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Manchester United‘s last match of the DHL preseason tour was against Hannover 96. The match was played in the fantastic AWD Arena, Hannover. Manchester United had a poor preseason so far, and they did not look so threatening against a team which pulled off an impossible win this midweek to qualify for the Europa. The match was evenly poised since kickoff.
After a low-key start to the match, United enjoyed most of the possession. But to everybody’s surprise, Artur Sobiech fired home a goal which rebounded off Lindegaard’s gloves. 20 minutes into the game, United 0 – 1 Hannover 96. It just took a flurry of United attacks before the equaliser came in a similar fashion. Wayne Rooney curled in a fantastic shot which was punched away by the Hannover keeper, Zeiler, only to see Javier Hernandez score the second goal of the match. United 1 – 1 Hannover 96.
The second half brought all the magic and attraction in the game. With Hannover making multiple substitutions and bringing in regular players, the game suddenly became alive. And they succeeded, almost. Karim Haggui scored the second complemented by a third from Mohammed Abdellaoue. Abdellaoue netted an cheeky yet brilliant back heel. De Gea had no answer in return. Manchester United were trailing by two goals. At this moment, Hannover foresaw a comfortable victory. Manchester United 1 – 3 Hannover 96. The hosts were playing the best game of their lives.
Manchester United’s defence was sliced open. The AWD Arena backed the locals. It takes great amount of courage and confidence to pick up yourself and continue to play a losing game. But the Red Devil’s played with the same tenacity. With numerous half attacks, United were off the perch.
As the adage goes, “Win or die fighting”, United attacked tour de force. And after a bunch of failed attempts, Wayne Rooney finally tasted victory. And what a way to inject energy into the team and restore their hope. Rooney fired in from a free-kick couple yards from outside the box. Absolutely magnificent. Hannover keeper, Zeiler, stood rooted to his spot. How many times have Manchester United come from behind to win the match?
With 10 minutes remaining in the match, the 35,800 fans in Hannover were on their feet. To spice up the proceedings, a fantastic through ball to Wayne Rooney saw him through towards goal. He failed to dodge the keeper, in the course Rooney was tripped down by the busiest man of the night, Zeiler. Penalty for United. Rooney stepped-up to take the kick. With the miss against Barcelona on back of his mind, Wayne Rooney made no mistake this time. Fired it into the bottom right corner. Game on. Manchester United 3 – 3 Hannover 96. The game felt a bit stretched.
From there on, the Red Devils never rested. Bullets were sprayed over the Hannover goal, but they managed to escape without injuries. As the match headed for a draw, Manchester stalwart Luis Nani found his team-mate Rooney behind the Hannover defence, who headed the ball towards the new signing, Shingi Kagawa. Kagawa, making his mark with numerous half chances in the game already, drilled in a superb volley towards the far post leaving the goalkeeper clutching the straws. The Japanese national capped a magnificent display with his match winning goal as Manchester United powered past the hosts, Hannover 96. Manchester United FC 4 – 3 Hannover 96. The hosts never really recovered from the shock. Certainly, United are the comeback Kings. The Kagawa- Rooney combination clicked. With 5 goals coming in the second half, certainly It was a goal fest in the German city. Manchester United won the Chevrolet Cup. Overall, it was a great match of football. It is one of those rare football matches which you didn’t want it to end.
