Analysis: Manchester United 4 Fulham 1

FA Cup, Saturday 26^th January 2013

Manchester United cruised to a win over a gutless Fulham side to progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup. Ryan Giggs struck an early penalty, before second-half goals from Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez completed an easy victory. Here’s some brief analysis on the fixture:

 Transitions

United have shown a great ability to transition into attack this season, and this was in full evidence against Fulham. It appears to be a combination of Michael Carrick and one other in midfield, something that is working delightfully in forward areas. Carrick sprays passes, opens up the field, and takes up sensible positions, whilst his partner (Anderson against Fulham) presses forward.

In this particular game, United were quite beautiful in their ability to turn defence into attack. The liveliness and good positioning of the two wingers enhanced the flowing forward play. A good final ball was the ingredient missing against Fulham. Wayne Rooney was also showing the effects of not having played much recently, and whether it be him or Shinji Kagawa in a deep forward role, both are extremely important in attacking transitions. Rooney’s slight lack of sharpness contributed to the stalling of attacks at times, but overall the forward play was expansive and effective from United.

Something different

As shown in the last FA Cup tie with West Ham, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are improving with every game. They partnered each other again against Fulham, and showed all the signs of authoritative, defensive solidity. Smalling in particular was immaculate in all that he did against his former club. Both are real, viable options when it comes to central defence for United.

Nani on the right-wing also had a relatively encouraging game, and will be sure to get Sir Alex Ferguson thinking in terms of his wide options in future games. The Portuguese showed versatility in his direct and diagonal running, combined with his ability to shoot well from long-range. At times the touch and final ball of Nani was inevitably disappointing, but his all round play will have given Ferguson food for thought. Encouraging from the winger, and certainly a challenge to Valencia and Young out wide.

Going Forward

The short break in Qatar seemed to galvanise United before this game, and a strong line-up highlighted the importance to the club of the competition. Several individual performances will have pleased Ferguson, no less than those of the experienced Ryan Giggs and young Chris Smalling. United now have two Premier League fixtures in a week, two games in which victory is vital to keep a healthy lead at the top of the table.

Ratings

[4-4-2]: de Gea-6, Rafael-7, Smalling-8*, Jones-7, Evra-7, Nani-7, Anderson-7, Carrick-7, Giggs-8, Rooney-6, Hernandez-7

(Scholes-6, Kagawa-6, Valencia-6)

Opinion: Pogba may have been right after all

The thing about the Paul Pogba story is that barely anyone in the whole world knows the truth. All of our suspicions and opinions are based on surmises and guesses. But that’s what football fans do all the time isn’t it? Surmise and guess. So here’s some surmising and guessing on the Paul Pogba story, because maybe, just maybe, he was kind of right after all.

The move to Juventus in the summer has certainly been a positive one for the youngster so far. Reportedly he is already valued at 15 million pounds. That’s 15 million pounds more than he was a few months ago. To be asserting yourself in the Italian champions’ midfield alongside the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio, and Arturo Vidal is certainly impressive at least.

Based on his current sparkling form ‘the Pog’, as he’s affectionately known by no-one, could have been a hit at Old Trafford.  As it is though, a lack of game time given to him by Sir Alex Ferguson appears to have been the proverbial nail in his Manchester United coffin.

The thing is though, why wasn’t Pogba included in United’s first team more? Yes, Michael Carrick was an ever-present in the starting eleven last year, but what else was stopping the Frenchman? Tom Cleverley, Anderson, and Darren Fletcher were all sidelined with long-term injuries. None of Phil Jones, Ryan Giggs, or Ji-Sung Park is a natural central midfielder. Even the ageing Paul Scholes was dragged out of retirement ahead of giving his younger namesake a chance. The most Pogba ever got were a couple of mere substitute appearances.

Maybe Pogba was just considered too young. This is a fragile argument though. He’s very similar in age to Phil Jones, a player who not only racked up an incredible amount of first-team appearances, but was also played regularly outside of his most natural position. Trust Jones, but not Pogba? Seems odd.

Another argument was that Sir Alex Ferguson didn’t want to play the Frenchman until he signed a new contract. Fair enough, but it became bit of a catch 22 situation. Ferguson wouldn’t play him until he signed, Pogba wouldn’t sign until he played.

