The Match: Late Blow

We assess United's frustrating draw with Cardiff City in greater detail...


The Match An exercise in frustration for United, who looked to have battled to victory after twice forging ahead, only to let the points slip at the last. Cardiff perhaps deserved a point for their contribution to an attritional game, but United will rue chances missed when leading 2-1, and then immediately after Kim's leveller. David Moyes will view the result as two points dropped, especially coming immediately after victory over league leaders Arsenal earlier this month.

Goals Ben Turner's lax pass out of defence was emphatically punished in the 15th minute, as Antonio Valencia seized on the loose ball, advanced and picked out Chicharito inside the Cardiff area. The Mexican neatly helped it on to Rooney, who brought the ball under control and unleashed a near-post effort which nicked Gary Medel's studs, bouncing down and then up over the diving David Marshall. Rooney then turned provider in the final minute of the first half, whipping in a marvellous corner which Evra powered past David Marshall.

Star men Rooney once again turned in an all-action display, embellishing his goal with a string of dangerous deliveries from set-pieces, including the assist for United's second goal by Evra, who also turned in another impressive outing.

Sub-plot A pair of decisions from referee Neil Swarbrick provoked post-match debate, having booked Rooney for his kick at Jordon Mutch before offering Gary Medel nothing more than a stern word for aiming a slap at Marouane Fellaini moments before Kim's equaliser.

Move of the match Though the move was started by Turner's errant pass and finished by a deflection, United's opening goal was neatly worked. Antonio Valencia's cross to Chicharito was pinpoint, but the Mexican's flick to tee up Rooney's finish was sublime.

Opposition Cardiff plugged away all afternoon, enjoying the greater chances in the first period and shutting down United's creative advances in an evenly-poised second period. Though they were ultimately indebted to wasteful finishing from the Reds in the late stages, Malky Mackay's side showed impressive resolve to pinch a point and extend their solid return to the top flight.

In the stands Predictably, a fervent atmosphere was generated by Cardiff's biggest gate of the season, which included 2,800 travelling Reds. The combative nature of the game ensured the volume was cranked up by both sets of supporters, though it was ultimately the home contingent who had the last laugh with their late leveller.