Analysis: Manchester United 2 Reading 1

FA Cup, Monday 18^th February 2013

Manchester United saw off Reading in a mellow tie thanks to goals from Nani and Javier Hernandez. A late Reading rally made the nerves jitter for those inside Old Trafford, but ultimately United were too strong for their Berkshire opponents. Here are some thoughts emanating from the game:

Defensive coordination

United’s defensive display was a mixed bag. The essentials were there in abundance and there was little to worry about, yet some little snags still remained. Nemanja Vidic, whilst dominant and frankly outstanding aerially, appeared to be lacking in coordination and communication with his defensive colleagues. This is understandable due to his long injuries, but better communication with Alex Büttner for example may have prevented Reading’s goal. Vidic showed all his wonderful raw defensive qualities, but also gave a demonstration of why the oft played together trio of Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans and David De Gea at the back give more assurance at times.

Meanwhile Alex Büttner showed in qualities in attack and looked more composed in defensive one-on-ones than he has in past games. Nevertheless, the Dutchman’s work rate and positioning was questionable at times. Chris Smalling was smooth in his defensive duties, and displayed what a rock he can be at the back, but also demonstrated his lack of composure at times, particularly with some wayward balls forward. Overall United defended well, but there were also small concerns in a back four completely changed from the Reds last fixture.

Sparks

An FA Cup tie on a Monday night the week after an intense match in Madrid was always going to lack some of the energy from the week before. Despite some incisive attacking moves from the Red Devils, Reading stifled them for the first hour, leading to a slow and frustrating game. United required some of their players to spark them into life, and Tom Cleverley and Nani duly obliged.

Reading pressed well in midfield, and Anderson and Cleverley were largely ineffective for the first part of the game in central midfield. Midway through the second half however, the Englishman sprung into life offering better movements and crisp passing. This energy in the centre ignited the team. Nani meanwhile was showing his fantastic abilities on the wing. The Portuguese winger was causing turmoil in the Reading defence with a range of good shots and clever movement, ultimately resulting in a superb goal and assist. The impact of Cleverley and Nani in terms of getting United goals served to highlight the different assets in the United squad.

Going Forward

This was a satisfactory performance from Manchester United. Whilst at times slow, a much-changed United side did the job with some good individual performances. It is important to remember that United can’t be expected to dominate every game. This win continued United’s fight on three fronts. A trip to QPR this weekend is likely to involve further rotation, and Sir Alex Ferguson will be determined for his team to consolidate their lead at the top of the league table.

Ratings

[4-4-2]: de Gea-7, Jones-6, Smalling-7, Vidic-7, Büttner-6, Valencia-6, Cleverley-7, Anderson-6, Young-6 Hernandez-7, Welbeck-7

(Nani-8*, van Persie-8, Carrick-7)

*Man of the Match

Analysis: Real Madrid 1 Manchester United 1

Champions League, Wednesday 13^th February 2013

A decent result for Manchester United at the Bernabeu sets up an enticing second leg at Old Trafford in three weeks time. Danny Welbeck opened the scoring with a good header before Cristiano Ronaldo equalised with his own superb header. Despite Madrid’s superior possession and shots statistics they faded towards the end of the game, and United will be disappointed they didn’t take one of a few chances that could’ve given them a 2-1 victory. Here’s some thoughts on the match:

Hard work pays off

United setup in a fashion designed to work hard and close off space for Real Madrid, whilst looking to take full advantage of attacking opportunities. Danny Welbeck embodied this spirit with a tireless running game, although his excellent quick-thinking with the ball shouldn’t be overlooked either. Welbeck and Rooney were both sacrificed out wide as they were tasked with working hard in defensive areas. Phil Jones in midfield had a largely impressive game at limiting Real Madrid’s forays forward, and may be an option for Sir Alex Ferguson in the second leg. This was a disciplined display, much similar to the manner in which United approached the game with Everton last weekend. The Reds sacrificed some of their typical swashbuckling, attacking football in favour of defending tight and limiting Real Madrid.

Lessons for the second leg

After an intense hour from Real Madrid, the Spanish team tailed off in their pressing game, allowing United more time on the ball. Particularly towards the end of the game, Michael Carrick and Phil Jones were able to have more influence on forward attacks, and Madrid were limited to mostly ineffective counters. The second leg at Old Trafford is likely to follow this pattern of more United control on the game, whilst Real Madrid look to excel at their best tactic; counter-attacking. The team from Manchester will need to take full advantage of attacking opportunities, something they didn’t do as well as they could at the Bernabeu, but will also need to be wary of Madrid’s counter-attacking ability.

