Season Predictions: Mid-season review

The Premier League is now over halfway through the season’s fixtures, and there is plenty to dwell on from the last few months of football. Back in August, the iThinkUnited season predictions were published on the blog. Now at the halfway stage of 2012-2013, here’s a look at whether those predictions are coming true, or whether they need revising:

Cup Winners

COMMUNITY SHIELD:

August prediction: Manchester City

City did indeed win the community shield over ten-man Chelsea as a show of intent for the coming season.

Mid-season prediction: Won by Manchester City

CARLING CUP:

August prediction: Manchester United

United unluckily fell to Chelsea in the fourth round, who now themselves look like the favourites for the trophy.

Mid-season prediction: Chelsea

FA CUP:

August prediction: Liverpool

Liverpool’s defence, and in particular their goalkeeper, haven’t looked as solid as last season, but perhaps in the new year (with a few astute signings) the Merseysiders will go on a successful cup run.

Mid-season prediction: Liverpool

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE:

August prediction: Real Madrid

Madrid may be behind Barcelona in La Liga, but have qualified with relative ease from a tough Champions League group, and under Mourinho still would be most people’s favourites. A certain team in red lie eagerly in waiting first however.

Mid-season prediction: Real Madrid

Premier League

CHAMPIONS:

August prediction: Manchester United

Manchester United has opened-up an impressive lead at the top of the table, and if they can avoid another plague of injuries there’s no reason they shouldn’t be lifting the title come May.

Mid-season prediction: Manchester United

TOP FOUR:

August prediction: 2-City, 3-Arsenal, 4-Chelsea

It would be odd if Manchester City failed to finish in the top two after last season’s triumph, despite a recent Chelsea resurgence. The other spots are up for grabs between Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and even Everton. A typical late Arsenal surge may just pip the others to third.

Mid-season prediction: 2-City, 3-Arsenal, 4-Chelsea

RELEGATED:
August prediction: Southampton, Aston Villa, Reading

Accepting that Sunderland and Newcastle are probably too strong to get relegated, it appears a five horse race between QPR, Reading, Wigan, Southampton and Aston Villa. Wigan always seem to get themselves out of trouble, and a team spirit that seems to abide at Reading may be the key factor that saves them come May.

Mid-season prediction: Southampton, Aston Villa, QPR

PLAYER OF THE YEAR:

August prediction: Nani

Whilst you can’t doubt Nani had the potential to be player of the season, he couldn’t be further away from it. By far the worst prediction of the lot, Nani has had a torrid season so far. Meanwhile it is the likes of Gareth Bale, Juan Mata, and Robin van Persie who appear to vying for the award.

Mid-season prediction: Gareth Bale

TOP SCORER:

August prediction: Wayne Rooney

An early injury and the acquisition of van Persie to United makes this prediction look increasingly unlikely. Perhaps it will turn out to be the Dutchman who scores the most goals.

Mid-season prediction: Robin van Persie

Other Predictions

BEST SIGNING:

August prediction: Eden Hazard

Hazard has indeed looked a quality signing so far for Chelsea. Santi Cazorla, Robin van Persie and Moussa Dembele have also looked like superb purchases for their respective clubs. Michu at a bargain £2million for Swansea City looks by far the most effective and financially-astute purchase of the season however.

Mid-season prediction: Michu

SURPRISE TEAM:

August prediction: Fulham

Players at Fulham such as Dimitar Berbatov have helped to install some quality into the team, although the departures of Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey are obviously a setback for the side. A recent blip has seen Fulham ‘fall faster than Felix Baumgartner’ in the table as one football presenter put it. Nevertheless, come the end of the season it is still possible Fulham may surprise us all with a good top half of the table finish.

Mid-season prediction: Fulham

FLOP TEAM:

August prediction: Newcastle

To call Newcastle a flop may seem harsh, but they are evidently not going to finish anywhere near their 5^th place from last season. A second-half of the table finish, as they are currently placed, would be an obvious disappointment.

Mid-season prediction: Newcastle

Analysis: Manchester United 2 West Bromwich Albion 0

Premier League, Saturday 29^th December 2012

Manchester United picked up another three points with a relatively undramatic victory over West Bromwich Albion. An early own goal set United on their way, before a tentative second half culminated in a late Robin van Persie strike to seal the victory. Here’s the analysis:

Defensive solidity and tactics

This was only a fifth clean sheet of the season for United, and Nemanja Vidic was largely to thank. The Serbian won tackles, headers, and made clearances and interceptions as he looked right on top of his game. Despite this however, perhaps because of Vidic’s diminishing pace, United defended very deep and this invited second half pressure from West Brom. Nevertheless, Vidic and the rest of United’s defence did a good enough job to prevent any concessions.

