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