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