MX23RW : Sunday, December 15 00:08:54| >> :60:1577:1577:

Match Analysis: Manchester United 2-0 Swansea City

Sports Mole casts its analytical eye over Manchester United's 2-0 home win against Swansea City in the Premier League.

Manchester United ended a run of three consecutive defeats on Saturday night as they earned a 2-0 win at home to Swansea City in the Premier League.

The hosts made the breakthrough at the start of the second half when Antonio Valencia was on hand to tap the ball home from close range.

They then doubled their advantage on the hour mark thanks to a clever finish from Danny Welbeck.

Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the two teams at Old Trafford.

Match statistics

Man Utd
Shots: 16
On target: 5
Possession: 39%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 9

Swansea
Shots: 13
On target: 2
Possession: 61%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 10

Was the result fair?

Despite Swansea having the majority of possession, it was United who created the better chances and showed more attacking intent. The hosts looked nervous during the first half, but they were more confident after the break and were rewarded with the points.

Man Utd's performance

David Moyes's side were unusually timid in the opening 45 minutes as they allowed Swansea to dictate the tempo of the match with their slick passing. However, it was a different story after the restart as the champions showed less fear going forward. Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher did a good job of anchoring the midfield, while Adnan Januzaj, Antonio Valencia and Shinji Kagawa gave the Swansea defence a difficult time with their fluid movement. Meanwhile, Welbeck looked lively up front in the absence of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie. This was far from vintage United, but they did enough to get over the line.

Swansea's performance

The Swans dominated possession at Old Trafford, but the story of their night was that they failed to make any of it count. They prodded and probed their opponents constantly, especially before the break, although some poor shooting and decision-making saw them come away with nothing. Jonjo Shelvey and Wilfried Bony in particular were guilty of wasting what opportunities they did manage to create. However, manager Michael Laudrup is likely to have few complaints about how his side played as they gave a good account of themselves at the home of the Premier League champions.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Adnan Januzaj: The youngster was yet again the star of the show for Manchester United thanks to another dynamic display in attack. The quicksilver 18-year-old always looked to do something useful with the ball and was at the heart of anything positive that the hosts did.

Biggest gaffe

The home side had the chance to make it 3-0 with around 65 minutes on the clock, but Chris Smalling somehow volleyed over from four yards following Shinji Kagawa's cross. Only the defender will know how he managed to put the ball over the crossbar from that distance.

Referee performance

It was a routine night for Chris Foy as the official gave a competent display out in the middle during what was a keenly-fought encounter.

What next?

Man Utd: United return to action next Sunday when they travel to Chelsea in the Premier League.

Swansea: The Swans continue their season next Sunday as Tottenham Hotspur visit the Liberty Stadium in the Premier League.

ID:129816: cacheID:129816:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:5874:
Written by
Jack Prescott
No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Luis Antonio Valencia of Manchester United scores the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Swansea City on January 11, 2014
Read Next:
United too strong for Swansea
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Chiefs
@
Browns
6pm
Ravens
@
Giants
6pm
Jets
@
Jags
6pm
Cowboys
@
Panthers
6pm
Washington
@
Saints
6pm
Dolphins
@
Texans
6pm
Bengals
@
Titans
9.25pm
Colts
@
Broncos
9.25pm
Patriots
@
Cardinals
9.25pm
Buccaneers
@
Chargers
9.25pm
Steelers
@
Eagles
9.25pm
Bills
@
Lions
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City158342721627
6Aston Villa167452425-125
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Fulham166642422224
10Brentford157263128323
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton153661421-715
16Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!