Analysis: Aston Villa 2 Manchester United 3

Premier League, Saturday 10^th November 2012

Javier Hernandez inspired Manchester United to yet another rousing comeback, as the Reds overturned a two-goal deficit at Villa Park. The Mexican scored a second-half hat-trick to ensure three points with a magnificent performance. Here’s some analysis on the game:

Vertical, not horizontal

As expected, United dominated possession, largely due to the passing duo of Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes in midfield. The downside of this partnership however, was frightfully obvious against the Villains. Scholes and Carrick play slowly, and horizontally across the pitch, meaning for all United’s dominance, a goal-scoring threat was nigh non-existent. The ageing Scholes and the slow Carrick were also exposed for Villa’s goals as they failed to react quick enough and tighten the midfield to stop counter-attacks from the opposition.

The introduction of Javier Hernandez at half-time was pivotal to the change in United’s fortunes. His tireless running in and around the Villa central defence unsettled the home side. Hernandez offered a constantly moving outlet, and created space for the United midfield to be more productive. The later introduction of Cleverley for Scholes also assisted in making the midfield more mobile. This enabled a more direct vertical threat, and also helped to secure a loose midfield.

Valencia’s woes

Antonio Valencia continued a poor patch of form with a lacklustre display against Aston Villa. His first-half was abysmal, and an improved second-half was only marginally better. The winger looks bereft of confidence and ideas. A reluctance to take on his man coupled with an inability to find a successful cross is worrying. Considering the 'average at best' Ashley Young, the out of form Nani, and the inbalance when Danny Welbeck plays wide, it is of paramount importance that Valencia regains his form. United's player of the season last term was on fire, and if he recaptures that confident menace he will be once again terrorizing left-backs.

Going Forward

Yet another comeback for United again affirmed the inherent belief within the side. David de Gea also had a commanding performance including a brilliant reaction save and several successful punching clearances. The continuing issue for United is slack defending, mainly due to a slow and inflexible midfield. United face a further two games away from home now as they look to build on a three game winning run.

Ratings

[4-4-2]: de Gea-8, Rafael-7, Smalling-7, Ferdinand-7, Evra-7, Valencia-5, Scholes-6, Carrick-6, Young-6, Rooney-6, van Persie-7

(Hernandez-9*, Cleverley-7, Anderson-6)

*Man of the match