Analysis: Manchester 3 Queens Park Rangers 1

Premier League, Saturday 24^th November 2012

Jonny Evans, Darren Fletcher, and Javier Hernandez were this week’s saviours as United once again completed a second-half comeback to beat QPR and return to the top of the table. An insipid performance contained an inspired 10 minutes in which United did their damage, and it turned out to be enough against a struggling QPR team. Here’s some thoughts from the game:

The edge of games

Being no psychological expert, this is merely a supposition, but it appears that United almost require to be on the edge of matches in order to perform this season. Sir Alex Ferguson once said of Wayne Rooney that he ‘needs to be on the edge of games’ to play well. It seems that this belief may have transferred to the whole United team. On numerous occasions this season United have looked comfortable in possession, but underwhelming in creation and excitement, and only when going behind in matches have come to life. The few matches that United have started with intensity have often been the ‘bigger’ games, for example against Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle.

It could possibly be that United are simply lacking the psychological intensity at the start of matches to be at their full throttle best. When other teams play United they are often lesser in ability, and therefore playing the Red Devils is one of their bigger matches meaning they have a higher intensity level. United often fail to match this level until the need for goals (i.e. going behind) is at its greatest point.

Maybe this is simply a false theory. Or maybe this is a real thing. One thing is for certain though; whatever is the reason for conceding first and not performing well at the start of matches needs sorting.

Midfield

It was Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher who lined up in the centre of midfield against QPR. Both had quiet games, not doing much wrong, but not greatly affecting the game. Fletcher’s defensive work, particularly in supporting the full-back, was of greater mobility than has been seen recently. Scholes was accurate in his passing, but failed to impact the game going forward. The introduction of Anderson added a drive to the midfield in a way that only Anderson can do, and was the antidote that worked against QPR. It would be harsh to blame the central midfield for all of United’s dullness however.

Yet again United’s wide players failed to inspire against the London side. Ashley Young had another tepid game, and Danny Welbeck looked even more unbalanced than usual out on the wings.  United wide players of the past (Ronaldo, Giggs, Beckham to name but a few) had a habit of producing that ultra-special moment that changed a tight game. Welbeck and Young looked nowhere near beating a man, let alone creating that special moment against QPR. The lack of confidence, swagger, and quality on United’s wings is an ongoing concern that only serves to limit United’s supply of creativity in matches.

Going Forward

The win and three points was the most important thing from this match. The performance was dull, but rarely in doubt apart from the few minutes QPR were ahead. United’s wing-play is concerning, and whilst the central midfield does little to inspire at times, the flexibility of options there is encouraging. With a busy December period now approaching, United will need to make full use of an excitingly big and varied squad as they look to reach the New Year in pole position.

Ratings

[4-4-2]: Lindegaard-6, Rafael-7, Ferdinand-7, Evans-7, Evra-6, Young-5, Fletcher-6, Scholes-6, Welbeck-6, Rooney-7, van Persie-6

(Anderson-8*, Hernandez-7, Powell-6)

*Man of the match