Stoke 1 Manchester United 1: Stuart Mathieson match analysis

Javier Hernandez is felled by Jonathan Woodgate.

United cannot afford to develop a hang-up about life without Wayne Rooney. If this was a glimpse into the future when the red-hot hitman might need to put his feet up briefly, is crocked or serving a suspension, then it doesnt augur too well.

The 25-year-old needs to be wrapped up in cotton wool on this evidence.

The infusion of youth into Sir Alex Fergusons recipe for success has certainly been a major factor in United's effervescent start to the season. But there is little argument it is Rooney who has been the powerhouse that has propped it all up.

A stunning nine goals from the five Premier League matches this season has galvanised United.

Opponents have wilted and colleagues have fed off his inspirational start.

It has been in complete contrast to last seasons opening when he was a tortured figure and the Reds suffered as a result of Rooneys misery. It is no coincidence that Uniteds least productive attacking 90 minutes of the campaign came while Rooney was back home in deepest Cheshire nursing a slight hamstring injury and tweeting instead of tormenting.

It is ironic that United should drop points at the Britannia Stadium for the first time in the Premier League in a season when they have been such an intimidating force.

Almost 12 months ago they were enveloped in the Rooney contract saga, struggling for impact and yet they won in the Potteries without the England striker.

It doesnt add up unless Rooneys flying form is the reason.

Hopefully, there wont be too many opportunities to discover the answer to that conundrum.

Of course, 12 months ago it was Javier Hernandezs two goals against Stoke that forced the victory. Just! eight m inutes into this match he was joining Rooney on the sidelines.

The Mexican is either having some bad luck or he has been identified for robust treatment after last terms sensational impact.

Having survived Ashley Coles reckless challenge last weekend against Chelsea, this time he felt the weight of Jonathan Woodgate as the defender crunched into him just before he pulled the trigger to shoot the Reds into a lead.

Mystery

How on earth referee Peter Walton could dismiss the penalty claims was a mystery.

It all looked suspiciously like an early plan to soften up a United side already rocking from the injuries picked up in their Friday training session.

Without the first-choice strike force it was down to others to square up to Stoke.

Step forward, in no particular order, Nani, David de Gea and Phil Jones.

Nani provided some of the creativity that was lacking in the centre of midfield and the penetration lacking from the stand-in forwards.

He was the one United player who ruffled Stokes feathers whenever he was on the ball and once again showed he has an excellent repertoire when it comes to pulling off a wonder goal.

A one-two with Darren Fletcher allowed him to slalom towards goal and then let fly with a quality strike.

Stoke, backed by their vociferous support, had already imposed their trademark style on Uniteds defence and Nanis opener failed to take the wind out of their sails.

But Jones and De Gea were immense with their resistance.

This was clearly going to be the Spanish keepers true introduction to some of the less refined tactics in England.

But he didnt flinch and those early concerns about his aerial susceptibility have now been put to bed.

His shot-stopping has never been questioned and he provided more of that natural ability to keep Wilkinson, Walters and Wilson out at var! ious sta ges.

Jones introduction to life at Old Trafford has been uncomplicated and very impressive and having prepared for another right-back stint in the run-up for this match was thrust back into the centre following Jonny Evans warm-up injury. He quickly adjusted his mental approach and, aided by Rio Ferdinands return, was rarely disturbed by Peter Crouch and Johnathan Walters.

It was a pity that the triumvirate of De Gea, Ferdinand and Jones had one lapse and that cost United the points.

There was a debate as to who was the biggest culprit when Matthew Etheringtons corner sailed into Crouch territory.

Trouble

It went over Jones, came down before Ferdinand and de Gea stayed on his line.

It left a simple header from Crouch to level it up.

Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen had proved they were enviable back up at Leeds in the Carling Cup last week but this was a different scenario and neither could seriously trouble Stoke in response.

A far-post volley wide from sub Ryan Giggs almost snatched United one of their famous late victories.

By which time Rooneys Twitter account had gone quiet.

Lets hope it stays that way in future when United are in action.

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