Barclays Premier League
Old Trafford, Sat 1 November

Man Utd 4
(Ronaldo 3, 44; Carrick 29, Vidic 57)

HULL CITY 3
(Cousin 23, Mendy 69, Geovanni (pen) 82)


The Tigers roared and roared but the Reds triumphed 4-3 in a pulsating encounter at Old Trafford.

Hull¡¯s fairytale start to the season looked a distant memory when Nemanja Vidic sent United 4-1 up on 57 minutes, but goals from Bernard Mendy and Geovanni made for nervy final moments at the Theatre of Dreams.

Hulls¡¯s fans certainly thought they were in dreamland, as they sung ¡°this is the best trip we¡¯ve ever been on¡±. All good things must end, though, and when referee Mike Dean blew the final whistle it was United celebrating three precious Premier League points.

At his pre-match press conference, Sir Alex said he was confident he could keep Berbatov, Rooney and Tevez all happy. Against Hull, it was Rooney and Berbatov who were charged with leading the line.

Wes Brown was left out after picking up a minor knock on his ankle. Gary Neville occupied the right back berth in what was his 550th United appearance, while Cristiano Ronaldo played his 250th Reds match. Michael Carrick started his first match since mid-September after returning from injury, with Darren Fletcher relegated to the bench.

Edwin van der Sar also returned in goal but he¡¯d barely touched the ball before the Reds went in front. Surprise, surprise, it was that man Ronaldo, with his third of the week. Dimitar Berbatov drilled the ball towards the Portuguese winger, who took one touch with his back to goal before swiveling to hit a sweet half-volley in off the post.

By the manager¡¯s own admission, United took their foot

01/11/2008 17:00, Report by Nick Coppack

Edwin van der Sar
An odd day for Edwin. He was hardly forced to make a save yet conceded three goals. Could do little about any of them.

Gary Neville
The Reds’ skipper dealt competently with Hull’s forwards on a day when his own attacking forays were somewhat limited. An understated performance.

Rio Ferdinand
Rio was adjudged to have fouled Bernard Mendy for Hull’s penalty, but he can certainly count himself unlucky. He was otherwise solid at the heart of United’s defence.

Nemanja Vidic
Big and brave, Vidic had the measure of Daniel Cousin and Marlon King for most of the afternoon. Popped up at the other end to score United’s fourth.

Patrice Evra
Like United’s other defenders, Patrice will be shaking his head after playing reasonably well but conceding three goals. Relished the battle with countryman Mendy in the second half.

Cristiano Ronaldo
He’ll be disappointed he didn’t score a hat-trick, but Ronny chipped in with another two goals and a performance that suggests he’s almost back to his dazzling best.

Michael Carrick
In his first start since mid-September, Carrick looked extremely comfortable. Long or short, his passes found their targets. An awesome display, capped with a goal.

Anderson
Arguably the Reds’ star man, he won tackles, got stuck in and always looked to play in the front men. Used the ball well, convinced Ronny to let him take a free-kick!

Nani
Nani¡¯s crossing was right on the money today, and his decision-making also hinted a new level of maturity. A fine performance out on the left wing.

Wayne Rooney
Forced a smart reaction save from Boaz Myhill on 75 minutes but otherwise didn¡¯t get too many sniffs of goal. Booked towards the end as the game threatened to boil over.

Dimitar Berbatov
United undoubtedly create more chances when he¡¯s on the pitch. Set up Ronaldo¡¯s first and Carrick¡¯s goal. At one point his close control helped him weave through the entire Hull defence.

SUBS:

Carlos Tevez (on for Nani, 64)
Sent on with United 4-1 up, Carlos didn¡¯t have too many opportunities to express himself as Hull edged back into the game. He did get stuck in and put himself about a bit.

Ryan Giggs (on for Carrick, 72)
With Hull in the ascendancy, Giggs struggled to impose himself on the match during the last 18 minutes. Then again, nobody else from United did either.

John O¡¯Shea (on for Anderson, 88)
Not on long enough to make an impression.

01/11/2008 18:54, Report by Nick Coppack