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