Title Review: January 2013

ManUtd.com's review of the 20th title moves on to January...

Overview The year began with three wins and a draw, although the Reds had to fight for points against Liverpool, Tottenham and Southampton. Robin van Persie netted in three of the four games, including twice against Wigan in a 4-0 win. Nemanja Vidic’s fortuitous goal proved the difference against Liverpool while the Spurs game was almost postponed due to snow. In the end, a 90th-minute concession meant the 1-1 draw felt more like defeat. The month ended with Southampton taking the lead at OT and dominating the second half; thankfully, Wayne Rooney’s brace gave United enough to hang on to.

Key moment In a game dubbed the “battle of the strikers”, Robin van Persie trumped Luis Suarez when Liverpool came to OT. The Dutchman netted United’s opener to further endear himself to fans and then played a key role in United’s second, delivering the free-kick from which Nemanja Vidic scored.

Star man Who else? RvP scored four goals in four league games, including one against United’s biggest rivals and a terrific curling effort at Wigan that went close to nudging his FA Cup strike against West Ham out of top spot in ManUtd.com’s Goal of the Month poll.

State of play While only ever hitting top gear on New Year’s Day, United’s January results kept the Reds’ title charge ticking over.