Thursday 6 August 2009

New boy Valencia inspires United

Antonio Valencia enjoyed a superb home debut against his namesakes as Manchester United beat Valencia 2-0 at Old Trafford before a crowd of 71,000.

United's summer signing from Wigan set up both goals and left the field to a standing ovation late on after a dynamic display on the right side of midfield.

After both sides wasted a host of chances in an open first half, Wayne Rooney headed home a fine cross from Valencia to break the deadlock on 52 minutes.

Nineteen-year-old Tom Cleverly doubled United's lead 20 minutes later, latching onto the loose ball to sidefoot home after a cross from Valencia caused havoc in the box.

Michael Owen started alongside Rooney for United, but the striker was unable to convert three good chances and add to his tally of four pre-season goals for his new club.

Ben Foster and Tomasz Kuszczak played 45 minutes each in goal for United, after United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said he was yet to decide which would start in the Charity Shield against Chelsea at Wembley, with Edwin van der Sar injured.

Valencia's David Silva - a rumoured transfer target at Old Trafford - came on as a one of 10 second-half substitutes for the Spanish visitors and put in a neat, if unspectacular, display.

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