Boxing Day Victory for Fortunate United

Manchester United came back from 2-0 down to defeat Hull City 3-2 at the KC Stadium in an encounter lacking much festive cheer.

United, looking to win their fifth consecutive game in all competitions, started poorly conceding two goals within the opening twelve minutes, a corner converted by James Chester followed by a deflected goal for David Meyler.

Chester sends Hull into an early lead.

However, United hit back through a Smalling header before Rooney equalised on the 26 minute mark, burying from outside the box. United's Boxing Day sucker punch came in the 66th minute through a Chester own goal. Antonia Valencia was sent off with minutes to go for receiving a second yellow card.

Hull started the game at breakneck speed, scoring withing four minutes from a controversially awarded corner. Huddlestone's deep delivery was headed back across goal by Bruce before his centre-back partner James Chester jabbed in for the opening goal.

United showed little signs of recovery and  Hull struck again less than ten minutes later. David Meyler pounced first on a loose ball to fire a shot into the back of the net, courtesy of a deflection off of Jonny Evans.

Rooney scores a wonderful half volley

The second goal was the kick in the teeth that United needed. They began to take more control of the game, a glancing header from Valencia flashing past the far post. It didn't take long for them to get a foothold in the game, with Chris Smalling rising to head home a Wayne Rooney free-kick.

Tom Cleverley then went close with a curling effort as United ramped up the pressure. Soon after they struck, Rooney latching onto a loose ball before striking a half-volley past McGregor from outside the box.

The early pace of the game began to decline and the remainder of the first half passed by largely uneventfully, players perhaps feelings the effects of the previous days festivities.

United emerged after the interval full of festive fluidity, pressing Hull in their own half.  However, Hull's centre backs continued to trouble United's defence, Curtis Davies heading narrowly wide from a corner.

The welcome return of Darren Fletcher to the United starting line-up for the first time in over a year was a boost as he controlled the midfield, looking neat and tidy in possession. He received a standing ovation from both sets of supporters as he departed for Hernandez mid-way through the second half.

A despairing Chester heads into his own net.

United were lucky to survive going behind for a second time, again defending poorly from a corner as Alex Bruce thundered a header against the crossbar. However, United completed the comeback minutes later, a distraught James Chester heading the ball past substitute keeper Harper after Young produced a dangerous cross from the right wing.

Hull pressed for an equaliser of their own, the goal-shy Danny Graham heading into the arms of De Gea at the far post. Moments later De Gea was lucky to not concede as he flapped at a long ball. The game ended more fiery than a Christmas pudding, Antonio Valencia receiving his marching orders for rashly kicking the ball away after conceding a free kick.

Chester should have made amends for his own goal, lashing a one-on-one straight at De Gea in the dying moments before Bruce pulled a shot wide from inside the box for the final attack of the game.

The victory sees United move to within four points of the top four as they travel to Norwich at the weekend, Moyes stating after the game that he believes they can challenge for the title. On the other hand, Hull remain 12th as the teams around them also lose on a busy boxing day. Hull entertain a rejuvenated Fulham at the weekend as they seek to remain clear of the relegation zone.