Manchester United claimed a relatively straightforward three points against their old striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, now Cardiff City manager, as they ran out 2-0 winners at Old Trafford this evening.
In the first half Cardiff saw as much of the ball as their hosts but were unable to test David de Gea, as Robin van Persie's early header put his side 1-0 up at the break.
United continued to control proceedings without being dominant and Ashley Young made sure of the points with a fine low strike from range in the 58th minute.
Match statistics
United
Shots: 17
On target: 5
Possession: 46%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 9
Cardiff
Shots: 7
On target: 1
Possession: 54%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 9
Was the result fair?
It was comfortable enough for United, and anything other than a home win would not have been the right result. United were not dominant, and indeed conceded a lot of the possession, but they were very rarely troubled, but for a spell at the start of the second half. They had far more shots and chances, so the points went the right way.
United's performance
Much better than they have been many times this season, but there is still a lot of room for improvement. There is little doubt that there are stronger midfields in the league this season, but United were much more effective than their visitors when they did have the ball. Ashley Young combined well with debutant Mata on several occasions and there was much more threat with Van Persie up front.
Cardiff's performance
The aim from Solskjaer was to keep things tight and perhaps nick a point or a goal, but that went out of the window after United's quick opener. They were tight at the back for the most part and saw plenty of the ball in the middle, but the transition from midfield to attack was not close to good enough. Too often they resorted to a long final ball and created barely any chances.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Ashley Young: The United winger was lively throughout and made the difference on the night. The first goal came from an excellent cross from the left, which Antonio Valencia headed onto the bar before Van Persie put it in, and he scored the second with a brilliant strike from range. Aside from that he was keen to attack on the outside or the inside and struck up a good understanding with Patrice Evra to his left and Mata in the middle.
Biggest gaffe
Adnan Januzaj had only been on the pitch for a couple of minutes but he managed to produce the worst miss of the game. It's a little harsh on the youngster, as it wasn't the easiest chance, but after Evra cut back to him some eight yards out he should have done better than roll the ball past the far post with the goal gaping.
Referee performance
Craig Pawson only booked one player in the entire game and that makes sense on the balance of play. There were few late challenges and really not that much competitive play. The referee did not have any big calls to make and as such did not make any mistakes. He will not officiate many easier games than that this season.
What next?
United: Tonight's hosts travel to another former player's side next, as they take on Mark Hughes's Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Cardiff: The Welsh side finally return home after three consecutive games in Manchester and theirs is a real relegation scrap against Norwich City.
Matt Domm
