The major talking point once the starting XI was announced, wasn’t Mata making his debut, but Van Persie making his first League start since December 10. And the Dutchman showed Moyes just what he had been missing with a goal inside the opening few minutes. The goal was Van Persie’s 34th in 50 League games for the Red devils and his first in over two and a half months. And with an hour on the clock, RVP was replaced by Rooney, who was also making his return from injury. The Englishman looked sharp with his passing and almost scored with a couple of long range efforts. All in all, it was a boost for Moyes on his 450th Premier League game, to have his two main strikers fit and playing, once again.

Mata shines but United still look dodgy in central midfield

All the buildup to the game was about how Mata was going to be the catalyst for change at United. And whilst Mata got an assist to his name, for the most part, he was neat and tidy with the ball at his feet. He created some clever openings and had all the makings of a very astute signing indeed. But behind him Ryan Giggs and Phil Jones started in central midfield and showed just why United need a central midfielder so badly. All the passing was either sideways or backwards and there was no real penetration from the center of the park. With Carrick out injured, United are in dire need of someone who can create something from the middle of the park.

Young and Evra combine to great effect

If there is one criticism that is laid at Ashley Young, it is that, he doesn’t take on defenders often enough. But, against Cardiff, the Englishman showed just how effective he can be, if he takes on defenders, runs at them and whips in crosses. Young’s crossing has never been in question, but more often than not, he doesn’t cover himself in glory with the positions he takes up. But, against Cardiff, he showed just how effective he can be and how his partnership with Evra can be one of United’s main source of threat. With a goal and an assist to his name, Young was arguably the best player on the pitch and looked a threat, every time he got forward. Moyes will be hoping that Young is able to sustain this over a period of time and help United break into the top four.

United’s defense slowly beginning to take shape

With seven different center half pairings having played together so far this season, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to many that United haven’t been keeping too many clean sheets. In fact, the clean sheet against Cardiff was only their seventh in the League thus far. But, to be fair, no two center halves have played together for any length of time, due to injuries and suspensions. But, with Jonny Evans staking his claim as the best center half in the club at the moment and Chris Smalling slowly growing in stature with every game, it looks as though, United are finally stumbled upon a recipe for success. This was United’s third clean sheet in their last five games and it is looking as though Moyes has finally found a way to stop leaking goals at the back.

Cardiff’s dominate possession but are unable to make it count

Cardiff came into this game with just one win in their last dozen games and just a point from their last six away games. And although their last three away games were against City, Arsenal and Liverpool, the truth is that they haven’t been able to string together a run of wins all season. Even the presence of an Old Trafford legend at the helm, couldn’t stop Cardiff from notching up their fourth straight defeat. The defeat sees them stay rooted to the bottom spot and on current form, they are odds on favorites to go down. Something has to give for Cardiff.

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