In hindsight (oh what a wonderful thing), the French prodigy should’ve, or at least could've, played more. Why shouldn’t he have been picked ahead of Rafael da Silva in midfield against Blackburn on a miserable New Years Eve? Why should a similarly aged Phil Jones be trusted with so many appearances, but Pogba so little? Why drag an old man out of retirement when there’s a young player ready and waiting?

It would be foolish to overly criticise the Manchester United management over Pogba’s departure; they weren’t to be held to ransom by agents and contract demands, and were trying to develop a young player at their own pace. But at the same time, Pogba’s reasoning is sound. If you’re not getting games when you justifiably could, and the Italian champions come calling…well, you work it out.

Should Pogba have given it another year at United? Probably. Would I have joined Juventus in his situation? Probably. Is he an idiot for leaving United? Obviously. But maybe, for now, his move to Juventus was the right thing to do.

Analysis: Tottenham Hotspur 1 Manchester United 1

Premier League, Sunday 20^th January 2013

Manchester United were stung by a late Tottenham equaliser as they claimed a point at White Hart Lane. Robin van Persie scored midway through the first-half, and United defended stoutly up until the 90^th minute blow from Tottenham. Here’s the analysis:

Unorthodox setup

United set-up somewhat unorthodoxly in a 4-4-1-1 formation. Phil Jones and Michael Carrick were paired in central midfield, with Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley out wide. Shinji Kagawa operated behind Robin van Persie up front.

Perhaps the most effective part of the set-up was Phil Jones. Sitting on the right hand side of central midfield, Jones did his bit by stopping Gareth Bale coming inside whilst also helping to break up Tottenham’s central threat. Michael Carrick mirrored Jones somewhat in the second-half as he looked to defend against Lennon on the other side, but his increased defensive work contributed to a lack of impact going forward. Maybe a similar defensive shape will be chosen against Real Madrid, with Jones used as a protection in the middle against Cristiano Ronaldo.

Because of the unusual and disjointed nature of the set-up, attacking successfully was always going to be a concern. Fortunately, United hit a purple patch midway through the first half when Cleverley and Welbeck swapped wings, and the team in Red started interchanging nicely to disorientate Tottenham. This resulted in the goal, but because of a high intensity involved in United’s defensive work-rate, was not often replicated in the second period.

A technical trio

Shinji Kagawa, Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley proved again against Tottenham that they are suited to playing with each other. Technically very good players, they are often on each other’s wavelengths when it comes to short, crisp passing and movement. This was seen in glimpses at the start of the 2011-2012 season when Cleverley and Welbeck burst onto the scene, and was only enhanced by the arrival of Kagawa, someone Tom Cleverley has already earmarked as easy to play with. Each of the players has some way to go in bettering their final ball, but in terms of youthful zest, dynamic interplay, and work-rate, these three are an exciting trio who work very well together.

Going Forward

United now go to Qatar for a four day break, something that could really galvanise the team after the late blow against Spurs. The last time United had a winter break in the middle-east was in January 2008, and the rest of that season tells its own story. On return, the Red Devils face an FA Cup fixture before a home match against Southampton in the Premier League, both games the team should be winning and look to be gaining further momentum from.

Ratings

[4-4-1-1]: de Gea-7, Rafael-7, Ferdinand-9*, Vidic-7, Evra-6, Welbeck-7, Jones-7, Carrick-8, Cleverley-7, Kagawa-7, van Persie-6

(Rooney-6, Valencia-6)

*Man of the Match

Analysis: Manchester United 1 West Ham United 0

FA Cup, Wednesday 16^th January 2013

This home FA Cup third round replay looked straightforward for Manchester United on the surface, and they did indeed progress. The game was somewhat dulled by the early Wayne Rooney goal, and became sloppy, but the side in Red prevailed to progress. Here’s some thoughts emanating from the game:

The Phil Jones Manchester United bought

A risky strategy from Sir Alex Ferguson in changing all but one of the back five paid off, with Phil Jones in particular excelling. Jones partnered Chris Smalling at centre-back as the duo resumed a former partnership from England under 21 level. Both players impressed, particularly in dealing with a series of aerial threats from West Ham in the second half.

Jones himself was the epitome of solidity as he dealt with everything accomplishedly. There was even the occasional burst forward from the young Englishman. Albeit sometimes accompanying positional naivety, Jones’ energy and surges forward are symptomatic of the 20 year old, and inject energy into the team. In terms of partnerships, Jones and Smalling look like the ideal long-term replacements for Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. Of course Jonny Evans will contest that, but at least in this match it was a joy to see the potential from the English pair, and particularly the talent from Jones that inspired Ferguson to pay £18million for him.

