Eight matches into the 2013-2014 Barclays Premier League season, the Manchester United Red Devils find themselves eight points behind league leading Arsenal. The Gunners have accumulated 19 points thanks to six wins and a draw and because Man U has only been able to muster up 3 victories and 2 draws, fans at Old Trafford have watched as one of the most popular professional franchises in all of sports has dropped to eighth in the twenty-club league just a year removed from winning the Premier League outright. Though there is still plenty of time for Man U to solidify themselves as a true contender, the Red Devils have dropped three of four BPL matches at Old Trafford, something the club needs to change. A fully healthy Wayne Rooney will surely be a part of that goal and as manager David Moyes notes, his star scorer should be full go for the foreseeable future.
"It's been great working with Wayne because he's an excellent footballer," Moyes said. "I've said from day one he's been great. He had a very good game in midweek. We want that form to continue. We want him to keep scoring goals. He is a big plus for us just now. I don't think it's me or anyone else. It's Wayne Rooney. He had to make sure he was the best he could be and he's done that. He's in good nick, his talent is unquestionable. He's physically very good, mentally in a good place and his form has been good."
Set to take on Stoke City - a team that currently sits 16th in the 20 team field - Manchester United hopes they're able to earn a full three points against a struggling squad who has earned just 2 wins in 8 BPL matches this season. Victories over Crystal Palace (2-1) and West Ham United (1-0) have been the only true bright spots for a downtrodden campaign so far. Failing to record a victory in their last 10 trips to Old Trafford, The Potters and manager Mark Hughes will look for any chances that come their way since all they need is a bit of good fortune to turn things around.
"Sometimes you need a bit of luck, something to fly off your ear," Hughes said. "Once you get one you are off and running. The key to it is that you continue to work and do the right things in training. At some point things will change for you and the team. Once they get off and running they will be fine."
Manchester United vs. Stoke City: DATE, TIME & TV INFO
DATE: Saturday, October 26
TIME: 10:00am, ET
TV COVERAGE: NBC Sports Network
LIVE STREAM: CLICK HERE
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