The Match: Flying Start For Moyes

The Match For all the focus on Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City being among United’s tough first five games, a Swansea side match-fit from their Europa League exertions and up for this one - on a perilously slippy Liberty Stadium pitch – was no easy start in David Moyes’ first league match as Reds boss. But two-goal strike-pair Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck added some class to this win.

The goals On 34 minutes, Ryan Giggs’ pass took a slight deflection and the ball looped into the path of van Persie. The Dutchman controlled it on his chest to evade Chico Flores, then acrobatically fired the ball into the net with a flying right-foot volley under close attention from Ashley Williams. Two minutes later, Patrice Evra broke down the left and whipped in a cross. Van Persie’s header was blocked, but Antonio Valencia followed it up at the back post and squared unselfishly for Danny Welbeck to tap the ball into an empty net from close range. The pick of the bunch was van Persie’s second – brazenly blasting the ball into the top corner from 20 yards, although Welbeck’s stoppage-time effort ran it close, an impudent lob over Vorm, having been teed up by substitute Wayne Rooney.

Star men Patrice Evra excelled on the left and was particularly dangerous when pushing upfield. His wicked cross led to United’s second goal. But Robin van Persie's quality shone through in everything he did and his goals were both superbly taken. Worthy nods go to Rio Ferdinand at the back and two-goal Danny Welbeck.

Sub-plot Wayne Rooney made his United return having missed the Reds’ pre-season through injury. The no.10 was named on the bench, with camera lenses trained on him in his seat just behind David Moyes. And when he emerged to warm up on the touchline United’s fans sang his name. He came on to replace Giggs after an hour and looked sharp and his run created space for van Persie’s second goal, while he also assisted Welbeck’s late chip.

The opposition They’re renowned for their subtle, slick passing, but it was their brute force in the opening exchanges that really caught the eye. Jose Alberto Canas was booked in the third minute for a late tackle on Tom Cleverley and that set the template for their early play. They were lively initially, but their spirits were dampened by United’s two first-half goals. Wilfried Bony made Swansea much more positive when he came on at half-time and he scored their consolatory strike. He’ll be a threat to opposition defences.

Move of the match After 18 minutes, Rio Ferdinand picked out Antonio Valencia with a beautiful forward pass and the Ecuadorian neatly turned and slid a pass inside to Welbeck, whose left-foot shot was saved by Vorm before Ryan Giggs blasted a shot wide. Not the right end result, but sumptuous approach-play nonetheless. Hats off for van Persie’s second goal too; a slick move involving Cleverley and Rooney, and the Dutchman’s footwork and finish were fantastic.

In the stands Soaked but satisfied, the Red Army were in fine voice all afternoon, giving a continual chorus of this year’s terrace anthem (to the tune of Slade’s Cum on feel the noise): “Come on David Moyes, play like Fergie’s boys, we’ll go wild wild wild…”.