Late in the second half, Sir Alex Ferguson switched his back four to a back five. Chris Smalling moved into the centre and Antonio Valencia moved to right wing-back as United converted to a 5-4-1. This move ensured the Reds three central defenders nullified any West Brom threat and gave license to the full-backs to push on in the counter-attack which helped to pin the Baggies back. It was an astute, late tactical switch from Ferguson.

A midfield axis

Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley lined-up alongside the returning Shinji Kagawa to create a midfield axis many have been longing to see. Cleverley and Kagawa in particular work well together. Cleverley likes to push forward and find space, and his one-touch passing is often in tandem with the Japanese. Cleverley’s forward-thinking also ensures Kagawa doesn’t become isolated, as he can do if for example Scholes and Carrick play behind him and sit too deep.

Amidst terrible conditions, this midfield trio tired and inevitably lost some of their stranglehold of the game after they dominated the first half. Cleverley and Kagawa made way for Scholes and van Persie, who each brought a calm and control to United late in the match, as well as a fresh energy, and saw out the victory.

Going Forward

A clean sheet and good defensive performance were no doubt the main positives from this match for Manchester United. The midfield trio of Carrick, Cleverley and Kagawa was encouraging, and van Persie once again showed his class when he came on. Seven points out of nine for the festive period is a good return so far, and should United make it ten out of twelve after an encounter with Wigan, then they will be flying very high indeed.

Ratings

[4-2-3-1]: De Gea-6, Smalling-6, Vidic-8*, Evans-7, Evra-7, Valencia-6, Carrick-7, Cleverley-7, Young-7, Kagawa-7, Welbeck-6

(Scholes-6, van Persie-7)

*Man of the match

Mid-Season Review

19 games into the Premier League campaign, and Manchester United find themselves sitting pretty on top of the table. Despite a disappointing Capital One Cup exit, the Red Devils are into the last 16 of the Champions League awaiting a mouth-watering clash with Real Madrid. Now is the time to take stock, and review Manchester United’s season so far.

The story of United’s season has been defensive calamities combined with attacking excellence. The Reds have scored goals at a fantastic rate, but have needed to because of the uncharacteristic rate of conceding. United have already let in more goals than in any of their entire title-winning seasons in recent years.

If Sir Alex Ferguson’s team can go on and keep winning games however, then this will be seen as a great season. United are in a great position to regain the title, and will be looking to go far in the FA Cup and Champions League.

Below are the mid-season awards:

Players

BEST PLAYER:

Wayne Rooney

This may seem odd to some, but Wayne Rooney is certainly up there. A dreadful start against Everton, and a dreadful recent performance against Swansea have been but the rare lowpoints of an impressive campaign. The iThinkUnited player ratings system ranks Rooney as the most impressive player this season, and superb performances against Tottenham and Manchester City are among his highlights. Robin van Persie and Rafael are not far behind.

WORST PLAYER:

Nani

Like Rooney, Nani started this season dreadfully against Everton, and simply hasn’t recovered. Rumours of injury and dissent are common when the Portuguese is mentioned, and Nani simply isn’t having a good season at all.

BEST TEAM:

De Gea, Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Carrick, Cleverley, Anderson, Rooney, van Persie, Hernandez

According to the iThinkUnited player ratings system, this eleven has been United’s best this season.

Matches

BEST MATCH:

Manchester City 2 Manchester United 3

Manchester United have been part of some extraordinary matches this season, but the Manchester derby has to be the highlight. Though torture to some, the dramatic victory over United’s cross-city rivals will be hard to beat for entertainment.

WORST MATCH:

Manchester United 0 CFR Cluj 1

In the context of the season, United have performed worse than this game, but if you had to miss one United game this year, it would be this. A dead-rubber as far as United were concerned, they never got going, and eventually lost to the Romanians. As boring as they come.

Goals

BEST GOAL SCORED:

Robin van Persie vs Fulham

Van Persie’s first goal in a United shirt was excellent. He hooked a volley into the corner from a difficult angle, and thus started his flourishing Manchester United career. Tom Cleverley is a close contender with some excellent goals against Newcastle and Sunderland.

WORST GOAL CONCEDED:

Adam le Fondre for Reading

There are unfortunately many contenders for this award, but after weeks of lessons not learnt, calamitous defending at the Madejski stadium was hard to believe.

