Smash and grab as Hernandez brilliance beats Valencia

By Chris,
October 2 2010

A late strike from Javier Hernandez handed Manchester United a crucial away win in Valencia. The Mexican came off the substitute’s bench to fire home an 85th-minute winner as United sealed a “smash and grab” three points.

Hernandez picked up a pass from fellow substitute Federico Macheda and drilled a wonderful left-footed shot home to send the travelling United fans into raptures.

It sealed a somewhat lucky win for the Red Devils. Valencia had played the better football in a largely mundane contest.

The Spaniards dominated pressure for long periods but failed to carve out clear-cut chances and United took advantage as the two young substitutes combined in a rare moment of excellent.

In Europe, United will now be looking to pick up six points from back-to-back outings against Bursaspor. In the group’s other game, Rangers claimed a rare home win in the Champions League against the unfancied Turkish outfit.

Full Time – Valencia 0-1 Manchester United
Attendance – 52,689