Early message of intent from United hotshots

Swansea 1 Manchester United 4

Two goals apiece from the irrepressible Robin van Persie and Danny Welbeck eased the champions to a first win of the new league season.

But for Carrick, there is plenty of improvement to come over the coming weeks. And that, in the wake of this measured performance over Michael Laudrup’s side, will provide no little concern for the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Spurs.

“We are satisfied with the first game because you never really know where you are,” said Carrick, whose masterly performance in midfield left Swansea clutching at straws for much of this enjoyable contest.

“You do your work in pre-season and this is a good, early marker for us. But there is more to come.

“It’s only one game and we certainly won’t be getting too carried away. It’s obviously nice to come here and win because it wasn’t an easy start. We will take it but we can still improve and hopefully we can do that by next week.”

With David Moyes concerned about his side’s early workload and the fact that United play Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City before the end of September, Carrick’s belief that United are ready to step up a gear will come as music to the ears of the new manager.

After a relatively modest pre-season, Moyes was genuinely miffed and subsequently anxious about United’s readiness for what he believes to be the club’s most difficult top flight start in 25 years. However, any fears that his side would catch a cold against one of the division’s big spenders this summer, were overtaken by unbounded joy as van Persie and Welbeck struck shortly before half-time to ease the Red Devils into a comfortable interval lead.

There was also the bonus of Wayne Rooney enjoying a 30 minute cameo in the second half, during which he set up van Persie’s 72nd minute third and Welbeck’s perfect execution in stoppage time. Carrick refused to be drawn on Rooney’s future but said; “I thought Wayne came on and looked good. He set up two goals and that’s what he is all about, he’s a real threat. He took a bit of a whack on Danny’s goal, but I’m sure he will be alright.

“He’s one of us and we all play for each other. He puts in a lot of work around the pitch. We do what we can to win and he’s part of that.”

Carrick was also delighted for Welbeck who scored twice as many league goals in south Wales on Saturday as he did in 27 Premier League appearances last term. “I was delighted for Danny, he’s a real player’s player. Playing with him makes you really appreciate what he gives. Last season maybe he didn’t get the tally of goals that he might have hoped for, but we really appreciate his overall performances. It was nice for him to get his goals, he scored for England in midweek and hopefully that continues. He is a big player.”

For the 2,500 travelling United fans, it was an afternoon to celebrate. They sang Moyes’ name from start to finish and even gave Rooney a standing ovation when he finally replaced Ryan Giggs on the hour. Carrick has little doubt Moyes will slot in perfectly well over the coming weeks and that for the club, it will be business as usual.

“It is strange playing for someone else, but we are used to going out and playing football and nothing changes too much. It’s great to get a win for the manager on the back of last week and hopefully that continues.”

Wilfried Bony’s 82nd minute goal was mere consolation for a Swansea side that was out-thought and out-fought in United’s first third. Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic were outstanding whilst Carrick and Tom Cleverley provided the perfect protection in front of the back four.

Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm said of van Persie’s performance: “Everyone knows what a great player he is. It’s obviously disappointing to start like this but we have a Europa League game on Thursday which gives us the best possible chance to hit back.”

SWANSEA CITY (4-5-1) Vorm 6; Rangel 5, Williams 5, Flores 5, Davies 6; Dyer 5, Britton 5 (Bony 45,6), Shelvey 6, Canas 6 (Ki 76,5), Routledge 6 (Hernandez 45,5); Michu 6

MAN UTD: (4-4-2) De Gea 6; Jones 6, Ferdinand 7, Vidic 7, Evra 7; Valencia 7, Carrick 7, Cleverley 7, Giggs 7 (Rooney 61, 7); Welbeck 8, van Persie 9 (Anderson 85, 6)

Referee: P Dowd (Staffordshire).