Alan scores twice but Man Utd power to victory

Two goals from Brazilian striker Alan sent Braga into an early 2-0 lead at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, but they were powerless to resist as Manchester United responded with force to secure a 3-2 home win. Manchester United’s defensive frailty as been widely reported this season and, within two minutes, the Reds fell behind […]
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sambafoot_admin
2012-10-24 12:00:00

Two goals from Brazilian striker Alan sent Braga into an early 2-0 lead at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, but they were powerless to resist as Manchester United responded with force to secure a 3-2 home win.

Manchester United’s defensive frailty as been widely reported this season and, within two minutes, the Reds fell behind for the eighth time this season as captain Alan rose to head past the helpless De Gea.

Minutes later and the lead was doubled as Eder made a mockery of makeshift centre-back Michael Carrick on the touchline before rolling the ball to the unmarked Alan to double the lead.

For his part, Brazilian right-back Rafael bore little culpability for the mistakes around him, once more showing a new-found strength and maturity to his game.

There was, though, a certain inevitability about the hosts response and goals from the irrepressible Mexican Javier Hernandez in either half, as well as a poked finish from centre-back Jonny Evans handed the Red Devils a third group-stage victory from three games to almost guarantee progression to the later stages.