Moyes' boys ease to victory

17 August 2013 21:47

There might be a new man at the helm but it turned out to be the same old Manchester United as David Moyes' men cruised to a 4-1 victory over Swansea in his first competitive game in charge.

Last season's top scorer Robin van Persie scored twice, as did Danny Welbeck to ensure Moyes' reign started with a win.

Van Persie's contribution was sublime, hooking in the opener before smashing home a 20-yard effort 17 minutes from time, before Wilfried Bony netted a consolation.

Wayne Rooney claimed the assist for the Dutchman's second.

Named as a substitute due to his obvious lack of match practice, Rooney was introduced for the final half-hour and given his desire to join Chelsea, it must have been heartening for the striker to receive a warm ovation from the United fans.

It remains to be seen whether it is enough to change Rooney's view, although given United's steadfast 'not for sale' stance, that may not count for much anyway.

He noticeably did not join in the touchline celebrations after Van Persie scored.

However, he must be aware that even without any significant new arrivals so far, the Red Devils are still destined to be championship contenders this term, and will welcome Jose Mourinho's Chelsea to Old Trafford in nine days' time with many of the fears about Moyes' succession already banished.

After expressing his unease about his side's tough start in midweek, Moyes had more reason to complain at the Liberty Stadium.

His beef turned out to be over nothing more than the booking dished out to Michael Carrick for sliding into Wayne Routledge on the sodden surface.

Source: PA