Robin Van Persie answered his critics with a thunderous strike in a dominant victory for Louis Van Gaal’s resurgent red devils.

Chris Smalling and Wayne Rooney were also on the scoresheet in a completely one sided affair at Old Trafford which saw United enjoy 78% of the possession.

United fans left Old Trafford in buoyant mood however they probably weren’t expecting to when Angel Di Maria limped off on 13 minutes with what looked like a hamstring injuries as United’s shocking look with injuries continues with their 41st of the season. He was replaced by Ander Herrera who went on to claim the man of the match award with a marvellous passing display.

Wayne Rooney also limped off however, strangely for United this season, has no fears of being out and is available for Tuesday’s game at home to Stoke.

United’s first came on after 16 minutes. it would probably not have been given without goal line technology. Allan McGregor fumbled the ball which fell to Smalling who turned it in and Hull’s best efforts to keep it out were not enough as the whole ball just made it over the line.

Rooney doubled the lead just before half time with a 20 yard strike into the bottom left hand corner and the game was settled on 66  minutes when Van Persie turned and hit a powerful shot into the top corner and reminded everyone he still has the predatory instinct which won United the league 2 years ago.

Other good news for The Red Devils was the return of Radamel Falcao and was cruelly denied a goal when Michael Dawson cleared his effort off the line.

There were glittering performances all round for United which will give Louis van Gaal selection headaches when players return from injury. Herrera, Juan Mata, Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini were all impressive and controlled the game in middle of the park.

Make shift full backs Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia also had good games. Chris Smalling in particular looks to be a transformed player since his return from suspension after a heroic display against Arsenal and now a solid, goalscoring performance at the weekend.

All of a sudden it’s looking very good for United going into Christmas. They now sit 4th, which is exactly where they want to be and it’s taking Louis Van Gaal just 3 months to get them there. Players are returning from injuries e.g, Falcao, Rojo and Jones and Shaw on their way. Van Gaal has also got options and competition for places due to the improvements of players who looked on their way out, most notably Marouane Fellaini who has completely changed fans opinions.

What will please United fans the most is that Old Trafford is looking like a fortress again. They’ve picked up 16 points from a possible 18 in their last 6 home games. They’ve lost just one of the 7 home games this season which was against Swansea City on the opening day and with a completely different line up compared to the one we’re seeing now.

With the away day monkey off United’s back now they it looks like a good season now and it’s fair to say United have the capabilities to go on a run and certainly challenge for a place in the top 2 or 3.

Many will expect United to turn Stoke City over on tuesday night but it will certainly be a tough test for the red devils. Stoke are strong away from home and in desperate need for points and have a lot of players who can cause them problems.

They will welcome back former reds in Manager Mark Hughes and Striker Mame Biram Diouf. Jon Walters and Bojan add to a side full off attacking options and have notably been solid defensively whilst they’ve been a premier league side.

As long as United are focused and show the same level of intent as they did against Hull, they should come away with a 4th straight win going into tough fixtures away at Southampton and at home to Liverpool.

Stats:
United Top Scorers list:
1. Wayne Rooney 5
2. Robin Van Persie 4
3. Juan Mata 3
4. Angel Di Maria 3
5. Ander Herrera 2