Man Utd 2-0 Cardiff - Robin Van Persie Scores In Red Devils Return

Robin van Persie scored on his comeback from injury to ensure Cardiff boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first return to Old Trafford as an opposing manager ended in defeat. Ashley Young struck a second after half time to end the Bluebird's resistance and Antonio Valencia nearly added a third late on as he saw his effort hit the post.

Solskjaer, who played for United during an 11 year spell, received a warm welcome from the home crowd as he took his place in the dugout ahead of kick-off. But the biggest cheer of the night was for van Persie, named in David Moyes's side for the first time this year. And the striker made an instant impact upon his return, instinctively nodding past Bluebirds keeper David Marshall after Valencia's header bounced off the bar after 6 minutes. It was the only real action of a first half that was closely contested by both sides, with the visitors looking lively as Craig Noone saw a rising effort float harmlessly over the bar on 15 minutes.

Chris Smalling was then forced to head clear after being pressed into an uncomfortable position at his far post, but the resulting corner came to nothing. In between that, Juan Mata, making his debut, sent in a cross from the right which Young chased for, but could not convert. With just one goal in it, Cardiff sensed a fight-back and started the second half brightly, creating a flurry of chances in the opening 10 minutes of the second period. First, Declan John cut the ball back on the byline and fizzed a pass across the face of goal which Frazier Campbell may have tapped in had he adjusted his feet. Minutes later, Noone beat Evra down the right to put in a cross but again there was nobody in the middle to finish.

And Cardiff were made to pay for their wastefulness when United doubled their advantage against the run of play as the hour mark approached. Young was given too much space as he dribbled toward goal and let loose a fierce drive from the edge of the box that nestled in the bottom corner. That seemed to take the wind out of Cardiff's sails and United may well have added a third late on, but Marshall palmed Valencia's shot from inside the box onto the post.