Manchester United doggedly overturned a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 against Hull City at the KC Stadium on Thursday and clamber into the Premier League’s top six.
Early goals from James Chester and David Meyler gave Hull a 2-0 lead in the first of the traditional Boxing Day fixtures, only for Chris Smalling and Wayne Rooney to bring United level.
Rooney’s goal, a sumptuous volley, was his 150th for the club in the top flight and he contributed to the winner in the 66th minute by pressuring Chester, a one-time United youth player, to put through his own goal.
Victory, United’s fifth in a row in all competitions, provisionally lifted David Moyes’s side to sixth place in the table, five points behind leaders Liverpool.
Darren Fletcher made his first United start since December last year following nearly 12 months on the sidelines with a chronic bowel condition.
It was Hull’s second home defeat of the season, but United’s sense of achievement was tempered in the last minute when Antonio Valencia was sent off after being shown a second yellow card for dissent.
All 18 remaining Premier League teams are in action later on Thursday, with Arsenal looking to regain top spot from Liverpool by winning at home to West Ham United.
Liverpool currently lead Arsenal on goal difference, but Brendan Rodgers’s side will face a stern test away to third-placed Manchester City in the late kick-off.
Fourth-placed Chelsea, two points behind Liverpool and Arsenal, host Swansea City, while Everton, who began the day level on points with Chelsea in fifth place, tackle bottom club Sunderland.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Leandro Trossard scored the only goal after 20 minutes, to keep the pressure on Manchester City.
A referee wore a camera for the first time in an English Premier League match as Crystal Palace beat up Manchester United 4-0. Footage…
Manchester United have survived one of the most astonishing FA Cup semi-final comebacks to beat second-tier Coventry City 4-2 on penalties after a chaotic…
Erik ten Hag hopes Manchester United's nail-biting last-eight win over arch-rivals Liverpool in the FA Cup can prove the turning point in a challenging…
Phil Foden has led Manchester City's fightback - even despite an astonishing miss by Erling Haaland - as the champions beat Manchester United 3-1…
Arsenal remain just two points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after trouncing Newcastle 4-1 to continue their rich vein of form. Rebounding quickly from…
