Remarkably, it was the fourth time in five home matches since Boxing Day that the Reds have scored within the first five minutes and the third consecutive one that they have found the net within the opening two minutes. This ability is crucial with home games where opponents tend to sit deep and try to frustrate. Scoring early means that they have to come out and a defensive game plan is ruined straight away.
The early goal came as a result of an accurate punt down field by Van Der Sar whose composure and distribution with the ball at his feet will be sorely missed when he retires. This ability has now become a pre-requisite in the modern game for all goal keepers who can often be the first cog in a rapid counter attacking move. Rooney controlled the ball well, held off the pursuing defender before blasting past Friedel much to the joy of the capacity home crowd
The rest of the first half was comfortable for the home team with Villa rarely getting a sight on goal thanks to the partnership of Ferdinand and Vidic and the industry of Fletcher and Carrick who screened the back line well. The seemingly serene progress towards half time was broken by a piece of individual brilliance from Nani. Picking the ball up on the right hand side, he glanced up and saw Rooney make a move towards the far post. Noticing him is one thing, having the class to pick him out is another. The ball was curled superbly around the defender and sufficiently away from Friedel to make the finish from Rooney almost routine. The front man showed his gratitude to the lively Portuguese winger in front of the Old Trafford faithful.
The second half kicked off with most under the impression that United would play out the game and try to conserve some energy for the battles ahead. That view was banished by Darren Bent who continued his knack of scoring at Old Trafford with an easy finish after Vidic had been caught out of position.
The big Serb quickly banished any thought of a Villa fightback by firing in a shot after being teed up by Rooney after a corner. The usual sight of a Vidic bullet header was superseded by a hammer of a blow that flew past Friedel and the two goal cushion was restored.
Only the brilliance of Friedel kept the score down as time crept on. The American seems to raise his game when he visits Old Trafford and usually produces a flurry of saves to defy the United attack. Last night was no different.
The game finished 3-1 and another potential banana skin avoided by the home team. Focus now shifts to overturning poor away form when they visit Wolves on Saturday. Nothing less than three points will be expected on what is usually a tricky place to win. Only a late Paul Scholes goal separated the sides last year and a similar narrow victory is likely at a ground where Chelsea have already been overcome.
Other positives
Carrick - solid display in the centre, broke up play and gave the simple ball to more expressive team mates. When he is on form, United play better.
Giggs - nothing more needs to be said. Playing as well now as he has done for quite a few years. Can easily see him around for the next couple of years. Likely to drop into a deeper midfield role at some point.
Nani - Another fine performance. Seems to have toughened up this season as not so affected by knocks or fouls against him. Also seems to have cut out the dives and exaggerated reactions to tackles - has Rio had a word!
Match Ratings:
Van Der Sar - 6, Evra - 6, O'Shea - 6, Ferdinand - 7, Vidic - 7, Giggs - 7, Fletcher - 6, Carrick - 8, Nani - 8, Rooney - 8, Berbatov - 7. Sub: Anderson - 5
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