Geovanni makes it 4-3
Hull have stunned the
Premier League with a series of superb results this season - but United were
expected to brush them aside following Phil Brown's 3-0 defeat at the hands of
Chelsea at the KC Stadium on Wednesday evening.
We felt an early goal was the
key to United - hopefully sucking the fight out of the Humberside club. It came
with just two minutes on the clock as Cristiano Ronaldo sent a low shot home.
Hull, however, were not deterred and they deservedly
equalised on 23 minutes. Daniel Cousin sent a brilliant glancing header beyond
Edwin van der Sar as he met an Andy Dawson free-kick in front of 3,000 delirious
travelling supporters.
United soon re-took the
lead as Michael Carrick stormed onto a Berbatov pass and sent a fine finish
home off the woodwork, and the result looked beyond doubt before the break as
Ronaldo made it four goals in four days as he headed home a Nani corner.
Sir Alex Ferguson has warned
his man against complacency prior to kick-off - but his players could be forgiven
for thinking they had the game in the bag as Vidic handed the hosts a three-goal
advantage. The Serbian turned a corner passed Mayhill. It was a soft goal and
one which looked to have secured United another three points.
However, Hull launched a dramatic late rally which rattled
the European champions and nearly resulted in one of the Premier League's greatest
ever comebacks.
On 69 minutes Bernard
Mendy sent a sweet chip over Van der Sar which Vidic couldn't stop crossing the
line, and the substitute was again involved thirteen minutes later as Rio
Ferdinand charged him to the ground in the penalty box. Mike Dean pointed to
the spot, Geovanni emphatically converted and suddenly it was 4-3.
United did have chances
for a fifth with Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov going close - but for most
of the final eight minutes, we were pumping desperate long clearances forward
as Hull looked to snatch the unlikeliest of equalisers. They deserve huge
credit for their endeavours but United held on to register three more points
and climb up to 3rd in the table.
Full Time - Manchester United 4-3 Hull City
Attendance - 75,398
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