How Manchester United's new Holy Trinity failed against Stoke City

Saturday’s game at the Britannia Stadium saw David Moyes break another unwanted record as manager of Manchester United as Stoke City earned their first-ever Premier League win over the champions.

Before the game, the pre-match hype was all about United being able to play their three big star names as Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata started their first game together.

Unfortunately for Moyes, despite having a trio of attackers that cost in the region of £90 million, it was Mark Hughes’s side that prevailed leaving Reds asking why even with the talent at his disposal he can’t defeat a side that had endured a run of a draw and five losses in their last six games.

Wayne Rooney had the chance to not only give United an early lead but also rekindle his partnership with Van Persie, when he had the opportunity to play the Dutchman through in the opening stages of the game. Instead Rooney opted for a – very – long-range shot straight into Asmir Begovic’s hands.

Rooney may have told the world he doesn’t like playing in midfield but with an injury to Phil Jones late in the first half, the former Evertonian was deployed in a much deeper role with mixed results.

Rooney very nearly grabbed an equaliser for the Reds late in the game, with a cracking free kick that produced a superb save from Begovic but by-and-large it was an afternoon to forget for the England striker.

The solitary goal for United came from great link up play between Mata and Van Persie, with the Spaniard playing his team mate through with a sublime pass that was despatched with the kind of finish the Reds have been missing for the past few months.

While Van Persie may have bagged his second goal in as many starts and give United fans a taste of what they can expect when he links up with Juan Mata, like Rooney it wasn’t the best of games for the Dutchman as his usually efficient passing deserted him somewhat.

Despite Rooney and Van Persie starting together all eyes were on Juan Mata and it was baffling for many Reds to see him begin the game shifted out on the wing where his effectiveness was somewhat diminished to say the least. It was when Mata moved inside to a more central position that he was able to influence the game more, culminating his assist for Van Persie’s goal.

Like his two star team mates though, Mata won’t look back with much fondness on his second start for the Reds as a defeat at Stoke is hardly one for the archives, but at least the former Chelsea playmaker bagged an assist and managed to retain possession a lot better than any of his team-mates.

It’s far to early to say whether the Rooney, Mata, Van Persie triumvirate will carry United to that coveted fourth spot but there were signs, particularly with the goal at the Britannia that maybe, if used properly the trio could help save the Red Devils’ season. The main problem Moyes faces is using all three in positions that suit them, as Mata out wide and Rooney in midfield isn’t going to work every game.