A much needed win for Louis Van Gaal and a much needed goal for Rooney. Today's performance was better than last Premiership match against Cyrstal Palace. But still not to the level United fans are used to. The frustration among fans was clearly visible just after the first half. And when Martial was replaced this frustration was at his peak. I just wonder what would had happen if Utd failed to score today?
Coming to the match analysis, a similar sterile style of Louis Van Gaal in the first half. Surprising Martial was off today resulting in even more meaningless movements with the ball. Even Jesse Lingard and Mata both were ordinary in the first half. On top of it Rooney's tendency to play as #10 resulted in no focal point in attack. Another key thing which I witnessed compared to SAF teams was the lack of ball over the top of the defence. Neither Carrick or Bastian tried any balls over the defence. Most of the balls was either sideways to the wingers or wingback or to Rooney when he dropped down deeper. This made easy for CSKA to defend as they only need to anticipate grounded through balls or one twos from the centre and slow crosses from byline. A simple statistic of number shots on goal till half time showed Rooney with zeros shots whereas Rojo had the maximum with 4 shots on goal. This sums up the performance of 1st half.
In second half, tactically it was different side. I was particularly happier with the performance between 66' (after Martial withdrawl) and goal at 79'. It was the Utd that took risks and showed the urgency. There were few balls over the top of the defenders. Rooney, the striker, playing at the top. Yes because of these risks United almost conceded a goal only for De Gea, Smalling and Young together to save, nevertheless it was the most enjoyful moments of the match. The play reminded of the Golden Utd era. They actually used speed of Jesse to a devastating effect. And it was again Carrick who played the lofted ball to Lingard who then passed the ball back into 6 yard box with single touch for Rooney just left to score.
Apart from the mentioned players, loved the performance of Young both defensively and in attacking. Lingard was best player for me in 2nd half and more threatening with change of flanks. 1st half he was not upto the mark. Carrick was solid overall and showed his vision nicely with the chances created by him. Rojo needs to improve his composure in front of goal. Smalling and De Gea overall good. Rooney played good as #10 but as striker definitely not. He was sloppy as striker today. Good for him that he got the goal today.
What attacking football!! It is still far from what we expect from our team!! Yes we had 2-3 very good chances in 2nd half. Yes it better than usual play this season. But there is a huge drop in speed just before the ball enters in 16 yards box and more over no a single person is willing to take any chances from outside 16 yards box. But why??
I wont blame the players, we have really good players in the team. But when you curb their natural instincts, you are bound to see side effects and free scoring seems one of them.
Give credits to west ham defense. They defended well and could have walked away as winners from old trafford, had they converted the 2 best chances ( which were even best chances and infact better than all chances utd created) they got. 10 games in total now, JUST 3 wins out of that. Philosophy man should find out new excuses now.
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Man utd certainly raised their game by playing attackin football, but scoring goals seems to be the biggest problrm for them
10 games in total now, JUST 3 wins out of that.
Philosophy man should find out new excuses now.