This was one of those rare games where I'd have settled for the winning goal being deflected off O'Shea's arse in injury time. The fact that it was a convincing and deserved win is a bonus, especially after Liverpool were being touted as champions elect and United were meant to struggle for fourth this season, if you believed what was written in the press.
Rooney failed to break his duck since returning from his early suspension even though he was tipped as first goal scorer. Scholes playing his 500th game for the club proved to have the fates on his side and got his first league goal in nearly a year. Barring the first 10 minutes, United dominated and it was a great team effort. Fletcher continues to improve in every game this season and is showing the form that is making many re-appraise his abilities. Vidic and Evra, after finally finding match fitness and settling in look solid in defence, with Evra looking dangerous whenever he ventured forward. Carrick is still struggling to fit in but made some important tackles today and with his link up play showed glimpses of his potential. Saha was a constant threat and unlucky not to add at least one to his tally.
After Rio and Neville exchanged angry words during the game, you could bet that Rio would be making the headlines by the time the game had finished. Rather than it being a lapse in concentration giving the opposition the advantage, it was a finely taken goal that any striker would be proud to add to their collection.
Given the supposed quality of the opposition and the fear that their midfied would dictate the game, this was a fantastic result and sets down the marker that the press so eagerly asked for prior to kick-off. 26 goals already scored, and while that doesn't automatically guarantee success, United fans are in no position to complain just yet.
Wednesday sees United take on Crewe in the Carling Cup. An interesting game as Crewe are a quality side and this will be a run out for many fringe and youth players hoping to impress.
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