Fit squad

Aside from the troubled Darren Fletcher, for the first time in several years Manchester United can boast a near fully fit squad. This is remarkable considering some of the huge injury crises of recent years, but the options available to Sir Alex Ferguson will please him greatly. The large squad certainly came in of use against West Ham.

Wayne Rooney, Nani and Anderson all returned to action following injury. Anderson was at times his usual sloppy self, combined with the occasional moment of magic (in this game the pass leading to the goal.) Rooney looked sharp, as he has on previous injury comebacks, and Nani showed some promise in getting forward. Ryan Giggs, this time in central midfield, was sublime. He weaved in and around West Ham and was a constant creative, direct threat. The performances of these players coming into the first team were certainly encouraging.

Going Forward

United will now face Fulham in the fourth round. The tie being at Old Trafford, the Red Devils will be looking to progress further in the competition, and large squad rotation will likely be a feature again. This weekend the team face Tottenham Hotspur away in a tough fixture, and will need to better the largely disjointed display versus West Ham.

Ratings

[4-4-2]: Lindegaard-5, Rafael-7, Smalling-7, Jones-8, Büttner-6, Valencia-6, Anderson-6, Giggs-8*, Nani-6, Rooney-7, Hernandez-7

(Carrick-7, Scholes-6)

*Man of the Match

Analysis: Manchester United 2 Liverpool 1

Premier League, Sunday 13^th January 2013

The prolific Robin van Persie, and captain Nemanja Vidic, scored the goals as Manchester United defeated arch-rivals Liverpool on Sunday. United started the game with purpose and dominated Liverpool for the first hour. A goal for the Merseysiders made the last 30 minutes uncomfortable for the home team, but they ultimately held on to the win. Here’s some brief thoughts from the game:

Zesty confidence

United are playing with a confidence and purpose at the moment that translated into the game against Liverpool. Particularly against other top sides this season, United have started games with energy and intent, and this was evident again on Sunday. The confidence throughout side can be put down to several reasons, each fuelling the inherent United belief.

The increasingly talismanic Robin van Persie has become a regular goalscorer and reliable striker. His impact on the team is likeable to that of Eric Cantona. The numerous comebacks, and frequency of goals scored are also combining to give the team confidence. And undoubtedly, the buzz from being top of the table and looking to regain the title, is driving Manchester United on. If United carry on not just in their good form, but also with such a visibly positive psychological outlook, great things could be achieved this season.

A legendary defence

Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic were reunited in central defence for the first time since September, and were masterful. The match was billed at ‘battle of the strikers’, but Ferdinand and Vidic ensured that Luis Suarez was no contest for Robin van Persie. Suarez’s effectiveness was limited to dribbling into players with no success. Despite some shaky moments late on, United’s defence was mostly solid throughout. The combination of Vidic and Ferdinand brought security and organisation. Whilst Jonny Evans has been individually superb this season, there still appears to be no pairing that can match the legendary Vidic and Ferdinand on their day.

At full-back Rafael and Patrice Evra also continued their good form. Rafael was particularly outstanding in limiting attacks down his side, and his only disappointment will be his slow reaction in the build-up to Liverpool’s goal. Evra continued to underline his importance going forward as he provided two assists. Perhaps considered a weakness in the summer, the impressive form of United’s full-backs is encouraging.

Going Forward

Another three points for Manchester United against tough opposition is a welcome result. United are playing with confidence at the moment, and they will need to take that into a tough fixture with Spurs next weekend. Up first however is an FA Cup replay with West Ham where there is likely to be widespread rotation, and possibly the returns of Wayne Rooney and Nani to first team action.

Ratings

[4-4-2]: De Gea-7, Rafael-8, Ferdinand-8, Vidic-8, Evra-8, Young-6, Carrick-8*, Cleverley-7, Kagawa-7, van Persie-7, Welbeck-7

*Man of the match

Analysis: West Ham United 2 Manchester United 2

FA Cup, Saturday 5th January 2013

Manchester United will find themselves pleased to remain in the FA Cup after an abject draw against West Ham. After early domination and a goal from Tom Cleverley, the Reds faded and conceded two cheap headers. A world-class goal from Robin van Persie in injury time salvaged a replay however. Here are some thoughts from the tie:

Tactical failure?

