How unlikely Manchester United duo excelled to get David Moyes back on track

Sunday’s comfortable win over Aston Villa came as a surprise to even the most optimistic of Manchester United fans. The old cliché suggests there are no easy games at this level but, for United under David Moyes, it’s become something of a truism. Newcastle and Everton defeated the champions at Old Trafford in the same week and wins have proved to be the exception rather than the rule this season.

In the league, easy wins have been almost unheard of. The 4-1 victory at Swansea on the opening day was impressive although the home team dominated the early exchanges and things could have been very different. Other than that, the 3-1 at Fulham, against a Martin Jol side utterly bereft of confidence, is the only other match that made for vaguely relaxing viewing.

Against Villa, United dominated from the outset and, as the chant implores, played like Fergie’s boys. They attacked from the wings and controlled the game throughout.Antonio Valencia, so often disappointing last season, was excellent. He gave his namesake, Antonio Luna, a torrid afternoon.

All six of United’s key passes came from the right hand side and the winger found a team-mate three times with his crosses, including Danny Welbeck for the crucial second goal. With Nani struggling for form, Ashley Young a long way short of the required standard and Moyes seemingly unwilling to start Wilfried Zaha, a Valencia back to something like his best could aid his team no end.

Welbeck, so often criticised by those who don’t watch United on a regular basis, scored a brace for the first time since that win over Swansea. The forward is a player of such potential that the only real question mark concerning his ability is in relation to his finishing. On Sunday, he looked like a bona fide poacher.

The England striker scored two in three minutes, first reacting fast after Adnan Januzaj‘s header rebounded off the post, then sliding in to convert Valencia’s cross. With Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez injured, it is essential Welbeck forms an effective partnership up front with Wayne Rooney. The period of games between now and the new year might well define United’s season and a run of wins is a must if United harbour any hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

Januzaj has been one of the few encouraging elements of the Moyes era so far. His ascendancy, along with Rooney’s form, have been practically the only ways in which this campaign has been an improvement on the last one. On Sunday, not before time, neither of the men were integral to United’s play. If the season is to be salvaged, Moyes will hope this is a sign of things to come rather than a mere aberration.