POST MATCH REACTION: Manchester United 4 - 2 Stoke City

Two goals for Wayne Rooney (Not including an own goal) were the highlight of today's win against Stoke, as Manchester United won 4-2 in what turned out to be a comfortable afternoon at Old Trafford. It did not promise to be so however, as a Wayne Rooney header into his own net put Stoke ahead. It was not long however before United were on level terms. A delightful cross from Robin Van Persie let Rooney make amends as he found the net with a header in the right net. Antonio Valencia then found Van Persie who finished well. After the break, another pretty cross into the box, this time from Rooney, found Welbeck. The young England man had been typically woeful in front of goal, yet this time his header down low was a brilliant finish.

Micheal Kightley was due to be subbed, yet that had to be delayed as he capitalized on some horrid defending and slotted home to give Stoke hope. Yet that was short lived as Rooney completed the days scoring from inside the 6 yard box after a corner.

The attacking was a delight at times. The front three of Rooney, Welbeck and Van Persie was forever interchanging. And Valencia was providing width from the right. However this meant at times that there was plenty of space for Stoke to run into and at the defence and this caused problems particulary in the first 30 minutes. Charlie Adam certainly enjoyed a decent first half. The lack of legs in the heart of our midfield certainly did not help this, coupled with the frustrating loss of possesion when not under pressure, and in silly silly places.

Welbeck enjoyed a decent game for the most part. Yet his lack of composure can be a real nightmare. If we deploy the same front three in the future, I would much rather RVP stick to the centre and then Rooney and Welbeck work off of him with clever movement.

Against Chelsea next week, we will certainly need to tighten up at the back and in midfield. Sir Alex Ferguson will certainly need to keep this in mind when he chooses his team and formation. And with a midweek game against Braga in the UCL, he needs to keep his squad fresh too. Will certainly be interesting to see what side we field in what is the biggest week of our season so far.

Join us on Tuesday when we will have coverage of the home tie against Braga!