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Main Talking Points As David De Gea Gifts Stoke A Point

Conall Cahill
By Conall Cahill
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Manchester United drew with Stoke in an enjoyable tussle at Old Trafford. Here are a few of the main talking points to tide you over until Match of the Day later on.

1.David de Gea messed up pretty badly for Stoke's goal

De Gea made a complete and utter hash of a shot, letting Peter Crouch nip in before Joe Allen gave Liverpool fans something to smile about with a close-range finish. He didn't have that much to do all game but De Gea's error contrasted with the excellence of Stoke's Lee Grant (see below).

 

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2. Juan Mata is back 

At times the football being played by Juan Mata (before he was substituted) and fellow Spaniard Ander Herrera was simply spellbinding. Mata was playing with the same smile on his face and evident enjoyment of his football that lit up Stamford Bridge during his time at Chelsea.

3.  Wayne Rooney's role as a second half substitute is the way forward for United

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At times it looked like Paul Pogba was almost trying too hard - himself and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were having a hard time in front of goal - but Jesse Lingard (whose first half showed why he should be in the next England squad), Herrera, Marcus Rashford and Mata showed why Rooney's services are no longer hugely needed. Rooney did, however, come on and help create United's goal with another completely flukey assist, similar to what he conjured up during the week in the Europa League.

SEE ALSO: Nobody Gave A Shite, But Rooney's Assist For United's Winner Was A Crime Against Football

4. Stoke's goalkeeper was incredible even though he's only played one previous Premier League game

'Lee Grant' was probably the reason a lot of United fans gave for why they expected to win today in the absence of Jack Butland but the stopper on loan from Derby was nothing short of outstanding throughout, making excellent saves from Zlatan Ibrahimovic in particular, especially one save with a few minutes left where crucially he parried the ball out wide so that there was no opportunity for a rebound goal. Martin O'Neill is thought to be furiously researching his lineage.

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5. Stoke can actually play a bit

At times Mark Hughes' side were excellent, Xherdan Shaqiri mesmerising with moments of brilliant skill and Joe Allen exhibiting some of the ball-recycling ability that made him such an asset for Brendan Rodgers at Swansea.

6. Anthony Martial arrived to nearly save the day in bizarrely similar fashion to last time

Nearly the same position as last time, the same angle, the same foot. Anthony Martial came off the bench to concoct a brilliant finish which seemed set to save Mourinho and United's blushes before David de Gea's mistake gifted Stoke a point.

SEE ALSO: Juan Mata Makes Young Fan In Wheelchair's Day With Kind Gesture

 

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