A fluke or are United, City’s Achilles heel? Watching Manchester United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is like being on a roller coaster - just when you think you know what's coming, an unexpected drop or climb shakes you to your core. For all his shortcomings in recent weeks, Solskjaer sure knows how to win a derby match, even when the odds are stacked firmly against his side. Which always begs the question, why can’t we do this on a more consistent basis?
Setting the pace early..
It only took 38 seconds for Martial
to win the penalty, but the way United’s high press was set up, that aggressive
approach stopped City from playing out from the back early doors. They set the
tempo right away which caused Gabriel Jesus to lose the ball cheaply and ultimately
take Martial down. City are used to playing the game at their pace and usually
the aggressors high up the pitch but looked uncomfortable when they had possession
of the ball at times yesterday. Ole’s tactical approach to this game has to
take huge credit and the players executed this well from the get-go. As the old
cliché goes, “play the game, not the occasion”, one which United played very
well.
Stopping Rodri
Throughout his managerial career, Pep Guardiola has played
similar type players in his central midfield role. Those who can dictate play through
short simple passes but with the intelligence to keep the ball ticking around
them. Although he may not get the recognition of players like Kevin de Bruyne and
Ilkay Gundogan, Rodri, whenever he’s played has provided that balance for City
in which they start many of their attacks. The gameplan to get in his face
early doors was obvious and Bruno Fernandes made that known by kicking at him
at every opportunity breaking down attacks. By restricting space for them to comfortably
play out from, it appeared they didn’t have many ideas apart from individual
moments from players like Mahrez and Gundogan.
A confident Martial?
Anthony Martial is clearly a very talented player, but his
recent form has been nothing short of average. From a player who scored 23
goals last season to struggling to hit the back of the net this season shows he
strives on confidence. Last night was a testament to Solskjaer in having faith
in his ability as a footballer. From the word go, he was strong, hard working
and at times electric when he received the ball making the right decisions on
whether to pass or hold. That version of Martial is literally unplayable at
times but he needs to find more consistency in his game if he’s ever going to
reach the heights we all feel he can. Hopefully that confidence can push him on
for the rest of the season and give us the best version of Anthony Martial in
the crunch time of the season because there’s clearly a talented player there,
we just need to see it more often.
Luke Shaw!
Well.. What can we say about this man at the minute! The man
of the moment. He’s been an absolute joy to watch this season and deservingly
the United player of the month. What an incredible season he’s having and he
just seems to get better and better each game. I think many of us feared the
worst over the past few seasons with Shaw as his continuous injury setbacks after
his leg break pushed him down the pecking order with even Ashley Young becoming
the clubs left back for a while. However, we’re definitely reaping the rewards of
patience now of that player we signed all those years ago from Southampton. A
huge factor to Shaw’s recent success has largely come down to the fact we
signed Alex Telles in the summer and that healthy competition has pushed him
back in the right direction to showcase his true ability as a top footballer. Since
January 1st, he’s ranked at top spot in regards to most chances
created in the Premier League with 34. That’s unbelievable for a fullback who was
not so long ago criticised heavily with his weight and form issues over the
past few seasons. A huge turn around for Shaw who is now showing what it takes
to be a Man United player and will rightfully get his opportunity again in the
England set up at the EUROs.
Raheem Sterling’s worst nightmare
Two words, Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Again, and again, he’s shown
why United spent nearly £50million on him two seasons ago. There aren’t many
players in the world who can keep the likes of Mbappe, Neymar, Mane and
Sterling quiet, but his ability to literally man mark and defend 1v1 situations
sets him apart in the world of defending. Last night was another prime example
of the frustrations Sterling faced time and time again every time he got on the
ball. Raheem’s refusal for people to post the words ‘Aaron Wan-Bissaka’ on his
Instagram after the game pretty much summed up his feels towards the fullback
who never gave him an inch all game. Something we’ve definitely seen a few
times in the past. There have been criticism in his ability to go forwards at
times even though he’s chipped in with a few assists, but no doubt his ability
to defend is unmatched.
Dean Henderson numero uno
Is it finally time for the United number two to take top
spot? There is no hiding Dean Henderson’s intentions to become the main man
between the sticks and he’s been very vocal about this since his loan spell at
Sheffield United. His recent performances have been second to none and his
handling under pressure has been brilliant to watch especially on set pieces. With
four clean sheets in his last four games, is it finally time for the Englishman
to become top dog? What’s impressed me the most about him recently is his
distribution, something that he was always once criticised about. The Luke Shaw
was a great example of that. Making the right decisions at the right moment.
With David de Gea currently on leave for personal reasons, this could really be
a permanent shift in the goalkeeping department at United and something I’m all
for.
Manchester is RED
TWENTY league title, TWELVE FA Cups, 3 European cups. Manchester
will always be RED!
Raj Shoker
Manchester is Red !!! Can see Dean Henderson stepping up these next few games!!
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