An early goal from Robin van Persie has given Manchester United a 1-0 lead over Cardiff City at half time at Old Trafford this evening.

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The home side's record signing Juan Mata, who is making his debut, set up an early goal-scoring opportunity by sending in a cross for Ashley Young.

The winger thumped the ball against the bar, but Van Persie was on hand to head in the rebound on his return from injury.

Mata tried to find Young again 20 minutes in, trying to double the champions' lead, but he could not reach the delivery.

Van Persie almost added his second in the closing stages of the first half while trying to head in from a Young corner, but the Dutch international just missed the target, leaving the champions with a one-goal advantage at the break.