Rarely can Manchester Unitedfans have greeted so loudly a narrow third-round win in a competition that ranks fourth on their list of trophy priorities. But after humiliation at the hands of their noisy neighbours on Sunday, this Capital One Cupvictory over ancient rivals brought joy and relief in equal measure.
The importance of the occasion was seen and heard in the jubilant way that United players, staff and supporters celebrated Javier Hernández’s decisive goal 39 seconds into the second half. The game’s significance was seen in the determined way that Jonny Evans defended strongly against the excellent Luis Suárez, in the way that David de Gea blocked a Victor Moses header and also how Ryan Giggs gestured to supporters to raise the noise levels late on.
United needed this reassuring result which dispels a small squall that could have been whipped up into a storm-cloud over their new manager. It was ludicrous that David Moyes has been questioned so early in his tenure at Old Trafford but the world of rolling news rarely breaks for a gulp of perspective.
Moyes did gamble, going against the expectation that he would play it safe after the loss of points and pride to Manchester City and stick with his first-teamers. Only De Gea, Chris Smalling and Wayne Rooney retained their places. Given the need for victory it was a bold call by Moyes to give other members of the squad a start against opponents almost at full-strength.
Occasionally accused of caution, Moyes made two adventurous substitutions, sending on the teenaged winger Adnan Januzaj and striker Danny Welbeck. Michael Carrick also arrived but Moyes could have shored up midfield more, protected the defence more but he pursued a second goal. United fans responded positively, proclaiming themselves “David Moyes’s red-and-white army”.
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