Hull 2-3 Man Utd: Wayne Rooney Rescues Red Devils
A Wayne Rooney-inspired Manchester United came from two goals down to beat Hull City at the KC Stadium. The Tigers went ahead early through James Chester's first Premier League goal and extended it through David Meyler.
Chris Smalling pulled one back for the Red Devils nodding in a Rooney set piece. The England talisman then scored the pick of the goals to restore parity. Rooney then started and finished a move that saw Chester put through his own net midway through the second half.
Hosts Hull went ahead with three and a half minutes played from a controversially awarded corner. Replays showed Ahmed Elmohamady's cross never touched Tom Cleverley. Chester profited nonetheless as he fired home against his former club when fellow defender Alex Bruce knocked down to him.
United's poor start continued as they were two down inside 15 minutes after some pinball in the penalty area. Republic of Ireland midfielder Meyler needed two bites of the cherry, but beat David De Gea with an effort diverting in off Jonny Evans.
David Moyes was forced into an early change when right back Rafael injured his groin, prompting a rejig. The Red Devils pulled one back from a set piece just before the 20 minute mark when Smalling rose above Curtis Davies and headed in Rooney's free kick.
Tigers goalie Allan McGregor then denied Cleverley, saving his long range effort at full stretch. He could do nothing after 25 minutes, however, to keep out a sumptuous Rooney half volley that brought the visitors level. Danny Welbeck's hold-up play allowed his teammate to finish with aplomb.
Steve Bruce made two Hull changes at half time as McGregor picked up a knock over a 50-50 ball with Ashley Young. Goalscorer Meyler also came off with a knee problem, so Steve Harper and Robert Koren entered the fray.
Yannick Sagbo stung the palms of De Gea after the break and Curtis Davies glanced wide from another Tigers set piece. Tom Huddlestone then saw an effort deflected behind off Patrice Evra and then the goal frame came to United's rescue as Alex Bruce headed against the bar.
Moyes's men completed the turnaround midway through the second as Rooney started a move that ended with his presence being enough to make Chester head into his own net. Hull spurned a late chance to snatch a point through Danny Graham's tame header.
The Red Devils finished with ten men as Antonio Valencia picked up a second booking for kicking the ball away. Chester almost levelled for the Tigers in stoppage time, but De Gea denied him. United hung on and move up to sixth for the time being whilst Hull stay 12th.