Manchester United recovered from conceding two early goals to beat Hull City 3-2 in the early kickoff in the Premier League on Thursday.
Goals from Chris Smalling and Wayne Rooney wiped out the deficit before halftime before James Chester's own goal provided the champions with a seasonal gift of three points.
United climbed into sixth spot with 31 points before the later fixtures.
Hull had stunned the visitors with early goals from Chester and David Meyler.
United had Antonio Valencia sent off late on and almost paid dearly when Hull laid siege to their goal and Chester was denied a stoppage time equalizer by David de Gea's save.
In later action third-placed Manchester City host leaders Liverpool while second-placed Arsenal at West Ham United.
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