Analysis: Chelsea 5 Manchester United 4

Capital One Cup, Wednesday 31^st October 2012

This was a gruelling defeat for a young United team. On the verge of a 3-2 victory after goals from Giggs, Hernandez and Nani, youngster Scott Wootton conceded a late penalty leading to an extra time period in which the Reds ultimately lost 5-4. United’s second-string side however looked purposeful and promising for the majority of the match, and the game will have undoubtedly given vital experience to the young players involved. Here are some talking points from the fixture:

Incumbents of 4-1-4-1

United’s second visit to Stamford Bridge in four days gave Sir Alex Ferguson the option to again choose the 4-1-4-1 formation, but this time with vastly different personnel. Darren Fletcher played in the defensive midfielder role, and provided security to the back four. At half-time however, Fletcher moved to right-back, and Chelsea brought on several quality attacking players. The combination of these two factors no doubt contributed to heavy pressure from the Blues after half-time, and United struggled. Fletcher’s role in midfield nevertheless reminded us of his usefulness to the team.

Ahead of Fletcher played Giggs and Anderson, both of whom arguably had their best performances of the season so far. Each player offers a direct running threat, and they both pressed high up the pitch to great effect. Anderson in particular demonstrated graft and guile, not only winning tackles and harrying the opposition, but also providing three assists and a general creative masterclass. Although composure in the form of Carrick, Cleverley or Scholes may have aided the team, the energy and fight shown by Fletcher, Giggs and Anderson was a contributing factor to the urgent pressing and counter-attacking ability shown by United for the most part against Chelsea. The 4-1-4-1 set-up once again proved its worth in getting at a stern opposition.

Next Generation

The average age of United’s starting 11 was merely 24, and at times it showed. U21 players Michael Keane, Scott Wootton, Nick Powell, Ryan Tunnicliffe and Federico Macheda all featured. Tunnicliffe and Macheda were granted little time to prove their qualities, both coming on as late substitutions. Nick Powell, a half-time substitute, was a joy to watch at times as he frequently demonstrated his superb first-touch ability and his willingness to run at goal. Defensively Powell also proved himself a useful physical presence when he tracked back twice to dispossess a Chelsea player.

The centre-back duo of Keane and Wootton had impressive games, but ultimately their shortcomings were the reasons behind Chelsea’s late goals. Both acquitted themselves superbly for the majority of the match and, despite some errors, must be praised for dealing with a Chelsea attack containing stellar names full of quality. Keane perhaps look more assured of the two defenders, and is the better bet for a long-term career at Old Trafford, but both showed their potential at in this game and will no doubt have successful careers, at United or elsewhere.

Going Forward

It is a disappointment that United will not be progressing further in this competition after coming so close. This performance however signalled three things; the depth of United’s squad, the talented youngsters coming through the ranks, and the continuing ability to score multiple goals against top opposition. It is bizarre to be talking so positively about a defeat, but United’s young team should be proud of their display against Chelsea and were unlucky not to progress. Let’s hope these players get the chance to continue showcasing their potential and ability.

Ratings

[4-1-4-1]: Lindegaard-7, Rafael-8, Keane-8, Wootton-6, Büttner-5, Fletcher-6, Nani-6, Anderson-9*,  Giggs-8,  Welbeck-6, Hernandez-7

(Powell-7, Tunnicliffe-6, Macheda-6)

*Man of the match