United lined up in the diamond formation, something Sir Alex Ferguson has been keen to use away from home in competitions other than the Premier League. Whilst the diamond offers something different, notably possession which the Reds monopolised in the first 20 minutes, it also relies on the right personnel and quick penetration, neither of which United seemed to have.

Paul Scholes in the defensive midfield position was far too deep to really effect the game in an attacking sense, and was but a shadow of the defensive abilities that Michael Carrick or Darren Fletcher can show in that position. Rafael in right midfield looked out of place, whilst Kagawa behind the strikers offered little penetration. Only Welbeck and Hernandez up front were running with enough forward-mindedness to trouble the Hammers defence. Whilst the diamond formation has its benefits, Ferguson appeared to get his selection wrong on this occasion, possibly.

New signings contrast

Robin van Persie could not have had a better start to his Manchester United career. Despite a wonderful first few months, Wayne Rooney continued to underline his importance to United with displays that equalled if not bettered the Dutchman. Since Rooney’s injury in mid-December however, van Persie has taken his game to a new level, and now has nine goals in his last nine games. Van Persie is possibly in the form of his life, and looks like one of United’s best ever signings.

In contrast to van Persie, new signings Shinji Kagawa and Alex Büttner are yet to settle. Büttner looked susceptible in all of his defensive duties against West Ham and although it is still early in his United career, he sometimes appears dangerously close to becoming a liability. Remembering Patrice Evra’s poor start at United, it is only fair to give Büttner a chance, but on current form he is not United standard. Shinji Kagawa on the other hand has shown glimpses of his potential, but is yet to really effect a game, and must look to penetrate more and be more direct. Tiki-taka may be pretty, but it doesn’t win games. Kagawa must become more of an attacking threat.

Going Forward

This game allowed key players such as Michael Carrick and Patrice Evra to get a rest after a busy Christmas period, whilst giving the opportunity for the likes of Rafael and Shinji Kagawa to return to full fitness after injuries. Although United performed meekly, they have salvaged their place in the competition and will host West Ham in a replay. It could be worse.

Ratings

[4-1-2-1-2]: De Gea-7, Smalling-6, Vidic-6, Evans-6, Büttner-5, Scholes-6, Rafael-6, Cleverley-7, Kagawa-5, Welbeck-7, Hernandez-7
(van Persie-8*, Valencia-5, Giggs-7)
*Man of the match

Analysis: Wigan Athletic 0 Manchester United 4

Premier League, Tuesday 1^st January 2013

This was a supreme performance from Manchester United as they strolled to victory over a tired Wigan Athletic. Two goals apiece from Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez secured the win, but the confidence and ease of the performance will have most pleased Sir Alex Ferguson. Here’s some brief analysis from the game:

Moving into gear

Despite eventual serenity, United started this match on the backfoot playing very deep. As a result of this positioning, the Reds struggled to keep possession or threaten Wigan. Halfway through the first half United moved up the pitch, to great effect, and as a result scored two goals before half-time.

Tom Cleverley injected an energy and drive into the midfield that pushed Wigan back as a result of pressure. As United pressed more and pinned Wigan back, their opponents themselves struggled to keep the ball in dangerous areas, and from that point on United looked comfortable. This was a stark reminder of the importance of pressing and positioning on the field of play.

Foundations are important

Believe it or not, in this game Wigan actually ended up with more possession than Manchester United overall. This was largely irrelevant however, due to United’s superb defence. The back four is the foundation of a team, and when that bit is got right then other bits begin to fall into place. No team has ever won a Premier League title without a solid defensive line.

In this game, the assurance and solidity at the back shown by the excellent returning Rafael, the calm Rio Ferdinand, the commanding Jonny Evans, and the marauding Patrice Evra, gave United the basis on which to push on and score goals. The Reds have had no problem scoring goals this season, and with more defensive strength as was shown against Wigan, United will not concede too many either, a desirable combination.

Going Forward

Manchester United can be proud of their Christmastime exploits, gaining ten points from an available twelve. A big squad has meant injuries have caused little disruption, whilst some excellent individual performances from van Persie, Carrick, Evra, and Evans over the four games should be praised. After an upcoming FA Cup tie United will look to continue their good league form at home to mighty foes Liverpool.

Ratings

[4-4-1-1]: De Gea-6, Rafael-8, Ferdinand-8, Evans-8, Evra-8, Young-7, Carrick-7, Cleverley-7, Giggs-7, van Persie-9*, Hernandez-8

(Kagawa-6, Smalling-5, Welbeck-7)

*Man of the match