Manchester United fail to cross Swansea City hurdle, again

Bafetimbi Gomis scored the winner for Swansea City in the 66th minute. (Source: AP)

Swansea handed Manchester United its first loss of the Premier League season, rallying with two goals in five minutes in the second half to win 2-1 on Sunday.

Andre Ayew headed in Swansea’s equalizer in the 61st minute as United’s defense was breached for the first time this season, then set up Bafetimbi Gomis for an excellent winner in the 66th. The striker scored for the fourth straight game this season.

Juan Mata put United ahead in the 49th minute with a far-post finish from close range but Louis van Gaal’s team has now been beaten 2-1 by Swansea in their last three league meetings.

This was another sobering experience for United against a side that has added power and efficiency to its renowned passing game.

Swansea’s players didn’t let their heads drop despite being dominated for the first 20 minutes and then conceding within four minutes from the restart.

Left back Luke Shaw was allowed to run unchallenged down his flank and sent in a cross that was missed by Rooney and crept through to Mata, who beat Ashley Williams to the ball to score from close range at the back post.

Ayew inspired Swansea’s comeback.

First, he timed his run forward to perfection on a counterattack that started when Wayne Rooney lost possession near Swansea’s penalty area. Sigurdsson crossed from the right and an unmarked Ayew planted a downward header just inside the post.

Swansea’s second goal was a sweeping move that ended with Ayew finding Gomis with a deft, lofted pass with the outside of his left foot. Gomis got in behind Chris Smalling and beat goalkeeper Sergio Romero with a low shot that crept under the Argentina international.