Sir Alex believes he has balance in his hit-men this term. “I don’t expect us to lose on goal difference again.” Van Persie has scored 11 goals in 14 matches in all competitions since his summer move from Arsenal – but Fergie obviously thinks United have strength in depth.
“I don’t think it’s a problem relying on Robin. The way Javier has started this season, I’m certain he will get to 20 goals plus. Wazza will get there too, he’ll get 20 goals plus I’m sure. It’s a healthy combination we’ve got there.”
By the time the half time whistle rang out United were already a goal down with Andreas Weimann sending Christian Benteke scampering down the left before arriving to slam home his cutback past David De Gea from 16-yards.
And five minutes after the interval Weinmann stuck again, escaping away from Rio Ferdinand to slide home Gabriel Agbonlahor’s low cross after he was found by Stephen Ireland.
That seemed to serve as a wake up call for the visitors and the deficit was halved just before the hour as Hernandez did well to correct his feet in the penalty area before finishing past Brad Guzan after being played in by Scholes.
Parity was restored three minutes later and it was the Mexican international on target again, slamming Rafael’s deep cross against Villa captain Ron Vlaar and into the net.
The home side pressed for a winner but it was United who would steal the points in the dying embers. Robin Van Persie whipped a free kick towards the far post that was met Hernandez, who planted a header into the bottom corner to break the hearts of home supporters.
