- Manchester United beat Stoke 2-1 at Old Trafford on Tuesday night
- James Wilson was born just down the road from Stoke-on-Trent
- Phil Bardsley was the only Mancunian on show at Old Trafford
- Louis van Gaal is falling over to embrace the tradition of the FA Cup
- Marouane Fellaini netted his first goal at Old Trafford since Everton days
- Ander Herrera revelled at top of diamond in Wayne Rooney's absence
Just two local lads on show
The only Staffordshire lad on view Tuesday night was wearing Manchester United rather than Stoke City colours, with United's teenage forward James Wilson born just 10 miles up the road from Stoke-on-Trent in the county market town of Biddulph. To add to the irony, the only Mancunian in either starting line-up was visitors full-back Phil Bardsley.
James Wilson was born 10 miles up the road from Stoke-on-Trent in the county market town of Biddulph
Phil Bardsley was the only Mancunian on show at Old Trafford on Tuesday, and he played for Stoke
Louis van Gaal embracing FA Cup
Louis van Gaal may have expressed reservations about the busy Christmas period but there is one English tradition he is falling over to embrace – the FA Cup. The draw for the third round takes place on Monday and United's manager is getting all giddy about it. 'I know what the FA Cup means to this club, our players and our fans,' he wrote in his programme notes. Not to mention the only realistic chance he has of winning a trophy in his debut season at Old Trafford.
Louis van Gaal wrote about knowing what the FA Cup means to the fans in his programme notes
Fellaini's first Old Trafford goal since Everton days
Marouane Fellaini's towering header was his first goal at Old Trafford for two-and-a-half years – when he played for Everton. The Belgian's only previous strike at the Theatre of Dreams came in April 2012 when his volley helped Everton draw 4-4, and cost United the title.
Marouane Fellaini's goal was his first at Old Trafford for two-and-a-half years, since he played for Everton
Fellaini gave Manchester United the lead in the 21st minute against Stoke on Tuesday
Herrera revels in Rooney absence
Ander Herrera was a revelation. Signed in the summer as a holding midfielder, he revelled in Wayne Rooney's absence to play at the top of Louis van Gaal's midfield diamond, and when he drifted to the left, his delivery for Fellaini's opening goal was perfect.
Ander Herrera put in an impressive performance at the top of the diamond in Wayne Rooney's absence
Herrera played a more advanced role with Rooney injured and the Spaniard set up Fellaini's goal
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2858176/Manchester-United-2-1-Stoke-MATCH-ZONE-James-Wilson-Phil-Bardsley-local-lads-Old-Trafford.html#ixzz3KoyRh6Yi
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
No comments:
Post a Comment