/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/8966057/162960104.0.jpg)
What a great way to head into the Madrid game on Tuesday night. Shinji Kagawa, who was at risk of being dropped for Tuesday night, put his hand up for selection once more with a glorious hat trick where all three finishes were as clinical as they come. Wayne Rooney put the cherry on top of the magnificent cake with a thumper from range. He also claimed two assists with a couple of sublime touches for Kagawa.
Without producing many clear cut chances, the first half was utter domination. The final pass was lacking as United tried to walk the ball into the back of the net. We looked most threatening from set pieces, where Robin Van Persie's delivery are ever dangerous. Nemanja Vidic, who once again is looking more and more like his old self, was eyeing a goal, but none came.
Until the very dying embers of the first half. Antonio Valencia, who has regained a little form of late, played a left footed cross into the box (Don't think I have ever typed Valencia and left footed before). The ball hit RVP and fell to Kagawa who dispatched it to calm the nerves. A perfect time to score.
The first twenty odd of the second half was a little nervy though. All too often, once we get the lead we sit back and invite pressure. However once we got the second, the game was killed off and United took over. The ball was played over the defense for Rooney to run onto. He beat a man and slid it across for Kagawa who slid it home with an ease and a slight touch of arrogance.
And the two combined once more. Welbeck, a sub for RVP, carried the ball forward. Again the ball fell to Rooney whoose first time pass was made for Kagawa to run onto. His first touch was maybe a tad on the Anderson heavy side, but the finish was as light and delicate as they come. Lofted over the helpless Bunn in the Norwich goal. Beautiful link up.
The fourth came within minutes. Rooney, cutting in from the left this time, lined up to shoot, feinted, and then unleashed his right boot. Again, Bunn may as well have just waived it into the net. Beaten for pace.
The performance in the last twenty or so is probably something that a lot of fans have been missing this season in our play. Once we are on top, put our foot on the opponents throat and do not let up. Kagawa's finishing was a joy to behold today.
Real Madrid beat Barca for the second time in the week. Both teams are headed into tuesday's massive European clash on the back of big wins. Make sure you join us for the build up and coverage of what us sure to be a fantastic night of football, whatever the outcome.