Moments

MOST ENTHRALLING MOMENT:

Robin van Persie vs Manchester City

The late goal that won the Manchester derby has to be the most enthralling moment of the season so far. Late winners against Southampton, Aston Villa and Newcastle aren’t far behind however.

MOST DISAPPOINTING MOMENT:

The first half against Tottenham

After a shocking performance against Liverpool the week before, lessons were not learned as United were beaten in the first half against Tottenham. Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes started, and were exposed. Giggs’ substitution for Rooney at half-time highlighted the ineffectiveness of United’s old guard, and it was a sad sight. Thankfully Giggs had improved his form since then.

BEST MISCALLENOUS MOMENT:

Darren Fletcher’s return

It was feared the Scot would never return to the first-team football after he was diagnosed with illness, so when he made his comeback as a substitute against Galatasaray it was a truly magnificent moment. His goal against QPR on his Premier League comeback was also special.

Analysis: Manchester United 4 Newcastle United 3

Premier League, Wednesday 26^th December 2012

This match was pure drama, but most importantly a match where Manchester United picked up three points and extended their lead at the top of the table to seven points. Newcastle lead three times, but each time were pegged back with goals from Jonny Evans, Patrice Evra and Robin van Persie, before Javier Hernandez stuck an injury time winner. Here’s some thoughts from the game:

Van Persie: the all-rounder

Robin van Persie showed all his remarkable qualities against Newcastle as he helped the Reds to secure a win. He delivered dangerous set-pieces, and of course struck an important goal, but most notably in this game was his impressive hold-up play. The Dutchman is proving to be one of the best around at holding the ball up and bringing others into play, an essential trait. It allows the team to regain possession and regain their shape as they look to attack teams.

In the last twenty minutes of this match, van Persie dropped slightly deeper behind Javier Hernandez. His hold-up play in this area of the pitch was superb, and he brought width to the play. With Carrick sitting deeper as a playmaker and defensive midfielder, and Cleverley adding energy and quick-thinking, this tactical switch is possibly what won Manchester United the game, and van Persie must take a lot of credit for his part.

Mistakes

The first-half was littered with individual errors from the Reds. Each goal can be attributed to errors, and these must be cut out if Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are to stop conceding. The pitch and the conditions were not in any way helpful, but it did not excuse some of the poor play.

Patrice Evra in particular can be singled out for his lacklustre attempt to close-down the ball leading to Newcastle’s second goal. Rio Ferdinand was rightly apoplectic with the Frenchman, who seemed to switch off before eventually jogging towards his opposition man. Whilst enormously effective and underrated in Manchester United’s attack, Evra appears susceptible to a lack of concentration in defence, something that could cost the Reds further.

Going Forward

This game once again showed the courage and resilience of an extraordinary Manchester United team. Halfway through the season now, they are on course for 92 points. There were some shoddy performances in this game, but the three points was the most important thing. A rotated team will now look to beat West Brom at home to consolidate the lead at the top of the table.

Ratings

[4-4-1-1]: De Gea-5, Smalling-5, Ferdinand-6, Evans-5, Evra-6 Valencia-6, Carrick-7, Scholes-6, Giggs-7, van Persie-7*, Hernandez-7

(Cleverley-7, Fletcher-6)

*Man of the match

Analysis: Swansea City 1 Manchester United 1

Premier League, Sunday 23^rd December 2012

Manchester United’s first draw of the season came after a hard-fought battle at the Liberty Stadium. Patrice Evra’s opener was cancelled out by the prolific Michu. United then failed to capitalise on second half domination as Swansea worked hard to defend their goal. Here are some talking points from the game:

Rooney pivotal

Wayne Rooney had a bad game against Swansea, and this certainly impacted on the scoreline. When at his best, Rooney inspires United to be at their best; he is the pivot of the team. Against Swansea however, Rooney was poor, and United struggled to find a second goal as a result of that.

The Swansea defence marked Rooney exceptionally well throughout the game, limiting his influence for the most part. Nevertheless, the passes Rooney did make were often wayward. It was no surprise when he was substituted late on. Despite excellent peformances from Michael Carrick behind him, and Robin van Persie in front of him, Rooney’s lacklustre display meant United couldn’t quite find the extra gear that would’ve got them the three points in Wales.

