2011/12 Season Review: January 2012

New Year cheer had to be put on hold after 2011 fizzled out with defeat against Blackburn and 2012 began on a similarly flat note at Newcastle.

But a subsequent run of victories meant Sir Alex's men finished the month level on 54 points with Manchester City at the top of the table.

The month began at St James' Park, where Sir Alex made a point of praising the travelling Reds for their “absolutely fantastic” support. But stunning strikes from Demba Ba and Yohan Cabaye condemned United to a second successive Premier League defeat, with a Phil Jones headed own goal capping off a shocking night in the north-east.

Joy was restored four days later, though, when Paul Scholes announced his surprise return from retirement and helped United to a 3-2 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup. Scholes, on as a second half substitute, slipped back into the old routine immediately, emerging from the experience with a 97 per cent pass completion rate.

There was more good news as United returned to league action the following weekend. And it was Scholes who set the ball rolling in a comfortable 3-0 victory over Bolton by tucking home a Wayne Rooney cross just before the break.

The Reds expected much more of a challenge at the Emirates, and with City netting a late winner against Tottenham in the day's earlier kick-off, a good performance was vital. United passed the test with flying colours, helped by a man-of-the-match showing from Antonio Valencia. The Ecuadorian headed the Reds in front and, by now filling in at right-back, marauded into the Arsenal box to set up Welbeck’s winner. There was no 8-2 scoreline on this occasion, but the three points were every bit as welcome.

A tetchy trip to Anfield followed in the FA Cup, where all eyes were on Patrice Evra. The Frenchman was booed mercilessly by the Liverpool fans for his role in the October incident that led to Luis Suarez's eight-game ban, but the Reds captain conducted himself impeccably. Sadly, though, Evra ended up on the losing side, as a late Dirk Kuyt goal handed the home side victory and ended United's FA Cup run for another season.

By the time Stoke arrived at Old Trafford, Sir Alex was missing 11 players through injury. Ben Amos made his United debut in goal (and Paul Pogba enjoyed his first league outing off the bench) but was barely troubled as the Reds ran out 2-0 victors thanks to successful spot-kicks from Javier Hernandez and Dimitar Berbatov.

Goal of the month - Welbeck v Arsenal
Antonio Valencia played a key role in Danny’s late winner, swapping passes with Park before teeing up our no.19 for a thumping finish beyond Szczesny.

Player of the month - Paul Scholes
His about-turn even took Red team-mates by surprise, and the roars that greeted his outing at City and his goal against Bolton announced to the world that he was back with a bang. And as good as ever.

Quote of the month
“It’s one of the best pieces of news I’ve ever heard. We’re so lucky to have him” - Sir Bobby Charlton on Scholes' return

January 2012 Results:

January 2012 Results

PL: Newcastle 3 United 0
FA: Man City 2 United 3
PL: United 3 Bolton 0
PL: Arsenal 1 United 2
FA: Liverpool 2 United 1
PL: United 2 Stoke 0

Paul Scholes made a surprise return to football and came on as a sub at City.