra’s cross was deflected up in the air and Danny Welbeck hit a sweet volley in to the corner of the net leaving Pantilimon no chance at all.
That wasn’t it for the half where United went three up five minutes before half time. Danny Welbeck was fouled inside the box by Alexander Kolarov and United had a penalty. Wayne Rooney stepped up and had his spot kick saved by Pantilimon but the striker was first to the rebound and headed comfortably to spark a potential rout.
City took off David Silva and Adam Johnson for the second half and came out firing out of the blocks. Patrice Evra fouled Micah Richards leaving set piece specialist Kolarov to fire an unstoppable shot for City, giving them a lifeline.
With Paul Scholes on, City scored again to give United a nervy last 25 minutes. James Milner crossed for Sergio Aguero, whose initial shot was saved my Lindegaard, but the Argentine tapped in the rebound to make it 2-3.
United eventually held on to claim a 2-3 win away at the FA Cup holders, whose first defence of the crown ended miserably. Next up for United is a home league game against struggling Bolton. Hopefully, with the return of Paul Scholes, confidence is restored and United can return to their championship winning performances.
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