Corners

After failing to register a single goal from a corner last season, United have now scored several this season. The reasons for this appear to be multiple. Firstly, the delivery from summer signing van Persie, and the improved Wayne Rooney, have offered more dangerous set-pieces that at most times last season. Secondly, it would be no surprise had United not worked on their set-pieces in training in order to get more success from them; it seems to have worked.

Patrice Evra scored from a corner against Swansea, and his recent goal-scoring glut (already three this season) has been as a result of his presence at set-pieces. Evra would previously stay back and defend when United were attacking set-pieces, mainly due to his height. This year however, the Frenchman has been going up for corners, and his unlikely ability to jump and head, combined with an underestimation from the opposition, has contributed to him scoring more.

 Going Forward

Ten points from twelve over the festive period would be an excellent return for United. After dropping two against Swansea, the onus is now on to win the other three. A point at the Liberty Stadium is not a bad result, but the disappointing manner of the performance will have left Sir Alex Ferguson frustrated. Utilising the squad will now be the name of the game as United look to pick up full points from the following games.

Ratings

[4-4-2]: De Gea-6, Jones-6, Vidic-6, Evans-6, Evra-6 Valencia-6, Carrick-8*, Cleverley-6, Young-6, Rooney-5, van Persie-7

(Hernandez-6, Giggs-7, Scholes-6)

*Man of the match

Ronaldo and Rooney: Variance in the best

Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney are two of the most well-known football players in the world, at the two of the most well-known clubs. And when Real Madrid and Manchester United meet in their titanic Champions League encounter in February, these two footballing superstars may well be the decisive factors in determining its outcome.

Ronaldo and Rooney are not carbon-copies of each other. Both are imposing attacking players, both influence games where others struggle, but both have their own identities, their own playing styles. It was the combination of these attacking identities that propelled United to soar at dizzy heights during the late noughties.

Whilst both are capable of that game-changing moment (think Rooney vs. City, or any Ronaldo free-kick), the sudden exhibition of technical brilliance is certainly more frequently observed when watching the Portuguese. The 27 year old is insatiable in his desire for excellence, and from that comes his staggering, unstoppable goal return. Give Ronaldo the ball and he will run at you. He strikes fear in the opposition that he attacks. And stand off him at your peril, that 30 yard screamer is ready to be unleashed.

Rooney meanwhile has become a crucial clog in the Manchester United machine. He may be less impactful than his Portuguese counterpart, but he is no less resourceful. His work-rate embodies the team ethic of the club, and his technical attributes have improved vastly during his time there.

The Englishman has gone from raw talent to matured artist. His passing is reminiscent of his elder teammate, Paul Scholes. His goal return is ever-increasing, largely due to his improved timing and positional sense. Rooney’s importance to the Manchester United team is underrated and often unnoticed, yet essential.

What Ronaldo and Rooney share are their pivotal roles in their respective sides. They are chief tormenters; Ronaldo the impulsive game-changer and Rooney the instrumental aggressor. Both are distinct, both are integral.

Should Ronaldo be on top of his game when Madrid faces United, then the team in Red will come up against an unstoppable phenomenon. Should Rooney be at his best, then United’s potential will be unleashed.

Ronaldo is so good that his brilliance is almost independent of his team, an outside force that thrusts Madrid to triumph. Rooney is so good that his brilliance is an ingrained part of Manchester United. Without him, United miss their fulcrum.

It may be the variance in these two great players that defines the outcome of the upcoming Champions League tie. If Ronaldo is off his game, then Madrid may still be able to work a result. If Rooney is off his game, then United will face a near impossible task. If both players are at their best, this tie will live up to its huge billing: the world’s most colossal clubs, featuring the world’s best players.

What can be said with certainty is that these players will earn their place in football’s hall of fame. Ronaldo; technically supreme, a force of power and skill, and Rooney; a matured controller, a footballing genius: variance in two of the world’s best.

Analysis: Manchester United 3 Sunderland 1

Premier League, Saturday 15^th December 2012

This was a mostly comfortable performance for Manchester United, albeit with some caveats. The first-half was sublime, and United rode on that excellence for the rest of the game. The goals came from van Persie, Cleverley, and Rooney, but it was a cheap concession and further misses that will have irked Sir Alex Ferguson. Here’s the analysis:

Midfield maestros

Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley started in midfield for the second time in a row after their magnificent performance at Eastlands. The two have started together in United’s most impressive wins so far this season (Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle), and once again proved their worth against Sunderland.

