Spanish attacker Michu took his Premier League goal tally for the season to 13 as Swansea City went into the break of their clash with Manchester United at the Liberty Stadium level at one goal apiece this afternoon.
Wayne Rooney tried his luck in the early exchanges, but his swerving effort from distance was palmed to safety by Michel Vorm in the Swansea goal.
Visiting United's first clear cut chance of the match fell to Ashley Young, whose low drive from the edge of the area was tipped round the post by Vorm following a through-pass from Michael Carrick.
© PA Photos
However, from the resultant corner the Red Devils broke the deadlock with 16 minutes played. Robin van Persie took the kick, which was met by an advancing Patrice Evra and the French defender guided a header into the net past Leon Britton, who had strayed from his position on the post.
Their lead would only last 13 minutes though. Wayne Routledge threaded a pass through to Jonathan De Guzman inside the United area. The Dutch striker in turn saw his effort parried by David de Gea but Michu was on hand to convert the rebound from inside the six-yard box.
De Guzman had another chance with 35 minutes played, but his curling effort from a narrow angle was held by De Gea.
As the half drew to a close, Evra cut the ball back from the byline for Rooney, but the United striker failed to make a clean connection and Vorm was able to save his low shot and in doing so ensured that the two teams headed into the interval level.
Liam Apicella
