Wayne Rooney praised Manchester United’s fighting spirit after the Reds overturned a 2-0 deficit at the KC Stadium to notch a crucial 3-2 win.
After conceding two sloppy goals early on, the champions rallied and restored parity by the 26-minute mark. An unfortunate own goal by former United defender James Chester in the 66th minute ultimately then made it a fine day for the visitors.
Rooney, who notched his 150th Premier League strike for the club, was delighted with the resilience displayed throughout the team.
“We didn’t start well today and when it got to 2-0 [down] we knew that we were going to have to dig deep and show our fighting spirit,” Wayne told Sky Sports.
“We had to come back quick and thankfully we got the two goals before half-time."
The Reds’ no.10, whose sensational first-half strike hauled United level at 2-2, was also asked whether his landmark goal was one of his best ever.
“Probably, but I haven’t seen it back properly yet," Rooney replied. "It bounced nicely for me and I had a go.
"It was a big goal for us at an important time in the game. Once we got the third goal we tried to kill the game off [with another]. That didn’t
Rooney praises fighting spirit
happen. But it's a great result for us today."
United's win – the fifth in a row in all competitions – lifted the Reds to sixth in the table prior to the other Boxing Day games beginning.
“We are starting to show some real quality now," added Rooney.
"We’re having a go and we’re fighting for each other. We’re ready for the challenge and hopefully we can surprise a few people.”
Hull City 2
Chester 4, Meyler 13
Manchester United 3
Smalling 19, Rooney 26, Chester (OG) 66
Report: Hull 2 United 3
Wayne Rooney scored his 150th Premier League for Manchester United as the champions came from two down to secure a vastly-entertaining Boxing Day triumph at the KC Stadium.
Having arrived late to the venue due to traffic congestion, the Reds made a poor start and conceded after just four minutes when ex-United player James Chester latched onto Alex Bruce’s header to score Hull City's opener from close-range - although replays showed the corner that led to the goal should not have been given. Things then went from bad to worse as Jonny Evans diverted David Meyler’s weak shot past a helpless David De Gea.
With backs against the wall, United reacted quickly as Adnan Januzaj (on for the injured Rafael) won a free kick on the right wing, teeing up Chris Smalling to score from an expertly delivered Rooney setpiece. The latter then restored parity himself with a brilliantly taken half-volley that comfortably beat goalkeeper Allan McGregor from around 25 yards.
Hull's manager, the United legend Steve Bruce, made two enforced changes at the break - replacing goalkeeper McGregor with deputy Steve Harper and sending on Robert Koren in Meyler's place. His side restarted brightly, almost taking the lead on 52 minutes when Yannick Sagbo’s powerful drive forced a decent save from De Gea. Bruce's son Alex then struck the bar with a thumping header on the hour.
Thankfully, the Reds were relieved moments later when Ashley Young’s cross was headed into his own net by Chester. The latter's 66th-minute error ultimately sealed a terrific win, although the Reds were also grateful to De Gea for denying Danny Graham with a crucial block in injury time. The victory lifted United up to sixth place in the Barclays Premier League before the other Boxing Day matches kicked off.
Boss hails talisman Wayne
David Moyes believes Wayne Rooney is "taking ownership" of United's form and showing the next generation what it takes to make it at Old Trafford.
The 28-year-old has been the Reds' standout figure this season with 13 goals and 14 assists to his name in all competitions, most recently supplying the passes from which Danny Welbeck and Ashley Young scored in Saturday's 3-1 win over West Ham.
That form has understandably caught his manager's eye and while speaking to the media on Monday, Moyes stated his belief that Rooney is beginning to influence the dressing room and lift the performances of his younger, fledgling team-mates.
"Wayne has turned himself into a real team player. The assists for the team, the goals and his all-round contribution has been fantastic," the boss told reporters during his pre-Christmas press conference at the Aon Training Complex.
"He looks as if he is beginning to take ownership himself. He is starting to say: 'Look, come on, we need to play better. We need to make sure we are doing much more than we are doing.'
"I see that in the dressing room. I see it every day in training when he is continually trying to improve himself. Wayne has those qualities. It is good for us. Hopefully in the years to come we are going to need that from him."
Moyes went on to explain how 28-year-old Rooney is now an experienced figure who is able to advise United's next generation.
"What he is doing is making the others play well because he is playing well. His performances have been good," the boss said. "He needs to show the young players because that is what happens at this club. You go through the years and look at people like Ryan Giggs and the advice he gave to Wayne Rooney.
"Wayne has now got to give it to Adnan Januzaj and the new players coming up. He has a big responsibility to show the next generation the standards that Manchester United set and what you have to do every week if you are going to play for this club."