Carrick was dominant. He was as usual positionally excellent, and supreme on the ball. He broke up play and moved the ball on quickly, striding around the pitch in his elegant fashion. His superb first-time assist for Tom Cleverley’s goal was typical of his diplay. Cleverley himself played his usual busy, quick-thinking game. The two barely gave Sunderland an inch as they worked in tandem winning the ball, passing it on speedily, and giving a platform to the attackers. Only after Paul Scholes’ introduction for Michael Carrick at half-time did United’s midfield begin to lack authority and slow down the play.

Competition in defence with young Englishmen

United’s two notable performances in defence were from the English youngsters that have missed most of the season so far: Phil Jones and Chris Smalling. Smalling was again a rock, winning everything in the air. It was Smalling’s brief lapse of concentration that contributed to Sunderland’s goal, but other than that the 23 year old was impenetrable.

Jones meanwhile at right-back was a bombarding presence who combined useful attacking instinct with authoritarian defending. The young Englishman looked back to his best at the start of the 2011/2012 season, and will only contribute to the selection headache Ferguson now faces with such an enormous squad. Jones and Smalling both will surely have big parts to play in the second half of the season.

Going Forward

An encouraging performance to build upon the magnificent win over Manchester City was needed, and that's what Manchester United gave. The Reds will now be top at Christmas, and 10 points from the 12 available up until New Year will give United a wonderfully positioned platform going into 2013.

Ratings

[4-4-2]: De Gea-7, Jones-8, Ferdinand-6, Smalling-7, Evra-6 Valencia-6, Carrick-8*, Cleverley-8, Young-8, Rooney-7, van Persie-8

(Scholes-6, Vidic-6, Giggs-6)

*Man of the match

Analysis: Manchester City 2 Manchester United 3

Premier League, Sunday 9th December 2012

The battle of Manchester resulted in a 3-2 win for United, and it certainly made its mark on the outcome of this season’s war. The Reds now have a six point gap at the top of the table after a victory that came from Rooney and van Persie goals. Here’s some brief analysis on the fixture:

Intensity

There was a fire about United that dragged them to this victory. When talking about intensity, United’s midfield is often condemned as lacking energy and dynamism. This intensity against City was more than midfield mobility however. It was a hunger in every player, a desire to fight for every ball combined with a rigorous passion to concentrate on the task at hand.
The intensity in this game was typified by Danny Welbeck’s late ball-winning challenge that led to van Persie’s goal-scoring free-kick. The young Englishman showed a disciplined longing to win the ball for his side which paid dividends.
This winning intensity has been absent in many United performances this season in which the Reds have conceded goals and looked bereft of enthusiasm. It also was the same intensity however that has brought United back from the brink on many occasions; a delightful passion.

Counter attack

Tactically, Sir Alex Ferguson was rewarded for bravery and intelligence. The 4-4-1-1 counter-attacked brilliantly against City, with every role playing its part well. The back four were purposeful and superior in their defending, with the full-backs contributing significantly to attack. The wide positions were sources of joy for United, and Young and Valencia did well to stretch City. Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley in midfield were quick-witted and clever in their play, Rooney was dangerous in a forward role, and van Persie was sublime in linking the play and holding up the ball.
The set-up had flaws. United’s attacking full-backs left gaps which City exposed to good effect in the second-half. The Reds were however saved from being punished more in these positions due to excellent one-on-one defender from the centre-backs.

Going Forward

This was a fantastic team-performance from United. Each player played his part superbly, eventually culminating in a well-earned three points, and defeat of their closest rivals. This big match performance will not be repeated every week, but was a reminder of United’s capabilities. Sitting pretty at the top of the table, Sir Alex Ferguson, the team, and the fans, will be relishing the challenges that lie ahead.

Ratings

[4-4-1-1]: De Gea-8, Rafael-8, Ferdinand-8, Evans-8, Evra-7, Valencia-6, Carrick-8, Cleverley-7, Young-8, Rooney-9*, van Persie-8
(Smalling-8, Jones-6, Welbeck-7)
*Man of the match

Analysis: Manchester United 0 CFR Cluj 1

Champions League, Wednesday 5^th December 2012

This was a somewhat dull fixture which meant a great deal to Cluj but little to United. A second-half screamer ensured the win for the Romanians, despite the fact they eventually failed to progress from the group stage. Here are some brief talking points from the game:

Defensive options

The back line of Jones, Smalling, Wootton, and Büttner was a complete change from the regular back four this season, and gave us a glimpse of United’s back-up options in that area. Jones was impressive, galloping back and forth and putting in some good crosses. Smalling was dominant in the air and strong in the tackle, but once again showed his frailties with the ball at his feet. Wootton was exposed at times, and further emphasised that his future may lay away from Old Trafford. Büttner was lively, and rash, but a good threat going forward.

