United tame resilient Tigers

ANDY DAWSON handed Sir Alex Ferguson a belated Christmas present with a second half own goal at the KC Stadium to help gift Manchester United what could prove to be a crucial victory in the race for the Premier League title.

Until Dawson’s blunder in the 73rd minute this contest was very much in the balance. The inspirational Wayne Rooney had put United ahead with his 14th goal of the season, only for Hull City to equalise from the penalty spot 13 minutes after the interval through Craig Fagan.

Indeed, Hull were even sensing a famous victory until Ryan Giggs and Rooney broke down the right before the latter’s dangerous cross was turned into his own goal by the unfortunate Dawson. As Hull pushed forward in search of an equaliser they were hit on the break again by Rooney, whose sublime pass picked out the unmarked Dimitar Berbatov to make it 3-1 and end the contest.