Hull City 2-3 Manchester United

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James ChesterImage source, Getty Images
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James Chester

James Chester's own goal completed Manchester United's comeback from two goals down to win at Hull.

Chester gave the hosts the lead with a volley, before David Meyler's shot deflected in after 12 minutes.

But United's Chris Smalling headed in, before Wayne Rooney thumped United level from more than 20 yards, his 150th Premier League goal for the club.

Ex-Old Trafford man Chester headed into his own net in the second half, before United's Antonio Valencia was sent off.

In coming from behind, it is the fifth consecutive win for David Moyes' team - the first time that has happened since he took charge.

Hull had conceded just three goals in their previous eight matches at KC Stadium but folded under pressure from United. Steve Bruce has now gone 19 league games without a win as manager against his old club.

It looked very different when his side were two goals up inside 13 minutes.

First, Alex Bruce rose above Patrice Evra to win the ball from Tom Huddlestone's corner, with Chester volleying in from a couple of yards.

Soon after, Meyler lobbed into the area for Yannick Sagbo and, after the visitors failed to clear, Meyler's mis-hit shot deflected in off Jonny Evans.

Minutes later, United halved the deficit when Smalling glanced in a header from Rooney's free-kick.

Tigers goalkeeper Allan McGregor pulled off a fine save from Tom Cleverley's curling shot as Hull came under heavy pressure.

But after 26 minutes, Moyes' side moved level when Rooney's attempted through ball was blocked by Curtis Davies, and the United man took a touch before thumping past McGregor.

There continued to be chances at both ends after the interval. First, United goalkeeper David De Gea punched away Sagbo's powerful effort, then Davies headed wide from a Huddlestone corner.

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We can challenge for title - Moyes

Darren Fletcher, making his first start for United since 1 December 2012 after surgery on a chronic bowel condition, had a drive saved by substitute goalkeeper Steve Harper just before the hour.

At the other end, Alex Bruce's header came back off the bar from Huddlestone's corner.

United finally took the lead by working the ball to the right. Ashley Young crossed and Chester headed into his own net under pressure from Rooney.

Michael Carrick came on as a substitute after the Achilles injury that has kept him out since the 1-0 victory over Arsenal on 10 November.

But Hull continued to push as Danny Graham headed straight at De Gea from Sagbo's cross, before Valencia was shown a second yellow card for kicking the ball away.

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Too many mistakes cost Hull - Bruce

With the extra man, Hull sensed the chance of a point and came close when Spaniard De Gea saved from Chester in injury time, before the final whistle.

United next head to Norwich on Saturday, but might have to do without Phil Jones, who picked up a knee injury before the match. Right-back Rafael also limped off with what appeared to be a groin problem, plus Valencia will be suspended.

Hull manager Steve Bruce:

"Over the years I've been close a few times to beating them but never 2-0 up within 15 minutes. The one thing we've been able to do since I've been here is hold a lead.

"We made too many mistakes at crucial times. We created umpteen opportunities in the second half but made mistakes and you get punished against a team like Manchester United.

"James Chester will get over it because he's a very good young player."

Manchester United manager David Moyes:

"To be two down and come back to win is a great result. I thought it would be a long road back but these players have done this in the past and we did well to get back in the game.

"For us to get to half-time at 2-2 was great, but when we were 3-2 up, Hull gave us a few scary moments. I'd take that after being 2-0 down after 10 minutes.

"There's a long way to go in the league and we have to keep picking up points. There's a lot to do but we'll keep at it. I believe we can be in the mix and challenge whoever is near the top."

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