Rooney on the right

Wayne Rooney started on the right for the second consecutive game against Cluj. Ferguson recently hinted that Rooney needed to play continuously to keep his fitness and sharpness up, and his further deployment on the right suggests a start there in future games. With several of United’s wide options out injured, there appears to be some sense in this selection.

Rooney’s delivery has greatly increased over recent months, making his crossing potential much greater from the right. His link-up play with Phil Jones down that side against Cluj was also impressive, and that can no doubt be transferred to playing with Rafael. Although not at his best, the Rooney against Cluj was clearly lacking enthusiasm for a meaningless tie, and the potential to improve on that right-hand side in more important matches is evident. He has the raw tools to play there well after all.

Going Forward

This game is unlikely to have had any positive impact on the squad ahead of the Manchester derby this weekend. It was a disappointment to lose at home, albeit in an unimportant fixture. Many of the players lacked the enthusiasm to perform to their highest level, and this showed. No doubt there will be a greater intensity about United in the bigger games to come.

Ratings

De Gea-6, Jones-7*, Smalling-6, Wootton-5, Büttner-6, Rooney-6, Cleverley-6, Giggs-6, Powell-6, Welbeck-7, Hernandez-6

(Scholes-6, Fletcher-6, Macheda-6)

*Man of the match

Analysis: Reading 3 Manchester United 4

Premier League, Saturday 1^st December 2012

34 minutes and 7 goals at the Madejski stadium eventually culminated in a tumultuous win for Manchester United over Reading. Anderson and Wayne Rooney initially overturned a one goal deficit, before Rooney and Robin van Persie had to score again to ensure the win. Below are some talking points from the match:

Defensive frailties

Beyond anything else so far this season, this was United’s worst defensive display. Three early crosses resulted in three goals for Reading, with the United defence non-existent. In fact, Jonny Evans’ positioning and decision-making was largely at fault for the goals in his direst performance for a season and a half. Anders Lindegaard, whilst not as bad as some suggested, was nevertheless apparently bereft of communication and appeared to lack command of his area in a nonchalant performance.

Half an hour in, a yellow card for Rafael was the cue for Ferguson to bring on Chris Smalling in his place to bring more height and security to the United defence. Smalling effectively nullified his side of Reading’s attack and gave more solidity when facing high balls. Rio Ferdinand had a relatively good game and was rightly nonplussed at the calamity around him. The moment of the half was when Evans and Lindegaard got mixed up dealing with a ball into the box, and Ferdinand stood there, hands on hips, as if to say “what on earth is this?.” It was a truly horrendous defensive performance from United that Sir Alex Ferguson has accepted must not happen again, and it is hard to imagine that anything as bad will happen again this season.

Another forward set-up

Another forward combination was implemented for this game against Reading, and it was one that brought goals. Wayne Rooney started on the right, Ashley Young on the left, and Anderson behind Robin van Persie up front. Rooney had an excellent game, tracking back well and using the ball wisely in forward positions. His interchangability with Young and Anderson served to cause an unstable Reading defence problems. One goal in particular was a result of Young and Rooney swapping flanks and Reading failing to track the players.

Young had one of his better games this season on the left, but this was largely due to the space he was afforded and the willing running of Patrice Evra down his side. There were still some notably awry crosses and shots from the English winger. Anderson was purposeful before being withdrawn due to injury, and van Persie was dangerous at times, albeit dropping too deep as the lone striker at times too.

This 4-2-3-1 combination worked well for the most part for United, with Wayne Rooney particularly impressing. This is a set-up that appears to favour the likes of Anderson and Shinji Kagawa, making it a contender to feature more often this season. In particular against a fragile Reading defence, United looked dangerous at nearly every attack.

Going Forward

Defensively, this was a horror show, and will surely not be repeated. It can be expected that David de Gea will come in for Anders Lindegaard in goal for the next few games. After a dead-rubber in the Champions League, United visit current champions Manchester City for the tie of the season so far in the league. United will need an improved performance, no doubt, but one can be invariably expected.

Ratings

[4-2-3-1]: Lindegaard-5, Rafael-5, Ferdinand-7, Evans-4, Evra-6, Carrick-7, Fletcher-6, Anderson-7, Young-6, Rooney-8*, van Persie-6

(Smalling-7, Jones-6, Welbeck-6)

*Man of the match