Going Forward

Manchester United can be mostly satisfied with the 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu, and will be marginal favourites for the return leg. In particular, the performances of de Gea, Ferdinand, Evans, Jones and Welbeck were extremely pleasing. There are three weeks before the second leg, in which time United will look to consolidate their lead of the Premier League and advance further in the FA Cup this Monday against Reading. Sir Alex Ferguson will be again thinking how best to rotate his team for the coming games, with every player (bar Darren Fletcher) fit and available.

Ratings

[4-2-3-1]: de Gea-8, Rafael-6, Ferdinand-8, Evans-8, Evra-7, Carrick-7, Jones-7, Welbeck-8*, Rooney-6, Kagawa-6, van Persie-6

(Giggs-6, Valencia-6, Anderson-5)

*Man of the Match

Analysis: Manchester United 2 Everton 0

Premier League, Sunday 10^th February 2013

Ryan Giggs scored in the league for the twenty-third successive season as Manchester United completed an impressive victory over Everton. Robin van Persie scored the second goal as United were rarely troubled in a strong performance. Some of the attacking spark of recent matches was missing, but this was more than made up for by an effort-filled, organised, and efficient performance. Sir Alex Ferguson gave his players one job; to win, and this they did. Here’s some analysis on the game:

Tactical responses

An important feature of United’s good performance on Sunday was the tactical responses made by Sir Alex Ferguson throughout the game. United initially lined-up in a 4-4-1-1, with Ryan Giggs left, Antonio Valencia right, Phil Jones and Tom Cleverley in central midfield, and Wayne Rooney clearly behind Robin van Persie up front. Jones was man-marking Marouane Fellaini (see below) meaning he was often dragged out of his central midfield position leaving Cleverley two versus one in the middle.

Ferguson responded to this marvellously. Jones was left to marshal Fellaini, whilst Giggs moved into a central midfield position alongside Cleverley to give United more midfield presence. Wayne Rooney was moved onto the left-hand side, a useful move as Rooney helped to nullify the marauding attacking from Everton’s full-back. Meanwhile van Persie was left up front on his own, something that was not detrimental because of Everton’s high defensive line. Van Persie was left to make runs in behind, one of which led to his goal. The tactical changes from Ferguson demonstrated his astuteness, and also gave United an organisation which saw them efficiently win the match.

Jones on Fellaini

Fellaini was easily the best player in the reverse fixture earlier this season, but Phil Jones was left to man-mark him in this game, and successfully depleted his impact. Jones’ close attention hindered Fellaini’s ability to pick up the ball in pockets of space, and thus one of Everton’s main threats was shut off. One downside to this man-marking system was the space Jones left in midfield when dragged out of position, but as explained earlier, Sir Alex Ferguson countered this. Another downside was the detriment Jones’ role had on United creating flowing, attacking moves forward. Because he was pre-occupied, Jones was unable to focus on setting up attacking moves as Michael Carrick may have done, and United lost some forward focus from midfield. This was not a problem however as United found goals and most importantly prevented the team from Merseyside getting any themselves.

Going Forward

This performance was impressive and efficient. De Gea, Rafael and Vidic all shone, whilst Jones in particular completed his role effectively. Antonio Valencia also showed signs of improved form by containing Leighton Baines and getting forward to good effect. The organisational nature of United’s performance gave promising signs ahead of the crunch encounter with Real Madrid this Wednesday. For now though, Manchester United can be happy with opening up a mountainous 12 point lead at the top of the table.

Ratings

[4-4-1-1]: de Gea-8, Rafael-9*, Evans-7, Vidic-8, Evra-7, Valencia-7, Jones-7, Cleverley-7, Giggs-7, Rooney-7, van Persie-7

(Carrick-7, Smalling-6)

*Man of the Match

Analysis: Fulham 0 Manchester United 1

Premier League, Saturday 2^nd February 2013

Manchester United completed their second victory over Fulham in a week after a late goal from Wayne Rooney secured the points. Despite hitting the woodwork three times, United were under pressure for large parts of the game, and Rooney’s goal will potentially be looked back on as significant in the title race. Here’s some thoughts emanating from the game:

Defensive rocks

United’s backline proved their worth against a Fulham side who kept knocking on the door. Rio Ferdinand was supreme in the air as he won nearly every aerial challenge. David De Gea was confident in goal as he collected several high balls amidst a series of top-drawer saves. Jonny Evans also played a part in United’s victory with a confident and largely composed performance on his return from injury. Sir Alex Ferguson will face a real selection dilemma in defence for United’s tough upcoming fixtures. Nemanja Vidic is sure to feature soon, but dislodging Ferdinand or Evans from their starting berth is no easy task.

