Hull 2-3 Man Utd: Premier League Player Ratings

by Jamie Clark

Premier League champions Manchester United came from two goals down at Hull City to take a hard-earned victory. James Chester opened and ended the scoring, netting at both ends.

The Tigers doubled their lead through David Meyler, but Wayne Rooney then exerted his influence on the match, making one for Chris Smalling before scoring himself and creating the winner.

Hull boss Steve Bruce named an unchanged XI for the fourth match running. David Moyes meanwhile gave fellow Scot Darren Fletcher his first start in over a year as the midfielder stepped up his comeback from a bowel condition. Ashley Young also came in as Phil Jones had a knee injury and Adnan Januzaj made way.

The Tigers flew out of the traps, racing into a 2-0 lead inside 15 minutes. First Chester turned in Alex Bruce's knockdown from a right-wing corner and then Meyler scored a deflected effort that went in off Jonny Evans.

United responded swiftly with Rooney involved. His free kick found Smalling before the Red Devils and England talisman scored in style himself. Rooney's presence then forced Chester to head into his own net midway through the second half.

Moyes's men survived a late Hull fightback and the sending off of Antonio Valencia

Who caught the eye of the WhatCulture sports team in this first Premier League game on Boxing Day? Click next for our player ratings on both teams.

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Jamie Clark is a qualified Web Journalist after undergoing professional training at the University of Sheffield. A prolific and accredited sports writer, he also enjoys classic comedy, historic fiction, 80s music and heritage.