Late anguish for United as honours even in Welsh capital

Manchester United extended their unbeaten run to ten matches, but the nature of the performance in a 2-2 draw at Cardiff City may provide cause for concern for many supporters.

The Red Devils, without a host of names including Nemanja Vidic, Michael Carrick and Robin Van Persie, lacked a creative spark in attack and failed to deal in the dying seconds with Cardiff’s well-documented danger from set-plays.

Forced to play in their away strip due to Cardiff City's horrendous rebranding exercise, United broke the deadlock after 15 minutes courtesy of a fine Wayne Rooney strike. A woeful clearance from Ben Turner was collected by Antonio Valencia who found Javier Hernandez, and the Mexican supplied Rooney who showed great composure to control the ball and turn home a deflected effort.

Cardiff’s supporters were furious, as they felt Rooney should have been dismissed moments earlier following an incident involving Jordan Mutch. The England frontman appeared to kick-out at the Cardiff midfielder as the two men tussled, but referee Neil Swarbick felt Rooney had only warranted a yellow card.

Despite their impressive recent form, however, United struggled to build on Rooney’s opener as the home side recovered well. They were rewarded for their endeavours on 33 minutes as Frazier Campbell, formerly of United, met a stunning Mutch through-ball with a fine finish to restore parity.

Buoyed by their equalising goal, Malky Mackay’s side began to show the sort of belief that saw them come from behind to beat Manchester City earlier in the season. United, however, to the delight of the travelling Red Army, grabbed back the initiative moments before the break as Patrice Evra’s fine header from a Rooney corner saw David Marshall beaten for the second time.

Though United were rarely impressive, a third goal looked likely to finish off proceedings, and one of the best chances of the second-half fell to substitute Danny Welbeck. However, following some nice build-up play with Rooney, the striker sent his effort off target.

Mackay’s men kept battling and – in the closing moments – struck level. Dead-ball specialist Peter Whittingham whipped in a free-kick, and Kim Bo-Kyung nodded home. The danger posed by the South Wales club from set-pieces has been much highlighted, but United’s backline failed to deal with this late threat as Cardiff snatched a share of spoils which, in all honesty, they deserved.

Both sides had chances to win the game at the death. Rooney should have done so much better when through on goal, as he opted to pass to Welbeck rather than shoot with the goal at his mercy, but failed to reach his fellow striker. Chris Smalling also fired wide, whilst Cardiff’s Andreas Cornelius wasted a dangerous break as by hitting the tamest shots of shots straight at De Gea as the Bluebirds threatened a late, late winner.

Full Time – Cardiff City 2-2 Manchester United
Attendance – 28,016