A Rooney reminder

Wayne Rooney reminded everyone against Fulham of his importance to Manchester United. The fixtures Rooney missed over the festive period were arguably also those in which Robin van Persie gave his greatest performances. But for those who started to believe van Persie is the main man at Old Trafford, Rooney will have made them think again since his return to the side. Rooney has now started and scored in the last three games, games in which van Persie has not scored or assisted a goal. Van Persie, whilst not at his flying best, is not out of form, and still provides an important clog in United’s attack with his superb movement, touch and set-piece taking. Rooney’s goal against Fulham however was another gentle reminder that van Persie isn’t the only world-class striker at Manchester United.

Going Forward

United have now won two uncomfortable Premier League games on the trot, something that bodes well for tough upcoming games. United’s defensive showings recently have been the most pleasing aspect of their performances, especially considering the defensive weakness shown in the first half of the season. The international break this week may disrupt the side slightly, but big games against Everton and Real Madrid will act as motivators in the coming weeks.

Ratings

[4-4-2]: de Gea-8, Rafael-6, Ferdinand-8*, Evans-8, Evra-7, Valencia-6, Cleverley-6, Carrick-6, Nani-6, Rooney-7, van Persie-6

(Hernandez-6, Giggs-6, Welbeck-6)

*Man of the Match

Analysis: Manchester United 2 Southampton 1

Premier League, Wednesday 30^th January 2013

Wayne Rooney scored two first-half goals to overturn an early deficit, but the manner of United’s overall performance against Southampton will not have pleased manager Sir Alex Ferguson. United were confident and fluid, yet still sloppy in the first half before being largely overrun in the second. Here’s some brief analysis from the fixture:

Different wide men

Ferguson continued his habit of selecting in-form players with Chris Smalling and Phil Jones in defence, and also Shinji Kagawa and Danny Welbeck out wide. Kagawa and Welbeck’s inclusions make for interesting analysis because wide midfield is of course not their natural positions. Despite United lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, at times there were similarities to a 4-2-2-2 most commonly used by Manchester City. Opposed to David Silva playing in an inside left position however there was Shinji Kagawa. This inside wing-play presented United with different options to the usual touchline-hugging style of play seen by most wingers. Kagawa was superb at getting in between the lines of defence and midfield, and caused Southampton problems by being hard to pick up. The Japanese’s excellent movement resulted in United’s first goal, and for that he must be praised.

Southampton pressing

The second half in particular was a superb example of pressing from Southampton as they pinned United back almost constantly. The last time a team to so effectively press United were Athletic Bilbao in last season’s Europa League. The ease with which the Red Devils were pushed back was a concern, and Michael Carrick and Anderson must be criticised for their lack of control over the game in midfield. As the game progressed, Phil Jones was moved into midfield and Rio Ferdinand came on into defence to eventually secure the win.

United are often caused problems when pressed effectively, but this isn't always the case. Particularly against Manchester City earlier in the season, the United midfield showed it can grasp control on a tight game when the performance is high enough. Against Southampton however, United were simply not playing with enough intensity to deal with the pressing. The pitch of course was also of detriment to United’s usual slick, passing game, and this needs to be addressed in order to help the team.

Going Forward

Ferguson will be pleased with the three points from this fixture after what was a nervous performance at times. Carrick and Anderson underperformed in central midfield, and a well-rested Tom Cleverley can be expected to make a return to the first team soon. United now face Fulham away at the weekend as they look to pick up another important three points.

Ratings

[4-2-3-1]: de Gea-6, Jones-6, Smalling-6, Vidic-7, Evra-7, Welbeck-6, Anderson-5, Carrick-5, Kagawa-7*, Rooney-7, van Persie-6

(Ferdinand-6, Rafael-6, Nani-6)

*Man of the Match

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.